FAQ’S – Vintage Patek

Quietly Extraordinary. Unequivocally Authentic. Respectfully Serviced.

WRISTORIAN’s Vintage Patek Collection is our study in quiet excellence—where authenticity, condition, and provenance decide inclusion.

Every watch is examined against archival references and period-correct details, then presented with measured clarity. The aim is simple: honor the past, equip the present, and secure the future of an exceptional collection.

Acquisition and Payment

Are prices fixed or negotiable?

Rather than inflating our prices in anticipation of negotiation, we conduct exhaustive market research and comparative analysis to establish valuations that are firm, fair, and defensible. Each valuation reflects the rarity, condition, and provenance of the timepiece, grounded in evidence rather than salesmanship.

How may I acquire a vintage Patek Philippe through your collection?

Acquisitions may be completed directly through our website or arranged privately with our concierge for bespoke transactions.

Can a timepiece be viewed in person, or are acquisitions conducted exclusively online?

Acquisitions are conducted exclusively through our digital platform. We do not offer in-person viewings.

Can I reserve or place a deposit to secure a timepiece?

Yes. A non-refundable deposit may secure a timepiece for a limited period, typically forty-eight hours, pending final payment.

How are payments processed and handled securely?

Payments are processed through encrypted systems that meet the highest institutional security standards. Transactions exceeding $2,500 require bank-wire transfer.

What occurs after a purchase has been completed?

Each timepiece undergoes final inspection, photographic verification, and insured preparation before dispatch, with tracking provided upon shipment.

Warranty and Returns

What warranty accompanies each timepiece, and what does it cover?

Each timepiece is delivered with a one-year WRISTORIAN mechanical warranty covering proper function under normal use. Coverage includes movement performance and internal mechanical integrity. Straps, crystals, crowns, and other wearable components are excluded, as are cosmetic wear, water exposure, accidental damage, or unauthorized modification. The warranty is transferable if the timepiece remains unaltered.

What should I do if a timepiece develops an issue after acquisition?

If the timepiece is under warranty, we will provide instructions for insured return and technical evaluation by our authorized specialists. If the warranty period has elapsed, we can still assist in coordinating evaluation and service through trusted partners. Please contact concierge@wristorian.com for assistance before shipping the timepiece.

Are returns or exchanges permitted, and what is the timeframe?

Yes. Returns are accepted within three days of delivery when the timepiece remains unworn, unaltered, and accompanied by all original materials. Exchanges are accommodated when availability permits.

Who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and risk during service or return transit?

The client assumes responsibility and must insure the timepiece for full value until receipt is confirmed by our team. All approved service and return shipments are fully insured in transit.

How are refunds and international returns handled?

Refunds are issued within five business days of approved inspection, using the original payment method. International clients receive assistance with customs documentation and insured logistics to ensure smooth processing.

Sales Tax, Duties, and Customs

Is sales tax applied to acquisitions, and how is the correct amount determined?

Unless otherwise exempt, domestic sales tax is applied when required by law and calculated according to the delivery destination within the United States. The rate is determined by state and local tax jurisdictions and applied automatically at checkout.

Are import duties or customs fees assessed on international deliveries, and how are they managed?

International shipments may incur import duties, value-added tax (VAT), or other customs fees imposed by the receiving country. WRISTORIAN prepares all documentation accurately and declares each timepiece at its full insured value to ensure lawful, efficient clearance.

What documentation accompanies each shipment for customs clearance?

Each shipment includes a detailed commercial invoice, authenticity declaration, and insurance confirmation to facilitate customs review and entry.

Can you declare a reduced value to minimize customs duties?

No. All shipments are declared at their full insured value in strict accordance with international law and insurance requirements.

Shipping and Insurance

How are timepieces prepared, packaged, and dispatched, and how long does this process take?

Each timepiece undergoes a final inspection, photographic documentation, and secure packaging before dispatch. Preparation typically requires one to two business days following payment confirmation. Shipments are dispatched via overnight service whenever possible, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Are shipments fully insured, and what occurs if a parcel is lost or damaged in transit?

