Global Timepiece Standard | Watch Authentication & Grading

THE GTS DIFFERENCE

Our 10-Step Authentication & Grading Process

A GTS certificate means a Swiss-trained watchmaker has authenticated, graded, and signed off on every detail of your watch – across a rigorous 10-step process that doesn’t cut corners.

Our Grading Definitions

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Database check

The serial number is checked against The Watch Register’s international database of lost and stolen watches.

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Case and bezel inspection

The case and bezel are inspected for authenticity, condition and signs of polishing, with every reference assessed against known authentic examples.

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Bracelet, screws and hallmarks

The bracelet, screws, codes and hallmarks are checked for authenticity, condition and consistency with the watch’s model, reference and period.

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Dial and hands inspection

The dial and hands are examined for authenticity and signs of third-party work, including refinishing, reluming or other alterations.

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Stone and metal testing

Factory-set stones are tested and inspected for hardness, cut and clarity to ensure they are consistent with authentic examples. Precious-metal watches are checked for the correct weight and composition. Where necessary, the metal is tested for purity.

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Movement and function testing

The movement and every function are tested, including pushers and correctors. Any mechanical issue found is documented in the report.

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Timing inspection

Every watch is tested across five positions to industry standards.

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Water-resistance testing

Where applicable, the watch is tested using the Witschi ProofMaster to verify its water resistance to the manufacturer’s specified depth.

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Box and accessories inspection

The box and accompanying accessories are checked for authenticity, originality and consistency with the watch’s reference and period.

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Paper inspection

The papers are verified against internal reference records, including the serial number, full reference and corresponding watch details.

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Our Authentication Team

The Swiss-trained experts
behind every certificate.

Our Solutions

Peter Elliot Glomb

Watchmaker and Professional Services Lead

With a WOSTEP 3000 certification, Rolex accreditation, and experience as head of Bucherer watch service in Düsseldorf, Peter brings world-class expertise to every repair and restoration.

With a prestigious WOSTEP 3000 certification from the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program, Peter has had extensive training in the art of watchmaking. Combined with his wealth of experience from apprenticeships in Germany, Peter has become a true master in his craft. Holding a coveted Rolex certification and having served as the head of Bucherer watch service in Düsseldorf, Peter's expertise shines through in every service, repair, and restoration he performs.

San Lam

Watchmaker

WOSTEP 3000 certified and trained in movement servicing, fabrication, and vintage restoration, San brings rigorous technical expertise to every watch that comes through Wristcheck’s doors.

San holds a WOSTEP 3000 certification from the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program in Neuchâtel, earned through the Albert Hausammann Hong Kong Trust Sponsorship. His repertoire spans movement servicing, component fabrication, and traditional restoration techniques used to bring vintage pieces back to original spec. He began his career with MGI, before going on to WOSTEP. At Wristcheck, San puts that expertise to work on every watch that comes through our doors.

Connor Shah

Watch Authenticator

With 8 years of authentication experience and a personal obsession with vintage watches, Connor leads Wristcheck’s New York authentication process — ensuring every watch is 100% genuine.

Connor brings over eight years of professional authentication experience to Wristcheck. He’s professionally inspected and verified thousands of timepieces – both modern and vintage – spanning the full range of brands collectors know and love. A passionate collector himself, with a near-obsessive attention to detail, Connor gravitates toward the unusual, with a growing collection of unique vintage watches to match. At Wristcheck, he leads our authentication process in New York, making sure every watch that passes through our hands is 100% genuine – and ready for yours.

Jack Cheong

Watch Authenticator

From luxury retail to the Macau Timepiece Museum, Jack has spent over a decade authenticating watches — including formal advisory work for Macau’s courts, judicial police, and customs authorities.

Jack’s path into watchmaking began in 2013, in luxury retail with stints at DFS, Piaget, and Audemars Piguet. In 2018 he joined the Macau Timepiece Museum, where his work centered on the repair and authentication of antique and modern timepieces. Before joining Wristcheck, Jack served as Vice Supervisor of the Macau Watch and Clock Association - a community of collectors, auction houses, and watch professionals across Greater China - and in that role assisted Macau’s courts, prosecutors, judicial police, and customs authorities on watch authentication matters.

