Don't miss the next drop
SUPPORT
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about buying, owning, and caring for a vintage or pre-owned timepiece from OTTUHR.
Â
Buying
Shopping at Ottuhr
How purchasing works, what's included, and what to expect.
Are your watches authenticated?
Yes. Every watch listed on OTTUHR is personally inspected and authenticated before it reaches the shop. We examine the case, dial, movement, and all components for originality and condition. Each listing includes detailed macro photography so you can see exactly what you're getting, including any imperfections. If we can't verify a watch's authenticity with confidence, we don't list it.
Are your watches serviced?
All pre-owned & vintage watches get carefully examined before listing to ensure authenticity. Any noticeable restoration or replacement components will be disclosed. If mechanical service is required (anything from a regulation to a complete mechanical teardown and rebuild), it will be performed prior to listing.
Do you negotiate on pricing?
Yes, we always accept offers; however, unlike the 'traditional' dealer model of marking our prices up for the sole purpose of negotiating down. We strive to price our products sensibly to market from the start, of course, factoring in condition, rarity, and the value of our service warranty and guarantees.
How can I contact OTTUHR?
For general inquiries or assistance, simply click here to contact our client service team. Alternatively, you can always email us at co*****@****hr.com, send us a WhatsApp message, or reach out to us on any of our socials.
Do you charge sales tax?
We are legally registered & required to collect sales tax to all orders shipped with in the state of Florida. We do not charge sales tax on orders shipped outside of the state of Florida. Click here for more information on sales and use tax.
Are your watches pressure tested?
No. We do not recommend using our timepieces in wet environments. While our watches are well-constructed, they rely on a small rubber gasket to prevent moisture ingress, which can fail with alarming frequency. Unlike brand-new wristwatches with replacement guarantees, our watches are unique in their wear, character, and patina. While we would not have concerns wearing our timepieces daily, we recommend keeping them away from water whenever possible. We advise you to limit your watch’s interaction with water to handwashing or a brief rinse during cleaning.
Does OTTUHR accept trade-ins?
Yes, we accept trade-ins. We do not have a dedicated form at this time, but to get more information about a trade-in, you can always submit an inquiry on the product page or by contacting us and providing the relevant details.
Where is OTTUHR located?
OTTUHR has private offices in Miramar Beach, Florida and St. Petersburg, Florida. Most day-to-day operations, including watch inspection, authentication, servicing, and shipping, are based out of the Miramar Beach office. We do not operate a retail storefront or offer walk-in appointments at either location. All purchases are made through our website, and all communication is handled through our contact page, email, or WhatsApp.
Authenticity
Verfied by Experts
How we authenticate watches, what we look for, and the experts who verify them.
How does OTTUHR authenticate watches?
Every watch is inspected in-house before it's listed. We examine the case, dial, hands, crown, crystal, and movement, checking each component against known production data, caliber specifications, and period-correct details for the brand and era. We don't outsource authentication or rely on third-party certificates. The work is done by hand, at the bench, by people who know what to look for.
Who handles authentication?
Authentication is performed by our in-house team with hands-on experience in horology, including movement servicing, parts sourcing, and reference-level knowledge of vintage production across brands like Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Longines, and others. This isn't a surface-level visual check. We open casebacks, examine calibers, and cross-reference serial numbers.
What does "original" mean in your listings?
When we describe a component as original, we mean it's the part the watch left the factory with, or a correct period replacement that matches what the manufacturer would have installed. If anything has been swapped, refinished, or replaced, we say so in the listing. We don't hide behind vague language or skip over details that matter.
Do you sell watches with refinished dials?
NO.Â
Are the crystals original?
In most cases, no. We replace crystals on the majority of watches we sell. Most vintage watches left the factory with a standard generic crystal, and we replace them with the same type and specification. A fresh crystal makes a big difference in how the watch presents on the wrist, and since these are consumable parts that were never unique to the watch, we don't note the replacement in the listing. For watches that use a manufacturer-specific crystal, like certain Omega or Rolex references with branded or uniquely shaped glass, we typically leave the original in place. If a replacement is needed on one of those, we source a new-old-stock crystal from the correct manufacturer rather than substituting a generic alternative.
Shipping
From Us To You
Where we ship from, how long it takes, how we ship, and how your watch is protected.
Is shipping free?
Yes. All domestic orders within the United States ship free via standard ground service. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location.
How long does standard shipping take?
