Within the European Union, the return rights for pre-owned watches vary based on the reason for return.
You have a 14-day cooling-off period for all online purchases — including used watches from professional sellers — allowing returns for any reason.
If the watch is damaged, defective, or not as advertised, EU law gives you a minimum one-year guarantee, sometimes extended to two years, to ask for a repair, replacement, or refund.
For physical store purchases, sellers are not legally obligated to accept returns for change-of-mind, but many do so voluntarily.
1. Change-of-mind (online purchases)
- Withdrawal right: Customers can cancel and return online orders within 14 days for any reason.
- Start date: This 14-day period begins the day after delivery.
- Seller rules: A seller may give you more time but cannot reduce the 14-day limit.
- In-store shopping: Returns are optional and depend on the retailer’s own policy.
2. Faulty or incorrect items
- Legal guarantee: Professional sellers must provide at least a 1-year conformity guarantee on used products.
- Your options: You can request a repair, exchange, price adjustment, or full refund.
- Seller’s choice: The seller can try to repair or replace before offering a refund.
- After six months: Proof that the defect existed at delivery might be required.
- Communication: Always contact the seller in writing to start the process.
3. Important notes
- Keep your purchase invoice as evidence of the transaction.
- Guarantees apply only to professional sellers, not private individuals.
- Always check the seller’s return terms for additional rules or longer periods.