The short answer
An authenticated watch has been examined inside and out to confirm that the case, dial, movement and bracelet are genuine and belong together. Serial and reference numbers, the movement calibre and its finishing are compared with the maker’s specifications.
Crown Auctions sells watches from its own stock. We do not auction watches on behalf of other people, so every lot has been bought, inspected and catalogued by us.
Authenticity is only half of the story. A genuine watch can still carry replaced parts, so the lot description should also tell you what is original.
What gets checked
How to judge any pre-owned watch
Useful whoever you buy from.
- I Buy from a business that owns the watch. A seller with the watch in hand can answer questions and stands behind the description.
- II Ask for movement photos. The movement shows more about authenticity than the dial.
- III Match the numbers. Serial and reference should match any papers and be crisply engraved.
- IV Be wary of low prices. A price far below recent results is a warning sign, not a bargain.
- V Read the condition notes. Look for disclosed replacements such as service dials, hands or crowns.
- VI Know the terms. Read the returns and authenticity terms before you bid.
- VII Buying a Rolex? Eight checks that separate a genuine Rolex from a counterfeit.
Questions
Do box and papers prove a watch is genuine?+
No. Papers can be lost, swapped or forged. They support a watch’s history, but only a physical inspection confirms authenticity.
Can a genuine watch have non-original parts?+
Yes. A service can replace crowns, hands, dials or bracelet parts. These should be disclosed because they affect value.
What is a frankenwatch?+
A watch assembled from parts of different watches, which can mix genuine and aftermarket parts. It may look right but is not what the maker produced.
Does Crown sell watches on behalf of other people?+
No. Crown Auctions sells watches from its own stock.
Related
Crown Auctions is an independent auction house and is not affiliated with the brands named on this page. Trademarks belong to their respective owners.