Yes. All shipments, domestic and international, are fully insured until signed for by the recipient. In the rare event of loss or damage, a full insurance claim is initiated, and the client is refunded or otherwise made whole.

Which carriers manage transport and how are international deliveries and export regulations handled?

We partner exclusively with carriers experienced in high-value logistics, including Malca-Amit, and FedEx Priority. All shipments comply with export, customs, and exotic-material regulations.

May delivery be made to a bonded facility, authorized representative, or arranged in person?

Yes. Delivery may be directed to bonded facilities, vaults, or authorized representatives with written approval. Private, in-person delivery or collection may be arranged by appointment.

How can I monitor the progress of my shipment?

A secure tracking link is provided once dispatch occurs, allowing clients to follow each stage of transit.

Is shipping included in the acquisition price or billed separately?

Domestic shipping is included. International delivery may incur additional insurance transport costs, calculated at the time of purchase.

Selling, Consigning, Trading and Appraising

Do you purchase timepieces outright, and how are they evaluated and paid for?

Yes. WRISTORIAN acquires select vintage Patek Philippe timepieces that meet our standards for condition, originality, and provenance. Each is evaluated through detailed inspection and market analysis. Accepted acquisitions are paid promptly and confidentially once authentication is complete.

Do you offer consignment, and how does the process work?

Yes. Consignment allows clients to retain ownership while benefiting from our global presentation and scholarly positioning. Once a timepiece is inspected and accepted, it is photographed, documented, and offered to our collector network. Commissions are established in advance and deducted upon sale.

May I trade toward a rarer or higher-value reference?

Yes. We accept trades toward more expensive acquisitions when the timepiece offered meets our authenticity and condition criteria. Trade values are applied directly to the new acquisition balance.

Do you provide written appraisals or valuation letters, and who conducts them?

Yes. Formal appraisal letters are prepared by our specialists using archival research and current market comparables. These documents are suitable for insurance, estate, or collection management purposes and are available for a fee.

Curation and Sourcing

Why does WRISTORIAN focus exclusively on Patek Philippe, and how does your approach differ from a traditional dealer?

WRISTORIAN is devoted exclusively to Patek Philippe because its legacy represents the highest union of artistry, engineering, and heritage in Swiss horology. Expertise demands concentration; no one can credibly master every marque. As curators of vintage Patek Philippe, we study, authenticate, and present each acquisition with historical context rather than commercial urgency.

What do “Quietly Extraordinary” and “Respectfully Serviced” mean in practice?

“Quietly Extraordinary” reflects our belief that true excellence lies in restraint, proportion, and absolute attention to detail. It is the quiet confidence of a timepiece—and a collector—that needs no introduction. “Respectfully Serviced” defines our commitment to preserving originality while ensuring mechanical reliability—each timepiece is serviced with deliberate care and limited scope to safeguard its authenticity and function.

How do you source and select timepieces, and what principles guide your acquisitions?

Timepieces are acquired through private collections, estates, auctions, and select marketplace opportunities where authenticity and return privileges are assured. Every acquisition is evaluated for originality, condition, and provenance, with acceptance limited to pieces meeting our strict criteria. Ethical standards and historical significance guide every decision.

How do you grade the condition of each timepiece?

Condition is graded conservatively according to originality, preservation, and mechanical performance. Each timepiece is categorized as As-New, Honest Vintage Wear, or Ineligible for Collection, reflecting its authenticity and suitability for inclusion.

How do you fulfill specific requests and announce new acquisitions?

We accommodate client requests for specific references through our global network of collectors, scholars, and trusted partners. New acquisitions are announced through WRISTORIAN dispatches, Library updates, and postings to our website as they become available.

How can collectors, curators, or institutions collaborate with you?

We welcome collaboration with collectors, museums, and scholars who share our respect for authenticity and documentation. Partnerships may include research, exhibition loans, or archival consulting.

Are you affiliated with Patek Philippe SA?

No. WRISTORIAN maintains no formal affiliation or authorization from Patek Philippe SA or its subsidiaries. Our work is entirely independent, guided by scholarship and respect for the brand’s enduring legacy.

Wear, Care, and Service

Can a vintage timepiece be worn daily, and what care practices preserve its condition?

