How an acquisition works in practice

Enquiry

Every acquisition begins with an enquiry rather than a checkout. You describe what you are looking for, receive a reference beginning AV-, and a person follows up directly.

• —No public inventory, and no online checkout.
• —Every enquiry is reviewed personally.

Sourcing

Where a watch is not immediately available, APEX VAULT approaches known owners, trusted trade contacts and private networks.

• —Nothing is advertised publicly on your behalf.
• —Availability turns on reference, condition, provenance and documentation.
• —You are given an honest view of how realistic a requirement is, rather than a fixed timescale.

Assessment

A watch is considered using the piece itself, the available documentation and specialist information. The precise process depends on the individual watch and the agreed transaction. APEX VAULT does not operate an automated valuation service.

• —Considered by a person, not scored by software.
• —No automated or instant valuation is offered.

Condition

Case, dial, bracelet and movement are described plainly, including previous polishing, replacement parts or servicing where these are known. Where something cannot be established, that is stated rather than glossed over.

Documentation

Box, papers, service records and supporting paperwork are reviewed where available, and what each does or does not evidence is explained.

• —A full set is not a guarantee on its own.
• —Its absence does not disqualify a watch.

Provenance

Ownership history is considered where it can reasonably be established. Assumptions are not presented as facts, and unknown history is described as unknown.

Independent inspection

For higher-value purchases, the watch may be examined by a suitably qualified independent watchmaker before completion.

• —Arranged where appropriate and agreed for that transaction; not a universal promise.
• —An inspection reports the condition observed on the day.
• —It is not a guarantee, an insurance product, or the manufacturer's own view.

Terms and who you contract with

Some watches are acquired directly by APEX VAULT, while others are sourced from, or sold on behalf of, third-party owners. The arrangement, the contracting parties, any fees and the relevant terms are explained before you commit.

• —APEX VAULT may act as principal, as a disclosed broker, or as an adviser.
• —Remuneration may come from one or both parties.
• —Who pays what is disclosed and agreed in writing beforehand.

Payment

Where appropriate and confirmed for the specific transaction, APEX VAULT can arrange an Escrow.com transaction so funds are held by the independent escrow provider and released in line with the agreed terms.

• —Bank transfer, or independent escrow where agreed. No physical cash.
• —APEX VAULT is not an escrow provider and does not hold buyer funds for third-party purchases.
• —No payment is ever requested through this website, and never by unsolicited message.
• —No payment is collected through this website. If you receive new or changed payment instructions, verify them with APEX VAULT using a contact number you already know before sending funds.

Delivery

Delivery arrangements are agreed for each acquisition. Insured delivery may be arranged where suitable cover is available and confirmed for the specific watch, value, route and carrier.

Warranty and service

Any warranty, guarantee or service commitment is identified in the applicable transaction terms. Manufacturer warranties, seller warranties and APEX VAULT commitments are separate and must not be treated as interchangeable.

Cancellation, returns and remedies

Cancellation, returns and remedies depend on the transaction type, contracting seller, method of purchase and applicable law. The relevant terms are provided before a purchase is completed. Nothing here limits rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Communication

You have a single point of contact throughout, and updates are given by your preferred method even when there is nothing new to report. Questions are welcome at any stage, before or after a purchase.