Chain of examination
Process & standards
No report is signed by the examiner who wrote it alone. Every certificate carries a second reviewer's initials.
Intake and sealingItem logged, weighed, photographed and sealed in a numbered pouch. The submitter's identity is not shared with the bench.
Blind examinationThe examiner receives the item and the intake number only - no declared value, no purchase price, no expectations.
Instrument testingLoupe and microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, diamond screening, XRF for metal fineness, and timing on a calibrated machine for watches.
Market researchComparable sales pulled from auction records and dealer data for the stated value type and effective date.
Second reviewAn independent examiner re-checks the findings against the photographs and instrument logs before anything is written.
Report issueCertificate printed on security stock, sealed, and the record published to the public register.
Return and archiveItem returned insured in a tamper-evident holder. Images and instrument data retained for ten years.
Scale
Watch condition grading
Case, dial, movement and bracelet are graded separately. The overall grade is the lowest of the four, never an average.
UNWORNUnwornFactory condition, protective stickers intact, no wear under magnification.
MINTMintWorn but unmarked to the naked eye. Original finish intact, no refinishing.
EXCELLENTExcellentLight hairlines only. All lines and bevels crisp. No visible dial faults.
VERY GOODVery goodVisible wear consistent with regular use. Case may show one light polish.
GOODGoodDistinct wear, softened lugs or bevels, or minor dial blemishes.
FAIRFairHeavy wear, over-polishing, dial damage or non-original components affecting appearance.
Determination
Authenticity outcomes
| Outcome | What it means | Appears on certificate as |
|---|---|---|
| Authentic | All examined components are consistent with factory production for the stated reference and period. | AUTHENTIC |
| Authentic, non-original parts | The piece is genuine but carries service or aftermarket components, each listed by name. | AUTHENTIC / NOP |
| Inconclusive | Examination could not establish authenticity - usually a sealed case, missing serial, or an undocumented reference. | INCONCLUSIVE |
| Not authentic | One or more components are confirmed counterfeit. No valuation is issued. | NOT AUTHENTIC |
An inconclusive result carries no fee beyond the intake charge.