Refund policy

Returns, Withdrawal & Collector Condition Policy

At Swatch Vintage Collection, we sell original New Old Stock Swatch watches: discontinued collector’s pieces preserved for decades in unworn condition.

Because the value of these watches is not limited to their function, but is directly linked to their original, never-worn collector condition, returns are handled with particular care.

This policy explains your rights, our return conditions, and the specific handling rules that apply to original New Old Stock collector watches.

1. The nature of our products

Every watch offered by Swatch Vintage Collection is an original vintage Swatch collector’s item.

Unless clearly stated otherwise, our watches are sold as New Old Stock, meaning they are vintage, discontinued, unused, never-worn pieces preserved from past production years.

This condition is an essential characteristic of the product.

A New Old Stock watch is not equivalent to a current-production watch. Its collector value depends on several elements, including:

  • its unworn condition;

  • the preservation of the original bracelet, buckle, case and packaging;

  • the absence of wear marks;

  • the fact that it has not been used as a daily object;

  • its rarity, age, discontinuation and collector interest.

Because many of our watches are unique or very difficult to replace, any handling beyond a normal inspection may significantly affect their value.

2. European Union customers — legal right of withdrawal

If you are a consumer based in the European Union, you have the legal right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving your order, without giving a reason.

To exercise this right, you must notify us within 14 days from the day you, or a person designated by you, physically received the goods.

After notifying us of your withdrawal, you must return the item without undue delay and no later than 14 days from the day on which you informed us of your decision to withdraw.

The withdrawal request must include:

  • your full name;

  • your order number or order reference;

  • the item concerned;

  • your email address;

  • a clear statement that you wish to withdraw from the purchase.

A withdrawal button or withdrawal request flow may be made available on our website where required by applicable law.

You may also contact us by email at:

swatchvintagecollection@gmail.com

3. Inspection allowed — use not allowed

EU law allows customers to inspect goods purchased online in order to establish their nature, characteristics and functioning.

For our New Old Stock collector watches, reasonable inspection means:

  • opening the parcel carefully;

  • visually inspecting the watch;

  • checking the model, colour, condition and presentation;

  • briefly trying the watch on the wrist with care, without wearing it as a used item.

However, the following goes beyond reasonable inspection:

  • wearing the watch for a day or more;

  • using the watch as a personal or daily item;

  • creating marks on the bracelet, buckle, case or glass;

  • bending, stretching, adjusting or modifying the bracelet;

  • removing protective elements, tags or original presentation elements where this affects the collector condition;

  • damaging, altering or discarding original packaging;

  • exposing the watch to water, perfume, sweat, heat, sunlight, cosmetics or chemicals;

  • returning the watch with signs of wear, odour, scratches, deformation or handling inconsistent with a simple inspection.

A New Old Stock Swatch that has been worn is no longer in the same collector condition as a New Old Stock Swatch preserved unworn for decades.

4. Reduction of refund for diminished collector value

For EU customers exercising their legal right of withdrawal, Swatch Vintage Collection will respect the statutory withdrawal right.

However, the customer is responsible for any diminished value of the goods resulting from handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the item.

Because our watches are original New Old Stock collector pieces, any sign of use may reduce the collector value of the item.

If a returned watch shows signs of use, wear, alteration, damage, bracelet deformation, packaging damage, missing elements or handling beyond reasonable inspection, Swatch Vintage Collection may deduct an amount from the refund corresponding to the diminished value of the item.

This deduction is not a penalty. It reflects the loss of value caused by the item no longer being in the same New Old Stock collector condition in which it was sold.

Depending on the condition of the returned item, the reduction may be significant.

5. Return shipping costs within the European Union

For EU withdrawal returns, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, unless otherwise expressly stated by Swatch Vintage Collection.

The customer is responsible for choosing a reliable tracked shipping service.

We strongly recommend using insured shipping.

The item remains under the customer’s responsibility until it is safely received by Swatch Vintage Collection.

We cannot be held responsible for returned parcels that are lost, damaged, delayed or delivered without proof of delivery.

6. Refunds for EU withdrawal returns

Once the returned item has been received and inspected, we will process the refund according to applicable law.

Refunds may be reduced if:

  • the item has been used beyond reasonable inspection;

  • the item is no longer in its original New Old Stock collector condition;

  • the bracelet, buckle, case, glass or packaging shows signs of wear or damage;

  • original elements are missing;

  • the item has lost collector value due to handling by the customer.

Original standard delivery costs may be refunded where required by law.

Additional delivery upgrades, express services, special shipping options, customs charges, taxes, duties or non-standard delivery fees are not refundable unless legally required.

7. After the 14-day EU withdrawal period

After the legal withdrawal period has expired, returns are not accepted for change of mind.

This includes situations where the watch has been worn, used, stored, altered or kept beyond the legal withdrawal period.

Nothing in this policy affects your mandatory legal rights in case of non-conformity or defective goods.

