FAQ
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about Kellokonttori's services and operations, as well as to many other watch-related questions.
Buying a watch from Kellokonttori
Absolutely. Each Kellokonttori watch undergoes a thorough authenticity check before going on sale.
We have extensive experience with watches, and we also open them up and examine their mechanisms under a microscope.
Will I receive a certificate of authenticity for the watch?
Modern watches generally come with either the original paperwork, a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer or an authorized service center, or service records from the manufacturer or an authorized service center. All of these validate the watch’s authenticity. While we verify the authenticity of every watch, we do not issue certificates of authenticity ourselves.
Yes - we offer a completely secure online shopping service.
You’ll receive detailed photos and information, and if needed, you can also request a video.
The watch will be shipped with insurance, and you have the right to return it if the product does not match what was agreed upon. With online shopping, you can inspect the watch at home, but of course, you must not use it. If you wish to return the watch, it must be in the same condition as it was in at the time of delivery.
As a general rule, we do not reserve watches without a reservation fee agreed upon separately. However, if you plan to visit our office within the next couple of days, we can reserve a watch for you.
Yes. We ship watches worldwide through reliable shipping partners.
We accept bank transfers. You can also pay us with cryptocurrency. In this case, we’ll send you an invoice via Bitpay. Once Bitpay has made the bank transfer to us, you can pick up the watch. This process usually takes one to two business days after you pay Bitpay.
If the watch’s listing states, for example, “includes original paperwork and box” or “complete set,” the original paperwork and box are included. We always specify in the listing what comes with the watch.
The right to return applies only to online purchases. The product being returned must be unused.
Yes, all of the watches that we sell come with a 12-month warranty.
The warranty covers the movement and functionality under normal use.
If the watch has a manufacturer’s warranty, we will mention it separately in the product description.
Well, Kellokonttori, of course! It is Finland’s largest specialty store for pre-owned luxury watches.
The safest way to buy a pre-owned Rolex—or any luxury watch—is to deal only with a trustworthy and professional dealer. A knowledgeable and professional watch dealer will always verify the watch’s authenticity and condition. At Kellokonttori, watches undergo a thorough inspection of their authenticity and condition inspection before being put up for sale.
Kellokonttori is a Finnish company that specializes in luxury watches. We verify the authenticity and condition of every watch before selling it. We are the largest company in Finland specializing in pre-owned luxury watches, and we have been in business since 2012.
A trained eye can easily spot a counterfeit by looking at the details such as the placement of text, the watch’s finish, its weight, and other fine points. An exceptionally low price is also often a sign of a counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise questionable item. However, with the highest-quality replicas, everything may appear genuine at first glance and to the touch. The best replicas are indeed very convincing, so we recommend working with a trusted professional to avoid disappointment.
There is no ownership registry for watches, so tracing the history of older watches may be impossible. More important than the story is the watch’s condition and the accessories that come with it. The age of the watch can be determined using the original paperwork or the manufacturer’s records. If the watch comes with service records, that indicates how well it has been maintained. Often, however, these are not included because, even if the watch has been serviced, the service records were not placed back in the original box. For this reason, Kellokonttori inspects the condition of all watches before purchase.
It depends on the brand and model. For instance, the list price of a steel Rolex Daytona 126500LN is €17,100, but the market price of the watch exceeds €30,000. The advantage of that by paying the market price is that you get the watch right away and don’t have to wait years for the watch you want. However, in most cases, the market value of a pre-owned watch is below the list price. Therefore, by purchasing a pre-owned watch in good condition, you can save 20–60% (depending on the brand and model).
A certified pre-owned watch is usually one sold through the manufacturer’s own pre-owned watch program. In this case, the watch has been serviced and restored by the manufacturer to be as close to new as possible. Of course, this comes at a price. A watch in exactly the same condition on the regular pre-owned market is significantly less expensive than a CPO watch.
Demand for certain models exceeds supply, driving up prices on the secondary market.
Certain Rolex and Patek Philippe models, for example, are rare and limited in availability as new. In such cases, a pre-owned watch in good condition can cost more than a new one.
