Authenticity
Guarantee

What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Expert third-party authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before they’re shipped to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to sellers.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

An “Authenticity Guarantee” blue checkmark badge is applied to all eligible wristwatches priced $2,000 or more. For qualifying wristwatches priced $500-$1,999.99, buyers will have the option to add the Authenticity Guarantee service to their purchase at checkout for an additional fee. When an eligible item is purchased, sellers ship it to a third-party authenticator. The authenticator will thoroughly inspect the item before it is shipped to the buyer.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No, the seller is not charged for authentication with eBay Authenticity Guarantee.

For watches priced $2,000 or more, eBay will cover the cost of the Authenticity Guarantee service for buyers and sellers.

For watches priced $500-$1,999.99, the cost to add the Authenticity Guarantee service on qualifying items is $80 plus applicable taxes, paid for by the buyer at checkout per item.

What happens after an eBay authentication partner receives the watch?

After an eBay authentication partner receives the watch and any collateral materials, including but not limited to box and papers, the partner will first confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Next, the partner 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?

Currently, watches listed in the primary category of wristwatches and sold for $2,000.00 or more are eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service. Watches listed in the primary category of wristwatches and sold for $500-$1,999.99 are eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service. In addition, auction items in the wristwatch category that are expected to sell for $2,000.00 or more are also eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Smart watches, watch parts, and accessories are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items specified as “Customized” are currently not eligible for authentication. Customized is defined as original brand parts that have been replaced with non-brand parts, or parts not original to the model or era, or components that are modified from the original design. Listings that offer only local pickup or items shipped 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.com are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Items that are listed on eBay.com from select sellers located in Japan for delivery to a buyer located within the US are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. However, items that ship to a buyer address outside the continental US are not eligible for the program. Local pickup-only listings are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Local pick-up shipping options will be suppressed on Authenticity Guarantee listings.

How do I choose the appropriate item condition when I list my item?

Being clear and accurate about your watch's condition lets the buyer know whether they’re getting something new, used, or something in between. On the listing form, simply choose the best match for your item from these four preset item-condition options:

1. New with tags

   A brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or case) with the original paperwork included. No signs of previous wear, or polishing may be present. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear; these areas should be disclosed in the item description and photos. Item may or may not have stickers, but should be in original manufacturer spec condition when received by the authenticator. Paperwork may include warranty cards, warranty drive, receipt, and/or other original manufacturer issued paperwork.

2. New without tags

   A brand-new, unused, and unworn item that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or paperwork). New, watch-only listings should use this condition grade as well as items that have been repackaged in generic boxes or include non-manufacturer paperwork. No signs of previous wear, or polishing may be present. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear; these areas should be disclosed in the item description and photos.

3. New with defects

   A brand-new, unused, and unworn item with possible cosmetic imperfections range from natural color variations to areas such as the dial or strap, or other irregularities that may occur during the manufacturing or wholesale process. New factory seconds and/or new irregular items may fall into this category. The original box/papers may or may not be included but please include this information in the listing. Please be sure to indicate any irregularities in the listing and include photos to aid the authenticators in matching their findings. Due to the nature of storage and transport, item may have very light handling marks or hairline scratches from showcase that can be seen upon magnification but no obvious signs of wear. Please note New Old Stock items may fall under this condition, but should meet this same criteria, and are to be held to the same standard.

4. Pre-owned

   An item that has been used or worn previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, such as scratches, dings, and/or polishing marks, but is fully operational and functions (including complications) as intended. The crystal of the watch may have scratches or dings that may be hard to capture in photos. Be sure to include a full description of the marks or wear areas in your text description, as well as include photos of any marks on the case, dial, bezel, crystal, bracelet, clasp, and crown. Please note any significant areas of wear not indicated in the listing (description, item attributes, or photos) that are identified by the authenticators may be escalated to the buyer for acceptance.

Are vintage watches eligible for the program?

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 third-party authentication partner may contain replacement parts that are not from the original manufacturer if the original manufacturer no longer makes that part. Please disclose any part that you know has been replaced in the listing.

