WatchesDec 14, 2023
Chrono24 Names McKinsey Exec as New CEOWatchesApr 09, 2024
Chrono24 Debuts Pre-Owned Watch Authentication Program
The program, now live in Europe, will roll out to the U.S. this summer.
Watch marketplace Chrono24 has introduced a new authentication program for pre-owned watches.
Karlsruhe, Germany—Watch marketplace Chrono24 has launched a new authentication program for pre-owned timepieces, dubbed “Certified.”
Currently live in Europe, the program’s U.S. rollout is scheduled for early summer.
Shoppers can now browse a selection of certified authentic pre-owned watches on its website.
These watches are marked with a green “C” icon, signifying that a watch has either already been certified or that it can be certified as an add-on option.
Each certified watch will be accompanied by a digital certificate of authenticity.
The program is available for pre-owned watches priced over €1,000 ($1,085) from professional and private sellers.
The certification process includes an authenticity check of the watch, as well as its box and papers, performed by a certified watchmaker.
There are two ways in which a watch on the platform can be certified.
The primary way a watch can be certified is by an “experienced, vetted, and regularly audited watchmaker,” said the company, who is located near a vetted dealer and contracted by Chrono24. This is done prior to the listing and at no charge to the purchaser.
The second option is that a watch sold by a private seller can be certified by a watchmaker in a certification center, before it arrives to the purchaser.
The optional service costs €199 ($216) and includes insured postage, with a two to five business day turnaround time.
Related stories will be right here …
Currently live in Europe, the program’s U.S. rollout is scheduled for early summer.
Shoppers can now browse a selection of certified authentic pre-owned watches on its website.
These watches are marked with a green “C” icon, signifying that a watch has either already been certified or that it can be certified as an add-on option.
Each certified watch will be accompanied by a digital certificate of authenticity.
The program is available for pre-owned watches priced over €1,000 ($1,085) from professional and private sellers.
The certification process includes an authenticity check of the watch, as well as its box and papers, performed by a certified watchmaker.
There are two ways in which a watch on the platform can be certified.
The primary way a watch can be certified is by an “experienced, vetted, and regularly audited watchmaker,” said the company, who is located near a vetted dealer and contracted by Chrono24. This is done prior to the listing and at no charge to the purchaser.
The second option is that a watch sold by a private seller can be certified by a watchmaker in a certification center, before it arrives to the purchaser.
The optional service costs €199 ($216) and includes insured postage, with a two to five business day turnaround time.
The watchmakers check the watch against a comprehensive checklist, said Chrono24, and follow a standardized authentication process.
The inspection includes a theft check, where the serial number is checked against stolen watch databases.
A functionality check makes sure the complications, winding, chronograph, etc. are working properly, which does require opening the case back.
An authenticity check verifies that the watch matches Chrono24’s definition of authenticity, explained in detail on its website.
Watchmakers also ensure the box and papers, if included, match the reference.
If these checks are passed, a certificate of authenticity is created, which includes details about the condition of the watch and any aftermarket parts.
If there is a difference between the listing and the watch itself, Chrono24 will inform the purchaser so they can decide whether or not to make the purchase.
Chrono24 notes that watch purchases on its website, regardless of “Certified” status, are protected through its existing “Buyer Protection” program.
Watch listings on the platform are checked by internal watch experts as part of its “Authentication Protection” commitment.
The payment is held in escrow until the shopper confirms they are happy with the purchase, within 14 days if bought from a professional seller or seven days if bought from a private individual.
Shoppers have 14 days to make a return and receive their money back should a watch arrive not as the seller described.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
