Frequently Asked Questions
Buying From Second Time Around Watch Company
Why buy from Second Time Around Watch Company? Please see our "About Us" section to learn why our company is one of the premier sources for vintage and contemporary wristwatches for collectors and dealers around the world. If you still have a question, please click on any of the questions below or fell free to phone us at 310-271-6615.
- Do your watches come with a warranty?
- Do your watches come with original box & papers?
- What does the term "triple-signed" mean?
- How do you obtain your watches?
- Do you have a return policy?
- Do your modern watches come with factory warranties?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Is your showroom open to the public?
- Can you ship internationally?
- Can you find the watch I'm looking for?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- Do you offer restoration services?
- Do you accept trades?
- Do I have to pay sales tax?
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Do your watches come with a warranty?
(back to top)Although many vintage watches are found with pristine movements, others have been damaged over the years by careless watchmakers, as well as a lack of routine servicing. Needless to say, every watch sold by Second Time Around Watch Company, unless otherwise noted, is professionally serviced by our in-house watchmakers and warranted for one year - the same warranty offered on brand new watches. Should your watch require routine servicing or repair after our warranty has expired, we will service or repair your watch at our wholesale cost.
Please understand that while most vintage mechanical watches (with proper maintenance) tend to be accurate to within plus or minus 30 seconds per day, no vintage watch, no matter how carefully regulated, can rival the precise accuracy of modern quartz watches.
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Do your watches come with original box & papers?
(back to top)Many vintage watches and modern watches, when originally sold, were accompanied by presentation boxes, written warranties, owner's manuals ("papers") and other such accessories. Many watches were also sold with a leather band and buckle designed to compliment the watch. Needless to say, over time, most of these items have been discarded or lost. Consequently, any watch with its original box and papers (and/or original buckle and band) commands a premium. Unless otherwise noted, the watches we sell do not come with original boxes, papers, accessories, bands or buckles. All of our watches are presented with a new straps of the finest quality, unless stated otherwise.
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What does the term "triple signed" mean?
(back to top)When we mention in our descriptions that a watch is "Triple Signed", we are describing a watch that has been "signed" (i.e., stamped with the name or trademark of its manufacturer) on its movement, case, and dial. As a general rule, most watches that we sell are "Triple Signed".
"Double signed" or "single signed" refers to a watch that is signed only on the case and movement, or dial, movement or case alone. During the first half of the 20th Century, it was not uncommon for watch manufacturers to import encased watch dials and movements into the United States and case them in American "contract" cases in order to avoid high tariffs on gold and platinum watch cases made in Switzerland. Although watches with unsigned cases may be original, they typically are not as desirable as factory-cased watches.
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How do you obtain your watches?
(back to top)Second Time Around Watch Company obtains its modern and vintage watches from a variety of sources: auction houses, collectors, other dealers, and of course, our clients. We have a constant need for high-quality watches of all types, so if you have a fine watch you would like to sell or trade, please contact us . Although we are offered thousands of watches every year, we only select the very best examples, and painstakingly restore each watch to factory specifications. Whether you are looking for a watch in "new old stock" condition or one that can be worn casually, Second Time Around Watch Company most likely has the right watch for you.
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Do you have a return policy?
(back to top)We are very proud of our products and services, but we are specially proud of our reputation. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please feel free to return the purchased item(s) within 7 days of receipt for a full refund of the total purchase amount less applicable restocking fee, applicable credit card processing fee, and applicable shipping cost. Returns are subject to a restocking fee of 5% of the total purchase amount plus an additional charge of $35 for domestically shipped, $85 internationally shipped, purchased merchandise.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
(back to top)We accept the following forms of payment (denominated in U.S. dollars please): cash, bank wires, personal checks, cashier's checks, and traveler's checks. We also accept the following credit cards for your convenience: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
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Is your showroom open to the public?
(back to top)Yes. Our business hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM Pacific Standard Time. We are also available by appointment. We invite you to come visit our West Hollywood, California retail store showroom just minutes from Beverly Hills, California - and try on some of the most unique watches ever created. Our current inventory selection includes hundreds of unique watches. We always look forward to meeting new people and sharing our love and enthusiasm for great watches.
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Can you ship internationally?
(back to top)Many of our clients live overseas and we are very experienced in coordinating international shipments. Please be advised that all international shipments are sent via Federal Express (FedEx) International Priority and that we cannot and will not make any false declarations on a Customs form with the intent of avoiding import duties in your country of origin. Please contact us at info@secondtimearoundwatchco.com or phone us at 310-271-6615 with any additional questions you may have regarding international shipping costs and details.
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Can you find the watch I'm looking for?
(back to top)Second Time Around Watch Company is recognized as a premier source for vintage watches and modern watches for dealers, collectors, and regular people worldwide. We attend numerous watch shows and auctions every year, so if we do not have the watch you are looking for in our current inventory, chances are that we know where to find it. We welcome your inquiries. Please E-mail us at info@secondtimearoundwatchco.com or phone us at 310-271-6615 for more information.
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Do you offer extended payment terms?
(back to top)In certain instances, we may be able to offer extended payment terms on a case-by-case basis. We generally require a minimum deposit of 25%, another 25% within 30 days, then another 25% within 60 days, and the final 25% payment within 90 days. Please E-mail us at info@secondtimearoundwatchco.com or phone us at 310-271-6615 for more information.
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Do you offer restoration services?
(back to top)Yes, we offer complete restoration services on almost any type of watch.
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Do you accept trades?
(back to top)Whether you are "trading up" to the watch of your dreams or want to partially cash out of an expensive watch, Second Time Around Watch Company will be happy to consider any and all trade proposals. When submitting trade proposals, please remember to mention the brand, case material, shape, diameter, and age of the watch, along with any reference numbers that may be helpful identifying it. Please feel free to include a scan or photograph as well.
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Do I have to pay sales tax?
(back to top)If you live in the state of California, we must charge 9% sales tax unless you have a valid California state resale number. If you are visiting our showroom from out-of-state or overseas, and your purchase is shipped to your home address, located outside of the state of California, no sales tax is due.