Vintage timepieces and many used watches may not be water resistant to their original rating. Please consult a watchmaker before including depth ratings or water resistance in your listing. Mechanical watches are more delicate than other types of watches. Take care before undertaking any activity which might place shock on the watch.

If I list my watch for $2,000 and accept a Best Offer below $2,000, 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 $2,000 or more with either auction format or Best Offer are also eligible. If your item is listed for sale for $500-$1,999.99, the item will be eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service, which may be added by the buyer.

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

All auction-style listings starting above $2,000 are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. For auction-style listings between $500-$1,999.99, the item will be eligible for the add-on Authenticity Guarantee service, which may be added by the buyer during checkout.

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

A blue checkmark with “Authenticity Guarantee” will automatically appear on your item’s listing page if your item is priced $2,000 USD or more. For watches listed in the primary category of wristwatches and sold for $500-$1,999.99 USD, buyers will be able to add-on the Authenticity Guarantee service upon checkout. You can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section. In addition, you’ll receive a confirmation email indicating your item was sold with Authenticity Guarantee, and you will be prompted to ship the item to our authentication partner.

Can I offer combined shipping?

Authenticity Guarantee items will not be eligible for combined-shipping 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 in the Seller Hub to indicate the status of your authentication as well as shipping 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 shipped to the buyer with two-day secure delivery including signature confirmation.

When I sell my item, where should I ship it?

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

How does the return process work with Authenticity Guarantee?

If you choose to offer returns, when a buyer decides to return a watch, they will be instructed to send it back to the authentication partner. 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, it will be returned to the seller. Otherwise, the watch will be sent back to the buyer. The shipping label is covered by eBay at no cost to the buyer or seller. If fraud is detected, eBay will work with authorities to take appropriate action.

What is the return process for international purchases?

The item will go through the same return process as a domestic order with the exception that the seller may be liable to pay duties and taxes upon the return of the watch.

What is a Final Sale?

For watches that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, an item is considered Final Sale when:

• Item condition is “New with tags” or “New without tags.”
• Seller return policy for the item is “No returns,” or the item’s return window has closed.

Once an eligible item passes authentication through Authenticity Guarantee, sellers have completed their obligation to the buyer for that transaction.

Transactions that meet this criteria are exempt from buyer initiated Significantly Not as Described (SNAD) claims under eBay’s Money Back Guarantee policy.

Will imported items going through Authenticity Guarantee be subject to duties and taxes?

International shipment of items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

My item was sent back to me because it wouldn’t clear customs. What do I do now?

If your item is returned, work with the carrier and/or broker you selected when you originally exported the item to the US.

Sellers declare the item’s customs value and must comply with customs declaration laws.

Buyers should be aware of possible delays from customs inspection, import duties and taxes which buyers must pay, and brokerage fees payable at the point of delivery.

Why was my item confiscated?

If counterfeit goods are discovered, they will be confiscated.

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

Your item may be returned to you if it could not be authenticated by an authenticator or if the item condition is not consistent with your item description. You will not be charged for the cost of the return and a refund will be issued to the buyer immediately.

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 third-party authenticator, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item.

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

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

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, the Authenticity Guarantee service is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Watches (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Watches”) makes inspection and authentication services (“Authentication Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.com for $2,000USD or more. For eligible watches sold on eBay.com between $500 and $1,999.99USD, Authenticity Guarantee is available as an optional, add-on service and is not mandatory.

These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Watches and Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items (description in Section 6(a) below) sold and purchased on eBay.com 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 and Other Policies

   The eBay.com User Agreement, eBay’s User Privacy Notice, eBay’s Stolen Items Policy, and all other policies posted on our websites (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 Money Back Guarantee

   For authenticated items, purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met and the item is not received, or the item arrives damaged, or the seller doesn’t fulfill their return policy as stated in the listing. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service

   After the purchase of an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to an authentication facility (“Authentication Facility”) to carefully inspect the item’s authenticity and conformity to the item’s listing details. Upon confirmation of the item’s authenticity by the Authentication Facility, the item is securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not as described, the item is returned to the seller and a refund is issued.

