Warranty & Refund Policy
Warranty and Refund Policy for Our Second-hand and Vintage Watches
Thank you for your purchase of a vintage timepiece from us.
At MAINSPRING we collect watches not just for how they look or tick, but for what they represent.
We specialize in offering authentic watches with character and history.
Each piece is carefully sourced and personally inspected.
We do not- and will never- sell counterfeits!
Please read our specific policy carefully before purchasing, as the terms and conditions outlined below govern all sales.
Condition and Expectations of Vintage Watches
All watches sold by us are second-hand, and mostly vintage items.
They are not new. As such, you should expect minor signs of wear, patina, or imperfections consistent with their age. We endeavor to describe each watch accurately during the sales and provide detailed photographs online.
Perfection should not be expected. By purchasing from us, you accept the watch's vintage condition, its cosmetic appearance, and any wear marks detailed in the product description. The history and uniqueness of these watches are part of their charm.
Our Limited Warranty
Different then most of the second-hand watch sellers we provide a specific, limited warranty exclusively covering core functional components. In this way we ensure you buy a properly running authentic watch. :
- Coverage (3 Months from Date of Purchase): This warranty is strictly limited to the internal movement and the proper functioning of the battery (for quartz/battery-operated watches).
- Our Obligation: If the movement fails within the three-month warranty period due to a defect we missed, we will, at our sole discretion, first attempt to repair the movement or replace the watch with an identical model if available.
- If the battery dies within three months we will replace it with a new battery free of charge.
- Mechanical watches are never accurate. If the watch you purchased is a vintage mechanical watch, and if it runs slow or fast, we will adjust it's timekeeping or reserve time free of charge within three months.
- If the Problem Persists: If the same problem with the movement reoccurs after our repair attempt, then you may request a refund of the purchase price.
What is Explicitly NOT Covered by Warranty:
The following items and conditions are expressly excluded from this warranty:
- External Components: Damage to or failure of the watch case, crystal (glass), dial, hands, strap, bracelet, lugs, bezel, crown, and related winding/setting mechanisms and push buttons are not covered. These are external components subject to wear and user interaction.
- Water Resistance: Vintage watches often lose their original water resistance seals over time. All watches are sold as not water-resistant. Damage caused by exposure to moisture, humidity, sweat, or immersion in water is entirely at the owner’s risk and voids any claim.
- Accidental Damage/User Error: The warranty does not cover damage caused by physical shock, misuse, neglect, unauthorized repairs, or accidental damage.
Refund and Exchange Policy
We want you to be happy with your purchase, but our policies are strict due to the nature of second-hand and vintage goods.
- No Refunds for Change of Mind: We do not offer refunds if you simply change your mind or decide you do not like the watch, provided the watch is working correctly according to the description. Nevertheless, you can change it with anyother watch from the collection within the three months if your watch has no damage or at least at the condition on the date its sold. If thre is any defect, or clearly there is a difference in condition, it may be a matter of a mutual agreement.
- Refunds Only for Unfixable Movement Issues: A refund is only available if we fail to repair a warranted movement issue after our initial attempt.
- Exchange Option (Within 3 Months): Within three months of the original purchase date, you may trade in your purchased watch toward any other watch in our inventory. You will be responsible for paying the difference in price if the new watch is more expensive. This offer is valid only once per purchase.
Industry Compliance Disclaimer
The warranty terms described above are our own business policy for second-hand items.
This policy is compliant with our interpretation of standard industry practices for vintage sales and aligns with how most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) handle warranties on their own new products (which often have similar exclusions for water damage and external parts).
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this specific warranty and refund policy.