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.

  1. Do your watches come with a guarantee?
  2. Do your watches come with original box & papers?
  3. What does the term "triple-signed" mean?
  4. How do you obtain your watches?
  5. Do your modern watches come with factory warranties?
  6. What forms of payment do you accept?
  7. Is your showroom open to the public?
  8. Can you ship internationally?
  9. Can you find the watch I'm looking for?
  10. Do you offer payment plans?
  11. Do you offer restoration services for collectors?
  12. Do you accept trades?
  13. Do I have to pay sales tax?

  • Do your watches come with a guarantee?

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    Although many vintage timepieces 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 guaranteed for one year - the same warranty offered on brand new watches. Should your watch require routine servicing after our warranty has expired, we will service or repair it at our wholesale cost.

    We would also like to point out that while most vintage mechanical wristwatches (with proper maintenance) tend to be accurate to within 30 seconds per day, no vintage watch, no matter how carefully regulated, can rival the precise accuracy of contemporary quartz watches.

  • Do your watches come with original box & papers?

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    All vintage and contemporary timepieces, when originally sold, were accompanied by presentation boxes, warranties, owner's manuals ("papers") and other such accessories. Most watches were also sold with a leather band and buckle designed to compliment the timepiece. 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 complimentary alligator "Retracto™" strap of the finest quality.

  • What does the term "triple signed" mean?

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    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, all 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 are not as desirable as factory-cased watches.

  • How do you obtain your watches?

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    Second Time Around Watch Company obtains its contemporary and vintage timepieces from a variety of sources: auction houses, collectors, other dealers, and of course, our clients. We have a constant need for high-quality timepieces of all types, so if you have a fine watch you'd like to sell or trade, please contact us . Although we are offered thousands of timepieces 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 has the right timepiece for you.

  • Do your modern watches come with factory warranties?

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    In some cases, we are able to obtain brand-new, "factory fresh" contemporary watches that come with a one year factory warranty. In addition, every watch we sell, whether contemporary or vintage, comes with a one year guarantee. With three generations of experience in the jewelry and watch business, and a team of exceptional watchmakers and jewelers at our disposal, our warranty service is equal to that of the finest manufacturers. Our turnaround time is much faster also.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

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    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, etc.

  • Is your showroom open to the public?

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    Yes. Our business hours are 11AM to 5PM Pacific Standard Time. We are also available by appointment. We invite you to come visit our showroom just minutes from Beverly Hills - and try on some of the most unique watches ever created. Our current collection includes over 1000 collectible timepieces, plus over 200 different models by the Rolex Watch Company. We always look forward to meeting new people and sharing our love and enthusiasm for great watches.

  • Can you ship internationally?

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    Many of our clients live overseas and we are very experienced in coordinating international shipments. Please be advised that all shipments are sent via Federal Express Over Night and that we cannot 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 with any additional questions you may have regarding international shipping costs and details.

  • Can you find the watch I'm looking for?

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    Second Time Around Watch Company is recognized as a premier source for vintage and contemporary watches for dealers and collectors worldwide. We attend over 25 watch shows and auctions every year, so if we do not have the watch you are looking for in our current collection, chances are that we know where to find it. We welcome your inquiries. Please E-mail us at info@secondtimearoundwatchco.comfor more information.

  • Do you offer extended payment terms?

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    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 50% and payment of the balance due within 60 days. Please E-mail us at info@secondtimearoundwatchco.com for more information.

  • Do you offer restoration services for collectors?

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    Regretfully, we are unable to accept any outside work for restoration.

  • Do you accept trades?

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    Whether you are "trading up" to the watch of your dreams or want to partially cash out of an expensive timepiece, our firm 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.

  • Do I have to pay sales tax?

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    If you live in the state of California, we must charge 9.75% 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, no sales tax is due.