How to Avoid a Collateral Loan Scam

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Cash and jewelry loans can be a great option if you need cash fast and have valuables to trade. They don’t require a credit check, failing to repay doesn’t hurt your credit score, and you get your cash instantly. Whether you want to collateralize Rolex, estate jewelry, designer handbags, or other valuable items, a short-term collateral loan can be a good option for getting cash quickly without hurting your credit or permanently losing your valuables. However, before entering into an agreement with any lender, it’s crucial that you do your research to ensure that you don’t fall victim to a personal loan scam.

Some pawnbrokers operate illegally and fail to follow loan regulation laws. They charge more than the annual percentage rate (APR), have customers sign illegal contracts, and deceive customers about the interest rates and fees on their loans. Make sure you know the signs of a personal loan scam so that you can avoid falling victim and losing both your valuables and your money. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

  • The lender doesn’t have a license to operate in your state

States require that any lender or pawnbroker register for a license to legally trade. Make sure that you request your lender’s license number and verify their legality before entering into an agreement with them.

  • The business has no physical address listed

If the lender has no easily searchable physical address or phone number, be wary. Scammers try to make it difficult to contact them to avoid any confrontation or legal action you may pursue if you do get scammed.

  • The loan requires up-front payment

If you’re being asked to put up a payment up front, such as a processing fee, it’s likely that you’re being scammed. Scammers want to make money quickly, so running off with your up-front “fee” is a likely scenario. Legitimate pawnbrokers will never ask you for payment when processing a collateral loan, just your valuable item which they will return once you pay off your loan.

  • They have vague loan terms or are hesitant to provide them at all

Illegal loan schemes will likely charge you more interest than the state’s legal maximum rate. They add hidden fees and high rates disguised in complex wording to make as much money off of you as possible. Make sure that your lender is transparent about their fees and interest rates to avoid paying out more than you were planning on (or is legal).

  • There are no online reviews available

Legitimate pawnbrokers will have testimonials or online reviews available for your viewing. Using third-party websites such as Yelp to verify that other customers receive satisfactory service is an excellent way to ensure that you won’t be scammed later down the line. If a business has no reviews online, it’s likely because they’ve deleted or hidden bad reviews to avoid alerting potential customers to their deceptive business practices.

Pawn shop loans are a wonderful tool to have if you need cash to last you until the next pay period, or if you’re looking to build your credit score. However, it’s imperative that you perform thorough research and stay vigilant so that you avoid falling victim to a collateral loan scam. If you need a safe and reliable cash loan for jewelry or other valuables, call Watch & Wares today or stop by our location in Old Town Orange. One of our highly-experienced professionals will be happy to walk you through the process and provide you with a fair value cash loan.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex

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Since 1905, Rolex has been mastering the craft of luxurious, elegant, and reliable wristwatches. Rolex watches are made to stand out from the crowd and are a top-of-the-line brand that is extremely desired, so many people try to mimic and counterfeit their style to take advantage of consumers looking for a Rolex. No matter how well a copycat Rolex is crafted though, the fake Rolex and the real one will still have many differences. If you’re hoping to invest in a Rolex, here are a few things you can check for when purchasing your timepiece, so you can be confident that the watch is authentic.

Price

If a seller is trying to sell a Rolex for less than $1,000, it may be counterfeit. Most used certified Rolex watches can still cost upwards of $1,500 to $50,000, depending on the model and quality. It’s possible to find a real Rolex for less than $1,000, but in those cases, we’d recommend being more cautious about the quality and looking for other signs to validate the authenticity of the watch.

Cyclops

The Cyclops is the magnifying lens above the date window, which magnifies the date by 2.5 times. It’s important to check if the Cyclops is centered as Rolex watches will always have it perfectly centered. If the date is not centered perfectly for the Cyclops and is a little off or isn’t appropriately magnified, the watch may be a fraud.

Material

Rolex only uses the finest metals and materials to make their watches, including stainless steel called 904L steel, 18k gold (not 14k), and platinum. The company takes great pride in crafting each watch to absolute perfection in style, quality, and durability. Getting the Rolex appraised by a third-party jeweler to verify the metals used in the watch will help you determine if it’s genuine or not.