Yes. Many vintage Patek Philippe timepieces can be worn regularly when handled thoughtfully. Avoid moisture, magnets, and vibration, and remove the timepiece during vigorous activity. Gentle use and periodic servicing ensure mechanical longevity.

How should I wind or set my timepiece to ensure safe operation?

Wind slowly and evenly at the same time each day, stopping when gentle resistance is felt. Always advance the hands forward—particularly on timepieces with a calendar function—to maintain proper gear alignment and prevent strain on the date mechanism.

How frequently should a vintage timepiece be serviced, and is each serviced before acquisition?

Each timepiece offered by WRISTORIAN is inspected, adjusted, and serviced before acquisition. We recommend subsequent servicing every four to six years, depending on wear and environmental conditions.

How are service logistics managed for clients within and outside the United States?

Domestic clients receive insured, pre-coordinated shipping for service requests. International clients are assisted with bonded carriers and customs documentation to ensure secure, compliant transit.

What if I prefer to have my timepiece serviced directly by Patek Philippe?

We fully support direct manufacturer servicing and can assist in coordinating communication, shipment, and paperwork as needed.

What is your position on polishing?

Polishing is approached conservatively and only when necessary to stabilize or preserve. We recognize the irony that nearly every new timepiece has been polished at manufacture, yet excessive or repeated machine polishing will soften edges, distort lugs, and erase hallmarks. Within our atelier, we favor only gentle cloth cleaning when appropriate, always prioritizing originality and surface integrity over cosmetic alteration.

What is your position on restoration?

Restoration refers to any intervention that alters a timepiece’s original state—such as replaced or refinished dials, re-lumed markers, or substituted components. Within our collection, we frown upon such alterations and strive never to include a timepiece requiring restoration in our collection. While we understand the enthusiast’s desire for a timepiece that presents beautifully, our philosophy favors authenticity over appearance. Any known or presumed restoration is always disclosed.

How are original parts and service records documented and preserved?

All components replaced or restored are photographed and returned to the client with written service documentation. Each record is digitally archived to maintain long-term provenance continuity.

Philosophy and Horological Perspective

What defines a vintage Patek Philippe, and how are the eras of production classified?

Patek Philippe timepieces produced before 1932 are regarded as Antique, reflecting the earliest era of artisanal production. Those manufactured between 1932 and 1989 are considered Vintage, encompassing the period of hand-finished movements and independent case makers. The years 1991 through 2005 define the Neo-Vintage era—marked by the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD/CAM), CNC machining, and Patek Philippe’s transition to in-house case making. Timepieces produced after 2005 are regarded as Modern.

Which periods are regarded as the most collectible, and how have collector preferences evolved over time?

The mid-century decades—particularly the 1930s through 1970s—are viewed as the Golden Era of Patek Philippe production by many collectors. These years combined mechanical refinement, aesthetic balance, technical innovation and artisanal case making before the arrival of industrialized processes.

In determining market value, which holds greater weight—originality or condition, and why is dial authenticity so critical?

Originality outweighs condition in every aspect of a vintage timepiece. A well-preserved, untouched dial commands greater historical and market value than a refinished or replaced one. The dial is the aesthetic and emotional center of every timepiece, anchoring its identity, character, and rarity.

How does provenance affect value, and what is your view on engravings or personal inscriptions?

Documented provenance enhances both desirability and scholarship. Personal engravings are treated with respect—they are part of a timepiece’s biography and are never removed. When authentic, they not only deepen its narrative but, in some cases, may also enhance its value.

Location and Contact

Where is WRISTORIAN based?

WRISTORIAN is based in Florida, operates throughout the United States, and serves clients worldwide through digital channels and private consultation. Our operations are designed to accommodate international collectors with discretion and efficiency.

What’s the best way to contact you?

All inquiries may be directed to concierge@wristorian.com. Messages are reviewed personally, and responses are provided within twenty-four hours with the same care and precision applied to every timepiece.

Do you offer private appointments or consultations?

Our atelier operates exclusively online. Private discussions and advisory sessions may be arranged through telephone consultations by appointment. To inquire, please email concierge@wristorian.com or call 918-269-3033.

OUR COMMITMENT