FAQFrequently asked questions

Yes. So that first-time buyers can choose with confidence, we clearly describe the condition, features and maintenance of each watch.

Even for the same model, vintage watches differ in dial colour, case texture and small scratches depending on their era and how they have been used.

At WithTime Japan, we do not hide these differences; we present them carefully as the character of each individual watch.

No expert knowledge is needed. If you have any questions about a watch or how to choose, please contact us before you buy.

Both have been owned before, but a vintage watch is valued for its era, design, history and features that are no longer made today.

Its appeal lies not simply in its age, but in the design of its time and the patina that only long years can create.

At WithTime Japan, we do not choose watches just because they are old. We carefully select pieces that are beautiful enough to wear today and that you will want to keep using for years.

Most of our watches are prepared so that they can be used in daily life.

However, vintage watches differ from modern ones in structure and performance, so please take care with strong impacts, water, magnetism and sudden changes in temperature.

Even models marked as water resistant may no longer have the water resistance they had when new.

We describe the features and cautions for each watch on its product page, and we are happy to explain in advance if you have any concerns.

Yes. We explain the basic use and points to note even to first-time owners of a mechanical watch.

Mechanical watches are either automatic, wound by the movement of your wrist, or hand-wound, wound by turning the crown.

Unlike battery-powered watches, they may stop if not worn for a while, but this is not a fault.

When we deliver your watch, we explain how to set the time and look after that particular watch.

Compared with quartz or radio-controlled watches, mechanical watches gain or lose a little time each day.

Accuracy also varies with era, movement and conditions of use, so we cannot guarantee the same accuracy as a modern watch.

At WithTime Japan, we check that each watch is fine for everyday use, and we show the acceptable range of accuracy for each watch on its product page.

Beyond precision, enjoying the feel of a machine keeping time and the individuality of each watch is part of the charm of vintage.

The size, design, dial colour and strap material all change how a watch looks when worn.

It becomes easier to choose if you think about when you will wear it: for work, at the weekend, or as a timeless classic.

If you tell us your budget, the style of clothes you like and the accessories you usually wear, we will suggest watches to match.

For one-of-a-kind items, we send the actual watch shown on the product page.

Even for the same model, each vintage watch differs in dial colour, scratches and signs of age.

That is why our product pages show photos of the actual watch you will receive.

We photograph our watches in natural light so that their true colour and texture come through.

However, colours may look slightly different depending on your monitor or smartphone settings and screen brightness.

If you would like to check the colour or condition in more detail, please contact us before you buy.

If needed, we can send photos taken from other angles or in different light.

Vintage watches may show small scratches and signs of age that reflect the years they have been worn.

At WithTime Japan, we do not hide these; we describe them as honestly as we can in photos and words.

We check whether a mark affects use or is simply part of the watch's character, and note it on the product page.

It depends on the watch.

Watches that have been used for many years may have had their hands, crown, crystal or strap replaced during past repairs or maintenance.

We note on the product page any replacement history and part condition that we are aware of.

Because these watches were made so long ago, please understand that we cannot always confirm the complete history of every part.

It depends on the item.

If a watch comes with its original box, warranty card, manual or spare links, we list them on the product page.

Accessories not listed are not included.

We are sorry, but we do not offer bracelet size adjustment.

Each product page shows the maximum wrist size as a guide, so please check it before choosing.

For watches where a strap change is possible, we will advise you after hearing your preferences.

We can also suggest a strap that suits the watch's design, case size and lug width.

The strap may not be original and there may be an additional charge, so please contact us for details.

Most vintage watches are one of a kind, so a watch in exactly the same condition may not come back.

We may, however, receive the same model or watches of a similar era and design.

If you tell us the brand, model and budget you are looking for, we will keep it in mind for future stock.

Whether we can hold a watch, and for how long, depends on the item.

If there is a watch you would like, please contact us with the product name or number.

Please note that another customer may buy it until your order has been confirmed.

