Chrono24's Certified Program – An Authenticity Verification Service
Chrono24's newly introduced Certified program is an authenticity verification service in which a professional appraiser certifies the authenticity of a watch before it is listed for sale or at the time of sale. This program was developed to reduce return rates while increasing customer peace of mind and creating more sales opportunities.
How the Certified Program Came to Be
Chrono24 conducted a survey of its customers at the beginning of last year and found that approximately 10% of them were concerned about purchasing a luxury watch from an online retailer. The sellers on our marketplace are experts in their field and have a wealth of knowledge about the authenticity of their timepieces. However, the reality is that it is difficult to ensure that buyers fully appreciate this. We have therefore developed the Certified program, a service to verify the authenticity of watches so that more customers can purchase watches with confidence. There are two arms to this program: Partner Certified, which requires the seller to authenticate the watch before listing it on our marketplace, and Chrono24 Certified, which is offered as an option at the point of sale . We believe that by offering authentic watches through our Certified program, more customers can purchase luxury watches online with confidence.
Benefits of the Certified Program
There are no additional costs to sellers for participating in the Certified program. By increasing buyers’ trust, you can expect the following benefits:
More listing views
Chrono24 has around 9 million monthly visitors to our site. Items eligible for the Certified program that display a “C” Certified badge are viewed 20% more often on average, than those that do not display a badge.
Create sales opportunities
Watches eligible for the Certified program are likely to have increased purchase requests and sales thanks to the peace of mind that comes with verified authentic watches. Verified watches have increased sales by 7% on average.
Straightforward watch sales
Selling watches that qualify for the Certified program is more straightforward, as potential buyers will be less likely to inquire about additional photos and documentation.
A customer survey coducted after the introduction of Certified revealed that the program contributed to an overall increase in trust. More than 51% of buyers said that the authenticity verification service led to their purchase, and 42% said that they would like to purchase a watch covered by the Certified program in future. 82% of buyers said that the Certified program made them feel more secure when purchasing a watch, and 68% of these buyers said that the authenticity service quieted their concerns when purchasing a watch.
Items Eligible for the Certified Program
Certified program are marked with a “C” badge, allowing buyers to recognize at a glance that the product is eligible for the authenticity verification service.
Partner Certified vs. Chrono24 Certified
There are two arms to the Certified program: Partner Certified, in which the seller performs an authenticity check before listing the item on the marketplace, and Chrono24 Certified, in which Chrono24 performs an optional authenticity check at the point of sale.
Partner CertifiedIf a watch can be authenticated by a professional appraiser working alongside the dealer, and meets the conditions set by Chrono24, the watch can be sold as Partner Certified. All brands and models are eligible. Prior registration by the dealer is required to participate in Partner Certified. For more information, please reach out to your sales contact. |
Chrono24 CertifiedChrono24 Certified requires sellers to send the watch to a Chrono24-approved appraiser as soon as the order is confirmed. After the appraisal is completed, the watch is shipped to the buyer. Chrono24 Certified is shown as a optional add-on at the time of purchase and the cost is borne by the buyer. There are no additional costs to the seller. Only select brands and models are eligible for Chrono24 Certified. |
How to Sell Watches With Partner Certified
The seller selects which watches to offer under Partner Certified. There are no additional costs associated with participating in the Certified program.
Please ship the watch to the buyer as normal after confirming receipt of payment in our dedicated escrow account. No additional work is required after the authenticity verification.
The buyer will receive a digital certificate for the watch. According to a survey by Chrono24, the return rate for authenticated watches is significantly lower than that for non-authenticated watches, as concerns about authenticity are greatly reduced.
How to Join Partner Certified
Partner Certified is a program open to sellers with a solid track record. In addition, both the seller and appraiser must meet the following requirements in order to authenticate a watch:
- At least 3 years of sales history on Chrono24, or at least 100 concluded transactions. Businesses in their trial period are not eligible to participate.
- All transactions in the last three months in which Chrono24 played a role have been reported.
- Problems reported by buyers is less than 1.6%.
- Recommendation rate from buyers is over 95%.
Knowledge and skills: Expertise, as well as qualifications recognized by the watch industry. Appropriate tools: The use of appropriate tools required to open the watch without damaging it or inspecting its water resistance. Reference materials: Possess literature and/or online resources that can be used as references when conducting authenticity checks of the main components of the watch in question. Examination: With the seller’s consent, Chrono24 reserves the right to conduct online or in-person audits related to authenticity verification service providers.
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Partner Certified |
Chrono24 Certified |
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| Condition | Pre-owned watches (new and unworn watches are not eligible) | Pre-owned watches (new and unworn watches are not eligible) |
| Brand | All brands are eligible. | Certain brands are eligible. More Information |
| Watch Price | Watches with a sales price exceeding 8,000 HKD, 1,500 AUD, 1,300 SGD, 4,500 MYR, or 30,000 NTD. | Watches with a purchase price between 5,000 and 25,000 EUR. |
| Additional Prerequisites for Participation: | The back of the watch must be able to be opened and closed and the serial number must be visible. | The back of the watch must be able to be opened and closed and the serial number must be visible. |
| Inventory | Ensure that the watch is in stock. | Watches must be in stock or available for shipment within 30 days. |
The Certified program is currently available in select countries. For more information on eligible countries, please click here.
More Information
Targeted Offers for Prospective Buyers
With Personalized Offers, you can reach interested buyers who already have your watch on their Wishlist. You have full control over the discount and duration of the offers – for faster turnover and more sales.
Batteries in the EPR Legislation (BATT)
Extended producer responsibility applies to the sale of battery-operated items. Read here which legal requirements you must adhere to in order to be in compliance with the law when selling on Chrono24.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the EPR Legislation (EEE)
Extended producer responsibility applies to the sale of quartz watches, smartwatches, and watch winders. Read here which legal requirements you must adhere to in order to be in compliance with the law when selling on Chrono24.