Weight

Because authentic Rolex watches are made of precious metal and the finest materials, this means it should heavy and solid when you hold it in your hand. Whereas counterfeit Rolexes are lightweight because it lacks quality materials.

Stamping

Rolex is notorious for its perfection in every aspect, including the stampings on the face watch and the serial and model number. The lettering and spacing are always precise, clear, and clean. There will never be any errors in the stamping, and if you notice that there is, it means that the Rolex you are looking at is not authentic.

Serial and Model Number

As previously mentioned, the imprints are perfectly marked. The serial and model number are solid, fine lines that are deep and clean. Replica Rolexes often look rough and sand-blasted, and they do not reflect light the same way as the diamond-cut edge of authentic Rolexes.

Case back

Most authentic Rolex have a plain metal case back. Some fake Rolexes will have a clear case back where you can see the movement inside; however, only the rare vintage 1930s models have a clear case back. Additionally, Rolex also does not typically engrave on their case back with their logo, words, or other pictures. There are only a couple Rolex series with engraving on the case back, such as the Sea Dweller and Milgauss.

Movement

Rolex watches are built to be smooth, cohesive, and meticulous. If one were to unscrew the case back, they would see that the inner workings of the Rolex have different colors with perfect wheel movement and engraving on the inside of the case back.

Ticking

When it comes to the movement of the hands of a Rolex, each second is broken down into eight steps, which allows the second hand to be smooth and glide around the face instead of ticking. Fake Rolex watches move with a ticking motion for the second hand, as well as make a ticking noise. An authentic Rolex will never make that ticking noise, so if you notice the Rolex you are thinking of purchasing is making that noise, it means it’s fake.

Water Resilience

All authentic Rolex models are waterproof, due to its tight build. Although there are specific models made for deep sea diving, all Rolexes are made to be leak-proof. Many counterfeit Rolex watches are not waterproof, so if the seller allows, you may test the waterproof integrity of the Rolex to verify it is genuine.

Seller

It’s vital to know who you are buying from and their reputation. Trustworthy dealers will be able to provide you a guarantee of authenticity for proof and are likely to have positive reviews and recommendations from previous customers on Yelp, Google, and even Facebook.

Here at Watch & Wares, our reputation precedes us, and we always put our customer’s values first. If you’re looking to invest in a used Rolex watch, we are the place for you! Our vintage watches are restored to original manufacturer specs, and all of our watches come with a warranty.

Collateral Loan on Rolex

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You need cash fast, and you’re thinking about selling your Rolex to get the money you need. But what if you don’t want to part ways with your watch? Luckily at Watch & Wares in Tustin, we have a collateral loan program for your Rolex, so you don’t need to say goodbye to your watch forever. Getting a collateral loan will allow you to get fast cash to use in any way you need. Whether you’re hoping to start a small business or investing in a new laptop, Watch & Wares offers same-day cash for collateral loans on used Rolex watches at our location in Tustin. Here’s what the process of a Rolex loan looks like!

The Process of a Collateral Loan With a Rolex Watch

Collateral loans are simple, straightforward, and can be used for a variety of items. When it comes to getting a loan with your Rolex, it’s even easier! Just bring in your Rolex to our location in Tustin to get connected with one of our representatives. We’ll evaluate your watch based on the Rolex’s value in the secondary market and the desirability of the watch. The process is very quick, and we can give you a loan-value within minutes.

What Could I Use a Collateral Loan For?

Many small businesses throughout Orange County use collateral loans for start-up costs, payroll, inventory investment, and other business needs. Small business owners have found that taking out a collateral loan is helpful when money is a little tight for the company. When taking out a hassle-free collateral loan with a valuable item, such as a Rolex watch, business owners can have extra cash on hand to ensure solvency, while still owning their Rolex.

Collateral loans could also be used for personal uses. Many people will take a Rolex loan to invest in an engagement ring, home improvement projects, or for tuition. If the Rolex or other item has significant sentimental value, collateral loans are the way to go, as the item will be returned once the loan has been paid off.

