- About Us
- Sales Policies
- Payment Options
- International Orders
- Shipping Within USA
- International Shipments
- Return Policies
- Sales Taxes
- Warranty Coverage
- Special Orders
- Trade-ins
- Secure Ordering
- Price Change Notice
- Electronic Communications
- Cookies & Data Collection Devices
- Privacy Policy
About Us
Essence of Time, Inc. is a retail company that specializes in acquiring, trading, and selling top-name, fine-quality, new and pre-owned timepieces manufactured by leading Swiss, British, and German manufacturers. Founded in 2001, our mission is to source and deliver high-quality timepieces at fair and often highly-competitive prices, and to offer responsive, personable, and highly knowledgeable customer service.
We select and price our watches based on current trends in the watch market, and strive to offer our customers a diversified selection of the most beautiful horological creations on the market today. Most of our watches are styles from recent and current productions, but occasionally we also offer unique, vintage timepieces. Our clientele ranges from novice collectors who are on the market for their first, entry-level, luxury timepiece, to established watch aficionados and connoisseurs with distinguished portfolios of fine watches. We take pride in our long-lasting relationships with our valuable customers.
Our new watches are guaranteed to be 100% original and authentic, with complete serial numbers and manufacturer’s markings fully visible and unaltered, and we ship these timepieces in their original manufacturer’s packaging. We acquire our watches through respected distributors, wholesale industry companies, and watch dealers, and because we purchase watches in quantities, we are able to receive favorable buying terms and discounts. We can then offer these timepieces at discounted prices.
We are able to sustain this retail model through our low overhead costs and operating expenses, our ability to buy merchandise in large quantities, and most importantly, because we are not a brand- authorized, official re-seller of the watch brands that we carry. What this means is that we are not bound by certain restrictions or agreements with watch manufacturers to sell these watches at full or close to full retail prices, so we are able to pass those savings on to our customers.
Our pre-owned timepieces are acquired via straight purchases or trade-ins from dealers or retail customers. These watches are carefully inspected for any movement malfunctions, visual defects, and many additional examinations and tests are conducted to ensure that these watches are in perfect operating condition. In most cases, we also polish or lightly buff any exposed surfaces to bring to these watches to a perfect visual appearance. The condition of each piece is accurately described on our website, including all mechanical and visual details. We are often able to acquire original boxes and documentation of our pre-owned watches during trade-ins or purchases, but please be advised that there are times when we are unable to provide original packaging and supporting materials. We take care to document the availability of packaging and documents in the description of each pre-owned watch we sell on our website.
Sales Policies
We sell our watches on a “First-come, first-served” basis. Due to our very competitive prices, general discounts, and periodic special offers, some watches tend to sell out quickly, so we encourage customers to keep this in mind when considering a purchase. We have several classifications that describe the availability of the watches featured on our website, and every watch we sell is listed as one of the following:
- Available – Indicates that the watch is available to purchase from our current inventory.
- Upon Request – Indicates that the watch is not part of our current inventory, but can be obtained per a customer’s request.
- On Hold – Indicates that we received a deposit for the piece, or that a purchase is pending approval, and we do not have any additional, available inventory on hand.
- Sold-Out – Indicates that all inventory of a particular watch has been sold, and is no longer available.
Our website is manually updated about 2-3 times a week, and we strive to keep the availability of all current inventory as accurate and up to date as possible. However, some products may sell out between inventory updates, and the current availability of any given watch may not always be accurately represented on our website. If a customer places an order for a watch that has sold out before we’ve had a chance to update its classification status, we will notify that customer as soon as possible, and offer some alternatives: a similar watch, the possibility of acquiring the model, or, we can also cancel an order in full. Please be advised that any quotations or information exchanged with us in the time leading up to a potential sale of a watch shall not result in a binding contract unless we issue specific, explicit confirmation of a sale and shipping confirmation regarding purchase of any given watch.
After an order is placed with us, we make every effort to process all orders promptly and accurately. We carefully check all information provided by a customer to ensure the authenticity of that customer’s identity, and then we vigorously carry out all verification policies and procedures associated with each of our “acceptable forms of payment” (see list below in Payment Options). Due to the high value of our merchandise, and the risky nature of online transactions, we reserve the right to reject any questionable or incomplete order placed with us, for any reason. We make every effort to communicate with our customers, and to do everything we can to verify all information needed to accurately and safely process a sales transaction. However, if we cannot verify all information, or have any reason to be skeptical of a customer’s identity or ability to authorize their chosen method of payment, we reserve the right to cancel a transaction. In these rare instances, we will then contact a customer via email detailing the reason for the cancellation.
