FAQs

Appraisals

What is the difference between Base, Standard, and Premium Appraisals?
  • Base: a concise yet precise evaluation, including 6–8 photos of the main components and a commentary on originality and period correctness. Delivered in a rigid A5 folder (about 2 pages). 
  • Standard: a more complete analysis with over 15 photos, also including an assessment of the general condition of the watch. Delivered as a softcover booklet, 13×13 cm, about 30–35 pages. 
  • Premium: the most comprehensive level, with detailed technical analysis, over 30 macro photos, comparison with the Digital Archive, and evaluation of mechanical functionality. Delivered as a high-quality hardcover volume, 30×30 cm, about 100 pages. 

As a general guideline: 

  • Base: watches up to €15,000 
  • Standard: €15,000 – €50,000 
  • Premium: over €50,000 

This is a guide, not a requirement: you are free to choose the type you prefer. 
That said, for particularly important or complex watches I may recommend — and if necessary require — a more in-depth appraisal (Standard or Premium). This is the most appropriate way to protect and enhance your watch: a significant piece deserves thorough documentation, with checks and analysis that can also impact its presentation and market value. 

  • Base: approx. 3 business days 
  • Standard: approx. 15 business days 
  • Premium: approx. 30 business days 

Yes, all appraisals have legal validity because they are drafted by a Court-registered Expert at the Chamber of Commerce of Modena.

In both printed and digital format (PDF), with different binding options depending on the chosen type. 
Shipping is free, and you will also receive all digital photographs by email.

Yes, every appraisal includes a professional photographic set: 

  • Base: 6–8 photos 
  • Standard: about 15 photos (including some macro shots) 
  • Premium: about 30 photos (including many macro shots) 

I use professional tools such as Loupe System 10x, UV lamp, Geiger counter, digital microscope, and chronocomparator.

No. I do not perform appraisals based on photos sent by third parties: watches must always be examined in person by me in my office. 
For large numbers of watches it is possible to arrange travel, with reimbursement of accommodation and meals. 
For practical reasons, I only travel if the total amount of appraisals exceeds €1,000 per day, plus travel expenses. This ensures that the trip is worthwhile and that the time invested benefits the client properly.

Yes. They are not only for private collectors, but also for professionals who require reliable and concrete documentation. 
My appraisals are requested by: 

  • Auction houses, to certify originality and period correctness of catalog watches; 
  • Dealers, to enhance and present their stock of vintage watches; 
  • Official retailers, looking to strengthen their pre-owned department with solid authenticity documentation; 
  • Insurance experts, lawyers, and notaries, who need a clear and truthful document for asset valuations, inheritance divisions, or legal disputes. 

My appraisals therefore provide seriousness, transparency, and added value in both collecting and professional contexts. 

  • Base: €200 + VAT 
  • Standard: €350 + VAT 
  • Premium: €600 + VAT 

Yes, appraisals are accepted by insurance companies to establish the value and authenticity of a collection.

Yes, appraisals are fully valid in legal and inheritance contexts.

If significant defects are found, the written document will not be issued. Problems will be explained orally to the client, and together we will decide how to proceed in case of possible legal disputes, with a personalized quote. 
For the inspection and oral opinion, a flat fee of €125 + VAT is required.

No, shipping costs are always borne by the client.

Yes, if you wish you can attend the analysis of your watch in my office and follow the different stages of the evaluation.

Only if requested by the client: it is possible to include a market-based valuation, or limit the appraisal to the technical analysis (originality, period correctness, and condition). 

Every appraisal is drafted and signed exclusively by Andrea Piccinini, Expert registered with the Chamber of Commerce of Modena.

My Collection

What is the “My Collection” book?

It is a personalized volume I create to tell and showcase a watch collection. Professional photography, detailed texts, and a carefully designed editorial project turn your collection into a unique book.

I personally handle everything: photography, texts, preface, and interview. Nothing is outsourced.

No. It is also suitable for professionals who want to create an elegant catalog with their best watches to share with clients.

There is no required number. The project includes 1 printed copy as a gift. 
It depends on your needs: in the past, one client requested 20 copies to share with a small group of collectors, another printed 100 copies to give away during an event. 
But you can also simply keep one copy for yourself.

No, there are no contracts with publishers or bookstores. However, if you wish to publish or distribute the book, we can discuss it: I can support you in this, with additional costs.

The starting price is €5,000 + VAT, based on a standard project like the one shown in the photographs: 

  • a collection of about 10 watches, 
  • 8 pages per watch with photos and texts, 
  • a personal interview, 
  • an introduction to the collection. 

For larger collections, we can reduce the number of pages per watch to keep the price in the same range. 

Usually about 3 months, starting from when the watches are available for photography and texts are defined.

No. The My Collection book is not an appraisal and does not assume any responsibility for the authenticity or correctness of the watches described. For this aspect, and for other important legal implications related to the My Collection book and its consequences, it is always advisable to refer to the legal notes included in each project.

It is preferable that the watches are photographed in my office. In this case, insured transport costs are covered by the client. 
I can also travel, with accommodation and expenses paid, and with an additional charge since I need to move all the photographic equipment.

Of course. You can see one in my office whenever you want. I can also send you a sample, which must be returned within a week, as it is used to show the project to clients.