About Collateral Loans at Watch & Wares Tustin

Our collateral loans are issued with a 4-month loan term plus a ten-day grace period. We also offer the option of renewing your loan by paying the interest amount. The interest rate is based on the amount of the Rolex loan and will be state-regulated. There is no penalty should you decide not to pay the remaining amount of your loan, as the Rolex will act as payment.

Watch & Wares is licensed and bonded. Our reputation precedes us, and our friendly staff is here to ensure you are completely satisfied with your experience.

Have questions about taking out a collateral loan on your Rolex? Visit our Tustin location near the intersection of Costa Mesa Fwy and East 17th street or give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

How To Get The Perfect Vintage Engagement Ring For Your Loved One

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So you’ve found “the one” — the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. You’ve been saving money for months to get that vintage engagement ring, but you’re hoping to have a little more in your pocket before you pull the trigger. Luckily at Watch & Wares, we have a couple of options that help you buy the vintage engagement ring you loved one deserves! It is FOREVER after all.

SELL JEWELRY & PAWN ITEMS

Your first option in getting your engagement ring is to sell some of your other jewelry in exchange for money. At both the Tustin and Orange Watch and Wares locations, you can bring in these valuables and get them appraised, and then decide whether or not you’d like to sell. We buy a variety of wares including jewelry, handbags, luxury watches, art pieces, and more, so you’re not limited in your options. Just make an appointment, and we will appraise your items on the spot. Getting that perfect vintage engagement ring for your loved one is something that they will cherish forever so that you can use your seller’s reward towards an investment item for your future.

We sincerely value our customers, and we always strive to give you the highest monetary value possible for your luxury items. We will provide you with a fair, accurate, and hassle-free offer, which can be payable in cash on the spot! Selling your jewelry will typically get you more money than taking out a collateral loan. However, unlike a collateral loan, the item will not be returned to you unless you purchase it back.

Some brands we buy are likely to purchase from our customers include Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Louis Vuitton. We do not buy electronics, clothing, or weapons. To learn more about selling jewelry and pawning items with Watch and Wares, visit our Sell Jewelry page for our Orange and Tustin locations.

TAKE OUT A COLLATERAL LOAN

Your second option is through our collateral loan services. If your item has sentimental value and you do not wish to get rid of it indefinitely, consider taking out a jewelry loan (also known as a pawn loan or collateral loan). Getting a collateral loan is very simple at Watch and Wares Tustin, and you will not need to make an appointment to get an appraisal.

Bring the item(s) that you would like to use as collateral to our Tustin location and we will give you a free evaluation of what we think the item is worth. You will then be issued a 4-month loan with a ten-day grace period, and a state-regulated interest rate based on the loan amount. We do not require credit checks or income verifications, so you get the loan without any credit score risks involved.

When you take out a collateral loan, we will securely store your item until you have paid off the loan in its entirety. If you end up needing longer than the allotted amount, you can renew the loan by paying the current interest. There is also no penalty should you decide not to pay the remaining amount. Your collateral item will act as your payment and belong to Watch and Wares. We accept jewelry, luxury watches, gold, and other precious metals as collateral items so you can find the item that works best for you. You could be proposing much sooner than you anticipated with a ring that your future husband or wife will love. To learn more about taking out a jewelry loan with Watch and Wares Tustin, visit our service page.

Whether you want to sell your jewelry or take out a collateral loan, Watch & Wares is here for you. It’s personal preference on which service will work best for your engagement ring plans, and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our services. Getting the perfect vintage engagement ring has never been easier!

For questions about collateral loans, please call our Tustin location at (714) 731-9600. For all other questions, please call our Orange location at (714) 633-2030.

What Items Can I Use For Collateral On My Jewelry Loan?

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If you need fast cash but don’t want to sell your valuable jewelry, taking out a jewelry loan is an excellent option for you. Jewelry loans, also known as pawn loans or collateral loans, work by trading in gold, jewelry, or other valuable items as collateral for money. Items brought in as collateral will vary in value depending on numerous factors, which will be determined by an evaluator. Here at Watch & Wares in Tustin, we’ve compiled a list of items you can use as collateral for a jewelry loan.