Should we have any questions pertaining to the information provided to us for a purchase, we will promptly notify a customer via email or phone. Once a transaction has been verified and approved, all merchandise will be shipped immediately via one of our designated couriers.
Payment Options
Domestic (United States) Orders
We accept the following forms of payment from US customers:
- Money Orders (subject to a clearance period of 5 business days)
- Certified Checks (subject to a clearance period of 5 business days)
- Personal checks (subject to a clearance period of 7-10 business days)
- Bank-to-Bank Wire Transfers (Upon confirmation of receipt of funds, merchandise will be shipped on the same or next day.)
- PayPal (shipping to PayPal’s approved addresses only*)
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover (certain pre-qualifications and restrictions apply**)
** We have several restrictions when accepting credit card payments. For both the security of our customers and our merchandise, we prefer to ship our watches to the billing address of a credit card holder. However, if a customer needs to receive a watch at a different address, we require the customer to contact the issuing bank of the credit card to add on the alternate shipping address (if this address is not already included in the credit card file). This is a fairly simple procedure, and it will only take a few minutes to call the phone number indicated on the back of the credit card (usually it’s Toll-Free number), and provide the customer service representative with the alternate shipping address. Doing this will help us to process orders faster, and will ensure that any watches purchased will be delivered to the intended recipient.
Please note: in some cases we may ask our customers to provide us with some additional verification information by filling out, signing, and faxing back to us our FAX Authorization / Order Form, and we also may require copies of some form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. We screen all credit card transactions very carefully and take all possible precautions to prevent credit card fraud.
International Orders
Essence of Time, Inc. is proud to have a large international customer base, and we have extensive experience in shipping our watches to most of the geographic regions of the world. We value our international customers and try to make their shopping experience as smooth as possible.
We accept the following forms of payment from customers outside of the US:
- Direct bank-to-bank wire transfers (No additional fees will be incurred. Most international bank wire transfer transactions take 2-5 business days for the funds to reach our bank. Upon confirmation of receipt of funds, merchandise will be shipped on the same or next day.)
- PayPal (Shipping to PayPal’s approved address only)
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express*, and Discover (International credit card transactions are subject to extensive approval process. We have contracted a 3rd Party company that specializes in the verification of international credit card transactions, and this service is offered and billed at a premium of 3% of the total sales transaction. We may also request a legible copy of the credit card (front and back), along with copies of some form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
* We can only accept American Express as a form of payment if the customer is shipping to his/her billing address. American Express transactions may also require some additional, supporting information / documentation.
International Taxes and Surcharges
All sale prices generated for our international customers exclude any and all international custom duties, VAT, taxes, local surcharges, etc. Fees will be collected by local customs offices in countries outside of the US, or by any delivering courier that acts as a brokering agent on behalf of a customer’s local government. Since customs duties vary widely from country to country, we encourage our international customers to contact their local customs office or brokering agent for an estimate of what those fees might be before placing an order with us.
Shipping Methods
Within the United States
We ship our watches via insured, UPS Ground, Next Day, and 2nd Day Air delivery. All watches are fully insured against damage, loss, or theft during transit. Due to the high value of our timepieces, all orders are shipped with “Signature Required” upon delivery; only an adult aged 21 or older can sign for the package. This is a requirement of our 3rd Party insurance company, and we cannot make any exceptions.
Although shipping via UPS is our standard shipping method for US continental destinations, we can accommodate requests to ship via alternate carriers, such as FedEx and USPS. Shipments to PO Boxes, FPO, and APO destinations are handled through US Postal Priority Service.
Please note: all packages must be fully insured during transit, so everyone is covered in unlikely event of misuse or theft.
We ship our watches via insured, UPS Ground, Next Day, and 2nd Day Air delivery. All watches are fully insured against damage, loss, or theft during transit. Due to the high value of our timepieces, all orders are shipped with “Signature Required” upon delivery; only an adult aged 21 or older can sign for the package. This is a requirement of our 3rd Party insurance company, and we cannot make any exceptions.
Although shipping via UPS is our standard shipping method for US continental destinations, we can accommodate requests to ship via alternate carriers, such as FedEx and USPS. Shipments to PO Boxes, FPO, and APO destinations are handled through US Postal Priority Service.
Please note: all packages must be fully insured during transit, so everyone is covered in unlikely event of misuse or theft.
| Destination | Shipping Options | Price |
| Continental United States | UPS Ground | FREE |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | $23.00 | |
| UPS Next Day Air | $29.00 | |
| P.O. Boxes, APO, FPO | USPS Priority | $30.00 |
| Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii | UPS 2nd Day Air | $38.00 |
| UPS Next Day Air | $44.00 |
Additional Charges / Surcharges
There is a $15.00 surcharge for Saturday delivery service.
