Authentication of our Watches

Independently Authenticated. Complete Confidence.

Confidence Should Come Standard With Every Luxury Timepiece.

At The Premier Watch Collection, we believe purchasing a luxury watch should be exciting—not uncertain.

That is why most of our pre-owned inventory is independently authenticated by experienced third-party watch professionals before it is offered for sale.

We make this additional investment because authenticity, transparency and confidence are fundamental to the way we do business.

When independent authentication has been completed, we will provide you with the available authentication information and documentation so you can purchase your timepiece with complete confidence.

Why Independent Authentication Matters

The modern luxury-watch market is more sophisticated than ever. Counterfeit watches have become increasingly difficult to identify, and a watch can contain authentic components alongside replacement, aftermarket, modified or potentially incorrect parts.

For that reason, we believe authentication should involve more than simply looking at photographs or checking a serial number.

Our independent authentication partners physically examine applicable timepieces and evaluate the details that help establish whether the watch is consistent with the manufacturer, model, reference and production period represented.

Depending upon the watch and authentication provider, the evaluation may include examination of:

Case and case construction
Dial and dial configuration
Hands and hour markers
Bezel and bezel components
Crown
Crystal
Bracelet, clasp and associated markings
Reference and serial markings
Engravings, fonts and finishing
Movement and movement architecture, when applicable
Consistency of components with the particular reference and production period
Potential replacement, aftermarket, modified or non-original components
Overall condition and other identifying characteristics

The objective is simple: provide another independent layer of confidence before you purchase.

Independent Experts. Not Just Our Opinion.

Authentication is most valuable when the person evaluating the watch is independent of the person selling it.

That is why The Premier Watch Collection works with established independent watch professionals and authentication partners.

One of the organizations we utilize is Grand Central Watch in New York City, a multigenerational watchmaking business located inside Grand Central Terminal and serving watch owners and collectors since 1952.

Grand Central Watch provides professional authentication and appraisal services that can include a thorough physical inspection, documentation of identifying information, specialized counterfeit-detection procedures and written certification of its findings.

Its watchmakers work with both modern and vintage luxury watches across many of the world's leading manufacturers.

We may also utilize other qualified independent authentication partners depending upon the particular watch, brand, transaction and circumstances.

Our Authentication Process

1. We Acquire the Watch

Every watch begins with our own review of the timepiece, its condition, reference, configuration and accompanying accessories or documentation.

2. Independent Examination

For most of our inventory, the watch is then submitted to an independent professional for physical authentication and evaluation.

The authentication provider examines the timepiece and its relevant components to determine whether they are consistent with the watch being represented.

3. Findings Are Documented

Where provided by the independent authentication partner, the findings and identifying information are documented.

This creates an additional record associated with the timepiece rather than asking you to rely solely upon our representation as the seller.

4. We Provide the Information to You

When a watch has been independently authenticated, we will identify that in our listing and make the available authentication information or documentation available to the purchaser.

We want you to know what you are buying and why we are confident offering it for sale.

5. Additional Marketplace Authentication May Still Apply

Certain watches sold through third-party marketplaces may undergo another authentication process as part of that platform's transaction.

When applicable, that means a watch we have already independently authenticated may be examined again by the marketplace's independent authentication provider before being delivered to the purchaser.

Transparency Is Part of the Purchase

Independent authentication does more than help confirm authenticity. A professional examination can also help identify important details about a watch that may matter to collectors, including its configuration, components and identifying characteristics.

Vintage watches deserve particular attention. Over decades of ownership, legitimate watches may have received manufacturer service parts, replacement components or previous refinishing. These factors do not necessarily mean a watch is counterfeit, but they can be important to its history, collectability and value.

Our goal is to provide as much relevant information as reasonably available so that you can make an informed purchase.

Buy With Complete Confidence

We understand that purchasing a Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega or another significant luxury timepiece can represent a substantial investment.

You should never have to simply take a seller's word for it.

At The Premier Watch Collection, most of our inventory receives an additional level of independent authentication before being listed for sale.

We don't just tell you to trust the watch. We work to provide you with independent information supporting that confidence.

When a timepiece has been independently authenticated, look for the “Independently Authenticated” designation in the individual watch listing.

Questions about a particular watch or its authentication? Contact The Premier Watch Collection and we'll be happy to discuss the timepiece and the available authentication documentation with you.