Items You Can Use as Jewelry Loan Collateral

Most luxury accessories can be used as a jewelry loan collateral. The amount you may receive will vary, depending on brand, quality, and the face value of the item. Some common items we accept as collateral are, but not limited to:

Rings, Earrings, Necklaces – We determine the value of jewelry depending on the clarity, carat, cut, and color of the diamond. Typically, vintage estate jewelry will be offered more money.

Luxury Watches – Some familiar brands we offer loans on are Rolex, Zenith, Oris, Omega, Girard Perregaux, Cartier, Panerai, and much more.  

Gold – Gold itself is valuable and can be used as collateral. How much we offer will depend on its quality and weight.

Pawn Loans Versus Selling Jewelry

Taking out a pawn loan and selling jewelry can both get you fast cash for the same items. However, both options have their pros and cons that just come down to personal preference when deciding between the two.

Through Watch & Wares, jewelry loans work by issuing a 4-month loan with a ten-day grace period and an interest rate based on the loan amount. This is an excellent option for items with sentimental value that you do not want to sell off. As long as you pay back the loan accordingly, there is nothing to be worried about in regards to your jewelry loan.

When selling your jewelry, there is no financial risk involved at all since there will be no loan for you to payback. Customers typically will receive more money for the item(s), but this also means that the jewelry no longer belongs to them and the piece’s title now belongs to the buyer/shop.

Ultimately, it is a personal preference and up to the customer to decide whether or not they want to release possession of their item. Regardless of what you’d like to do, Watch & Wares offers pawn loans and buys jewelry at our Tustin location.

We are a family owned and operated licensed pawnbroker business with over 25 years of experience that you can trust. Our policy is to always treat our customers with the utmost respect, which is why all transactions are 100% confidential and discreet.

Have questions about taking out a pawn loan or how you can buy or sell jewelry? Visit our Tustin location near the intersection of Costa Mesa Fwy and East 17th street or give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

4 Signs Your Watch Needs Maintenance

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Upscale timepieces are meant to last a lifetime. For you to get the best out of your watches though, it takes a little love, care, and maintenance. Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to bring your watch into Watch and Wares for maintenance.

Indication of Moisture

It’s almost a given that your watch will come into contact with water at some point in time. If there is evidence of any moisture or condensation inside the glass of your watch when it does, or in general, it’s time to take a trip to Watch and Wares to repair your watch. If you plan on swimming with your watch, be sure to adjust the crown and ensure it is tightly secured before you enter. If you come into contact with salt water, be sure to immediately rinse your watch with fresh water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Moisture can increase the risk of damage to the functionality of your watch, so taking care of the matter promptly is imperative.

Behavioral Change

If you start the notice that your second hand is skipping by a couple of seconds, it’s time to take your watch in to get serviced. When your watch starts to skip a beat, it is usually an indicator that your battery is running low. Watches that have reached this point should be taken in for an immediate inspection. Don’t wait until the watch is completely drained to take it in for maintenance. Most Quartz watches can detect when the battery voltage drops below a certain level and will notify you that it’s time for a new battery. Prolonging this replacement can cause severe consequences, such as a potential battery acid leak. From a professional standpoint, it is recommended to have your battery switched out every 1-3 years to ensure optimal use.

Mechanical watch movements, on the other hand, are powered by the energy created from the movement of the mainspring. If you’ve dropped your mechanical watch and noticed that it’s not working properly or has stopped running altogether, the impact might have caused the axle to break or become displaced – resulting in an axle replacement. Extra care also needs to be taken when adjusting the time and date on your mechanical watch. The gears inside of a mechanical watch pre-engage before the actual change at midnight. So if you are manually changing the time and date, you need to be careful in order to not break the gears that are already engaged. If you happen to accidentally break a gear, you may notice a behavior change with the hands. If this is the case, you need to take your watch in for maintenance to repair the gears and behavior of the watch.