There is a $15.00 surcharge for all shipments to Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
International Shipments
We ship our international orders via insured, FedEx International Priority service. The watches are packaged with the greatest of care, and are secured and fully insured against loss, theft, or damage during transit. Shipping costs vary, and are based on the dimensions and weight of a package, its insured amount, and the shipping destination. We ask that our international customers contact us for shipping quotes to their respective countries. Shipping charges usually range between $47.00 to $120.00 based on above-mentioned criteria. In some cases, delivery changes may exceed advertised shipping expenses based on certain foreign destinations and regions.
| Destination | Shipping Method | Package Value | Price |
| Canada | FedEx International Priority | Under $5,000 | $47.00 |
| FedEx International Priority | $5,000 – $10,000 | $55.00 | |
| FedEx International Priority | Over $10,000 | $65.00 | |
| Other Countries* | FedEx International Priority | Under $5,000 | $70.00 |
| FedEx International Priority | $5,000 – $10,000 | $90.00 | |
| FedEx International Priority | $5,000 – $10,000 | $120.00 |
* Please note, that due to the delivery restrictions to some international destinations, we cannot utilize FedEx shipping service. In that case, we will use other shipping couriers to get purchased watch delivered to our international customers. The notification will be sent indicating alternate shipping courier / method before watch is shipped. Our international customers are encouraged to contact us with any questions pertaining shipping.
Although shipping via FedEx International Priority is our standard shipping method, we can accommodate requests to ship via alternate carriers, such as UPS and USPS service. Please note: all packages must be fully insured during transit, so everyone is covered in unlikely event of misuse or theft.
Additional Charges for International Shipments
All shipping quotes generated for our international customers exclude any and all international custom duties, VAT, taxes, local surcharges, etc. Fees will be collected by local customs offices in countries outside of the US, or by any delivering courier that acts as a brokering agent on behalf of a customer’s local government. Since customs duties vary widely from country to country, we encourage our international customers to contact their local customs office or brokering agent for an estimate of what those fees might be before placing an order with us.
Return Policies & Procedures
We offer a 14-Day Inspection / Return policy to ensure that our customers are happy with their timepieces. We recommend that our customers refrain from wearing any of our timepieces until they have fully inspected their purchases; even trying on a watch can cause some minor hairline scratches on the casing, so please use extreme caution while inspecting a watch. Watches being considered for return cannot be blemished in any way.
In order to return a watch, a customer first needs to request our permission and agreement to do so. Please contact us via email at [email protected], or via telephone at 1-847-386-6598 to request a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA #). Customers must contact and notify us of their intention to return a watch no later than 14 days from the date she/he has received a watch, and we require that all returns be shipped back to us no later than 3 days from the date of that notification. Therefore, in order to qualify for a refund or exchange, all watches must be received back to us no later than 17 days from the date the customer received a watch. If a customer needs to make any special shipping / return arrangements, he/she needs to communicate his/her intentions as soon as possible, so we could make necessary arrangements.
All watches must be returned in the same condition as they were received, including all boxes, papers, hand tags, and other accessories included with the watch, and the watch must be accompanied by an RMA number issued by us; any returns shipped to us without an RMA number will be refused.
It is imperative that any customer who wishes to return a “new” watch to us ensures that the watch is in the same new condition it was when she/he received it. If all of these criteria are met to our satisfaction, Essence of Time, Inc. will process a refund for the purchased value of a watch, minus all shipping costs.
Please note the following:
- Returns of purchases made by credit cards are subject to 5% re-stocking fee.
- Re-stocking fees are waived on exchanges.
- All refunds will be credited and processed to whatever form of payment a customer used to purchase the watch.
Sales of specially-ordered watches are considered final, and no returns will be accepted. For more information regarding special-order watches, please refer to our Special Orders sub-section towards the end of this page. If you have any additional questions regarding our Return Policy, please call us at 1-847-386-6598, or email us at [email protected].
Sales Taxes
We are located in the state of Illinois, and all shipments within the state of Illinois are subject to a 10.00 % sales tax. For shipments to states or countries outside of Illinois, no sales tax will be charged.
Warranty Coverage
Essence of Time, Inc. provides a Limited Warranty of 2 years from the date of purchase on brand new watches, and a 1-Year Warranty on pre-owned watches. Since we’re not affiliated with the watch manufacturers whose watches we carry, a watch manufacturer will not offer warranty service on any watch purchased from Essence of Time, Inc. All warranty repairs must be handled directly through Essence of Time, Inc., and any watches opened or repaired by any other source will automatically void all any warranties offered by us.
