Bidding
How do maximum bids work?
You enter the most you're willing to pay. We bid on your behalf in increments, only as high as needed to keep you in front, and never above your maximum. Nobody — including the seller — can see it.
What happens if someone bids in the last seconds?
Any bid in the final 2 minutes extends the auction by 2 minutes. A lot only closes after 2 quiet minutes, so it can't be sniped.
Do I need a card on file to bid?
No. A verified email address is all it takes. Payment happens by bank transfer after the watch clears authentication.
Is a bid binding?
Yes. If you win and the reserve is met, you're committed to the purchase. Buyers who don't complete lose their account and forfeit the buyer's premium.
What is a reserve?
A secret minimum the seller will accept. If bidding ends below it the lot doesn't sell automatically — instead it opens for direct offers, and you can offer the seller a price.
Fees
What does the buyer pay?
A 5% buyer's premium on the hammer price, minimum $100 and capped at $5,000. It's paid to us by bank transfer alongside the purchase and isn't refundable once the sale is confirmed.
What does the seller pay?
$49, and only if the lot sells. No listing fee, no commission on the hammer price.
Who pays shipping?
The seller pays to send the watch to the authentication center; the buyer pays from the center onward. Both legs are insured for full value.
Authentication
Who authenticates the watch?
An independent third-party center — not us. They verify the case, movement, dial, hands, bracelet and clasp against the reference, check the stated condition, and note any service or aftermarket parts.
When do I see the report?
Before you pay. The report is attached to your order and you have time to ask questions before sending any money.
What if the watch fails?
The sale is void, your buyer's premium is refunded, and the seller pays return shipping. You're never out of pocket for a watch that wasn't as described.
How long does it take?
Usually one to three business days from the moment the center receives the watch.
Payment and delivery
How do I pay?
By ACH or wire. The hammer price goes directly to the seller; the buyer's premium goes to J&E Watch Auctions. Both sets of details appear on your order page once the report is in.
How long do I have to pay?
2 business days from receiving the authentication report. If you're paying by ACH, start it on day one — it takes one to three business days to land.
When does the watch ship?
As soon as the seller confirms your transfer arrived. It ships insured for full value, signature required.
Can I collect in person?
Ask on your order and we'll arrange it with the authentication center where possible.
Selling
How do I consign a watch?
Submit it with photos and an honest description. We review within a business day, and if it's a fit we schedule the sale and tell you when it opens.
Can I set a reserve?
Yes, and you can lower it while the auction is running — but never raise it. No-reserve lots attract more bidders and usually more money.
When do I get paid?
The buyer transfers you directly once the watch passes authentication. You confirm it landed and the watch is released to them.
What if it doesn't sell?
The lot opens for direct offers, so buyers can still come to you with a price to accept, counter or decline. You can also relist.