Most orders ship within 1-2 business days. Domestic delivery typically takes 3-5 business days depending on where you're located. You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships.
Do you offer express shipping?
Yes. We offer expedited and overnight shipping options at checkout for domestic orders. If you need your watch by a specific date, select the express option that fits your timeline. Delivery speeds and pricing are calculated based on your shipping address.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide. International delivery times vary by destination but typically range from 5-14 business days depending on the country and customs processing.
Who pays for customs duties and import taxes on international orders?
You do. Any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, or brokerage fees imposed by your country's government are the buyer's responsibility. These charges are not included in the purchase price or shipping cost and are not collected by OTTUHR at checkout. We have no control over what your country charges on imports, and we cannot predict those costs in advance. Check with your local customs office if you want an estimate before ordering.
Can I get a refund on import fees if I return the watch?
No. Import duties and taxes are collected by your government, not by us. We can't refund charges we didn't collect. You would need to file a claim with your local customs authority for any reimbursement. Our return policy still applies to the purchase price of the watch itself.
Are shipments insured?
Yes. Every shipment is fully insured for the purchase value of the watch. If your package is lost or damaged during transit, contact us and we'll handle the insurance claim on your behalf.
What carrier do you use?
We primarily ship via UPS for domestic and international orders. The specific service level depends on the shipping method you select at checkout.
Returns
30-day free returns
Our 30-day return policy, exclusions, and how the process works.
What is your return policy?
You have 30 days from the date you receive your watch to return it for a full refund. No restocking fees, no hoops to jump through. The watch just needs to come back in the same condition it arrived in, with all original packaging and anything else that was included.
How do I start a return?
Submit a request through our Return Form within the 30-day window. We'll send you a prepaid return label and instructions. Once we receive the watch and confirm its condition, your refund is processed to the original payment method.
Is return shipping free?
Yes. We provide a prepaid return label on every return. There's no cost to you. We want buying from us to feel like a zero-risk decision.
How long does a refund take?
Once we receive the watch and verify its condition, refunds are typically processed within 5-10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or payment provider.
What if the watch arrives damaged during shipping?
Contact us right away at co*****@****hr.com with photos of the damage. All shipments are fully insured, so we'll handle the claim and work with you on a resolution, whether that's a full refund or a replacement.
Do I have to ship the return immediately?
Once you've received the return label, you have 7 days to get the watch in the mail. If it isn't shipped within that window, the return may be canceled.
What happens if I return an item in a different condition than I received it?
We inspect every return. If the item comes back with damage that wasn't there when it shipped, such as new scratches, dents, or missing components, a partial refund may be issued based on the extent of the damage. We'll always contact you with the assessment before processing anything.
Warranty
Warranty & Servicing
What our 2-year warranty covers and how servicing works.
What warranty do your watches come with?
Every watch purchased from OTTUHR comes with a 2-year mechanical warranty. That's rare in this market. Most vintage dealers offer no warranty at all or cap it at 90 days. We stand behind what we sell.
What does the warranty cover?
The warranty covers mechanical defects that affect the movement's ability to keep time. That includes things like a failing mainspring, worn pivot, faulty escapement, or other internal issues that develop under normal use. If the movement stops doing its job, we take care of it.
What isn't covered?
The warranty does not cover cosmetic wear, water damage, impact damage, damage caused by dropping the watch, or any issues resulting from unauthorized modifications or third-party servicing. It also doesn't cover quartz batteries or quartz movement failures.
When does the warranty start?
The 2-year period begins on the date your order is purcahsed.
How long do warranty repairs take?
It varies depending on the issue and whether parts need to be sourced. Simple fixes can be turned around in a week or two. More involved repairs, especially ones requiring specific vintage parts, can take longer. We'll keep you updated throughout the process and give you a timeline once we've diagnosed the issue.
What if the watch can't be repaired?
If we determine that a warranty issue can't be repaired, we'll work with you on a fair resolution. That could mean a replacement, a credit, or a refund depending on the situation. We handle these on a case-by-case basis, but the goal is always to make it right.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Reach out through our contact page, email, or WhatsApp. Let us know what's going on with the watch and we'll walk you through next steps. In most cases you'll ship the watch back to us and we'll diagnose and repair the issue at our bench.
Does the warranty transfer if I sell the watch?
No. The warranty is tied to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
Payments
Checkout Options
Accepted payment methods, sales tax, and how pricing works.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. We also offer financing options from Paypal, Klarna, Afterpay, and affirm.