Buying from a private seller carries risks, and you could end up getting scammed. If you have any doubt about your own expertise or knowledge of the models, you should be very cautious and purchase the watch from a professional. Potential problems arising from private sales are often difficult to resolve.
Often, these models are from well-known manufacturers that have been in production for a long time. Occasionally, a new manufacturer may bringsomething completely new to the market. In this case, such watches can also develop their own following, making the model highly sought after. Typically, very few of these models are produced, so they are extremely limited in availability.
If a watch is sold as “serviced according to tradition” but does not come with service records, it should be considered unserviced. A professional service center always provides service records. However, sometimes the service records are lost even though the watch has been serviced. This can be seen during an inspection under a microscope. A thorough examination of the watch is necessary to determine whether it has been serviced or needs servicing.
A pre-owned watch is often a more financially sensible choice.
You get a high-quality, valuable watch without the depreciation associated with a new product. You can also trade in your own watch. On the secondary market, you can purchase watch models that authorized retailers don’t have in stock for years. However, these models often come with a premium, meaning the watch’s market value is higher than the list price. Of course, when you sell such a model, you’ll get more than the price list of the watch.
Selling Your Watch to Kellokonttori
It’s easy! Just fill out the “Sell Your Watch” form on our website and add a few photos along with basic information about the watch. You’ll receive a preliminary offer quickly, often within the same day.
Once you accept the offer, you can send the watch to us by mail or bring it directly to our store. Payment will be made as soon as the watch has been inspected and the sale has been confirmed.
Yes, the watch must be original for us to purchase it. This means that the parts used in the watch must be the manufacturer’s own; they cannot be aftermarket parts.
Generally, we do not buy modern watches without the manufacturer’s original documentation. Some manufacturers offer so-called “Extract from the Archives” documents, which validate the watch and are available in their database. Recent official service records also confirm the watch’s origin and guarantee that it has not been reported stolen. In these cases, we may purchase a watch that does not come with original documentation.
You’ll receive an offer for your watch as soon as its condition and authenticity have been verified. When you visit our store, typically this happens while you wait.
We always determine a watch’s value based on its model, condition, original documentation, and market conditions. We use our extensive in-house database, our experience, and real-time international price databases.
A popular model in good condition that comes with the original paperwork may fetch a relatively higher price than a less sought-after watch.
You can bring your watch to our Kaapelitehdas store at a pre-arranged time or you can send it to us following the instructions you receive from Kellokonttori.
Either option is fine. We will provide a price offer based on the information we gather about the watch’s condition. However, if the watch requires servicing or has other issues that significantly affect its value upon inspection, we may cancel the sale or adjust the price. Shipping the watch is the customer’s responsibility.
You’ll receive payment as soon as we’ve inspected the watch and confirmed the sale.
In most cases, payment is made on the same or the following business day.
If the sale takes place in-store, payment can be processed immediately.
If we cannot agree the a price, the transaction will not go through. If you send the watch by mail, we will return it to you. You are responsible for the shipping costs. In such a situation, you are strictly required to record a video of the entire process of opening the return package. The video must start with you showing all sides of the package on camera and continue uninterrupted until the watch is shown on camera. If this is not done, our insurance will not be valid, and you will be responsible for any loss of the watch. Kellokonttori records the packing process on video.
It depends on the specific situation, but generally, yes. In such cases, future maintenance and repair costs are factored into the buyback price.
You’ll get the best price if your watch is in good condition and has been serviced, if necessary. It should also come with the original boxes and paperwork. This is when you’ll get the best price. If the watch needs servicing, the cost of servicing will be deducted from the purchase or trade-in price. Missing boxes, strap links, etc., will also reduce the price.
Any time is a good time.
You can check the market price of a watch online using search engines or Chrono24.com, for example. Keep in mind that these are generally the asking prices set by professional watch dealers. Chrono24 charges dealers a 5–7% commission on the sale price. Dealers also pay value-added tax (VAT) on their profit margin, which is 25.5% in Finland. They must cover rent, marketing, insurance, staff salaries, and other taxes. Therefore , the asking price you see online is therefore quite different from what a dealer can actually pay you for the watch.