8. Non-EU customers — returns outside the European Union

For customers outside the European Union, purchases are generally considered final.

Returns from outside the European Union are accepted only if expressly approved in advance by Swatch Vintage Collection.

To request a return from outside the EU, you must contact us within 14 days of delivery at:

swatchvintagecollection@gmail.com

Please include:

  • your full name;

  • your order number;

  • the item concerned;

  • the reason for the return request;

  • clear photos if the request concerns an issue with the item.

A return is not authorized until Swatch Vintage Collection confirms it in writing.

Unauthorized returns may be refused.

9. Non-EU return conditions

Approved non-EU returns must meet all of the following conditions:

  • the item must be returned in the exact same condition as received;

  • the watch must not have been worn or used;

  • the bracelet, buckle, case and packaging must show no new signs of wear;

  • all original packaging, inserts and accessories must be included;

  • the parcel must be returned using a tracked and insured shipping service;

  • the return must be shipped within the timeframe confirmed by Swatch Vintage Collection.

If these conditions are not met, the return may be refused or the refund may be reduced.

10. Restocking fee for non-EU returns

Approved returns from outside the European Union may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 20% of the purchase price.

This restocking fee may cover inspection, administrative handling, reintegration into inventory, payment processing costs, currency fluctuation, and the particular handling required for rare New Old Stock collector watches.

The restocking fee does not apply to EU statutory withdrawal returns.

11. Customs, duties and import costs for non-EU returns

Returns from outside the European Union may create customs, import, brokerage, clearance, VAT, duty or administrative costs when the parcel is returned to Belgium.

All such costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Any customs charges, import duties, VAT, brokerage fees, clearance fees, carrier fees, administrative fees or related costs charged to Swatch Vintage Collection during the return process may be deducted from the refund.

For international returns, the parcel must be clearly declared as:

“Returned Goods — Return to Seller”

The customer must ensure that all customs documents are completed accurately.

Incorrect customs declarations may cause delays, additional charges, import taxes or refusal of the parcel.

If a returned parcel creates customs charges because it was incorrectly declared, insufficiently documented or not marked as returned goods, those charges will remain the customer’s responsibility and may be deducted from any refund.

12. Taxes, duties and refused deliveries

For orders shipped outside the European Union, local import duties, taxes, VAT, customs charges and brokerage fees may apply upon delivery.

These charges are determined by the destination country and are the responsibility of the customer.

If a customer refuses delivery, refuses to pay local import charges, fails to collect the parcel, or causes the parcel to be returned to Swatch Vintage Collection, any return shipping costs, customs fees, import charges, carrier fees, brokerage fees and administrative costs may be deducted from the refund.

Original shipping costs are not refundable in such cases.

13. Damaged, incorrect or non-conforming items

If you believe your order is damaged, incorrect or not as described, please contact us as soon as possible at:

swatchvintagecollection@gmail.com

Please include:

  • your order number;

  • a clear description of the issue;

  • photos of the parcel, packaging and item;

  • photos of any visible damage.

We will review the case carefully.

This section does not limit your mandatory legal rights.

14. Vintage nature and battery-related notes

Our watches are original vintage Swatch pieces from past production years.

Even when sold as New Old Stock and never worn, they are still vintage objects.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, batteries may require replacement, and original vintage materials may naturally be more delicate than modern production materials.

This does not change the collector nature of the item and does not automatically constitute a defect.

We recommend handling all vintage Swatch watches with care, especially original straps, buckles and packaging.

15. How to request a return or withdrawal

To request a return or exercise your right of withdrawal, contact us at:

swatchvintagecollection@gmail.com

Please include:

  • full name;

  • order number;

  • email address used for the order;

  • item concerned;

  • reason for contact;

  • photos if relevant.

Where required, a withdrawal button or online withdrawal flow may also be available on our website.

16. Return address

Returns must only be sent after receiving instructions from Swatch Vintage Collection.

The return address will be provided after your request has been reviewed.

Please do not send any return without prior instructions.

Unauthorized returns, incorrectly declared international returns or parcels sent without tracking may be refused.

17. Summary

Swatch Vintage Collection respects consumer rights and handles every return request professionally.

At the same time, our watches are rare New Old Stock collector pieces whose value depends directly on their preserved, unworn condition.

Customers are welcome to inspect their order carefully.

However, any use beyond reasonable inspection may affect the collector value of the item and may result in a reduced refund.

For non-EU returns, approved returns may be subject to restocking fees, customs charges, return shipping costs and any other costs incurred during the return process.

USA • PREMIUM INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

A QUICK NOTE FOR USA DELIVERIES

Your order will be shipped securely from Belgium with DHL Express. Import duties, taxes or customs fees may be collected by DHL upon delivery and are not included in the checkout total.

Please note that refusing to pay import duties or taxes may result in return shipping and administrative fees charged by the carrier.

This allows us to keep each vintage Swatch carefully packed, insured and shipped with a premium express service.