Every pre-owned watch we sell comes with a 12-month Cotswold Time Company warranty (starting from the day of purchase), in addition to any remaining manufacturer's warranty it may carry. If your watch stops working properly through no fault of your own during that period, we will repair it free of charge or refund if this is not practicable.
How it works
If your watch still has manufacturer's warranty remaining, it can be sent to an authorised repairer either directly or via us. If it is covered by our warranty only, we will carry out the repair ourselves.
Standard and limited warranties
Most watches we sell carry our full 12-month warranty. We expect them to perform within these tolerances, unless otherwise stated in the listing:
- Timekeeping: +/- 60 seconds per day
- Amplitude: >180 degrees
- Power reserve: 24 hours
Some watches, particularly antique and vintage pieces, are sold with a limited warranty (3 months) that reflects their age and the nature of pre-owned mechanical movements that are pre-1980. These carry the following tolerances:
- Timekeeping: +/- 120 seconds per day
- Amplitude: >180 degrees
- Power reserve: 18 hours
Occasionally we offer watches at the lower end of the market, primarily for their collectability rather than their timekeeping. These are listed without warranty, and this will be clearly noted.
What the warranty does not cover
Our warranty covers mechanical and manufacturing defects. It does not cover theft or loss, accidental damage, mishandling, normal wear and tear, or strap wear. Water damage is also excluded; vintage and pre-owned watches should not be worn in water or humid environments, as age and previous use can compromise water resistance even where it was originally present.
Where a watch has been worked on by a third party after purchase, including servicing or any mechanical intervention not carried out or authorised by us, our ability to assess the cause of a fault may be affected. In such cases, where we cannot reasonably establish that a fault predates the third-party work, we reserve the right to decline the claim under our warranty. Fitting aftermarket components carries the same risk, and can also compromise a watch's performance and water resistance. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Returning a watch under warranty
If your watch develops a fault covered by this warranty, please get in touch and describe the issue as fully as you can. We will arrange the repair from there. Where the fault is covered by our warranty, we will cover the cost of return transit and ask that the watch be sent adequately insured. Where a claim is subsequently found to fall outside warranty cover, return transit costs will be at your own expense.
Our warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.