The most important factor is supply and demand. In addition to these. The most important additional factors are condition, original documentation, and service history.
Well-known models, such as the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Speedmaster, are particularly sought after.
A watch that has been regularly serviced and well-maintained retains its value best.
First, we determine the watch’s market value. Then, we review its condition, maintenance needs, and included accessories. We pay the highest prices for in-demand watches in top condition. In such cases, we can assume the watch will sell quickly. However, if the model is less commercially appealing and expected to take a long time to sell, these factors must be considered when determing the purchase price or trade-in value.
Yes, you’ll get a better price if the watch comes with the box and paperwork.
Yes, but in this case, you must have the appropriate documents regarding the distribution of the estate and/or permission from the estate to sell the watch. If you are selling on behalf of the estate, you must provide a power of attorney from the estate’s beneficiaries and the estate’s bank account number. As a general rule, we do not buy watches older thanthose from the 1980s.
Of course. If a watch’s market value remains the same, but the watch falls into poor condition, it will naturally be cheaper than the same model in top condition. For this reason, it’s also wise to have your watch serviced regularly, whether or not you wear it. Market prices can also fluctuate. Just as a watch can increase in value, it can also decrease.
Supply and demand determine value. In other words, the more sought-after the brand and model are, the better the watch will retain its value. With some brands, the price of a used watch may be 50% of the price of a new one, but in such cases, the secondhand watch holds its value extremely well.
Doing business with Kellokonttori is safe and transparent. However, since the internet is full of scammers, it's impossible to provide a comprehensive answer to this question. A general rule of thumb is to always thoroughly research your trading partner’s operations and background beforehand.
Packages delivered to your door or via express shipping are extremely secure. Not a single package has ever gone missing in our business's entire history, so the risk of a well-packaged watch getting lost is extremely low.
Trading in a watch
It’s simple: you can offer your own watch as part of the payment for a new one.
We’ll appraise your watch and calculate the difference. If your watch is worth more than the one you’re trading in, we can also pay you the difference.
You can complete the trade-in process in-store or online. It’s completely transparent and secure.
Yes.
Yes, you can trade in multiple watches.
Yes. For remote trade-ins, the watch must be shipped to Kellokonttori for a final valuation. If you visit the store, the valuation is done while you wait. If you prefer, you can also mail the watch following the provided instructions.
You will receive your new watch as soon as the transaction is complete and any balance due has been paid.
Shipping and Ordering
In the best case, as early as the next day. If payment is recieved before 2:00 p.m., the watch will generally be shipped the same day. Domestic deliveries are sent via Posti Express unless otherwise agreed upon with the customer. International deliveries are sent via UPS or DHL Express. Express packages are delivered within one to two business days.
Yes. All of our shipments are fully insured.
Of course. We’re open by appointment only.
Yes. All of the watches shown on our website are available to view and try on at our store. Please schedule an appointment in advance so we can ensure our sales staff are available to assist you.
Schedule an appointment by contacting Sami at +358 40 736 2001 or Juhis at +358 50 309 0031
We prioritize high-quality products and excellent customer service. For this reason, Kellokonttori is open by appointment only. This allows us to provide a peaceful and pleasant experience, where you can explore our watches at your own pace while enjoying a good cup of coffee or perhaps a glass of whiskey.
Schedule an appointment by contacting Sami at +358 40 736 2001 or Juhis at +358 50 309 0031
Authenticity and the Inspection Process
The best counterfeits are already extremely well-made on the surface, and their movements are clones. This means that the “beach Rolexes” we used to see are mostly a thing of the past. Identifying superfakes requires professional expertise and usually also involves opening the watch and examining the movement under a microscope.
If the watch is new or nearly new and was purchased from a Finnish retailer, it is not opened. In such cases, the customer selling the watch will have a receipt with the watch’s serial number. Opening the watch in these situations does not add any value. If the watch was purchased abroad and does not have a transparent case back, however, we will open it for inspection.
