Shop luxury watches with confidence

What is Authenticity Guarantee for Watches?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help buyers shop with confidence. Our independent authentication partners physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to you.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

It’s easy! Browse and shop eBay’s listings with the “Authenticity Guarantee” badge. When you buy an eligible item, the seller sends the item directly to an independent authenticator. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect and verify your item’s authenticity and accuracy against the item listing before it is posted to your address at checkout via tracked, next day delivery, paid for by eBay!

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Through the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay covers the cost of authentication, as well as tracked, next day delivery from the authentication facility to the buyer.

What items are “eligible” for Authenticity Guarantee?

Currently, Authenticity Guarantee is available for watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches and sold for £1,500 or more via Fixed Price or Auction listings. You can identify eligible items by looking for the blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in the search results, as well as in the top right of the item page.

Smart watches, pocket watches, watch parts, and accessories are not eligible for authentication. Watches may contain repaired and/or aftermarket parts. Customised items will not be authenticated. An example of a customised watch may be a watch with a painted dial, aftermarket bezel or added gemstones. Listings that offer only local pickup or items posted to P.O.

Boxes will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Any item purchased using an offline payment method will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Only items purchased on eBay.co.uk are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that post to a buyer address outside the UK are not eligible for the service at this time.

For further details learn more about Authenticity Guarantee Terms & Conditions here.

What is an eBay Authenticity Certificate?

Most watches eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee will be delivered with a QR code that can be used to claim an eBay Authenticity Certificate. This digital certificate contains details about the authentication service, including an overview of the process and some of the authenticity checks performed. You’ll be able to view your collection of eBay Authenticity Certificates in your Portfolio.

The eBay Authenticity Certificate uses blockchain technology to generate an immutable record of activity. When you claim a certificate, a unique digital identifier (a “Token”) will be created on a public blockchain and associated with a unique cryptographic address (a “Wallet”). If you claim another eBay Authenticity Certificate with your eBay account, its Token will be stored in the same Wallet. The publicly accessible Token data does not contain any details about the item sold, the seller, the buyer, or your account. Such details are kept by eBay according to our User Privacy Notice.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the eBay Authenticity Certificate is issued solely by eBay and is not endorsed, approved by, or otherwise affiliated with any other brand. It is separate from any brand-issued certificates, tokens, digital passports, or “DPPs”.

When claiming the eBay Authenticity Certificate, the user flow notes that the process is "powered by Certilogo". Who is Certilogo?

Certilogo is an eBay company supporting the delivery of the eBay Authenticity Certificate via the QR code delivered with an eligible item”

Are vintage watches eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

A vintage watch is eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service, if all eligibility criteria are met. Vintage watches which are verified as authentic by the independent authenticator may contain commonly replaced aftermarket parts, such as the strap, bracelet, crystal, spring bars, or screws.

Vintage timepieces and many used watches may not be water resistant to their original rating. Please consult a watchmaker before exposing your watch to water. Mechanical watches are more delicate than other types of watches. Take care before undertaking any activity that might place shock on the watch.

What happens at the authenticator?

Upon receiving the watch, the authentication partner first confirms the item and presentation materials are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then they will perform a multi point physical authentication inspection. Finally, a security tag will be attached to the watch.

The authentication partner does not verify the timekeeping accuracy of your watch. Vintage and many used watches may require servicing by an experienced watchmaker to restore accurate timekeeping.

If you have any questions about the functions or warranty of your watch, please refer to the seller’s description. The Authenticity Guarantee does not offer a warranty.

Who is providing the authentication services?

eBay has partnered with Stoll & Co., whose services and capabilities have been thoroughly vetted. Established in 1982, Stoll & Co. is one of the global leaders in their industry, whose experienced and dedicated watchmakers and technicians operate advanced technical equipment in a new, state of the art UK facility.

How long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?

After you purchase your eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to eBay’s authentication partner, who will process your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, as well as listing description accuracy, the item will be posted to you as soon as possible via tracked, next day delivery.

How do I track the status of my item?

The order status will be updated in your “My eBay” purchase history and in the View Order Details section. Delivery information can be seen on My eBay Purchase History. The authentication status can be seen on View Order Details. You will also receive an order update email when your item was inspected by our authentication partner as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service.