TESTIMONIALS

Trusted by the people who know watches best.

They provided me a 4-page comprehensive watch condition report and authenticated it… They DO answer the gap in this industry of knowing your watch condition and authenticating it PRIOR to buying. This is CRITICAL!

They offer a 10-point report that rates the watch on an objective, quantitative scale. Given how many A-grade fakes that exists on the market, this service is invaluable.

A truly differentiated company with expertise in the form of a watchmaker / authenticator (Peter) available to speak with customers and pass on his vast horological knowledge. Peace of mind to customers through condition reports and watch grading service.

I have purchased seven watches from Wristcheck, including two Patek Philippes, one A. Lange & Söhne and one Rolex. Their authentication is excellent on anything pre-owned and condition reports are accurate.

The exceptionally detailed and transparent condition report… to head watchmaker Peter Glomb taking time to explain what was done… clearly set the gold standard in my buying experience.

When I picked up the watch, it was in pristine condition, exactly as described. Wristcheck’s authentication process and attention to detail gave me complete peace of mind.

The condition of the watch was exactly as described. The team takes meticulous care to document the condition of every watch. Best in the world, IMO.

They provided a downloadable condition report, which was a huge plus. With all the detailed information available, I felt confident enough to submit an offer. I felt completely at ease making such a significant purchase online.

The sealed container and packaging were a great touch, you feel the focus on protection, authenticity, and trust. Everything arrived exactly as described.

Watch purchase was seamless. Item description and report was comprehensive and clear. Summer was our Client Concierge and was a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommended.

Peter really helped authenticate the watch and provide a service I have never seen before.

FAQ

Your Guide to GTS.

What exactly does a GTS certificate cover?

GTS assesses a watch’s authenticity, originality, condition and function, including its case, dial, hands, movement and other components. We also check for replacement or aftermarket parts, polishing, refinishing and other alterations, review accompanying papers and documentation, and cross-check the watch’s serial number against The Watch Register for lost or stolen records.

How is GTS different from a basic authenticity check?

GTS goes far beyond simply answering whether a watch is genuine. We assess what is original, what may have been changed or restored, its cosmetic condition and how it is functioning at the time of inspection, then document the findings in a comprehensive certification report.

What happens if the watch doesn’t pass inspection?

For a private purchase using GTS Escrow, the seller is not paid and the purchase price is refunded to the buyer. The GTS inspection fee, shipping, insurance, customs, taxes and other transaction costs are not refunded.

What happens if my watch is counterfeit, altered or stolen?

GTS may refuse certification for counterfeit, materially altered, stolen or otherwise ineligible watches. Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, suspected counterfeit or stolen watches may also be retained or referred to the appropriate authorities.

Does GTS certification come with a guarantee?

GTS provides a limited Authenticity and Grade Guarantee for eligible watches while they remain in their original, intact, factory-sealed GTS case. Opening, unsealing or otherwise compromising the case permanently ends that guarantee.

How much does GTS cost?

Pricing depends on the service you need and the specific details of your watch. Enquire now to speak with our team and receive a quote.

Does GTS guarantee how the watch will perform in the future?

No. Timing, functional condition, power reserve and water-resistance observations reflect the watch at the time of inspection. They are not warranties of future performance or suitability for water exposure.

The global authority for watch authentication
and grading

With GTS,
your watch is:

Our 10-Step Authentication & Grading Process

The Swiss-trained experts
behind every certificate.

GTS-Certified Solutions

$2,000 Flat Fee

3% Fee

Trusted by the people who know watches best.

Your Guide to GTS.

The global authority for watch authentication and grading

With GTS, your watch is:

Our 10-Step Authentication & Grading Process

The Swiss-trained expertsbehind every certificate.

GTS-Certified Solutions

$2,000 Flat Fee

3% Fee

Trusted by the people who know watches best.

Your Guide to GTS.

The global authority for watch authentication
and grading

With GTS,
your watch is:

The Swiss-trained experts
behind every certificate.