Verified for your peace of mind

What is expert verification for Watches?

eBay’s expert verification is an optional add-on service designed to help buyers shop with confidence when purchasing wristwatches costing $1,000-$1,999.99. Expert verification includes multi-point inspection by expert authenticators, an NFC-enabled authentication card, and signature-required delivery.

How does expert verification work?

On qualifying wristwatches priced between $1,000-$1,999.99, you will see an additional service available on the item page for expert verification. When you add the expert verification service to your purchase, the seller will send the item directly to an authentication center where the item will undergo a multi-point inspection by expert authenticators before it is shipped to you safely via two-day signature-required delivery.

Will I be charged for expert verification services?

Yes, the cost to add expert verification on qualifying items between $1,000-$1,999.99 is $80 plus applicable taxes applied at checkout per item.

What items are “eligible” for expert verification?

Currently, watches listed in the primary category of wristwatches and sold for $1,000-$1,999.99 USD are eligible for the add-on expert verification service.

Smart watches, watch parts, and accessories are not eligible for expert verification. Items specified as customized will not be eligible. 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 expert verification. Any item purchased using an offline payment method will not be eligible for expert verification.

Only items purchased on eBay.com are eligible for expert verification. Items that are listed on eBay.com from select sellers located in Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany for delivery to a buyer located within the US are eligible for expert verification provided that items comply with international import laws including CITES - check back for additional countries to be added. However, items that ship to a buyer address outside the continental U.S. are not eligible for the service.

Are vintage watches eligible for expert verification?

A vintage watch is eligible for the expert verification 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.

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 which might place shock on the watch.

What happens at the authenticator?

After the eBay authentication partner receives the watch, the authentication partner first confirms the item and collateral 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 eBay 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. expert verification does not offer a warranty.

Who is providing the verification services?

eBay has partnered with leading industry experts whose services and capabilities have been thoroughly vetted. The authentication partners are leaders in their industry, with years of experience, brand certified watchmakers and technicians, using advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.

How long will the verification 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 third-party authentication partner, who will process your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be shipped to you with two-day secure delivery including signature confirmation.

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. The shipping status can be seen on My eBay Purchase History. Please note that upon shipment by the seller, the item will first be sent to our authentication partner. 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 third-party authentication partner as part of the expert verification service, before it is shipped to your shipping address.

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’s condition is not consistent with its listing, it will be returned to the seller, and the buyer will be issued a full refund, including expert verification fees, to their original payment method.

Can I return items purchased with expert verification?

Buyers 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.

Will imported items going through expert verification 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 the seller because it wouldn’t clear customs. What do I do now?

If your item is returned, the seller should work with the carrier and/or broker selected when 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.

Are verified items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?

For items going through expert verification, eBay Money Back Guarantee covers items returned within the seller’s return window and satisfies the eMBG eligibility requirements.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased, the item will first be sent to eBay’s verification 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. In addition, the security tag must be attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. Once verified by the verification partner, it will be shipped to the Seller and a refund will be processed. The seller or buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for shipping costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the shipping cost to the Seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the third-party authenticator 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 the buyer.

Is there any expert verification collateral included?

Yes, all items verified through expert verification come with an NFC enabled card which provides details about the item such as brand, model, reference number, movement type, case material, bracelet type, and serial number, as applicable.

What is expert verification?

Expert verification is an optional add-on service for wristwatches from $1,000 to $1,999.99. Expert verification gives buyers the option to purchase the service for an additional fee of $80. eBay’s expert verification is designed to help buyers shop with confidence and protect sellers with verified returns. Third-party experts inspect all eligible items before they are shipped to the buyer and inspect all returns prior to sending them back to sellers.

How does expert verification work?

When expert verification is purchased with an eligible wristwatch, the seller is required to ship the item directly to the authentication center. At the authentication center, a third-party expert will thoroughly inspect the item and if an item passes inspection, the authentication center will then ship the product directly to the buyer with signature upon delivery required. Only US buyers purchasing items on ebay.com are eligible to receive the service including watches imported from select sellers in Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and the UK.

Will I be charged for expert verification?

Sellers are not charged for expert verification services; buyers have the option to purchase the expert verification service for the cost of $80 plus applicable taxes applied at checkout.

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 confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, description, and images. After, the partner will perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. Finally, a security tag will be attached to the watch.

What watches are eligible for this program?

Except for some limitations stated below, wristwatches that fall between $1,000-$1999.99 from US sellers, as well as select sellers from certain import corridors are eligible. A vintage watch is eligible for the expert verification program, 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. In addition, vintage watches with commonly replaced aftermarket parts, such as a strap, bracelet, crystal, spring bars, or gaskets will be eligible for the program.

Are there any brand limitations with the program?

Currently there are no brand limitations as all wrist watch models within this price point are eligible.

Are customized watches eligible for the program?

Customized watches are not eligible for the expert verification program at this time. A watch will be defined as customized when original brand parts have been replaced with non-brand parts (with the exception of straps, bracelets, spring bars, and gaskets) or parts not original to the model, or components that are modified from the original design. An example of a customized watch may be a watch with a painted dial, aftermarket bezel or crystal, or engraving on the case.

