Frequently Asked Questions
How To Search On Great Lakes Watch
How do I search for a specific watch model?
On the top of the homepage, you can use the search bar to enter the specific watch you are looking for. Enter the brand, model name, reference number, or keywords related to the watch you want. You can even apply filters like price range, and stock availability to narrow down options.
Can I filter watches by brand, price, or condition?
On Great Lakes Watch you can apply filters like brand, price, and stock availability to narrow down your options.
What should I do if I can’t find the watch I’m looking for?
If a specific model isn’t available, you can email or call GLW to inquire about new arrivals from the “Contact Us”. You can even especially ask to source a certain model that you are looking for.
Luxury Watch Buying Guide
What should I consider when buying a luxury watch?
Before buying a luxury watch you need to understand why you are buying a specific model. If you buy one solely as an investment, then look for a watch that has been known to appreciate historically.
How do I know if a watch is authentic?
If you buy watches from authorized dealers, you will surely get authentic products. When buying pre-owned, make sure you get a full set with all the watch’s warranty cards, service history documents, and box. Authenticity is very important and can greatly affect resale prices.
What is the difference between a new and a pre-owned luxury watch?
New watches are purchased directly from authorized retailers which come with warranties, and have no prior wear. Pre-owned watches may have some wear and vary in condition depending on how it was used. Sometimes pre-owned watches can come without original papers but you can always get one appraised by a consultant.
Should I buy a watch as an investment?
The right luxury watch can be a great investment and you should buy one for it. Like any other investment, you need to be able to foresee the future value of the watch for it to be a good investment. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille tend to go up in value as standard.
Purchasing From A Private Seller
Is it safe to buy from a private seller?
Buying from private sellers is safe if you can verify the seller’s reputation. If buying online, check for return policies, and use secure payment methods. Some platforms also offer escrow services to protect transactions. Whenever you buy a watch, make sure you get the original papers with it.
How do I verify the authenticity of a watch from a private seller?
You can verify if a watch is authentic by cross-checking references and serial numbers with original papers. If a watch does not have its original papers you can even ask for certificates of authenticity or service records.
What payment methods are accepted for private seller transactions?
Private sellers will generally sell through online platforms like Chrono24, Jomashop, and so on. These platforms accept credit cards, or third-party escrow services that hold payment until the watch is received. Make sure to pay through traceable payment methods to protect your transaction.
Can I return a watch purchased from a private seller?
This depends on individual sellers. Some sellers allow returns within a specific period, while others do not.
Payment Related
What payment methods do you accept?
Most watch platforms accept credit cards, bank transfers, and sometimes services like PayPal. Check with the seller or platform to confirm specific options and ensure secure transactions.
Is financing available for luxury watches?
Yes, most platforms have financing partners that will let you purchase a watch in installments. This is a great way to purchase luxury watches over time with interest of course! GLW offers financing through Affirm Holdings.
Are there any additional fees (e.g., taxes, shipping)?
Depending on which state you live in and where you want your watch delivered, you may incur certain fees. These can include taxes, shipping, and customs fees for international purchases.
How secure is my payment information?
Luxury watch platforms generally use encryption and secure payment processing to protect your information. Always check the platform’s security policy or look for secure payment seals before sharing your details.
Return Related
What is your return policy?
Great Lakes Watch Company will let you return a watch in its original condition within 14 days of purchase. Make sure you read the terms and conditions in detail before claiming yours.
How do I initiate a return?
To start a return, you need to contact customer service and request a return. You will receive a label sent via email within 48 hours. Do note that you are responsible for proper packaging to make sure the watch is not damaged during transit.
Are there any restocking fees for returns?
If you return within 14 days of purchase, GLW will not charge you restocking fees, unlike some other resellers.
How long does it take to process a refund?
It takes 48 hours to process a refund.
Watch Collection Care
How should I care for my luxury watch collection?
For luxury watches you need to make sure to do regular maintenance, have a proper storage area, and regular cleaning. Try to avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, water, or direct sunlight for long long hours.
What is the best way to store luxury watches?
You can invest in a watch box to store your watches. Additionally, you can even get a locker to store them securely. Make sure the storage area is climate-controlled to keep away from moisture or dust. Watch winders can also be a great storage option to have.
How often should I service my watch collection?
Luxury watches need to be serviced every 3 to 5 years. Generally, this varies across manufacturers and actual requirements. For example, if you use your watch to dive underwater frequently you will need to maintain it closely versus just using it normally daily.
