Home \ Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by 'unworn'?
If a watch is described as unworn we mean that the watch has been recently purchased new and subsequently purchased by us without having been worn. Unworn watches will have all protective stickers and seals (where such wear seals are utilised by the manufacturer) still present and the watch will also have the manufacturer's original warranty and paperwork present.
Can the bracelet be adjusted to fit my wrist?
Yes we can adjust bracelet size free of charge for customers buying a watch from us. Either come and collect the watch in person and have the watch fitted for you at the shop or supply us with your wrist measurement and we will endeavour to size the bracelet for you prior to dispatch. Obviously any links removed will be supplied with the watch!
Do we accept watches in part exchange?
Ancient and Modern Jewellers are always extremely keen to offer our customers the option of part-exchange and we are renowned for our fair valuations. If you have a watch to part-exchange please feel free to call/e-mail us with the full details and we will endeavour to get back to you with a part-exchange valuation within 24 hours. We are also ALWAYS KEEN TO BUY quality new and pre-owned watches from the general public so please call/e-mail us with full details.
Will I get more for my watch as a part-exchange?
No - unlike many jewellers we don't try to disguise what we are actually allowing you for your watch in part-exchange. As a rule we are happy to buy your watch as a straight purchase at the SAME price we would be willing to offer in part-exchange. We have this fair and transparent policy as all our internet offerings are priced extremely competitively with a low profit margin attached and consequently we don't have a huge margin in which to hide the true value of your watch.
What if the watch doesn't have the manufacturer's original paperwork?
New unworn watches should as a rule come supplied with paperwork as there is rarely a legitimate and legal reason for an unworn watch to come without paperwork (such watches are usually stolen/illegal non VAT paid imports from outside the EC). In the case of older pre-worn watches this situation does not necessarily apply - once the watch's original warranty has expired the paperwork only serves to show where and when the watch was originally purchased. The majority of our pre-owned watches, however, DO come with paperwork. All our watches are authenticated via verification of serial numbers and a comprehensive inspection of the case, the movement and the bracelet. We provide an insurance valuation in the purchaser's name for ALL watches that we supply without the manufacturer's original paperwork. This valuation acts as a certificate of authenticity, giving you complete peace of mind that the watch is 100% genuine.
Is it possible for you to hold a watch for me for a few days?
Yes Ancient and Modern Jewellers are always happy to take a watch off sale if a customer needs time to arrange full payment/arrange a visit to the shop to collect goods. This deposit is normally 20% of the value of the goods.
Why do Ancient and Modern not accept online payments for goods offered for sale on the web site?
Experience has shown us that off-line transactions are the safest way for both the retailer and customer to conduct business, especially when dealing with larger sums of money. By dealing with customers directly via telephone/via fax/in person none of your confidential details are held on computer systems thus avoiding any risk of fraud. We much prefer to deal with our customers directly - ideally through meeting them in person at the premises but also through speaking to them via telephone. In transacting business in this manner we are able to deliver a much more pleasant and professional buying experience.
What forms of payment do we accept?
Whether customers are buying online or in person at our shop we offer the following payment options:
CASH:
Any amounts over £10,000 will need to be supported by 2 forms of ID and an explanation of where funds came from (this is to comply with new money laundering laws). Payments in cash may also be deposited directly in our Barclays account.
BANK TRANSFER:
CHAPS, BACS
BANKERS DRAFT:
We will only accept if the draft is presented within business hours and authorised by your issuing bank.
CREDIT CARD:
We accept all major credit cards (excepting AMEX), although we also require additional proofs of ID* faxing to us in the case of cardholder not present transactions. All credit card payments will attract a 1.5% handling charge of the total balance.
DEBIT CARD:
We accept Debit cards, although we also require additional proofs of ID* faxing to us in the case of cardholder not present transactions . There is no extra handling charge for debit card transactions. This is our PREFERRED method of payment.
PERSONAL/BUSINESS CHEQUE:
Subject to 10 working days clearance after the cheque is cashed.
*The extra proofs of ID normally required comprise of:
1. A passport or driving licence
2. A household utility bill
3. A scan of both sides of the card used for payment
4. A signed letter of authorisation from the card holder
How will my goods be delivered and how long will it take for them to arrive?
For UK mainland deliveries ALL items are sent using Royal Mail's Special Delivery service. This service guarantees delivery before 1.00 pm the day after items are despatched. All items sent in this manner are FULLY INSURED UP TO THEIR FULL VALUE under Ancient and Modern's own insurance policy and we are one of the few online businesses able to offer this facility. Royal Mail's Special Delivery Service offers a tracking facility via www.royalmail.com and we aim to dispatch all items within 48 hours of payment clearing our bank account. All non UK deliveries within Europe will be sent fully insured via Royal Mail's trackable International Signed For service at a modest cost of only £30.
I live outside the EC - will it be possible for me to reclaim the VAT?
Most of our watch and jewellery is purchased under the VAT margin scheme. Unfortunately for customers not resident in the EC goods bought under this scheme are NOT eligible for VAT (we simply pay VAT on our profit margin). Some of our suppliers ARE able to supply brand new goods to us on a full VAT invoice so please don't hesitate to ask if this is a major consideration for you.
What are your hours of business?
Our shop is open from 9.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Saturday (on Thursdays we are open by appointment only) but customers are reminded that viewing/collection of items is strictly by prior appointment only as the majority of stock is kept offsite on security grounds. Our Sales Director Johnny Marr is contactable both during and outside these hours (within reason!) on his mobile (07791) 395590.