What if I list my watch for auction for less than $1,000, but the final amount surpasses the $1,000 threshold?

Your item will be eligible for expert verification if the final sale price surpasses $1,000 but does not surpass $1,999.99 as long as the buyer chooses to add the service upon checkout. Items that sell for over $2,000 will no longer qualify, and will be automatically eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee at no cost to the buyer or seller.

How can I tell if my item qualifies for expert verification?

On the item’s listing page, you will see ‘Additional service available’ with expert verification as an option if your item qualifies. You can also check your order details in the Seller Hub sold section if there’s a sale with the expert verification selected by the buyer.

Can I offer combined shipping?

Expert verification items will not be eligible for combined shipping promotions since each verified item is split into a separate order.

How do I track the status of my item?

Your order details will be updated to indicate the status of your verification as well as shipping status.

What is the estimated delivery time for expert verification 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 2-day secure delivery including signature confirmation.

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

When you sell an eligible item with expert verification added, you are required to ship it to an authentication partner, whose address will be provided in your order details. The authenticator will then ship the item to the buyer with signature-required delivery.

How does the return process work with expert verification?

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 2 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.

Will imported items going through expert verification 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 may be confiscated and eBay will work with the proper authorities as needed.

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

Your item may be returned to you if it could not be authenticated 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 Support.

The expert verification service for Watches (“Expert Verification” or “Expert Verification for Watches”) makes third-party inspection and authentication services (“Services”) optional for a fee for certain items sold on eBay.com. These Expert Verification Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Expert Verification for Watches and Expert Verification Eligible Items detailed below sold and purchased on eBay.com and sets out the terms on which eBay offers you access to and use of the Expert Verification and Services for Watches.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement

   The eBay.com User Agreement, eBay’s User Privacy Notice and all policies posted on our sites (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’s Money Back Guarantee (“eMBG”)

   For items verified through the Expert Verification service, eBay Money Back Guarantee covers items that satisfy the eMBG eligibility requirements and are not received or that arrive damaged. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the expert verification for Watches

   After a buyer’s purchase of Expert Verification with an Expert Verification Eligible Item (description in Section 6(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to a vetted third-party authentication partner to carefully inspect the item’s authenticity and conformity to the item’s listing details. Upon confirmation of the item by the third-party authentication partner, it is properly packaged and securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, the item is returned to the seller and a refund is issued.

4. Description of the Services

   The Services are provided by a third-party authentication partner for Expert Verification Eligible Items (as detailed below) purchased and delivered within the United States (“Authentication Partner”). The Authentication Partner will inspect the item within two (2) business days of receipt by checking logos, tags, materials, hardware, quality, and more as applicable, and for accuracy against the item listing; however Authentication Partner will not inspect the watch for waterproofing of the watch or the accuracy of the timekeeping. 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 an expert verification Eligible Item or purchasing Expert Verification with an Expert Verification eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item is sent to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services. More information about the Authentication Partner and Services may be found here.

5. Expert Verification Program Fees

   The Expert Verification may be purchased for a fee of $80.00USD to buyers as an add-on for Expert Verification Eligible Items bought on eBay.com; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter or amend fees or costs associated with the Expert Verification and these Services, at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion. Expert Verification fees and any applicable taxes for the Service are non-refundable for returns initiated by buyers after passing Expert Verification Services. If the purchase does not pass the Expert Verification 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 Expert Verification; 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 Expert Verification and/or Expert Verification Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions. Ineligible items will not be processed. eBay 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 Expert Verification. More information about Eligible Items may be found here.

2. Country Eligibility:

   The Expert Verification program is not available for all countries. eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for the Expert Verification program or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice.

7. Party Roles

   1. Your Role as Seller:

      By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by a third-party authenticator subsequent to the purchase of expert verification by a buyer. 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 third-party authenticator is not covered by eBay.

   2. Your Role as Buyer:

      By purchasing Expert Verification with an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photographing of the Eligible Item by a third-party authenticator prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to ship the Eligible Item to the third-party authenticator and to inspection of the Eligible Item by a third-party authenticator before the return is processed or a refund is issued.

   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 expert verification.

   4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the third party authenticator detects fraud or suspects that an item is counterfeit, 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.

8. Data Privacy

   eBay’s collection of personal information in connection with the Expert Verification program is governed by the privacy policy that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. In order for the Authentication Partner to provide the Services under the Program, the order information, including, but not limited to your name, address, email address, telephone number, is provided to the Authentication Partner. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Partner, 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 Services.

9. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered

   Items that are lost or damaged during the expert verification process are protected by eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eMBG guidelines.

10. Program Updates and Discontinuation

    eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Expert Verification program, the name of Expert Verification, any of the Services provided under the program, features, and/or functionality offered under Expert Verification, and/or the service providers used to provide any or all of the Services under Expert Verification, 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 site. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended terms shall take effect immediately and automatically when posted on the eBay site.