How do I insure my luxury watch collection?
You can add your watches under your homeowner’s insurance policy or even a separate insurance scheme altogether.
Watch Movements
What are the main types of watch movements?
Generally, there are 2 types of watch movements. You have mechanical watches that can be manually wound or automatic and battery-powered quartz movement.
How does a mechanical watch movement work?
Mechanical movements use a wound spring to power gears and hands. Automatic movements wind themselves through wrist motion or a crown winder. Manual movements need to be wound every time the power reserve is nearing the end.
What is the difference between automatic and manual winding?
Automatic watches self-wind with motion, while manual watches need to be wound periodically.
What is a quartz movement and how does it work?
Quartz watches are battery-powered and use a quartz crystal to regulate time. They are very accurate and are very low maintenance.
What is a tourbillon, and why is it important in high-end watches?
A tourbillon is a rotating cage for the escapement. This is a watch complication that greatly improves accuracy by counteracting gravity’s effect on the movement. It is important in high-end watches as it is very intricate and visually appealing.
Comparison
How do mechanical watches compare to quartz watches?
Mechanical watches are more expensive to make in comparison to quartz watches. Almost all mechanical watches are made by hand whereas quartz watches can be mass-produced through machines.
Automatic vs. manual watches: Which one should you choose?
In terms of buying a luxury watch, both automatic and manual watches are great options. If you want a self-winding watch with minimal maintenance an automatic is the answer. If you enjoy the practice of winding a manual watch is the way to go.
What are the differences between luxury and mass-market watches?
Luxury watches are made by hand with high-quality materials and exclusive designs. Mass-market watches may also have exclusive designs but can be made through automated machinery.
Swiss watches vs. Japanese watches: Which is better?
Swiss watches have been around for decades now which makes them the right way to go when buying a luxury watch. They also tend to hold their value over time. Japanese watches on the other hand are also very capable but may not hold value as well. It all boils down to the type of watch and its demand in the market.
Luxury watch materials: Stainless steel vs. precious metals
Stainless steel is durable and versatile and commonly used in most watches. Precious metals like gold and titanium are more exclusive and can help retain the value of the watch over time.
Types of Watches
What are the different types of luxury watches?
Luxury watches come in several types, including dive, chronograph, dress, sports, and pilot watches with each having a purpose behind it.
What defines a dive watch?
A dive watch is generally water-resistant up to 200 meters or more. They have strong luminous markers for low light visibility and a unidirectional bezel to track underwater time.
What is a chronograph watch?
Chronographs include a stopwatch feature with extra subdials for tracking time, making them popular in motorsports to track lap times, speed over a certain distance, and so on.
What are dress watches, and when should they be worn?
Dress watches tend to be sleek with minimalistic design and often come with a leather belt. They are made to be worn at formal events and pair well with suits.
What is the difference between a sports watch and a dress watch?
Sports watches usually come with rubber, silicon, or NATO straps. They are designed to be durable and great for active wearers. These watches can come with features like shock and water resistance and are made from durable build materials.
Tips and Tricks
How do you care for your luxury watch properly?
To care for your watch you can regularly clean it with a soft cloth, store it in a cool place, and keep it away from moisture unless designed otherwise like a diver watch.
How often should you service your mechanical watch?
A mechanical watch should be serviced every four to five years to maintain accurate timekeeping and prevent wear and tear.
How do you store your watches to prevent damage?
Use a watch box or safe, or even a watch winder for automatics. Not all automatic watches need a watch winder as only perpetual calendars benefit from one.
How do you wind an automatic or manual watch correctly?
For automatic watches, rearing them regularly will keep them wound. You can wind a manual watch right before the power reserve is complete. The time it lasts depends on the movement used so make sure to never overwind it.
What to consider when buying a pre-owned luxury watch?
Before buying a preowned watch, check its authenticity through its original papers. Additionally, you can also check its condition by asking for its service history from authorized dealers.
Authentication
How to spot a fake luxury watch?
A fake luxury watch will generally have low-quality build materials and misaligned parts. The weight of the watch will be lighter than the original and will have inaccurate engravings.
What are the most common signs of a counterfeit watch?
Common indicators of a counterfeit watch are poor craftsmanship, incorrect or misaligned fonts, and low weight in comparison to the original.
How to authenticate a Rolex?
The best way to authenticate a Rolex is by taking it apart to examine the movement. Additionally, check its serial number and compare build materials. If you cannot do it yourself, take it to an Authorized Dealer or a capable appraiser.
