New, Like New, Pre-owned or Vintage? How We Grade Every Watch
Every watch on our site carries one of four grades. Here is exactly what each one means, so you know what will arrive at your door.
When you buy a watch online you cannot hold it in your hand first. That is why every piece in our collection carries a clear condition grade on its photo: New, Like New, Pre-owned or Vintage. Here is how we decide.
New
Unworn watches, usually with their box, tags and papers. Protective stickers may still be on the case or clasp. A New watch has never been worn day to day.
Like New
Worn briefly and looked after. No visible marks at normal viewing distance, the movement runs as it should, and the bracelet or strap shows almost no wear. For many buyers this is the sweet spot: close to new, at a noticeably lower price.
Pre-owned
Honest, fully working watches with normal signs of wear — light hairlines on the case or clasp, a strap that has been worn. We describe what we see and show it in the photos. Where a watch benefits from a polish or a service, we say so.
Vintage
Characterful classics, generally from the 1960s to the 1990s. Vintage watches are judged differently: a little patina on the dial or hands is part of their charm, and mechanical movements of that age keep time within wider limits than a modern watch. Our refund policy notes that a variance of around ±40 seconds a day is normal for vintage pieces.
What we check before listing
- Authenticity of the case, dial, movement and bracelet
- Whether the watch runs and keeps time
- The condition of the crystal, case, bezel and bracelet
- What comes with it: box, papers, extra links
Still unsure? Ask for a video
Grades are a guide; your eyes are the final judge. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send a live video of the exact watch — close-ups of any marks included.