Not only by brand or rarity: we choose designs that are beautiful to wear today, watches that can be prepared for worry-free use, and pieces you will grow fond of over time.

At WithTime Japan, we see a watch not as a collector's item, but as something that stays close to the time of the person who gives it and the person who wears it.

That is why we check every watch one by one, including its emotional value: would you be happy to receive it, and would you want to keep wearing it?

We check the watch's function, how much it gains or loses, winding, crown operation, the movement of the hands and date, and the condition of the case.

Where needed, we carry out internal inspection, adjustment, part replacement, overhaul, battery replacement and cleaning.

The maintenance carried out is described on the product page, as far as we can confirm it.

We do not overhaul every watch as a matter of course.

We check each watch's condition and carry out an overhaul or adjustment when we judge it necessary.

Watches with a recent maintenance history, or that are running without any issue, may be sold after inspection and an accuracy check only.

Please see each product page for the maintenance status of that watch.

An overhaul is the work of taking apart the movement inside the watch, then cleaning, inspecting, lubricating and adjusting its parts.

Worn parts are replaced if necessary, so that the watch runs steadily.

The work involved varies with the type and condition of the watch.

It depends on the item.

To preserve the watch's original shape and the patina that has built up over time, we avoid excessive polishing and clean or refinish the case only where needed.

Rather than removing every small scratch, we value keeping the watch's character while making it clean and pleasant to wear.

We check function and accuracy before sale, but a vintage mechanical watch cannot be guaranteed to match the accuracy of a modern quartz or radio-controlled watch.

The rate may change with the position the watch is kept in, temperature, magnetism and how fully it is wound.

We note the accuracy and characteristics of each watch on its product page, as far as we can confirm them.

Even watches that were water resistant when new may no longer perform as they once did.

As a rule, we recommend keeping vintage watches away from water.

Please take great care when washing your hands, in the rain, with sweat, during housework, in the bath or at the pool.

Where a watch has undergone a water resistance test, we note the details on its product page.

When we handle a watch, we check the case, dial, movement, engravings and their consistency with the watch's era.

However, vintage watches may have had parts replaced or repairs made in the past, so not every part is necessarily original.

We share any replacement parts or repair history we are aware of on the product page.

We check quartz watches are working and replace the battery where needed.

Please see the product page or the notes sent with your watch for when the battery was replaced and what was checked.

Batteries wear out, so when the next replacement is needed depends on how the watch is used after purchase.

In most cases, your watch arrives ready to wear.

A mechanical watch may need the time set or to be wound by hand.

We explain the basic handling of each watch, so even first-time owners can wear it with confidence.

Yes. Our watches make gifts to mark life's milestones, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, new jobs, promotions, retirement and coming of age.

Each vintage watch has its own character and history, which makes it a special gift that is hard to find anywhere else.

Yes.

We will make suggestions after hearing about the person's age, usual style, favourite colours, work, when they will wear the watch, and your budget.

You do not need to know about watches.

Just tell us what you can, such as “something understated”, “easy to wear for work” or “something to remember the day by”.

How a watch looks on the wrist depends not only on the case diameter, but also on the dial design, case thickness and strap width.

Even if you do not know the person's wrist size, we can advise you based on typical sizes.

Each product page shows the maximum wrist size as a guide.

We do not currently offer gift wrapping.

Each watch is protected during shipping with dedicated packing materials and delivered with care.

We do not currently offer message cards.

Yes. We can ship to an address different from yours.

When ordering, please enter the recipient's address as the delivery address.

When a gift is shipped directly, it is best not to include a delivery note or statement showing the price.

Details of the documents included and how statements are issued are shown on the order screen.

If a delivery date and time can be chosen, please specify them when you order.

Maintenance and payment confirmation may take some time, so we recommend ordering well ahead of your special day.

If you are in a hurry, please contact us before ordering.

We are sorry, but we do not offer size readjustment or strap changes after purchase.

Before ordering, please check the maximum wrist size shown on the product page.