Can serial numbers help verify a luxury watch's authenticity?
Serial numbers play a big part in authenticating a luxury watch. Since most of them are unique they can be easily verified with the manufacturer for authenticity.
What documentation should come with an authentic luxury watch?
Authentic watches must have certificates of authenticity, warranty information, and most importantly the original purchase receipt. All these combined make a full set.
Watch Complications
What are watch complications?
Complications are all the features in a watch that go beyond basic time-telling. These include calendars, telemeters, alarms, or chronographs. Each of these complications plays a big role in making a watch more functional which can increase a watch's value and collectibility.
What is a perpetual calendar complication?
A perpetual calendar is a complication that automatically adjusts for different month lengths and leap years. It will need no manual correction until the year 2100. To date, it is the most advanced calendar feature that can come in a luxury watch.
What is a chronograph, and how does it work?
A chronograph is a stopwatch built into a watch that can be activated through buttons to start, stop, and reset. You also get additional subdials for timing intervals.
What is a moon phase complication in a watch?
A moon phase is a complication that shows the lunar cycle as a sundial. It shows the moon’s phase (waxing, full, waning, or new) as it would appear in the sky. This was first invented by none other than Patek Philippe.
What is a GMT complication, and who needs it?
A GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) complication adds a second-hour hand that you can use to track a different time zone. If you frequently travel overseas, a GMT watch can be of great benefit to you.
Watch Hierarchy
What are the top luxury watch brands?
Leading brands include Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. There are brands like Omega, Richard Mille, Jaeger‑LeCoultre, and Vacheron Constantin that are loved in the world of horology.
How are luxury watch brands ranked?
A luxury watch is ranked according to brand heritage, a model’s complication, exclusivity, and price. Luxury watch prices are determined by market demand and supply.
What is haute horlogerie?
Haute Horlogerie refers to the “high art of watchmaking.” This term was developed by the industry to redefine the art form of intricate watchmaking.
Which brands are considered the pinnacle of luxury watches?
Besides Rolex and Patek Philippe, brands like Vacheron Constantin and A. Lange & Söhne are considered the pinnacle of luxury watches.
How do boutique and independent watchmakers compare to mainstream brands?
Boutique watchmakers generally great unique and complicated watches in limited quantities. These go above and beyond to bring the latest and greatest designs to your wrist. Mainstream brands usually mass-produce watches with some being produced in limited quantities. However, they come with simple complications that are not too over the top.
Watch Maintenance
How often should a luxury watch be serviced?
A luxury watch should be serviced every 3 to 5 years. This is a general number as models from certain manufacturers may need a service more often than not.
What is included in a luxury watch service?
When servicing a luxury watch, it will be cleaned and polished. The movement will be taken apart for lubrication, and adjustments, and tested for water resistance.
How to clean and care for your luxury watch at home?
You can take care of your watch at home by wiping it with a soft cloth and occasionally brushing it with mild soap only if it is water-resistant.
Can you polish your watch without damaging it?
To polish a watch, you need to have the right tools to avoid thinning the surface. It is best to get professional servicing done for high-end watches to help retain their value.
How to change a luxury watch strap or bracelet?
To change a watch strap or bracelet use a tool to undo the springs that hold them to the lug. Some watches also come with quick-release straps that make the job easier.
Watch Investment
Are luxury watches a good investment?
Luxury watches are a great investment. Luxury watches on the upper mid to high tier generally tend to hold value and even appreciate over time. Brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe are great investments as they make watches in limited quantities adding to their exclusivity.
Which watch brands appreciate in value over time?
Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantine, and Audemars Piguet tend to hold or increase in value with time.
What factors affect the value of a luxury watch?
The condition, rarity, age, and brand’s history influence a watch’s market value. However, at the end of the day what truly affects the value is the market demand for a certain model.
How to insure your luxury watch collection?
You can opt for specialized insurance that covers theft, damage, or loss. For this, you need original documentation, like receipts and appraisals to qualify.
Should you buy limited-edition watches for investment purposes?
Limited editions are great watches to have for investment purposes. They are very rare and can even sell for multiple times their original price.
Contact Related
How can I get in touch with your customer service?
To get in touch with customer support, you can email us at info@greatlakeswatch.com. For calls, you can dial 216-570-3424 to talk to us directly.
What is your return policy?
To return a watch you need to email us within 14 days of purchase.
