We like to document stuff. A lot. When we receive a watch (which signature should be required), if there are dings or dents in the box, we take pictures. Open the box, then take some more. Then we make sure the watch is as described – if the numbers match, if it is running (or not), what is included, etc. Then we look to experts such as our local watchmaker to give the once-over of purchases and best determine if it checks out in terms of originality or condition. We are pretty anal, and with many vintage watches our first stop after purchase will be a service. See our ‘Care & Servicing’ section for more details.
After everything gets the green light, we will go ahead and leave nice feedback for the seller, tell them all is well. We might let the seller know when we’ve received the watch, but not give the final OK until toward the end of the return policy (there is one, right?) if we want to spend more time with the watch to make sure everything is okay.
If you care about the possible loss of the watch, don’t forget to consider whether to add it to an insurance policy. It could fall under an existing homeowner policy (most insurers have a limit for watches/jewelry as a part of a homeowners policy) or a personal articles policy, which will provide additional coverage. You’ll want to save the receipt of your payment, take photos, and save the case number and movement numbers for your records.