Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for a handy selection of frequently asked questions along with answers all grouped by area of focus/subject.

If you have any other questions for us, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact page https://www.europeanwatch.com/contact.html or through phone +1-617-262-9798 or email sales@europeanwatch.com.

From the USA

Shipping Labels

We will provide FedEx Express shipping labels free of charge to send your watch to us. Just ask your watch specialist to request that a label be sent to your email.

What to Include

Prior to shipping the watch, locate the watch, box, papers, and any accessories.

How to Package

  • Make sure that the watch is secured in its box. If the watch moves around in the box or the box is a winding box, please secure the watch as much as possible with additional bubble wrap or paper inside the box.
  • Secure the watch’s box with bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam inside the shipping box.
  • Once the shipping box is secure, place the provided label on the box or show the QR code to the FedEx staff to have them print a label. The package will need to be dropped off at a FedEx Express location. We always recommend asking for a receipt!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 617-262-9798 and press 3. Our shipping team is always happy to help answer any questions you may have.

From Outside The USA

Important Information

PRIOR TO PACKING YOUR WATCH, PLEASE INSPECT THE WATCH, ITS BOX, AND ACCESSORIES AND REMOVE ALL ALLIGATOR SKIN STRAPS. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY EXOTIC SKIN STRAPS IN THE SHIPMENT. Please see below the section “Why can’t alligator straps be imported into the USA” for more information.

Shipping Labels

We will provide FedEx Express shipping labels free of charge to send your watch to us. Just ask your watch specialist to request that a label be sent to your email.

What to Include

Prior to shipping the watch, locate the watch, box, papers, and any accessories.

How to Package

  • Make sure that the watch is secured in its box. If the watch moves around in the box or the box is a winding box, please secure the watch as much as possible with additional bubble wrap or paper inside the box.
  • Secure the watch’s box with bubble wrap, packing paper, or foam inside the shipping box.
  • Once the shipping box is secure, place the provided label on the box or show the QR code to the FedEx staff to have them print a label. The package will need to be dropped off at a FedEx Express location. We always recommend asking for a receipt!

If FedEx requests additional information such as a watch worksheet, please email your watch specialist with the tracking number, and we will help submit these documents for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 617-262-9798 and press 3. The shipping department will always be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

Alligator Straps

Why can’t alligator straps be shipped/received outside the USA?

  • Importing endangered species into the United States is ILLEGAL per US law. Please follow the steps outlined below CAREFULLY. European Watch Company is not liable for seized watches or fines related to the negligent or improper shipment of alligator straps to European Watch Company.
  • When sending an alligator-strapped watch from an international address to European Watch Company:
    1. 1. REMOVE alligator, crocodile, ostrich or lizard straps from the watch. Do NOT include them in the package. It is ILLEGAL.
    2. 2. PERMITTED WATCH STRAPS PER UNITED STATES LAW: Cow (Bovine) leather, Rubber, Fabric, All Metal Bracelets.
    3. 3. Be sure to INCLUDE original pins, spring bars, buckles, and clasps in the package when sending it to us. Please ensure the watch is SECURE within the box and put the accessories in a safe container so they do not scratch the watch during transit and are not discarded during opening
  • The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a US law designed to protect and conserve threatened and endangered species and their habitats. It prohibits the import, export, and trade of endangered species without proper permits or exemptions. Penalties for violating the ESA can include substantial fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of assets, and civil penalties. Repeat offenders or those found guilty of more serious violations may face harsher penalties. The ESA also allows for the recovery of damages caused by illegal activities, including the cost of restoration and rehabilitation efforts for affected species and habitats.

To read more about the Endangered Species Act (ESA) follow this link:

https://www.fws.gov/law/endangered-species-act

Water

Generally speaking, we recommend avoiding all contact with water and moisture even with "waterproof" or "water resistant" watches. If your watch has a screw-down crown, or screw-down chronograph pushers, always make sure they are closed tightly to prevent water from entering the case. Also worth noting, the back of the watch needs to be screwed in with a French and not screwed on with a screwdriver or pop back to be fully secured.