How does delivery work?

For security reasons, you will need to provide a unique PIN code to the driver on delivery. When you receive your delivery updates, you will be advised of a 4-digit PIN code that you will need to provide to the driver. The PIN code will be clearly displayed in your updates via email, SMS or in the DPD app. Once the PIN code is provided to the driver, they will input it into their handheld device and if correct, the parcel will then be handed over to you. Please ensure that a valid email address and/or telephone number is registered on your eBay account in order to receive the PIN code.

I don't have a PIN code?

If you do not have your PIN code, then the driver can resend it to the email address and mobile number registered on your eBay account whilst at your doorstep, which you can then give to the driver so that the parcel can be handed over to you. If you do not have a device handy to access your PIN via email, SMS or DPD App, then the driver will be unable to hand over the parcel. The delivery will be re-attempted the following day or you will be able to reschedule your delivery to a day that’s more convenient to you. If unsuccessful again the parcel will be returned to us.

Signatures will be required instead of a PIN code for delivery to the following post codes: FK17 - FK21, GY1 - GY10, HS1 - HS9, IM, IV1 - IV63, JE1 - JE5, KA27 - KA28, KW0 - KW17, PA20 - PA38, PA41 - PA49, PA60 - PA78, PA80, PH19 - PH29, PH32 - PH33, PH45 - PH 48, PO30 - PO41 and ZE1 - ZE3.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

Yes, if the seller has included original packaging as described in the listing, all components will be sent to you.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not consistent with its listing, you will be notified and will be issued a full refund to your original payment method.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

You can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller’s return window. In the unlikely event that the buyer receives an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. In order for a refund to be processed, all returns must be sent to the authentication partner for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing) and re authentication before the item is returned to the seller.

Learn more about eBay’s policy on condition of returned items here.

Are authenticated items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased or the item isn’t as described, the item will first be sent to eBay’s authentication partner. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will inspect to confirm that the item returned matches the item originally sent to you by verifying the authenticity and condition including any original packaging or accessories (for clarity, this includes the item’s box where applicable). In addition, the security tag must be attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. Once verified by the authentication partner, it will be posted to the Seller and a refund will be processed. The Seller or Buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for postage costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the postage cost to the Seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authentication partner determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, or the security tag has been tampered with or removed, it will be sent back to you and the return will be closed.

Is there an authentication card?

Yes, all items verified as authentic come with a card which provides details about the item such as brand, model, movement type, case material, bracelet type and reference number, as applicable.

Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?

No, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to protect buyers and sellers.

Buy and sell with confidence on eBay.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Watches (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Watches”) makes third-party inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.co.uk. These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Watches and Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items detailed below sold and purchased on eBay.co.uk and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Watches.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.co.uk User Agreement, eBay's User Privacy Notice, and all policies posted on our sites (collectively, and as the same may be amended from time to time, “eBay’s Policies”) apply in addition to these Terms. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and eBay’s Policies, these Terms will control as to all matters that they explicitly address. For all matters not explicitly addressed by these Terms, eBay’s Policies will control.

2. Applicability of eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

   eBay Money Back Guarantee covers items returned within the seller’s return window and items that satisfy the eligibility requirements and are not received, are not as described or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   Upon the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.co.uk, the buyer automatically instructs eBay to initiate the Services. The item is then posted by the seller directly to a vetted third-party authentication partner to carefully inspect the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item’s authenticity by the third-party authentication partner, it is properly packaged and securely posted to the buyer. If the item's authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, a refund is issued to the buyer.

4. Description of the Services.

   The Services are provided by a third-party authentication partner ("Authentication Partner") for Eligible Items purchased and delivered within the United Kingdom. The Authentication Partner will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt at the facility and the authenticated item will then be sent to the buyer as soon as possible. This check will include inspection of the watch for authenticity, and for accuracy against the item listing. By purchasing an Eligible Item, you agree and acknowledge that you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services. By listing an Eligible Item for sale you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer’s instructions. More information about the Authentication Partner and Services may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Programme Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.co.uk; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion.

