FAQs

Our watches

 

Are your watches authentic?

Yes — all watches sold in our shop are 100% authentic vintage pieces. Some come with original certificates and boxes, others do not, but they are all genuine. We carefully source our timepieces from trusted auction houses and long-term, reputable suppliers. We never sell fakes or replicas.

 

Are your watches in working condition?

Absolutely. Unless stated otherwise — such as pieces clearly listed as non-working or for repair — every watch is inspected and tested before shipment to ensure it is keeping time accurately.

Quartz watches will have a working battery when shipped. If the battery runs out in transit (rare, but possible), it will need replacing — something typically required every two years.

Mechanical watches are monitored for accuracy; they may gain or lose up to 1-2 minutes a day, which is normal for vintage mechanical movements. Any known issues are always detailed in the product listing.

 

Are the watches serviced or refurbished?

All our watches are cleaned and functionally tested. Minor refurbishments may be carried out to improve wearability, but we aim to preserve the vintage charm, character, and patina of each piece. Condition details are always provided in the listing.

 

Does my watch come with its original box and papers?

Every item included in your order is individually photographed and described in the listing. When original packaging or documentation is available, it will always be clearly shown and described. This means that if an original box, papers or any other accessory is not pictured or mentioned in the description, it is not part of the order. In this case, the watch will arrive in a Finchley Watches cardboard box, carefully wrapped and packaged for safe delivery.

 

Do your watches come with a warranty?

Due to the age and vintage nature of our watches, we do not offer warranties. That said, every piece is thoroughly checked and described to the best of our ability. If a watch arrives damaged or not as described, please contact us — we'll always do our best to help. We also offer a 14-day return policy for your peace of mind.

 

How do I wind a mechanical watch?

If your watch is mechanical (manual), this will be noted in the listing. To keep it running:

Turn the crown (the small knob on the side) clockwise about 20-30 times.

Stop when you feel resistance — overwinding can damage the mechanism.

To set the time, gently pull the crown out and turn the hands.

For daily use, wind the watch at the same time each morning. If worn occasionally, wind it just before putting it on.

 

Can I resize the bracelet or change the strap?

Yes — we're happy to help resize a metal bracelet or change the strap if you contact us before placing your order. We can also advise on sizing or recommend compatible options.

 

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Ordering and payment

 

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal and Klarna.

 

Do you take special requests?

Yes! Whether you need special gift wrapping, a faster shipping option, or help sourcing a particular watch, feel free to reach out before placing your order. We'll do our best to accommodate you.

 

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Shipping and delivery

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We offer free worldwide shipping from the UK. We use Royal Mail for most orders.

How long will it take to receive my order?

We usually dispatch orders within 2 business days. You'll receive a tracking link by email once your watch is on the way.

Estimated delivery times:

UK: 1–4 business days via Royal Mail

International: 3–10 business days depending on customs and courier (Royal Mail or USPS for most orders, or UPS/DHL for Cartier and some higher-value items)

Will I have to pay customs or import taxes?

If you're ordering from the United States, all taxes and duties are included in the price, so no additional charges will apply upon delivery. For orders to all other countries, including Europe, customs duties, VAT or import taxes may be charged by your local authorities upon delivery. These charges vary depending on the regulations in your country. If your parcel is returned to us due to unpaid customs, we can resend it once a new shipping fee is covered.

 

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Returns and issues

What is your return policy?

We accept returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery, provided the watch is returned in its original condition. Please note that the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Initial shipping costs are non-refundable, and a flat restocking fee of 5% of the purchase price will apply. If the piece is faulty or significantly not as described, we will of course cover all return fees. If you have any questions about a piece before purchasing, feel free to message us — we're happy to help.

 

My package was returned to you — what now?

If a parcel is returned due to an incomplete or incorrect address, or if it is unclaimed, we'll contact you to arrange redelivery. A shipping fee will apply. Please double-check your address before placing an order to avoid delays.

 

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About us

 

Do you have a physical shop?

Finchley Watches is an exclusively online boutique based in the United Kingdom. We do not have a physical showroom or retail space for viewings. To ensure you feel confident in your choice, we provide detailed photography and precise descriptions for every piece in our collection.

 

Do you offer repairs?

We don't currently offer repairs or servicing in-house, but we're happy to refer you to trusted vintage watch specialists if needed.

 

Can I contact you with more questions?

Of course — we love hearing from you. You can message us through our contact form or use the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the site. We aim to reply within 1 business day.