Shock

Just because your watch theoretically "can" doesn't mean it "should." Don't wear your fine, intricate, and costly timepiece while playing golf, tennis, or other sports, or while doing things that will shake or shock the movement. Keep in mind that an automatic watch winds with an oscillating weight. All mechanical watches work due to swings in the lever escapement. And the shock protection mechanisms used in modern watches, KIF or Incabloc, are excellent but do not provide perfect protection from all blows at all angles.

Magnets

Avoid contact with magnets, or putting your watch on top of speakers, refrigerators, or magnetic cases FIELDS for iPads or other tablets. These types of objects generate magnetic fields which can disturb the functions of your watch.

These days, the strongest magnet is at airport security. We provide antimagnetic cases for traveling and sometimes include these when you purchase a watch from us, as FedEx and other carriers also pass packages through strong magnets as a part of their security measures when transporting packages.

Winding & Troubleshooting

If your watch has completely stopped, wind your watch manually. If the watch is a screw-down crown, just unscrewing will bring the watch to a wind position, if it is not a screw-down watch, it should already be in a wind position(there is no pulling). Once the crown has reached its first position, rotate it forwards and you should start to feel light resistance. If your watch has an automatic movement, it will need roughly 45 to 50 winds from empty to wind fully. A manual-wind watch will stop when it's fully wound so be careful not to over-wind. If your watch is running slow, fully wind the movement and retest. Your watch will always run most accurately when it's fully wound.

Do not adjust the date or activate its calendar correctors when the hands are set between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Activating the pushers during a calendar change can cause severe damage to your watch. Do not set the time backwards. Do not wind your watch on your wrist as it puts pressure on the stem leading to potential damage. Always take off your watch when winding it or setting the time and always follow manufacturer's suggestion on maintaining your watch.

Service

When asked the optimal interval between service visits, we recommend you have your watch fully serviced when it appears to need service - i.e. the watch runs too slow or too fast, the watch stops, the date doesn't change, the power reserve is significantly diminished, etc. Although servicing a watch can be costly, it usually costs the company more. For a complete service, a watch needs to be fully disassembled and then reassembled. Reassembly and adjustment is often more difficult than on a new watch, since parts have worn and no longer fit perfectly.

Instructions From Maker

Do follow any care instructions provided by the maker of your watch if provided in the accompanying brand booklet. Any directions or recommendations specific to your model should be followed to maintain your timepiece in its optimal state.

Do you have a retail showroom?

Yes! We have a retail location at 137 Newbury Street, in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay. We are open Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm. For holiday hours, please check our availability on social media and Google, we are not open on major holidays, bank holidays, etc.

Are the watches I see on your website the actual watches you have for sale?

Yes, every watch you see listed for sale on our website is in stock and available. The photos you see are photos of the actual watch for sale. We never use stock photos.

What is the difference between “Unworn”, “Like New”, and “Excellent Condition”?

“Unworn” means just that - the watch has never been worn (past being tried on in a retail setting).

“Like New” is a pre-owned watch in mint condition.

“Excellent Condition” is used for a vintage or late model watch that shows some light wear, but still presents in close to new condition.

How can I pay for a watch?

We accept payment via credit card or bank wire transfer. We do not accept personal checks, bank checks, or cryptocurrency.

Do you offer a Warranty with your watches?

Yes, all watches are backed by our 1-year warranty from the date of purchase.

Can I return a watch?

Yes, we offer a two day inspection period on watches that are purchased by phone or email. If you need to return a watch please get in touch with us right away. The watch must be returned to us in the same condition in which it was sent out.

Do you accept trades?

We do! Please go to the Sell or Trade page on our website and follow the instructions. A member of our sales team will be happy to work with you.

Do you offer consignment services?

We do not consign watches. We prefer to own our inventory as it allows us to offer the best prices, service, and customer experience to our clients.

Do you buy watches?

Yes. Please go to the Sell or Trade page on our website and follow the instructions. A member of our sales team will be happy to help you go from quote to payment in less than 48 hours!

How will I receive payment for a watch that I sell to the European Watch Company?

Upon receipt and inspection of your watch here in Boston, payment will be sent to you via bank transfer. In most cases, payment will be made same day and you will receive the funds within 24-hours.

Still have a question for us? Please reach out! Get in touch with us via our contact page https://www.europeanwatch.com/contact.html or through phone +1-617-262-9798 or email sales@europeanwatch.com.