Something Sounds Off

If you’ve accidentally dropped or hit your watch on a hard surface, it’s possible that it took on some damage. The mechanisms and movements of watches are extremely complex, and sensitive. Even the smallest of bumps can jolt the function of your watch. A clicking noise could be an indicator that your watch is in fact damaged or on the verge of something more serious. If the rotor axle is exhibiting a type of rattling noise, it can eventually interrupt the inner working elements within the watch itself – shortening its lifespan. If you start to hear an odd rattle or noise or feel like something is off, head over to a professional repair shop to get it checked out.

Loose Crown

A watch crown is an important and necessary component to any watch. They allow you to change the time and date of your watch as well as wind and stop it. Though watch crowns are built to be durable and capable of withstanding tough conditions, they are susceptible to becoming damaged due to its exposure. The crown is connected to a tiny stem that allows the watch to execute its meticulous movements. If you notice that it becomes stiff or loose or has completely lost its function, a replacement is needed. Loose crowns are a common issue and can be easily replaced.

From battery replacements to detailing services, Watch and Wares provides each and every client with the highest quality watch maintenance services in Orange County. For over 30 years, we have perfected the art of craftsmanship, providing you with the best possible repair experience in the industry. If you think your watch needs servicing, take the initiative to ensure there will be no additional damage to your precious timepiece.

The Lap of Luxury

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Another Luxury Day, Another Luxury Dollar


Working in The luxury goods industry certainly has its advantages. First off, we get to buy awesome watches,  handbags, and fine estate jewelry all day long. We also are greatly privileged to have many customers come in with such great estate pieces to sell to us. After all, We are always happy to find new homes for these amazing sundries.

When you do as much buying and selling of estate items for as long as we have, you gain a sense of the value of things just by looking at them. That’s why so many of the fine folks who visit us rely on Watch and Wares for high-quality, concrete information on their luxury items. The owner, William, is always happy to answer questions or provide guidance. What should you do with estate pieces that may need a new home? Watch and Wares can usually help. In fact, many other estate jewelry buyers and store owners come to us for our expertise. After all, we have been around for over 28 years!


luxury goods, estate jewelryDefining Luxury

But what defines a luxury item? Webster’s dictionary offers several helpful definitions:

1: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment

 

  • lived in luxury

 

2a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

 

  • one of life’s luxuries

 

: an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

-And isn’t that just a perfect description? After all, wearing a stupendously sparkly engagement ring does provide “pleasure” and “comfort” while still not being “absolutely necessary”. In other words, these items are pieces that exist for their own sake. They are art that you can use for the pleasure and enjoyment of it. After all, we don’t need diamonds or gold. We want them, because they make us happy and content. Luxury items like estate jewelry and fine watches are food for the soul.

Used Rolex Guide For Watch Enthusiasts

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Used Rolex Guide for Watch Lovers

Retail Isn’t Everything

Used Rolex watches are kind of like cars. You can spend almost any amount on them, and some cars either appreciate or depreciate based on their rarity and popularity. People who buy lots of cars rarely buy brand new. After all, we have heard many stories of someone buying a luxury car brand new, only to lose ten thousand dollars in value just driving it off the lot. Smart car buyers know to buy cars at market value. The same goes for a used Rolex.

Sticker Shock

sticker shock, surprise, used rolex sticker shockIt can be somewhat shocking to go to a retail jewelry store and see the prices on a new Rolex. Not to mention the intimidation factor can be quite real when dealing with pushy sales people, practically shoving past each other to try to earn their commission. That commission also makes it difficult to negotiate for a better price. After all, there are plenty of people willing to pay full price, so why should they discount it for you?

Start With Reputable Companies

gmt, gmt master, submariner, 50th anniversary, used rolex

Make sure you purchase from reputable sellers.

It used to be so easy to tell the difference between a fake Rolex and an authentic one.  However, as manufacturing  becomes ever more precise and automation more prevalent, more and more excellent fakes are flooding the market. While there are many websites dedicated to spotting fakes, the only true protection you can have is to buy your watches from a reputable merchant. Do your research. Check their Yelp reviews, you can guarantee if someone sold a fake, chances are that person will write a 1-star and explain why! You can also seek out a business’s reputation in other ways. Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? Does this merchant have an eBay store? What is their rating on eBay? How long have they been in business?  Do they offer a warranty? These are important questions, and ones that can arm you properly against being swindled when searching for your used Rolex.