If the size does not fit, whether a return is possible will be decided according to our return policy.

Yes.

We are happy to help recipients with setting the time, winding and everyday care.

We want you to feel at ease not only at the moment of purchase, but also once you start wearing the watch.

If there are items or accessories that can be sent together, we show them on the product page or gift page.

If you have a particular request, please contact us before ordering.

The available payment methods are shown on the checkout screen.

If we introduce credit card, bank transfer or other payment methods, we will explain their conditions and payment deadlines.

We may be able to if your order has not yet been prepared for shipping.

However, once work such as a strap change has started, we may not be able to accept changes.

If you would like to make a change, please contact us as soon as possible.

You may be able to cancel if your order has not yet been prepared for shipping.

If work based on an individual request, such as a strap change, has already started, we may not be able to accept a cancellation.

The formal cancellation conditions are set out in our cancellation policy.

How a receipt is issued depends on the payment method.

If you would like a receipt, please enter the name and purpose in the order notes when ordering.

A credit card statement or bank transfer slip may also serve as a receipt.

The email address may have been mistyped, the message may have gone to your spam folder, or your settings may be blocking it.

Please check your spam folder and make sure you can receive emails from WithTime Japan.

If it still does not arrive after a while, please contact us with your name, the order date and time, and the item ordered.

We may be able to change it before the item has been shipped.

After shipping, forwarding by the carrier may be needed and additional charges may apply.

If you need to change the address, please contact us as soon as possible.

We usually ship within a set number of business days after your order and payment are confirmed.

It may take longer if a strap change or final inspection is needed.

We will let you know the expected shipping date by email after you order.

You can choose a preferred date and time within what the carrier offers.

Depending on region, weather, traffic and busy periods, we may not be able to deliver exactly as requested.

If you need the watch by a particular day, such as an anniversary, please order well in advance.

Shipping costs may vary depending on the destination and your order.

Please check the shipping cost shown at checkout after entering your delivery address.

If we offer free shipping above a certain amount, the conditions will be stated on this site.

Once your order has shipped, we will send you the carrier name and tracking number.

You can check the delivery status with the carrier's tracking service.

Holding at a carrier's depot may be possible.

Availability and how to request it differ by carrier, so please contact us before ordering.

Available regions, shipping costs, customs duties, import taxes and delivery times vary by destination.

Where we ship overseas, we will explain the countries and conditions separately.

Customs duties and import charges are, as a rule, paid by the recipient.

We protect the watch and use dedicated packing materials so that it does not move or get scratched during shipping.

We use trackable shipping methods, with insurance where necessary.

If the box arrives damaged or badly deformed, please photograph it before opening and contact the carrier and WithTime Japan as soon as possible.

Watches covered by our warranty come with a set warranty period.

The period and coverage may vary depending on the type, era and condition of the watch.

Please see the product page and our warranty terms for details.

It generally covers natural faults inside the watch that occur under normal use.

Drops, impacts, water damage, magnetisation, incorrect operation, scratches on the case, and consumables such as straps and batteries may not be covered.

The formal coverage is stated in our warranty terms.

First, please check the type of watch.

A mechanical watch may have stopped because its mainspring ran down during shipping. In that case, it will start running once wound correctly.

If it is a quartz watch, or it does not run even after winding, please do not force it and contact us as soon as possible after it arrives.

Please check the watch's condition as soon as possible after it arrives.

If you receive a different item, if the watch was damaged in transit, or if there is a serious fault not mentioned in the description, please contact us within the set period.

After checking the watch's condition, we will offer a partial refund of repair costs, an exchange, a return or another solution.

As each watch is one of a kind, an exchange for the same item may not be possible.

Whether a return is possible is decided according to our return policy.

Conditions may apply, such as the watch being unused, a deadline for contacting us after delivery, and all accessories and tags being included.

Watches that have had their strap changed, or that were prepared for an individual request, may not be eligible for return.