Are there any additional fees?
No. The price you see on the listing is the price you pay, plus sales tax if applicable. We don't add processing fees, handling charges, or any other surprise costs at checkout.
What currency are your prices listed in?
All prices are listed in US dollars (USD). If you're purchasing from outside the United States, your bank or payment provider will handle the currency conversion at their current exchange rate.
Can I use multiple payment methods on one order?
No. Each order is processed through a single payment method at checkout.
Selling
Sell to Ottuhr
How to sell or consign a watch with OTTUHR, and what the process looks like.
How do I sell a watch to OTTUHR?
Start by submitting your watch through our Sell a Watch page. Include photos and whatever details you have, like the brand, model, condition, and any service history. We'll review your submission and get back to you with an offer, typically within 24-48 hours.
What type of watches do you buy?
We're primarily interested in vintage and pre-owned mechanical watches from established brands like Omega, Rolex, Tudor, Longines, Bulova, Wittnauer, Universal Geneve, and similar. We consider watches in any condition, including non-running pieces. If you're not sure whether your watch is something we'd want, just submit it. There's no obligation.
How are offers determined?
We base our offers on current market value, the specific condition and originality of the watch, how desirable the reference is, and whether the watch needs servicing. We aim to make fair offers. If our number doesn't work for you, there's no pressure and no hard feelings.
Is there a fee to get a quote?
No. Submitting your watch for a quote is completely free and comes with no obligation. If you don't like the offer, you walk away.
How does the payment work when I sell?
Once we receive and inspect the watch and confirm it matches what was described, payment is sent promptly. We typically pay via PayPal, Zelle, or wire transfer. We'll agree on the payment method before you ship anything.
Watch Care
Our Recommendations
Our tips and recommendations for keeping your timepiece running well.
Can I get my vintage watch wet?
Once we receive and inspect the watch and confirm it matches what was described, payment is sent promptly. We typically pay via PayPal, Zelle, or wire transfer. We'll agree on the payment method before you ship anything.
How often should a vintage watch be serviced?
A general guideline is every 3-5 years for a watch that gets regular wrist time. If the watch is running within acceptable tolerances and the amplitude looks healthy, there's no reason to rush it. Over-servicing can actually do more harm than good. Unnecessary disassembly introduces risk every time the movement is opened. If you notice the watch gaining or losing significant time, or the power reserve feels shorter than usual, that's when it's time.
How should I store my watch when I'm not wearing it?
Keep it somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. A watch box, soft pouch, or lined drawer works fine. Avoid leaving it dial-up on hard surfaces where it can slide or get knocked off. Keep it away from anything magnetic. If you have multiple watches, there's no need for a watch winder. Letting an automatic wind down is perfectly fine for the movement.
Will magnets damage my watch?
Magnets can magnetize the hairspring inside the movement, which causes the watch to run fast, sometimes by several minutes a day. Common culprits are phone cases with magnets, tablet covers, laptop clasps, handbag closures, and speaker systems. If your watch suddenly starts gaining a lot of time, it's probably magnetized. The fix is quick. Any watchmaker can demagnetize it in seconds, and it doesn't cause any permanent damage.
Is it okay to set the date at any time?
On most vintage watches, no. Avoid changing the date when the hands are anywhere between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM. That's the window when the date mechanism is actively engaged, and forcing the date change during that period can break the date wheel or the switching lever. Wind the hands past 12 until the date flips, then set the date. It takes an extra 30 seconds and saves you a repair bill.
How do I keep the crystal from scratching?
Most vintage watches have acrylic crystals, which scratch more easily than modern sapphire but are also much easier to fix. Minor surface scratches can be buffed out with a tube of Polywatch and a soft cloth in under a minute. Deep gouges or chips mean it's time for a replacement, which is inexpensive and straightforward. If your watch has a sapphire crystal, it's far more scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof, and it can't be polished the same way.
Should I be worried about lume on vintages watches?
The lume on vintage watches, particularly those made before the late 1960s, often contains radium. In the small quantities found on a watch dial, it poses no meaningful health risk during normal wear. Don't try to scrape it off, sand it, or eat it. Later watches use tritium or non-radioactive luminous material. If the lume plots have aged, darkened, or crumbled slightly, that's normal and part of what gives a vintage dial its character. It's cosmetic at that point since most vintage lume no longer glows.