F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you take payment over the Internet?

You can choose to make payment either offline or online. We are satisfied that transactions off-line are the safest way to conduct business, especially when dealing with larger sums. This way none of your personal details are held on our system and you are protected from fraud. What's more we've never had a problem with it! Other benefits of Off-line payment are that our liability is reduced. We also prefer to talk to our clients so we can discuss your options.

Alternatively you can use our online order system. We use Barclays Verified by Visa & Mastercard secure code for secure online transactions. A unique password is sent to you via email which enables you to access the Barclays secure online order form, enter your credit card details. The purchase limit for online transactions is at our discretion. Please contact us for more information. Email:sales@watches.co.uk.

There is a 2% charge for all online transactions. Unfortunately we do not accept American Express online.

What does 10/10 mean?

This is a mark out of 10 that we give all our watches. If a watch is 10/10 it means that it is in mint condition and includes its original box and papers. Older watches can be 10/10 if we consider them to be in mint condition for their age. If a watch is just below this standard or if it does not have official papers as they have been misplaced then we classify it as 9/10. We speak to clients regularly to ensure that our marks are fair and a true representation of the watch. When a watch is new it will state unworn in the condition box.

What does Unworn Mean?

If a watch states that is unworn it means that the watch has been recently purchased new, then sold to ourselves without being worn. The watch will have all the protective stickers and seals still on the watch. The watch will also have the manufacturers guarantee.

What are Authenticity Papers?

If a watch is for sale and it states it has box and Authenticity Papers then it simply means that The Swiss Watch Co supply written authorisation that the watch has been checked for Authenticity and is a genuine Swiss Timepiece in movement, case and bracelet (unless stated otherwise). It is then signed by our Managing Director. This is usually because the watch has been sold to us without Original Papers as they have been misplaced.

Can we adjust the bracelet?

Yes! When you purchase a watch from us you can give us details as to the size of your wrist and we will adjust the bracelet accordingly. To measure your wrist please use our Watch Ruler. On this page you will see a ruler that, when printed off, is to scale. Wrap this around your wrist to the required length and let us know your measurements - we'll do the rest. You'll also receive any extra links removed with your watch when it is delivered.

Can I claim any VAT back if purchasing from overseas?

We are unable to purchase or sell watches overseas. As we deal in pre-owned watches the VAT has already been paid when the watch was purchased originally and so the price you see does not reflect VAT. Our VAT Number is: 745 0833 33.

I live over-seas. Can I purchase or sell to you?

Unfortunately no. We can only deliver to and purchase from UK postal addresses and Northern Ireland. This is due to our insurance and in order to keep to our guarantee.

Can I view before purchasing?

Yes. Although 80% of our watches are sold mail order we do welcome clients in to view watches prior to purchase. We are not a shop though and watches are not kept on the premises so if you would like to view one please call our sales team who will be happy to arrange an appointment. For clients buying over the internet we offer a 7 day money back guarantee on Pre-owned watches. We are unable to offer refunds on New Watches purchased.

Can I get a valuation on my watch?

Yes. Simply fill in the Selling a Watch form on this site (under the Contact Us section) and we will get back to you within 1 working day. We are unable to offer valuations over the phone.

Can you keep a watch for me while I think about it?

Yes we can. If you call us in regard to a particular model that you are interested in then we can put it On Hold for you for 48 Hours. Call us for more details.

What forms of payment do we take?

We accept all major debit and credit cards including Switch, Delta, VISA, SOLO and Mastercard. We also accept cheques and cash. We charge 2% on all credit cards and 5% on AmEx. If you have any Card not listed then please call us to confirm. Please note: Due to company policy we do not accept cash over £9000.

Why do we charge 2% on Credit Cards and 5% on AmEx?

Unfortunately this is a cost we incur on all credit card payments and covers your insurance of the item(s) you are purchasing. By charging you this cost we are able to keep our watch prices at a competitive rate. Thus the price you see on the web is a cash price. This enables us to pass our discounts onto you, the customer. There is no charge on Debit Cards (Offline), Cheques or Cash transactions.

How can I be sure the watch I'm purchasing is genuine?

There are a number of ways you can check that the watches we sell are genuine. The Swiss Watch Co. has no links with other watch companies and does not deal in fake watches. As we are a UK LTD company you can check online at http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk. We are registered as THE SWISS WATCH CO (UK) LIMITED, 75 WESTOW HILL, LONDON, SE19 1TX. This is the address of our accountants, Chandler and Georges. You are also able to call Barclays Bank PLC where our business account is held. Should you wish to do so please call us for more details. Our Company Registration Number is 3919050. VAT No: 745 0833 33. You can also check our address with the Land Registry at http://www.landreg.gov.uk where you will see that our premises is a Freehold property owned by our company director John Matheou for the last seven years.

All watches come with original paperwork or Authenticity Papers from us to confirm they are genuine. If you are unhappy for any reason you can return any pre-owned watch sent out mail order, unworn, within 7 days for a full refund as part of our 7 day, no quibble money back guarantee. (We are unable to offer refunds on new watches ordered or watches collected.). In addition to these checks you are also covered if you pay by Credit Card via your Card Insurance. Call your Credit Card Company for more details. You can also view our Guestbook to see how previous customers have rated our service. As mentioned above if requested we can supply you with a list of references whom you can contact, such as our accountants and our bank.

What are my delivery options and how long does it take?

For UK Mainland: If we receive your order back by 3pm then delivery will be made the following day, Tuesday to Friday. We do not send out deliveries over the weekend. Delivery is made by Royal Mail Special Delivery and is insured. This is included in the delivery charge of £10GBP. If you wish to have your watch delivered before 9am, the delivery cost is £20.00 GBP. We will call you the following day to confirm that you have received your order. Watch Winders will cost £15 for delivery and will be sent by Parcelforce. Deliveries can only be made to the account holder's address and has to be signed for by the account holder whom has paid for the watch. Deliveries can be tracked at all times so call us if you need assistance.

Can I order watches from you?

When the watch is pre-owned you can use the online request form and we will contact you as soon as the model becomes available. Please note that this is not an ordereing service as we are unable to guarantee the availability of pre-owned pieces.

I would like to make a complaint, who do I contact?

If you have any reason to complain (which we are sure you won't!) please put your complaint in writing via post or by e-mail. The details are listed below. We will acknowledge receipt of your letter within 5 days and update you as to the progress reguarly. We hope to resolve any problems at the earliest opportunity.

Where can I contact you?

You can contact us using our online forms or via our contact details:

Swiss Watch Company (SWC)

474a Chiswick High Road Chiswick London W4 5TT

Tel:

020 8994 4567

Fax:

020 8994 2202

Please remember that we can only see you if you make an appointment as limited stock is held on site. Call us first so we can arrange a convenient time. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9 - 5.30pm. We look forward to seeing you!