FAQs
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.
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.