Frequently asked questions

Every question we get, buying, selling, sourcing, service and shipping, answered on one page. Each subject still has its own page if you want the long version.

Start an Inquiry Call +1 (346) 910-9016

Buying Selling and trading Sourcing a timepiece Service and maintenance Shipping The dealer

Buying

How do I buy a timepiece from the site?

There's no checkout button. Every piece starts with a conversation about condition, provenance and price. Send an inquiry from the piece, or call +1 (346) 910-9016. In hand, you get an answer the same day.

Are the photographs of the actual watch?

Yes. Anything in hand comes with real photographs and an honest condition report. The person who bought the piece, photographed it and wrote the description is the same person who answers your inquiry.

Is every watch on the site in stock?

The listings show what's in hand today. Most of what we sell is never listed, it's sourced directly for the client who asked. Don't see what you want? Tell us the reference.

A piece I want is marked sold. Is it gone?

Sold pieces stay on the site because we can usually find another. Tell us the reference and we'll take it from there.

Can I put my current watch toward one of yours?

Yes. The value of your current watch can go toward a timepiece we have available or one we source specifically for you. The trade value is preliminary until we inspect your watch in hand.

Do I need an account?

No. Accounts aren't built; an inquiry is what actually reaches us. Log In or Register takes you to the same inquiry form.

Selling and trading

What do you need from me to make an offer?

Brand, model, reference, condition, and whether you have the box and papers. Photographs help most. No reference? A clear shot of the dial and caseback works.

How long until I hear a number?

Usually within two to three business days of having what we need. You get an outright purchase offer, plus a trade-in value if you're looking to trade or upgrade. Every offer is subject to a physical inspection of the watch.

How does the watch get to you?

Once you accept the offer, you ship it to us tracked and fully insured, and we inspect it on arrival. If everything checks out, we greenlight the transaction. If something materially differs from the description, we contact you before going further, and either revise the offer and try to reach an agreement or return the watch to you.

When do I get paid?

On a sale, payment goes out promptly by wire transfer or Zelle once the watch passes inspection and the transaction is approved. On a trade, the agreed value is applied toward the timepiece you're buying.

Can I trade toward a watch you don't have?

Yes. Generally we agree on the watch and a preliminary value for your trade, a deposit lets us secure the new piece, and once it's in and inspected you ship your trade-in for final inspection. The exact order can change with the transaction, and we walk you through it before anything is finalized.

Can I stop partway through?

Nothing is final until the watch passes inspection. If something turns up that changes the offer, we explain it, revise the number, and you decide whether to go ahead.

Sourcing a timepiece

How do I ask you to find a watch?

Send us the details of the timepiece you want. If you don't know the exact reference, that's okay. A photo, screenshot, or link can often give us enough to start.

What do I hear back?

First, a realistic price range for the timepiece. Once the search is underway, the available details, photos when available, condition and set information, and your out-the-door price. If there are multiple suitable options, we can walk you through the differences.

Do I pay before you start looking?

Yes. Sending us a request costs nothing, and we'll review it with you and establish a realistic price range first. A sourcing deposit then starts the search, and it's applied toward your final purchase price. Deposit amounts vary depending on the timepiece, price, and availability, and certain orders may require payment in full. We'll explain the payment requirement before you commit to anything.

Is the sourcing deposit refundable?

Yes, while we're searching and until you approve a specific piece. Once we present a piece, you give us the green light, and we commit to procuring it on your behalf, the deposit is non-refundable and applied toward the final purchase price.

What if the reference is hard to find?

Most searches come back within 2 to 4 business days, although particularly rare or difficult-to-source pieces may take longer. We set an agreed sourcing timeframe for each request, and it can be extended if we both agree. If we're unable to secure the right piece within that timeframe, you can extend the search or receive your deposit back.

How does a sourced piece arrive?

It comes to us first. We inspect it to make sure it matches what was represented, then any remaining balance is due and it ships discreetly, fully insured, tracked, signature required, and overnight. Houston-area collectors can also arrange a local handoff.

Service and maintenance

How do I start a service request?

Tell us what the piece is, roughly how old, and what it's doing that brought you here. Running fast or slow, stopping, a rotor you can hear, moisture, a crown that won't seat. Nothing gets opened before you approve the scope and timeline in writing.

Who does the work?

We work with a network of established service partners, both locally and around the country, that we have existing relationships with. You're told the plan before anything ships.

How often does a mechanical watch need servicing?

Most manufacturers say five to seven years. In practice the watch tells you first: losing or gaining more time than usual, a rough rotor, a crown that won't screw down cleanly, moisture under the crystal. Any of those is worth a look now.

How long does a service take?

It depends on the movement and what it needs. A cleaning and regulation is a short job. Waiting on a manufacturer-only part isn't. You get a timeline before anything is opened, and you hear about any change to it.

Will a service change what the watch is worth?

Usually yes. A serviced watch that runs correctly is worth more than one that doesn't. On collectibles it's more nuanced, because originality carries value. Any part taken off your timepiece comes back with it.

Do you polish the case?

Not unless you ask. Polishing removes metal permanently, and sharp original edges are usually worth more than a flawless case with soft lugs. If you want it, we tell you first what it takes off.

Is it water resistant again afterwards?

Yes. An opened case gets resealed and pressure tested before it goes back on a wrist. Ask for the result and you get it.

What if the part isn't available?

Some brands restrict parts to their own network. If your timepiece needs to go to the manufacturer, we say so instead of taking the job.

Do you take pieces that didn't come from you?

Yes. Send the details and what it's doing. You get a straight answer on whether we take the job before you ship anything.

Shipping

What does shipping cost?

Shipping is free, insured and tracked nationwide.

Do you ship outside Texas?

Yes. Based in Houston, Texas, and every timepiece ships insured nationwide.

Is a watch I send you covered in transit?

Yes. Shipping is insured and tracked both directions, and nothing is final until the piece is in hand.

The dealer

Who am I dealing with?

DMW Assets is run by one dealer, Dustin, buying, selling and trading luxury timepieces since 2018. The person who bought the piece is the person who answers you.

Where are you based?

Houston, Texas. Clients are nationwide.

How do I reach you?

Call +1 (346) 910-9016, email dustin@dmwassets.com, or send an inquiry from any page.

Where else can I find you?

Google, where the reviews are; Chrono24, our dealer page on the largest watch marketplace; our eBay store and its full feedback history; and @dmw.assets on Instagram for new arrivals and recent sales.