Authenticity
Guaranteed
A relationship founded on trust
Purchasing watches online is broken. When you buy a watch, it’s highly unlikely that it has been rigorously inspected and critically examined to ensure everything is authentic and as stated. These days, fake watches don’t just look fake—they look real. The rise of superclones and 1:1 lookalikes makes purchasing online increasingly risky. When buying online, it should be standard procedure for a watch to be inspected for authenticity.
Whether you’re cashing in on your collection or purchasing the watch of your dreams, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting—and where your money is going. Watches.io fixes the online purchasing experience, offering you unmatched peace of mind.
At Watches.io, our in-house experts are master watchmakers with years of experience. We examine every watch we handle to ensure its authenticity and quality. Our transparent process keeps you informed, so you can buy and sell with confidence. Here’s how we ensure quality and authenticity:
How we authenticate
Digital authentication
Verification begins at the point of listing. Our platform team digitally reviews every listing to ensure the condition is as described, the images match the reference, and any obvious aftermarket parts or counterfeits are stopped from going live for our users.
Packaging verification
When a watch arrives at our headquarters, the first step is to assess the packaging. The box, card, papers, and accessories are thoroughly vetted for condition and accuracy. We make sure that boxes open properly, parts are intact, and that the year of production of the model matches the accompaniments. We even odor-test the interior of our boxes for consistency—there are just some things AI can’t complete just yet.
Component inspection
Next, our experts examine every visible exterior component of the watch, including the dial, hands, bezel, and bracelet. We guarantee that there are no defective or aftermarket replacements in the watch. We also check holistically for any hidden issues with a watch that may not have been previously mentioned—such as a severely over-polished piece being sold as new.
Gemstone testing
We use top-of-the-line diamond-testing equipment to determine the authenticity and quality of all gemstones included in watches. Top brands, such as Rolex, use only IF-quality diamonds, so it’s extremely imperative that when you pay for this quality, it’s factory original and exactly what you receive.
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Movement and functionality verification
Finally, we authenticate the movement and its parts. We also assess the condition and cleanliness of the interior of the watch. If an overhaul is needed, we’ll reach out to the seller. We also check the functionality of the watch using a timegrapher and ensure all functional components are working properly. Lastly, we pressure-test the piece to make sure it’s safe for your daily adventures.