More Than Pre-Owned
At Watch Chest, we're about more than selling watches—we're about restoring, renewing, and preserving the horological heritage of pieces that are meant to last generations.
5,000+ RENEWED CUSTOMERS
1. Aquisition
With over 22 year of experience, our owner, Chris Wiley, carefully selects each timepiece for the Artisan Renewed program, choosing exceptional watches with cultural significance and distinguished histories.
2. Authentication
Our owner, Chris Wiley, along with our in-house AWCI master watchmaker and technicians authenticate each timepiece by examining movement signatures, build quality, distinctive hallmarks, and more, ensuring absolute authenticity.
3. Renew
Drawing on generations of watchmaking expertise, our AWCI master watchmaker and technicians dedicate hours of craftsmanship to renew each timepiece. Movement servicing and case and bracelet refinishing are performed as needed, along with water resistance work and other essential restorations.
4. Quality Assurance & 2-Year Warranty
Before receiving the Artisan Renewed designation and our 2-year warranty, each timepiece undergoes rigorous timing testing, water resistance verification, and a final aesthetic inspection. This exacting process ensures every watch meets our uncompromising standards for both mechanical excellence and visual beauty.
The Transformation
Before Renewal
Original condition upon arrival
After Renewal
After our comprehensive renewal process
Renewed Client Experiences
Artisan Renewed Collection
FAQ
Are Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watches more expensive than typical pre-owned watches?
An Artisan Renewed watch includes approximately $1,250 worth of expert American watchmaking services. This thoughtful investment ensures each watch is in exceptional condition—free of scratches, optimized for top performance, and water-resistant. When buying pre-owned, it’s essential to consider that every automatic watch requires this level of servicing about every five years. For luxury watch owners, it’s not a question of if but when this work will be needed to maintain their timepiece.
How is a Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watch different from a typical pre-owned watch?
An Artisan Renewed watch has undergone expert restoration, including any necessary refinishing, movement servicing, cleaning, and testing to ensure it meets the highest quality criteria and is as close to new condition as possible. Normal pre-owned watches offered by Watch Chest have been authenticated and tested to meet our high-quality standards, but no additional watchmaking work has been performed.
Why not renew every watch?
Not all watches are suited for renewal by Watch Chest due to factors like necessity and collector value. We also offer standard pre-owned options for budget-conscious clients and for those that prefer the original manufacturer perform any restoration through the brand's official service programs.
What types of restoration are done on Artisan Renewed watches?
Restoration is always performed on an as-needed basis, respecting the collector value of each piece. This includes professional, light refinishing of the case and bracelet to remove surface scratches, servicing the movement for optimal performance, and ensuring water resistance.
Are all Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watches refinished/polished?
No, not every watch is polished. We assess each watch individually, and if it doesn’t need or shouldn't be polished, we preserve it in the condition we received it in. We designate whether Watch Chest polished a watch in each listing.
Does Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watches come with a warranty?
Yes, each Artisan Renewed timepiece comes with a 2-year limited warranty covering functionality. Our warranty ensures peace of mind for any unexpected issues that may arise.
How do you certify that a Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watch is authentic?
Every Artisan Renewed watch is thoroughly inspected and authenticated by our team of experts before it reaches you. We guarantee each piece is genuine. To learn more, please see our Authenticity Guarantee page
What’s the benefit of buying a Watch Chest Artisan Renewed watch instead of a new one?
With Artisan Renewed, you’re investing in a professionally restored timepiece that offers the quality of a new watch at a more accessible price. Plus, by choosing renewed, you’re contributing to sustainability by extending the life of a high-quality product.
Experience the Artisan Renewed Difference
Discover our collection of expertly renewed timepieces, where sustainability meets uncompromising quality.