1. Product Condition
We specialise in the sale of pre-owned and vintage luxury watches. All watches are pre-owned unless specifically stated as "unworn" in the listing. As such, signs of wear are to be expected. These may include surface marks, scratches, or patina on components such as the case, crystal, bezel or bracelet.
Vintage watches may include original, aged components and are not sold as new items. Please refer to all images and descriptions provided in the listing before purchasing.
We do not routinely polish watches to preserve their originality. However, polishing can be arranged at your request and expense.
2. Mechanical Condition
All watches are thoroughly inspected to confirm that they are functioning prior to being sold.
3. Returns
At The Vault & Time Collective, we take great pride in sourcing and inspecting every watch before it is offered for sale. As the majority of our watches are vintage or pre-owned, signs of age and wear should be expected and form part of each watch's character.
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return your watch within 14 days of delivery for a refund, provided the following conditions are met:
- The watch must be returned in the same condition it was received.
- The watch must not have been worn beyond trying it on.
- Any protective packaging, boxes, documentation, or accessories included with the sale must be returned.
- The watch must not have been opened, altered, repaired, or modified after delivery.
Every watch we sell is individually photographed and described as accurately as possible. Due to the age of many of our timepieces:
- Minor scratches, patina, ageing of dials, and other cosmetic imperfections are considered normal.
- These characteristics are not regarded as faults and will not qualify the watch as defective.
- Please review all photographs and descriptions carefully before purchasing.
If your watch develops a fault that was not disclosed in the listing, please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order.
We may ask for photographs or a video demonstrating the issue before arranging a return.
If the fault is confirmed and was not caused by misuse, accidental damage, water ingress, or unauthorised repair, you will be entitled to a repair, replacement (where possible), or a full refund.
4. Return Shipping
If you are returning a watch because you have changed your mind, you are responsible for the cost of return postage.
We strongly recommend using a fully tracked and insured delivery service. We cannot accept responsibility for items lost or damaged during return transit.
If the return is due to our error or an undisclosed fault, we will reimburse reasonable return postage costs.
5. Refunds
Once your return has been received and inspected, refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 5–10 business days.
Shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to an error on our part or an undisclosed fault.
6. How to Start a Return
To request a return, please contact us with:
- Your order number
- Your full name
- The reason for the return
- Photographs if reporting a fault
We will provide you with instructions on how to return your watch.
7. Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Returns Policy affects your statutory rights under UK consumer law.