Sell luxury watches with confidence

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Independent authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they are posted to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to the seller.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue tick badge is applied to all eligible items. When an eligible item is purchased, sellers post it to an independent authenticator. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect the item before it is posted to the buyer.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee, eBay covers the cost of authentication as well as tracked, next day delivery from our authentication partner to the buyer.

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.

What happens after an eBay authentication partner receives the watch?

After the authentication partner receives the watch and any presentation material, including but not limited to the box and documents, the authenticator will confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, description and images. Then, the authenticator will perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. Finally, a security tag will be attached to the watch.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches (31387) and sold for £1,500 or more via Fixed Price or Auction listings are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Smartwatches, pocket watches, watch parts, and accessories are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Watches may contain repaired and/or aftermarket parts. Customised items are not eligible for authentication. An example of a customised watch may be a watch with a painted dial, aftermarket bezel or added gemstones. Local pickup-only listings are not 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 programme.

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.

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”.

Are vintage watches eligible for the programme?

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

If I list my watch for a buy it now price of £1,500 and accept a Best Offer below £1,500, will it be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Yes. Your item will be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee and sent to an authentication partner for inspection. Items with a Buy It Now price of £1,500 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible.

How do you determine Authenticity Guarantee eligibility for auction style listings?

All auction-style listings sold for £1,500 or above are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

How can I tell if my item qualifies for Authenticity Guarantee?

A blue tick with “Authenticity Guarantee” will automatically appear on your item’s listing page. You can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section. Plus, you’ll receive a confirmation email indicating that your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee.

I sell eligible items on eBay now, do I need to do anything?

In order to properly protect you and the buyer, our authentication process will be more stringent about how items are described. You should review your items listed in the Wristwatches category and double-check that you have accurately described and depicted the item, including photos of any defects or cosmetic imperfections (including scratches) of the watch, the box and accessories. Learn more about our listing images and text policy here.

Also, make sure that you select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your watch for sale, to avoid your item not passing the authentication process and being returned to you. If your watch is a display model, please state that clearly in your listing, as well as describing and depicting any wear resulting from the watch being on display. Learn more about Item Condition definitions for Jewellery and Watches here.

Can I offer combined postage?

Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined postage promotions since each authenticated item is split into a separate order.

How do I track the status of my item?

Your order details will be updated to indicate the status of your authentication as well as delivery status.

What is the estimated delivery time for Authenticity Guarantee items?

An authentication partner will inspect the watch within two business days after they receive it. Following inspection, the item will be posted to the buyer with fast, tracked, signature-required delivery. Estimated delivery dates will automatically be adjusted on eligible listings.

When I sell my item, where am I posting to?

When you sell an eligible item, you are required to post it to an authentication partner whose address will be provided in your order details.

Can buyers return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

Buyers 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 or in the unlikely event the item is ultimately found to be not as described. Please note that business sellers and consumer sellers are required to offer certain types of returns options in the UK. Learn more about setting up return policies here.

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

When a buyer decides to return in accordance with the seller’s return policy or if the item is not as described, they will be instructed to send the item back to the authentication partner. Your return policy determines whether you or the buyer pays for postage costs back to the authenticator. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will check to verify that the returned item matches the authenticity and condition in which it was originally sent to the buyer. The security tag must remain attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. If the watch passes the authenticity and condition inspection, the buyer will be refunded and the item will be returned to you with tracked, next day delivery, at no cost to the seller.

Why would my item be returned to me by the authenticator?

Your item will be returned if the item condition is not consistent with your photographs and item description. You will not be charged for the cost of posting the return and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified, you will cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in the possession of the third party authenticator?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged while in the possession of the independent authenticator, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item. Should the item be lost or damaged before reaching the authentication partner the seller is responsible.

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost in transit when the authenticator posts it to the buyer?

In the unlikely event your item is lost or damaged, please notify eBay Customer Support.

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. Price: over £1,500, 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.