Yes, you can take part in selecting the images and provide personal notes. I take care of the editorial design to ensure a consistent and professional result. 

Absolutely yes: they enrich the project and make the book unique. The more personalized the work, the higher the cost, as it requires more time and editorial effort.

20×25 cm, hardcover, high-quality paper. Each watch has about 8 dedicated pages with 9 photographs and personalized texts.

No, no digital copy is provided. The project includes only the printed version.

Yes, you don’t need dozens of watches: even a few important pieces deserve to be documented in a book.

I work with trusted specialized printers to guarantee the highest quality of print and materials.

Yes, once the project has been designed and finalized, you can request extra copies at any time.

Selection and Authenticity

How do you select the watches you sell?

I personally select high-quality vintage pieces, paying great attention to three fundamental aspects: originality, period-correctness, and overall condition. I want every watch to meet high standards, because my goal is to offer clients timepieces that make sense not only today, but also as valuable acquisitions for the future.

Yes. The women’s collection is curated by Carolina, who has been working with me for over two years. She makes the selections following her own aesthetic taste, while I supervise the technical details. Each women’s watch is covered by the same authenticity and mechanical warranty as the men’s watches.

I usually try to upload all available watches online, but not the entire stock is always visible. For commercial reasons, some references are not published. If you are looking for a specific model, feel free to contact me: I may already have it or be able to source it for you.

Every watch is backed by my expertise and professional experience and comes with written documentation certifying originality, period-correctness, and authenticity of the main components. Each certificate also includes a QR code linking to detailed photographs of the watch, giving you an extra layer of security for your purchase.

Warranty

What kind of warranty do you provide?

Each watch I sell is covered by: 

  • Lifetime warranty on authenticity and lawful provenance. 
  • 12-month warranty on correct mechanical functioning. 

The warranty is personal, non-transferable, and becomes void in the event of tampering or loss of the watch. 

It covers only functional defects that appear during normal use of the watch. Any misuse or negligence on the part of the client is not covered.

The warranty does not cover: 

  • cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, wear on straps, crystals, or clasps) 
  • damage from impacts, falls, fire, natural events, theft, or loss 
  • damage due to misuse or negligence 
  • normal wear and tear of the watch 
  • If a watch is certified waterproof (e.g., up to 10 ATM), water-resistance is covered for one year. 
  • If the watch is not certified waterproof, I do not assume any responsibility for damage caused by contact with water or other liquids. 

After one year, the responsibility for checking water-resistance lies with the client. 

If a mechanical defect covered by warranty occurs, the watch will be serviced at authorized centers, using original or compatible parts.

No. Any intervention carried out by non-authorized parties voids the warranty. In addition, damage caused by external repairs is not covered.

Shipping costs for warranty repairs are covered by me.

Purchase and Shipping

Can I see the watch in person before buying?

Yes, by appointment at my office. Whenever possible, I encourage clients to see the watch in person, as it is the best way to appreciate details such as patina, finishing, and overall condition.

Yes, under precise conditions: returns are possible within 3 working days (for online purchases only) if the watch does not match the description. It must be returned in the same condition, with original packaging, documents, and accessories.

Yes, normally shipping costs are included in the listed price. Only in rare cases, such as particularly complex destinations, may exceptions apply. In any case, I always use secure packaging and insured shipping.

Yes, worldwide, using insured and trackable couriers. Customs duties and taxes are the client’s responsibility.

In Italy, delivery usually takes 1–3 working days. For international shipments, timing depends on the courier and customs procedures. In all cases, I provide tracking information.

Contact me by email or phone with the model you are interested in. Once availability is confirmed, we define the terms together (payment, shipping, or in-person collection), and I arrange the delivery.

For online purchases I accept bank transfers, while in my office you can also pay by credit card. I do not accept PayPal, checks, installment payments, or Tax Free services.

Miscellaneous

Is the watch serviced before being sold?

Often yes, but not always. After evaluation with my watchmaker, if a service is not necessary I prefer not to perform it, since excessive disassembly of vintage watches may leave additional marks. If the watch has not been serviced recently, I always specify this, including the date of the last known service. 

Despite thorough checks, something may occasionally escape notice. In such cases, I address the issue immediately: depending on the situation, I can propose a repair, a refund, or a mutually agreed solution.

The photos on my website are already taken to highlight both the strengths and the flaws of each piece. If needed, I can provide additional images, but rest assured that what you see is exactly what you will receive.

It depends on the watch. Some have a fixed price due to rarity or condition, while for others negotiation is possible if there is genuine interest.

When available, I always indicate it clearly. If not, the watch is sold with my own documentation certifying authenticity and lawful provenance.

The watch is sold exactly as shown in the photographs, including the strap. If you wish for a different strap, I can suggest alternatives, though additional costs may apply.

If any cosmetic restoration has been carried out (on case, dial, bracelet, or bezel), I always disclose it in the description, so you have a complete and transparent overview before purchasing.

In some cases yes. I evaluate trade-ins on a case-by-case basis, provided they are watches consistent with my selection.

A new chapter for the GMT-Master 1675

The new book “Rolex GMT-Master 1675: The Gilt Era” is now available.
Click to view details, preview content, and purchase information.

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