 

 

How to Spot a Fake Used Rolex

loupe, used rolex, rolex box

Use a loupe to inspect your potential watch

While fakes are indeed getting better, here are a few tips to help you avoid  a replica used Rolex:

  • The Price: First off, you should always keep the old adage in mind: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is offering a six thousand dollar watch for six hundred, the alarm bells should be ringing in your head. While it is possible that a private seller may not know what they have in terms of value, in the information age we live in, that is highly unlikely. It is even less likely that a dealer doesn’t know what they have.
  • The Ticking: Rolex watches typically don’t “tick” in the conventional sense. As they utilize high quality mechanical movements, Rolex automatic watches tend to “sweep” or look like smooth motion unless you look up real close. If you see a Rolex “ticking” like a quartz watch, chances are it isn’t real.
  • Weight: Many fakes can look really close to an authentic piece, but in many cases, as they use cheap metals and other materials, the weight will be way off. Pay attention to how dense it feels in the hand.
  • Serial Numbers: In many cases, fake watches may have serial numbers on them, but the quality of the engraving is usually quite shoddy. If a watch has serial and reference numbers that look, well, off, it can be an easy tell. Many a used Rolex  can include the original box and papers. This provides a point of comparison to allow you to look up the numbers and authenticate the piece.
  • The Dial: The watch dial should be essentially flawless. The spacing between the markers should be perfect, the color should be even with no marks or lines. You can use a loupe to check up close. Your dealer or store should have them available for the asking. Learn how to use a loupe here

We Hope This Helps You Find a Used Rolex

used rolex, turnograph, datejustAt Watch & Wares, we have sold authentic used Rolex watches for over 26 years. We have painstakingly built a reputation of quality and excellence in customer service.  Our Yelp, Google, and eBay reviews speak for themselves. If you are in the market for a used Rolex, Watch & Wares would be happy to help you find your new dream watch! We offer fair pricing on all our watches, along with a 2 year warranty (parts and labor) so you can rest assured that you are buying a high-quality timepiece. Check Out Watch and Wares

Used Watches: How to Shop for a Pre-Owned Watch in Orange County & Surrounding Areas

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Shopping for Used Watches or a Pre-Owned Luxury Watch in Orange County

Shopping for used watches can feel like a daunting task at first. With so many variables, knowing what to look for when searching for the perfect pre-owned watch can be tricky at first. But if executed properly, there are many benefits to buying used watches.

With over 35 years buying, selling and trading used watches in Southern California, we’ve been able to put together a list of do’s & don’ts to help you with your search. Let’s explore how to find the best used watches and watch stores in Orange County & surrounding areas.

How Does the Watch Store Acquire their Used Watches?

luxury used watches at Watch & Wares

Come shop the largest selection of used watches in Orange County

Most savvy watch buyers are elated to find a watch store that sells pre-owned watches. For many, buying a used watch is like buying a used car. Some pre-owned watches have been cared for so well you can’t tell they’re not new.

A good place to start is by finding out how the used watch store acquires their timepieces. Find out if they’ve got a long lasting reputation in the industry and community, and whether the watches come from reputable sources. The last thing you want is to buy a used watch and to find out it wasn’t taken care of.

Does the Watch Store Service & Restore their Used Watches?

pre owned rolex, pre-owned rolex, used rolex

Make sure your shop restores their timepieces the RIGHT way.

Because there are so many watch dealers in Orange County, you’ve got to make sure you’re doing your homework. Find out if the used watch store has an in-house watchmaker. Furthermore, find out if they service the used watches they sell. If you want to buy a vintage watch, find out their watchmaker restored it to OEM specs. Of course, some people don’t want them to get rid of the coveted patina or character, you simply want to make sure the movement is properly-tuned.

A good used watch store should have an in-house master watchmaker who knows the ins-and-outs of watch movement. Therefore, the watch store should service the used watches they sell and restore vintage watches to their manufacturer’s specs.

