FAQ
Authenticity & Condition
Are your timepieces 100% authentic?
Absolutely. We guarantee that every single pre-owned timepiece on our site is 100% authentic. Every watch undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection by our certified watch experts before it enters our inventory. Distinctive Time stands firmly behind this guarantee with a full lifetime refund policy if a timepiece is ever found to be anything less than fully authentic.
How do you grade the condition of your watches?
To ensure complete transparency, we grade our inventory using highly specific, conservative industry standards:
- New: Brand new, current production, and completely unworn.
- NOS (New Old Stock): The watch is in completely new, unworn condition, but its specific year of production makes it older stock.
- Like New: In near-flawless condition with only the absolute minimal signs of handling.
- Preowned Good: Sitting just a single tier below Like New, this timepiece exhibits exceptionally light, minor signs of wear from clean, careful use, but remains in beautiful, premium condition overall with no major marks, deep scratches, or dents.
- Preowned and Polished: A used watch that has been professionally polished to restore its factory finish and luster.
- Preowned: A used watch showing honest, minor signs of wear from clean, occasional use, with no major dents or dings.
Do your watches come with the original box and papers?
We prioritize absolute transparency. Any timepiece in our inventory explicitly listed as "Complete" includes its original factory box, papers, warranty card, booklets, and full links. If any item is missing, it will be clearly noted and priced accordingly in the individual listing description.
Payments & Security
What payment methods do you accept?
To ensure maximum security and keep transaction costs low, we accept payments via Bank Wire Transfer and E-Transfer.
Why do you prefer wires and E-transfers, and is my money safe?
Bank wires and E-transfers are the safest, most secure digital payment methods for high-value transactions. By utilizing secure bank-to-bank protocols, we completely eliminate steep credit card processing fees and identity fraud risks. We pass those direct savings straight back to you, allowing us to maintain the most competitive market pricing on luxury timepieces.
Is my personal information secure on this site?
Yes. Distinctive Time is protected by an advanced 256-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption protocol. Your personal details are completely secure, and we enforce a strict privacy policy: your information will never be shared, sold, or distributed to anyone.
Shipping
How does shipping work within Canada?
We offer fully insured, priority overnight shipping via FedEx across Canada. There are no extra hidden charges or unexpected fees for shipping; your watch is dispatched promptly once your payment is processed.
How do you protect the watch during transit?
To ensure absolute security and eliminate the risk of theft, all shipments require a direct signature upon delivery. To protect your investment, we deliver your watch to your nearest FedEx Secure Hold for Pickup location, where it remains in a vaulted facility until you pick it up with a matching government ID.
Can I arrange an in-person pickup?
Yes. We accommodate local client viewings and hand-deliveries by appointment only at our private, secure office locations in Toronto and Vancouver. To ensure the safety of our staff and inventory, appointments for first-time customers are securely scheduled for pickup after a deposit or payment confirmation is received.
Sourcing & Selling
Can I sell or trade my watch to you?
Yes, we actively buy select luxury timepieces. If you are looking to liquidate or trade up, please fill out our Sell Your Watch form or contact our team directly to provide details on your timepiece's condition and accompanying paperwork.
What if a watch I want is marked as "SOLD"?
Because our inventory moves quickly, highly sought-after references sell fast. If a watch you love is marked as sold, simply contact us and our team will leverage our network to track down that exact reference for you.