6. Eligibility.

   a. Item Eligibility.

   Only selected listings on eBay.co.uk are eligible for the Service. eBay may amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions.

   Although only selected items are eligible at the current time, the Authenticity Guarantee will be rapidly expanding. Check listings for the “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge to see if items are included at this time.

   Eligible Items must satisfy the following conditions:

   1. Sold Price: £1,500 and over, exclusive of postage

   2. Condition: New and Used UK items. Watches may contain repaired and/or aftermarket parts.

   3. Category: Wristwatches

   The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:

   1. Items not bearing the Authenticity Guarantee badge

   2. Wristwatches listed in categories not named above

   3. Miscategorised items, e.g. other types of watches such as smart watches, fitness trackers, pocket watches, jewellery or other items listed in the Wristwatches category.

   4. Customised wristwatches

   5. Engraved watches

   6. Items purchased using an offline payment method

   7. Listings that offer local pickup

   8. Items posted to P.O. Boxes

   9. Items listed by sellers who are not activated on eBay managed payments

      Ineligible items will not be authenticated. More information about item eligibility may be found here.

   b. Country Eligibility.

   The Authenticity Guarantee service on ebay.co.uk is available for buyers with a delivery address in the United Kingdom. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice.

7. Party Roles

   a. Your Role as Seller.

   By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you agree and acknowledge that eBay will require you to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services in accordance with the buyer’s instructions and you authorise its inspection by the Authentication Partner subsequent to its purchase.

   Upon purchase, you are required to post the Eligible Item, using a shipping service with signature confirmation, to a facility located within the United Kingdom, as directed by eBay. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of postage to the Authentication Partner is not covered by eBay.

   You acknowledge and agree that if the Authentication Partner cannot verify an item’s authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

   The sale of stolen property is prohibited on eBay. In order to maintain the integrity of our marketplace, you acknowledge and agree that eBay or a third-party partner may verify items against a lost or stolen database or register during the Authenticity Guarantee process. If an Eligible Item is flagged in a lost or stolen database or register then eBay or its partner will cooperate with law enforcement as required, and may relinquish items where necessary in accordance with any confiscation orders, without incurring any liability to you.

   b. Your Role as Buyer.

   By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you instruct eBay to direct the seller to send the Eligible Item to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services. You acknowledge and agree to inspection of the Eligible Item by the Authentication Partner prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to post the Eligible Item using a shipping service with signature confirmation to the Authentication Partner and to inspection of the Eligible Item before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found here.

   c. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

   If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 7.a or 7.b of these Terms, or if buyer or seller violate or are found to be non-compliant with the Terms, eBay reserves the right to take immediate action such as, but not limited to, account restriction or suspension.

8. eBay Authenticity Certificate.

   Certain Eligible Items will be delivered with an optional eBay Authenticity Certificate. This digital certificate contains details about the authentication service, including an overview of the process and some of the authenticity checks performed. You’ll be able to view your collection of eBay Authenticity Certificates in your Portfolio.

   The eBay Authenticity Certificate is a tool to help you verify the authenticity of the Eligible Item purchased through the Services. It does not represent title to the physical good and does not accrue or represent any economic value independent from the physical good itself.

   Except as otherwise expressly provided, the eBay Authenticity Certificate is issued solely by eBay and is not endorsed, approved by, or otherwise affiliated with any other brand.

9. Data Privacy.

   eBay's collection and processing of personal information in connection with the Authenticity Guarantee service is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.co.uk website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. For items purchased that qualify for the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay will share your order information, including but not limited to your name, address, email address, and telephone number, with the Authentication Partner in order for it to provide the Services. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Partner, who may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as postage carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Services.

10. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered.

    Items that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are protected by eBay's Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eMBG guidelines. eBay assumes the delivery risk from the Authentication Partner to the buyer and any items lost or damaged at the Authentication Partner facility. Items that are undeliverable or otherwise unclaimed after thirty (30) days will be considered abandoned and eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of the item in our sole and absolute discretion.

11. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

    eBay has the right to amend, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee. The eBay Authenticity Certificate may be modified or removed from your Portfolio at eBay’s discretion.