Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Every pre-owned Rolex we sell is independently authenticated by our specialist watchmakers, who examine the movement, case, dial, bracelet and engravings against Rolex factory specifications before the watch enters our vault. If a watch cannot be verified genuine beyond doubt, we do not sell it — and authenticity is guaranteed for the life of the watch.

Authentication is a multi-point inspection: we open the case to verify the calibre and confirm the movement matches the reference; we check the case, lug and rehaut engravings, the serial and model numbers, the cyclops and laser-etched crown; and we assess the dial, hands and bracelet for correctness and originality. Only watches that pass every check are offered for sale.

Yes. The serial number is engraved on the rehaut (the inner bezel ring) on modern watches, or between the lugs at 6 o’clock on older references. It dates the watch and confirms it against its papers. We disclose the reference and, where appropriate, guidance on the production period for every watch — and our specialists are happy to walk you through it.

Many of our watches are full sets with the original box and papers. Every listing states exactly what is included — full set, box only, papers only, or watch only. A watch without papers is still guaranteed genuine: our independent authentication and lifetime guarantee stand in their place, and it is often a more accessible way into a sought-after reference.

We grade every watch honestly — Unworn, Excellent, Good or Fair — and photograph it in high resolution, unretouched, so you see exactly what you are buying. Condition, provenance and service history are disclosed in full on each listing. Nothing is described as better than it is.

Every watch includes The Crown Vault’s comprehensive 24-month warranty covering the movement and timekeeping, activated on delivery. Each watch is also fully serviced, regulated and pressure-tested by our watchmakers before sale.

Yes. Contact our concierge team and we can hold a watch for a short period while you decide, or reserve it with a refundable deposit. Because each pre-owned Rolex is a single, unique piece, reserving is the surest way to secure a watch you have set your heart on.

Yes — complimentary. Let us know your wrist measurement or preferred fit at checkout and our watchmakers will size the bracelet before dispatch, returning any removed links with the watch. If you would rather size it yourself, we can supply it unsized.

Rolex holds its value better than almost any other luxury purchase, and sought-after professional models — the Submariner, GMT-Master II and Cosmograph Daytona in particular — have historically appreciated over the long term. Buying pre-owned means the steepest initial depreciation has already happened. That said, we always advise buying first because you love the watch; strong value retention is the bonus.

Often, yes — and always without the authorised-dealer waiting list. A pre-owned Rolex has already taken its first drop in value, so for most current models it represents better value than retail. Discontinued and collector references can command a premium above their original price, reflecting genuine scarcity.

Rolex manufactures almost every component in-house to exceptional tolerances, uses premium materials such as 904L Oystersteel, solid 18ct gold and 950 platinum, and certifies every watch as a Superlative Chronometer accurate to −2/+2 seconds a day. Tight supply against very high demand supports strong prices on the secondary market.

Delivery is free. Every watch is dispatched fully insured and fully tracked by a specialist secure courier in discreet, unbranded, tamper-evident packaging, and requires a signature on receipt.

Yes, we ship worldwide via fully-insured specialist couriers. Orders within the UK are inclusive of VAT. For international orders, import duties and taxes may apply on arrival and are the responsibility of the recipient; our concierge team will explain what to expect for your destination before you order.

You may return any watch within 14 days of delivery for a full refund, provided it is unworn and returned in its original condition with all supplied documentation and packaging. To start a return, simply contact our concierge team and we will arrange insured collection.

Request a free, no-obligation valuation online with your model and reference. If you accept our offer, we arrange free, fully-insured collection from your door; once our watchmakers have verified the watch, we pay by same-day bank transfer. It is a discreet, straightforward process with no fees.

Yes. We welcome part-exchange against any watch in our vault, and the value of your watch is simply offset against your purchase. It is often the most tax-efficient and convenient way to upgrade or change your collection. Speak to a specialist to arrange it.

We accept secure UK bank transfer (Faster Payments / CHAPS) and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin and USDT). You can also reduce the cost by part-exchanging a watch you already own. On placing an order we email our account details from our verified business email and reserve your watch until payment clears.

Yes — part-exchange a watch you already own against your purchase. Get a free, no-obligation valuation and put its value straight towards your new Rolex. We do not offer in-house finance or credit.

Rolex recommends a service roughly every ten years, though this varies with use. Every watch we sell is serviced as required before sale, so it arrives ready to wear. We are also happy to advise on future servicing and can arrange it for you through our watchmakers when the time comes.

Rolex Oyster-case models are water-resistant — typically to 100m (Datejust, Oyster Perpetual), 300m (Submariner, Sea-Dweller to greater depths) — thanks to the screw-down Oyster case and Triplock/Twinlock crown. We pressure-test every applicable watch before sale. Water resistance should be re-checked at each service, and we advise against wearing any pre-owned watch in water without a fresh pressure test.