4. Description of the Authentication Services

   The Authentication Services are provided by an authentication team for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items purchased and delivered within the continental United States. Within two (2) business days of receipt, our authentication team will inspect the watch for accuracy against the item listing by checking logos, tags, materials, hardware, quality, and more as applicable, and for accuracy against the item listing. The authentication team will not inspect the watch for waterproofing or accuracy of the timekeeping. The authentication team will not verify the authenticity of any aftermarket documentation of provenance.

   Items may also be photographed for use by eBay or its licensees as part of eBay’s image catalog or for any other purpose, at eBay’s exclusive discretion.

   By listing for sale or purchasing an Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item is sent to the Authentication Facility for an authentication team to perform the Authentication Services. More information about the Authentication Facility and Authentication Services may be found here.

5. Authenticity Guarantee Program Fees

   The Authentication Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.com at a price of $2,000 or more. The Authentication Services may be purchased for a fee of $80.00 to buyers as an add-on for eligible items bought on eBay.com and priced between $500 and $1,999.99. eBay reserves the right to institute, alter, or amend fees or costs associated with the Authentication Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion. Authenticity Guarantee fees and any applicable taxes for the optional add-on Service are non-refundable for returns initiated by buyers after passing Authentication Services. If the purchase does not pass the Authentication Services, the fees will be refunded to the buyer in full.

6. Eligibility
1. Item Eligibility

   Only select listings on eBay.com are eligible for the Service. eBay reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you, to alter or amend the eligibility requirements for Authenticity Guarantee Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions. Ineligible items will not be authenticated. Furthermore, eBay may refuse to accept ineligible items and is not responsible for storage, delivery, return damage or loss of such items. eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of such ineligible items in our sole and absolute discretion. eBay further reserves the right to charge sellers for costs affiliated with processing miscategorized items or to impose additional consequences including account suspension where items are improperly routed to avoid Authenticity Guarantee. More information about Eligible Items may be found in the FAQs here.

2. Country Eligibility

   The Authenticity Guarantee program is not available for all countries. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee program or the Authentication Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. The countries currently eligible may be found in the FAQs here.

7. Party Roles
1. Your Role as Seller

   By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by the authentication team subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay; the cost of shipping to the Authentication Facility is not covered by eBay. You acknowledge and agree that if the authentication team cannot verify an item’s authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you will cooperate by removing the item from marketplace circulation.

2. Your Role as Buyer

   By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photographing of the Eligible Item by the authentication team prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to the Authentication Facility and to the inspection of the Eligible Item by the authentication team before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found here.

3. 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 or the transfer of fees and costs associated with Authenticity Guarantee.

4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers

   You acknowledge and agree that if our authentication team detects fraud or is unable to authenticate the item, the item will be removed from marketplace circulation - neither buyer or seller will receive the item; in addition, eBay will work with the proper authorities as needed and reserves the right to confiscate and destroy any items unable to be authenticated.

8. Data Privacy

   eBay’s collection of personal information in connection with the Authenticity Guarantee program is governed by the privacy policy that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international website. In order for the Authentication Facility to provide the Authentication Services under the Program, the order information, including, but not limited to your name, address, email address, telephone number, is provided to the Authentication Facility. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Facility, who may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (such as shipping carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Authentication Services.

9. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered

   Items that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eBay Money Back Guarantee eligibility and guidelines. If a buyer or seller refuses to accept delivery of a package sent to his/her address on file or is otherwise unable to be reached, eBay will use commercially reasonable efforts to contact the buyer or seller and will consider the property abandoned after thirty (30) days. Once abandoned, the buyer or seller relinquishes all right, title, or interest in the item and authorizes eBay to dispense of the item as eBay sees fit.

10. Program Updates and Discontinuation

    eBay has the right to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee program, the name of Authenticity Guarantee, any of the Authentication Services provided under the program, features, and/or functionality offered under Authenticity Guarantee, and/or the service providers used to provide any or all of the Authentication Services under Authenticity Guarantee, at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you.

11. Amendment

    eBay may amend these Terms, including applicable fees, at any time by posting the amended terms on the eBay website. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended terms shall take effect immediately and automatically when posted on the eBay website.