If you prefer to travel, the showroom is at 29 rue de la Cigogne, 45100 Orléans, France, by appointment, and holds no stock. A watch from the site can be shown on request.
Second hand watches in London: what I check before listing
When you look for second hand watches in London, distance can make condition feel harder to judge. Every watch passes through my hands before it is listed. I open it, inspect it, and have it serviced. If it does not convince me, it is not sold, and each watch comes with a one-year warranty.
Shipping and duties to the United Kingdom
Shipping to the United Kingdom costs €80 and takes about 2 to 4 business days from dispatch by DHL Express. The parcel is insured for the full value of the watch, sent in discreet packaging, and handed over against signature. I prepare the shipment once payment is confirmed.
Customs duties, import VAT or local taxes and the carrier's clearance fees are payable by the buyer, directly to DHL, on delivery. They are not included in the price of the watch or in the shipping cost, and depend on the country, the value and the origin of the watch. I always declare the watch at its real value and with its true origin.
What to look for in a pre-owned or vintage watch
For used watches in London, the same principles apply as anywhere: check condition, originality, service history, and whether the watch still has its box and papers. Condition is not just about scratches; it includes the bracelet or strap, the crystal, and the movement.
Originality matters most when a watch claims to be a vintage piece. Look for consistent details across the dial, case, movement, and crown. Service history tells you how the watch has been maintained, and box and papers can support its story, although their absence is common with older watches.
1950s vintage watches and watches with history
I have a particular interest in 1950s vintage watches and pieces whose condition carries a visible past. With a 1950s watch, look less at perfection and more at coherence. A dial with even aging can be more honest than a refinished one, the case should not appear heavily polished, and the movement should show signs of proper service rather than neglect.
A watch with history does not need to be unworn. It needs to be legible: original parts where possible, honest wear, and clear indications of care. That is what I try to assess before offering you a vintage piece.
Questions about a watch, or about shipping to London? Write to me or call +33 6 49 22 89 52.
Looking elsewhere? See all the cities I ship to.