Do you offer personal consultations for watch purchases?
You can get personalized consultations for your watch purchases as we have a great after-sales support team at your disposal.
How can I schedule a service or repair for my watch?
To schedule a service of repair, contact us by phone or email to book your slots.
Where can I find your nearest store or authorized dealer?
Great Lakes Watch Company is solely an online retailer with no walk-in stores at the moment.
Data Privacy Policy
What personal information do you collect?
We collect personal details like First and last name, Email address, Phone number, Address, Payment information, and Auto-fill data. This can be collected while creating an account.
How is my information protected?
Your information is protected strongest available browser encryption and stored in data servers in secure facilities. This data is only accessible to employees who are bound by law to protect it.
Do you share my data with third parties?
We will not share or sell your data to third parties. We will be obliged to share it only if required by law, for legal proceedings, to protect our legal rights, and to the buyers in case we sell the company.
How do I request to delete my account or data?
To modify or delete your account, contact our privacy officer Tim Mahon at info@greatlakeswatch.com.
Brand: Audemars Piguet
What makes Audemars Piguet watches unique?
Audemars Piguet is unique for its promise of high-quality watchmaking in the sports watch category with the Royal Oak. When the Royal Oak was launched in 1972 fans instantly loved the hand-finished details like the beveled edges and unique “Tapisserie” dial.
How does the Royal Oak compare to the Royal Oak Offshore?
Both the Royal Oak and Offshore come with the iconic octagonal bezel however the key difference lies in its size and complications. The Royal Oak is 41mm and below whereas the Offshoars starts from 42mm. The Offshore also comes with features like chronographs, water resistance, and rubberized making it more rugged.
Which Audemars Piguet models are most collectible?
Highly collectible AP models are the Royal Oak "Jumbo" ref. 15202, early Royal Oak references from the 1970s, and special editions like the Concept Tourbillon 'Spider-Man'.
Royal Oak
Why is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak iconic?
The Royal Oak is iconic as it was the first luxury sports watch in stainless steel back in 1972. Its octagonal bezel with exposed screws was the first of its kind including the now famous “Tapisserie” patterned dial and an integrated bracelet.
What is the difference between the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore?
The classic Royal Oak is slimmer whereas the Royal Oak Offshore is a bit bulkier and designed for a more active and rugged lifestyle.
How do I maintain the stainless steel on a Royal Oak?
To maintain the stainless steel, you can clean the watch with a microfiber cloth when needed. Try to keep it away from contact with abrasive materials and only get it serviced and polished professionally by an authorized service center.
Royal Oak Offshore
What makes the Royal Oak Offshore suitable for extreme sports?
The Royal Oak Offshore is built with durability in mind. It has thicker gaskets and comes with shock resistance and increased water resistance.
Is the Royal Oak Offshore waterproof?
Yes, the Royal Oak Offshore is designed with a higher water-resistance rating in comparison to the standard model. Almost all Audemars Piguet come with some level of water resistance.
Royal Oak Concept
What is the Royal Oak Concept collection known for?
The Royal Oak Concept line is famous for doing things out of the ordinary. This line usually incorporates all the latest and greatest engineering and aesthetics from the company. You get options like skeletonized movements, ceramic or titanium build materials, and high complications like tourbillons and chronographs.
How does the Royal Oak Concept differ from traditional Royal Oak models?
The Royal Oak Concept usually has the most advanced spec lists in comparison to the regular models. They have a more avant-garde appearance compared to the classic Royal Oak and are reserved for ultra-exclusive clientele.
Millenary
What defines the Audemars Piguet Millenary collection?
The Millenary collection is defined by its elliptical case shape and off-center dials. You can even find intricate, open-worked designs that better showcase the movement making it architecturally unique in the world of luxury watches.
Is the Millenary more of a casual or formal watch?
Millenary watches are aimed to be formal dress watches but you can even wear them casually depending on the model.
Jules Audemars
What makes the Jules Audemars collection unique in design?
The Jules Audemars collection pays homage to one of AP’s founder fathers. It leans towards a more classic aesthetic with its round cases and understated profile. You can find them with complications like minute repeaters, seconds chronographs, perpetual calendars, and moon phase displays.
Is Jules Audemars more classic than Royal Oak?
Yes, Jules Audemars watches are more classic than the Royal Oak as they are intended to be worn in formal settings. Their style is made to sit sleek on the wrist which is in stark contrast to the more modern and sportier design of the Royal Oak.