What is Authenticity Guarantee for Watches?

Authenticity Guarantee helps you buy and sell watches on eBay with confidence. Our authentication team physically inspects all eligible items before they are sent to buyers.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

All listings with the 'Authenticity Guarantee badge are eligible for authentication. For select watches priced between AU $1,000 and $2,499.99, Authenticity Guarantee may also be available as an optional add-on at checkout.

Once you purchase an eligible item, it’s sent to an authentication centre to be inspected by category experts who perform a multi-point inspection to verify the item's authenticity and that the condition matches the listing.

Upon passing inspection, the item is carefully packaged and delivered via express shipping. A signature is required for items over $750.

If the item doesn’t pass inspection, you’ll automatically receive a full refund. For items with minor discrepancies, we’ll contact you to confirm whether you would like to continue with the purchase or receive a refund.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is free for eligible watches priced AU $2,500 and above.

For select watches priced between AU $1,000–$2,499.99, Authenticity Guarantee is available as an optional add-on for AU $100 at checkout.

What watches are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee? 

Currently, watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches and sold for AU $2,500.00 or more are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Watches listed in the primary category of Wristwatches and sold for AU $1000-$2,499.99 are eligible for an optional add-on Authenticity Guarantee. Auction items in the Wristwatch category that are expected to sell above AU $2,500.00 are also covered by Authenticity Guarantee.

Smart watches, watch parts and accessories are not eligible for authentication. Items specified as customised will not be authenticated. Customised is defined as original brand parts that have been replaced with non-brand parts, parts not original to the model or era, or components that are modified from the original design. Listings that offer only local pickup or with an item location outside Australia won’t be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Only items purchased on eBay.com.au and paid for at eBay checkout are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. Purchases with a delivery address outside Australia are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee.

Are vintage watches eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

A vintage watch is eligible for Authenticity Guarantee if all eligibility criteria are met. Vintage watches that are verified as authentic by the authentication expert may contain replacement parts that are not from the original manufacturer if the original manufacturer no longer makes that part.

Vintage timepieces and many used watches may not be water resistant to their original rating. Please consult a watchmaker before exposing your watch to water. Mechanical watches are more delicate than other types of watches. Take care before undertaking any activity which might place shock on the watch.

What handbags are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee for handbags is available on handbags or briefcases of selected brands (set out below), in new or pre-owned condition, listed in the Women's Bags & Handbags, Men's Bags & Briefcases, Men's Wallets and Women’s Wallets, Handbag accessories, ID/Document holders, Key chains, Rings & Finders, Belts, Hats, Organisers, & Day Planners categories, and sold for $330 or more. Auction items are also eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service if the item meets these conditions.

What sneakers are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Currently, Authenticity Guarantee is available for sneakers in new and pre-owned conditions, listed in the Mens', Womens' Athletic Shoes and Girls’, Boys’, Baby, Unisex Kids shoe categories, and sold for $140 or more via fixed price or auction listings.

Eligible items have a blue Authenticity Guarantee tick in search results and at the top right of the item page.

Listings sold as a “lot” with multiple pairs of sneakers and items specified as “customised” are currently not eligible for authentication. "Customised" is defined as shoes that have been modified from their original state. Examples of this include shoes with personalised elements, custom artwork, or any modifications that did not come with the original sneaker.

What happens at the authenticator?

After the Authentication centre receives the item, the authentication team first confirms the item and collateral materials are consistent with the listing title, description and images. Then they will perform a multi-point physical authentication inspection. The eBay authenticator will not inspect any aftermarket documentation of provenance for authenticity.

The eBay authenticator does not verify the timekeeping accuracy of your watch. Vintage and many used watches may require servicing by an experienced watchmaker to restore accurate timekeeping. If you have any questions about the functions or warranty of your watch, please refer to the seller’s description. Authenticity Guarantee does not offer a warranty.

Who is conducting the authentication process?

eBay’s authentication team includes experienced industry experts, brand-certified watchmakers and technicians, using advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.

How long will the authentication process take? How long until I get my item?

After you purchase your eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to an authentication centre, where the authentication team will inspect the item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be sent to you with secure express delivery including signature confirmation.

How do I track the status of my item?

The order status will be updated in your My eBay purchase history and in the View Order Details section. The delivery status can be seen on My eBay Purchase History. The authentication status can be seen on View Order Details. You’ll also receive an order update email when your item has been inspected by our authenticators as part of Authenticity Guarantee.

Will I receive the original packaging with my purchase?

Yes, if the seller has included original packaging as described in the listing, all components will be sent to you.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item’s condition is not consistent with its listing, it will be returned to the seller, and you'll receive a full refund to your original payment method. If the item passes our authenticity checks but has a minor discrepancy with its listing, we may contact you to confirm whether you would like to proceed with the purchase or receive a refund. If you paid a fee for optional Authenticity Guarantee and the item does not pass inspection, that fee will also be refunded.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee? 

Buyers can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return takes place within the seller’s return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. 

Are authenticated items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee? 

Items that go through the Authenticity Guarantee process are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee provided all eligibility criteria are met. For full details, please read our eBay Money Back Guarantee policy.

eBay Money Back Guarantee and any other buyer protections we provide as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service are in addition to any rights you may have against the seller under Australian Consumer Law.

How does the return process work?

If the seller offers returns on the item you purchased, you can request a return. We’ll provide a return label to send it back to the authentication centre. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will inspect it to confirm that the item returned matches the item originally sent to you by verifying the authenticity and condition. Once verified by the authenticator, it will be sent to the seller and a refund will be processed. 

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item or is not in the same condition, the item will be sent back to you and you won’t receive a refund.

Is there an authentication card?

Yes, all items verified as authentic come with a card which provides details about the item such as brand, model, reference number, movement type, case material, bracelet type and serial number, as applicable.

Can I choose to not have my item authenticated?

For watches priced AU $2,500 or more, you cannot choose to bypass the authentication service.

For watches priced between AU $1,000-$2,499.99, you can choose to add optional Authenticity Guarantee to your purchase.

Is Authenticity Guarantee associated with any brands sold on eBay?

No, the Authenticity Guarantee service is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands sold on eBay.