Does the Watch Store Offer a Warranty on Used Watches?

warranty, pre-owned watch, watch bench, watch repair

Make sure your pre-owned watch is backed by a warranty.

Find out if the watch store offers a warranty on their pre-owned watches. When buying a new watch, the manufacturer will usually provide the service warranty. Unfortunately, on some used watches, the manufacturer’s warranty may not still be active.

A warranty on your used watch will also ensure that the pre-owned watch store stands behind their product. Many used watch stores in Orange County don’t offer warranties or offer limited warranties on used watches. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to ask about the pre-owned watch warranty before even trying a watch on.

Research Before Buying Used Watches: What is the Pre-Owned Watch Store’s Reputation?

In today’s world of online reviews and customer feedback, it goes without saying you should do your research before buying a used watch in Orange County. Websites like Yelp and search engines like Google offer a place where customers can leave reviews for businesses. Before buying a pre-owned watch from a watch store or jeweler, check out their online reviews.

Find out if the pre-owned watch dealer has a good reputation and upholds its promise to their customers. It’s important to read a few reviews before your used watch purchase because every watch store will have a different return policy. Furthermore, you’ll feel better about buying a used watch from a reputable watch store. Finally, ask a lot of questions. Find out if the store’s used watches come with a box & papers, certificate/card, original tools, etc.

Watch & Wares is the Best Place to Buy Used Watches in Orange County

Watch & Wares has been buying selling and trading used watches in Orange County for over 35 years. Because of our experience, we’ve been able to take the headache out of buying a used watch in Orange County. We’ve got a reputation as the best place to buy a pre-owned watch in Southern California for many reasons:

 

  • 2 year warranty on all contemporary used watches / 1 year on all vintage watches
  • Pre-Owned Watches are serviced & restored to OEM specs by an in-house master watchmaker
  • Our Master Watchmaker was a former Rolex Technician and knows his movements
  • We acquire our pre-owned watches from reputable sources and most are like-new
  • We provide a box & papers for most of our used watches for sale
  • Our reviews don’t lie – 5 stars on Yelp and 100% Feedback on eBay since the early 90’s
  • We have the largest selection of used watches in Southern California
  • Take advantage of our 12 month layaway – make monthly interest-free payments

Watch & Wares Carries All Major Brands of Used Watches & Pre-Owned Watches

Because we believe any used watch store worth their salt should have a large inventory, we’ve invested decades into collecting only the best used watches in Southern California. Our pre-owned watch collection spans many decades, and we work hard to ensure a great customer experience.

Our owner, William Houchin has spent his life collecting, buying and selling the finest pre-owned timepieces from all major watch brands. Watch & Wares has it all: from pre-owned Rolex watches to vintage Patek Philippe. Furthermore, every used watch we sell is secured with a warranty and pre-purchase service.

We carry pre-owned watches in Orange County from the following brands:

  • Rolex
  • Breitling
  • Cartier
  • Panerai
  • Omega
  • Tag Heuer
  • Patek Philippe
  • Bell & Ross
  • Audemars Piguet
  • Franc Vila
  • Ulysse Nardin
  • IWC
  • Roger Dubuis
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Breguet
  • Glashutte
  • Longines
  • Tudor
  • Corum
  • Hamilton and more!

Come see us at our new location in the Orange Circle and try on Southern California’s largest collection of used watches. Call us at 714-633-2030 or stop in and try on some watches today! Of course, if you’d like to send us a message, simply reach out using our handy contact form!

If you’d like to sell your used watch in Orange County, you can also visit our Tustin Location!

 *Watch & Wares is not affiliated with any of the watch brands or manufacturers mentioned in this article

The Best Watch Repair in Orange County

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The Best Watch Repair in Orange County

No matter what type of watch you wear on your wrist, your watch will eventually need to be serviced or repaired. This list will help ensure you’re taking your timepiece to the best watch repair in Orange County. Watch & Wares offers affordable watch repair options from basic maintenance to high-end watch servicing.

We’ve always had a reputation as the best place to buy a pre-owned watch in Southern California. Throughout the last 30 years, we’ve also serviced & repaired thousands of customers’ watches in Orange County. Because we’re a full-service watch service, we handle everything from simple watch battery changes and link removal to gasket testing and full timepiece overhauls.