If our inspection raises any suspicions, we may inquire with the manufacturers’ service centers. We also have access to a few manufacturers' systems where we can view the watch’s details.
Since watches are counterfeited, their accompanying documents can also be forged. It can be difficult to identify forged documents if you don’t know what to look for. This also requires professional expertise and knowledge.
A certificate of authenticity can be either the manufacturer’s original certificate or a document issued by an authorized service center or retailer that certifies the watch’s authenticity. A service record indicates that the watch has been serviced and details that work performed.
If a watch is opened using the proper tools, no marks are left on the watch. When a watch is opened for inspection, a water resistance test is also performed to ensure that the watch remains watertight. If the watch has been serviced at an authorized service center, you can be sure that parts have been replaced. Watch movements typically require the replacement of certain parts subject to wear and tear to ensure they continue to function properly. The hands are often replaced as well, since they can be damaged during removal. Therefore, replacing parts is not a problem, but a necessary procedure—as long as the parts are genuine and compatible with the watch.
It’s difficult to assess the exact extent of the risk, but unfortunately, there are counterfeit and stolen watches on the market. Generally, stolen watches lack original paperwork, and Kellokonttori does not purchase relatively new watches without it. Older watches may no longer have documentation. For example, new watches were sold without original documentation in the 1960s and 1970s. In such cases, customers received only a receipt from the retailer and the retailer’s own warranty certificate. A good rule of thumb is that a watch less than 10 years old without original documentation is not worth buying.
The original papers, or the manufacturer’s archival documents/certificate of authenticity, are important. If the watch is a collector's model, it can be nearly impossible to sell it without the papers or manufacturer's documentation. While the absence of the watch box is not as critical, it can slow down the sale and lower the price.
Unfortunately, not all retailers are willing to commit to responsible and transparent business practices. In these cases, the seller may not have inspected the watch’s condition, or they may know that the watch needs maintenance or repairs. Another possibility is that the customer demands a large discount. If a customer wants to buy a watch as cheaply as possible, a seller may have no margin to cover potential maintenance or repair costs that could arise during the warranty period.
If you’re buying a watch from a private seller, it’s a good idea to take it to the brand’s official service center for an authenticity check. However, watches sold at Kellokonttori have already been inspected, so there’s no need to worry about authenticity.
Yes. But keep in mind that a watch’s current water resistance doesn’t guarantee that it will still be watertight a year from now. Any bumps or general wear and tear can compromise its water resistance. We therefore always recommend having the water resistance of your watch checked before vacation trips where swimming is on the agenda.
Information about Kellokonttori and our services
Kellokonttori is located in Helsinki at Kaapelitehdas on the third floor of Tallberginkatu 1C. You can find detailed directions from the Contact page.
We’re open by appointment only, usually from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mon-Fri.
Kellokonttori began its professional operations in the fall of 2013. We’ve been watch enthusiasts since the mid-1990s.
You can read more about our history from the About us page.
We typically buy and sell Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Panerai, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Hublot.
We’re very selective about the types of watches we sell. Each watch is inspected and, if necessary, serviced. Additionally, we have an excellent understanding of improperly polished, and we don’t buy such watches at all. So you can rest assured that you’ll receive a quality piece from us at a reasonable price.
We do not perform appraisals for third-party transactions.
It means that the watch has been properly inspected and is authentic.
Our watch inspection process is top-notch, and we have watchmakers on staff. We conduct on-site inspections and have extensive contacts with manufacturers’ service centers and factories. This gives us access to information that other pre-owned watch dealers may not have. Our expertise is built on passion and decades of experience. In addition to quality and professionalism, Kellokonttori offers the largest selection of pre-owned luxury watches in Finland.
Yes, they are. Kellokonttori is a commercial name, and Scandal Sandal Oy is our private limited company (Ltd). Helsinki Watch Company is Kellokonttori’s name in English.
Because Kellokonttori is a commercial name of the company Scandal Sandal Oy.