Our warranty covers:
- Any movement malfunctions, adjustments, and regulations
- The cost of movement parts and labor involved to make necessary repairs
- Battery replacement on quartz watches
Our warranty does not cover:
- Damages to a case caused by misuse, crystal, bracelet, strap, external design and functional elements
- Accidents caused by excessive wear and tear
- Scratches on the case and crystals
- Non-compliance with manufacturer’s specifications in operating the watch and its water- resistance limitations
Once the watch is received, we’ll examine and determine the problem, and notify a customer of any necessary repairs. We will also provide a customer with the estimate of the time frame to complete necessary repairs, as some repairs might take a prolonged period of time. Once the watch is serviced and ready to be shipped, we’ll notify the customer prior to shipment, and give an estimated time of arrival, since all packages must be signed for upon delivery.
Sometimes, we are able to obtain watches with a valid manufacturer’s warranty (in the form of a stamped warranty card issued by an authorized brand’s dealer) for a number of years specified by a manufacturer. In that case, the manufacturer’s warranty will override our own warranty, and a customer should be able to send a watch for repairs directly to a manufacturer for authorized service. Any watches that come with a manufacturer’s warranty will be featured on our website with special warranty information noted in the watch description.
Special Orders
If you are interested in obtaining a specific watch that you do not find listed on our website, we may be able to source it for you. Please send us a detailed description of the sought-after model, i.e., brand, model, reference number, case material, etc., and we'll try to procure this watch for you. We will respond to special order inquiries within 72 hours. If we are able to locate the desired watch, and a customer decides to proceed with purchasing it through us, we require a 30% deposit on the estimated total cost of a watch. Once that payment has been received and processed, we will procure the special-order piece from our vendors. The balance on the total cost of the watch, plus shipping, is due when we receive the watch from our vendor, and it’s ready to be shipped to a customer.
The delivery time on a special order might take between 2 and 8 weeks from the date the order was placed, depending on availability. In some instances, it might take longer due to certain challenges in obtaining rare and hard-to-get models. If a customer decides to forgo the transaction for any reason, the paid deposit will NOT be refunded. “Special Order” sales are considered final. No returns will be accepted, and no refunds will be given. To receive more information or any clarification regarding our Special Order policies, please call us at 1-847-386-6598, or send an email inquiry to: [email protected]
Trade-Ins
We are always on the outlook for quality new and pre-owned high-end timepieces from the recent and current productions. If you have a watch that you would like to sell or trade, please send us your inquiry to: [email protected]. We will respond to your inquiry within 1-2 days.
Secure Ordering
We use the latest encryption technology to keep all of our customers’ personal information safe. All ordering information, including names, addresses, and credit card numbers are encrypted using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol with 128-bit encryption (the highest commercially-available level of encryption supported by the current generation of existing web browsers). All of our customers’ personal information is processed on a secure server for maximum security. Any third party while in transition to our ordering system cannot read your credit card and billing information.
Price Change Notice
Most watch manufacturers change the retail values on their timepieces once, and sometimes twice a year. Their pricing depends on various market conditions, but especially the popularity of certain models, which can be a major factor in a manufacturer’s decision to increase the retail value of a timepiece. Due to this practice, our prices often reflect certain fluctuations in the high-end watch market, and are subject to change without prior notice. If a customer is uncertain of any advertised price on our website, or would like to receive any additional confirmation in regards to the price of a specific watch, he/she may contact us via email at: [email protected], or by phone at 1-847-386-6598 to make an inquiry.
Also, we periodically offer Special Sales and other promotional discounts. These items are marked as “Specially-priced” items on our website, with additional price reductions. We encourage our customers to take advantage of these sales opportunities since they last for a limited period of time, and these excellent deals are hard to beat. We also produce a Monthly Newsletter to keep customers informed about our special sales and promotions. Customers can subscribe to our newsletter by submitting their email address to: [email protected]
Electronic Communications
When a customer visits our website or communicates with us electronically by sending e-mails, they consent to receiving communications from us electronically. We will communicate to our customers by e-mail or by posting notices on our website. Customers agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications we provide electronically will satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.
In some instances, Essence of Time, Inc. may collect non-personal data through cookies, web logs, and other monitoring technologies. A cookie is an element of data that frequently contains an anonymous unique identifier. Such data is sent from the website to a customer’s browser, which may then store it for future use. Our website uses cookies to maintain information for shopping carts and to facilitate our customers’ shopping experience so that items will not need to be re-added to a shopping cart during the same browser session.
Privacy Policy
Our customers’ privacy is very important to us. We will not sell, trade, or share anyone’s name, credit card number, or any other private information with any third party, under any circumstances. We use private information for our verification and billing purposes only. Also, we may use a customer’s contact information when we are running any special offers or sending out our monthly newsletter. If anyone wishes to be excluded from our mailing list, please contact us at: [email protected], and your request will be fulfilled.
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