Basic Service & Watch Repair in Orange County

Watch repair, pocket watch repair, wrist watch repairBasic watch repair is one of the services we offer at Watch & Wares. Whether you need watch battery replacement, or your watch is too loose or tight on your wrist, we’ll take care of you. From replacing batteries on a quartz watch to troubleshooting your movement, Watch & Wares has spent 30 years returning watches to their OEM specs.

We replace watch batteries while you wait or take advantage of the shopping & dining in Old Towne Orange. We take great care to ensure that your quartz watch is watertight and secure before returning it to you. Some watches use just one battery, while others may employ 2 to 4 in order to function properly. We stock the most widely-used watch batteries and don’t charge an arm and a leg for them. It’s important for us at Watch & Wares to acquire and retain customers in the long-term, so expect zero hassles and fast turnaround on your basic watch repair needs.

Watch Polishing & Watch Detailing Services

Watch & Wares knows what it feels like when you spend a small fortune on a timepiece. Over time (pun intended), the watch may develop some light surface scratches on the stainless steel or gold links. All watches may dull, but they can be brought back to its original luster with our watch polishing services.

We’ve seen watches with one or two deep scratches, either on the links or bezel, and others with your everyday desk-diving marks on them. Our Orange County watch repair will take the utmost care with each watch we’re trusted to clean and detail. Our turnaround time for watch cleaning and detailing services can vary depending on the number of scratches, so either call us or send us some photos of your watch using our handy submission form.

Watch Gasket Repair & Water / Moisture Testing

watch repairs

Watch gaskets are also referred to as Watch O-Rings. When you buy a new watch, these gaskets should be greased and provide an airtight seal that keeps moisture out. Over time and with daily wear, a watch’s gasket(s) may wear or dry out. Once a watch gasket dries out, they will need to be replaced.

We use only the finest watchmaker’s silicone sealant and OEM-grade watch gaskets. Throughout the last four decades and thousands of watch gasket replacements and repairs, we’ve become the go-to place for watch gasket replacement for watch fanatics who cherish their timepieces.

Watch Movement Cleaning and Full Watch Overhauls

Watch & Wares services everything from high-end timepieces to vintage clocks and antique pocket watches. Because  using aftermarket parts can affect the value of your watch, we use OEM watch parts whenever available. In the even that OEM watch parts are not available, we’ll contact you FIRST, in order to make sure you’re okay with using an aftermarket part.

We perform in-depth watch cleaning and full watch overhauls at Watch & Wares. If you feel your watch’s movement is making your watch run a bit slower or like it isn’t running like it used to, bring it in! Our Master Watchmaker will be able to look at your watch movement in-depth and determine if there are any issues or build-up that’s affecting the way your watch keeps time.

Our watchmaker has been repairing watches for over 40 years. Because of this, Watch & Wares has become synonymous with watch repair in Orange County. Have a question about what might be wrong with your watch? Give us a call and give us the symptoms. We’ll probably have you bring the watch in simply to ensure we’re diagnosing the problem correctly, but unlike other jewelers that offer watch repair in Orange County, we’ll get it right the first time!

Luxury Watch Repair & Vintage Watch Repair in Orange County

We will service most any watch at Watch & Wares. We’re at home with a Seiko just as much as with a Patek Philippe. We’re a family-run watch shop in Orange County, so expect exceptional service no matter what timepiece you bring in for service.

On the higher-end, Watch and Wares specializes in watch repair for vintage watches and fine luxury/contemporary watch brands including:

  • Rolex
  • Longines
  • Tag Heuer
  • Breitling
  • Omega
  • Panerai
  • Audemars Piguet
  • Bell & Ross
  • Hamilton
  • Patek Philippe
  • Ulysse Nardin
  • Jaeger Le-Coultre
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • Chanel
  • Cartier
  • Chopard
  • Franck Muller …and more!

Click Here to learn more about Watch & Wares’ Expert Watch Repair in Orange County and to contact us or submit a photo!

To learn more about what luxury watch brands we carry, service and repair, click here!