We are sorry, but we do not offer size readjustment or strap changes after purchase.

Whether a return is possible will be decided according to the watch's condition and our return policy.

For returns due to our error, such as a faulty item, wrong delivery or damage in transit, we will handle them as set out in our policy.

For returns for personal reasons, you may be asked to pay the return shipping and payment fees.

Please see our return policy for the formal conditions.

Please do not return a watch without contacting us first.

After checking the watch's condition and the reason for return, we will tell you where and how to send it.

If a watch is returned by a method other than the one we specify, we may not be able to accept it or offer compensation.

Yes.

We are happy to help after purchase with how to use the watch, setting the time, winding and storage.

Please note that we do not offer repairs, overhauls, strap changes, size readjustment or battery replacement after purchase.

We value a relationship that lets you enjoy your watch for many years, not one that ends at delivery.

We are sorry, but we do not offer repairs or overhauls after purchase.

Please consult a watch repair shop near you.

It depends on how often it is worn and its condition.

For mechanical watches, an internal inspection or overhaul every few years is a common guide, but it is not the same for every watch.

If the watch starts gaining or losing a lot of time, runs unevenly or feels unusual when winding, please consult a watch repair shop early.

We are sorry, but we do not offer strap changes, bracelet size readjustment, or adding or removing links after purchase.

We are sorry, but we do not offer battery replacement after purchase.

We recommend asking a watch shop near you.

For a mechanical watch, check whether the mainspring has run down and wind it correctly.

For a quartz watch, the battery may have run out (please ask a watch shop to replace it).

If the watch has had a strong impact, got wet, makes an unusual noise or the crown will not move, please do not force it and contact us.

Wipe off the surface water with a soft cloth, do not operate the crown or buttons, and contact us as soon as possible.

If you see mist or water drops inside the dial, water may have got inside the watch.

The longer it is left, the more likely internal parts are to rust, so please do not keep wearing it.

Mechanical watches can be affected by everyday sources of magnetism such as smartphones, tablets, computers, speakers and magnetic bag clasps.

When magnetised, a watch may gain or lose a lot of time, or stop.

If you notice anything unusual, please consider having it inspected and demagnetised at a watch repair shop.

Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity, strong magnetism and dust.

Leather straps last longer if you wipe away sweat and moisture with a soft cloth before storing them.

Even if you do not wear a mechanical watch for a long time, we recommend running it now and then to check its condition.

We will make suggestions after hearing who will wear it, what it is for, your budget, the designs you like and when it will be worn.

You do not need to have a particular brand or model in mind.

Just tell us your purpose, such as “to wear to work every day”, “to give on an anniversary” or “as my first vintage watch”.

Yes.

Even if you have not decided to buy, please feel free to ask us about choosing a watch or anything about vintage watches.

We will not push you to buy; we are here to help you choose a watch you will want to wear for years.

If you would like to check a watch's condition in more detail, we will send additional photos where possible.

Please tell us the part or angle you would like to see, together with the product name or number.

You can contact us for advice by email or through the contact form on this site.

If we introduce online consultations or video calls, we will announce the times and how to use them separately.

If you tell us the brand, model, era, dial colour and budget, we will note your request.

Because vintage watches are limited in number and vary individually, we cannot promise when a watch will arrive or its condition.

If we set up a way to notify you when a matching watch arrives, we will explain how to sign up on this site.

Many people are drawn to designs no longer made today, the patina that comes only with time, and the individual character of each piece.

Being able to choose a watch that is yours alone, not one that everyone has, is part of the special value of vintage.

As a gift, it carries extra meaning: the time the watch has already lived joins the time the recipient is about to live.

Not watches that are merely beautiful, but watches that bring joy the moment they are received and gather memories each time they are worn.

To do this, we look beyond each watch's history and design, check that it is in a condition to be worn for years, and carry out the necessary maintenance.

We value choosing watches that do not end at the moment of purchase, but quietly stay with you through the time to come.