Welcome to
Swiss SAV Authentication
Pioneer & Leader in Swiss Timepiece Authentication
State-of-the-art equipment & instruments, improved processes & Guarantee
The leading Authentication Service Provider that shows you what we check, and check for more than authenticity when requested, scientifically.
*Special Conditions applies for Vintage Timepieces!
SwissSAV Authentication
History, How It Started & the Future
It was around 2009 when big brand owners like Rolex and Cartier decided to stop providing authentication service, Audemars Piguet and many big brands also follow suit and stopped offering authentication service. Our understanding then was that mistakes are common as there is no official method of authentication and these brand owners, who depend on their technicians to authenticate their watches, do not want to be potentially liable for any such mistakes or errors.
SwissSAV (then known as Watch Klinik) took over this task in 2009 at the request of second hand watch dealers and publicly listed pawnbrokers who needed a reliable source of timepiece authentication. Building on our expertise as a pre-owned timepiece importer and exporter that sees more than 3000 pieces of high value timepieces pass through our hands yearly from 2002-2009, it wasn’t too challenging at all.
However, because authentication is a manual process even until today, disputes arising from different opinions are common. Swiss SAV understood this problem then, and decided to send one of its top men, WT to Switzerland to understand how the Swiss watch industry works and set out to standardise the authentication process.
Between 2009-2013, WT attended many watch related trainings, forums and seminars in Switzerland and Hong Kong and also visited many Swiss manufacturers of watches and components, including assembly factories to understand the fake and counterfeit watches and parts problem. It is also this time that the Swiss watch industry launched the “Be authentic. Buy real.” campaign which SwissSAV participated in later by promoting their campaign locally in Singapore.
During his many training visits to Switzerland, particularly to one of the most recognised schools in the world for Swiss watchmaking, he was observed by one of the trainers in 2012 to be particularly talented and subsequently invited him to get accredited and certified by participating in the full time training for Swiss watchmaking under sponsorship by the school in 2013.
With the support of the Swiss watch industry, WT did in-depth research on Swiss watchmaking and timepiece authentication during his 6 months full-time training in Neuchatel, Switzerland. The school being run and supported by the Swiss watch industry with brands like Patek, Audemars and Rolex etc behind it, he was also given the rare opportunity to visit many of these high-end watch manufacturers and their components sub-contractors, like dial, hands, crown, movement and inside finishing etc. allowing WT to further his already deep understanding of the Swiss high-end timepiece manufacturing and its supply chain. It was also during this time that he also got the very rare opportunity to visit the movement manufacturer for Richard Mille, enabling him to fully understand how to authenticate individual components in a Richard Mille watch. He also made friends with many of the manufacturers’ third and fourth generation owners and gained extremely rare insights into the 100 plus years of Swiss precision manufacturing which started as a cottage industry.
Armed with this knowledge and with the help of the Swiss watch industry, WT developed a method of authentication which is consistent, repeatable & verifiable, by using advanced research microscopy and imaging technology used in medical and space research. WT eventually graduated top of his class with results that put him among the top few in the entire history of the Swiss school. He is also one of very few who had attended practically all trainings offered by this school prior to and after his graduation.
After WT graduated from the Swiss watchmaking school, his quest for knowledge and perfection did not stop there. WT visited Switzerland yearly attending various manufacturing trade shows and revisiting those Swiss manufacturers and suppliers he made friends with during his earlier sponsored training in Switzerland to continue to understand the latest development in Swiss watchmaking.
In 2018, WT had a rare chance again to visit many high watch and jewellery manufacturers, which is out-of-bound to visitors, especially Chinese origin, to understand the manufacturing process, from gemstones selection, cutting, setting etc. making him an expert in jewellery timepiece authentication and proper repair of such timepieces. This made him the only independent non-Swiss watchmaker to become an expert in Swiss High Watch and Jewellery, which even in Switzerland is rare and highly sought after.
Today, WT is the only accredited and certified Swiss graduate watchmaker providing authentication service in Singapore using the most advanced high-end research microscopy available in the world. And WT is purpose and passion driven, knowing from the very beginning his role and purpose in the Swiss watch industry.
Seeing a worrying trend today where suddenly many ex-technicians and watch dealers are providing authentication service for profit, when not too long ago, the same people fail to authenticate properly or consistently even when working in the big brands coupled with pawnbrokers and dealers that provide authentication services coming to us with watches that are partially fake, made SwissSAV embark on a new mission after more than 10 years providing Swiss timepiece authentication by announcing;
Swiss SAV Authentication in Details
Follow Entire Process in Full View & on 65" High Definition Display
Watch will always be in full view during the entire process. When checking the watch under the microscope, what we check will be displayed on a 65" full HD display for buyer to see and understand what we are checking. Photography is allowed for images on full HD display.
Our authentication also allows buyers to have a better appreciation of the watches they are buying & understand why they are paying so much money for them.
Guaranteed Authentication Results
You can trust our experience, knowledge, proven track-record and our advance microscopy that we don't make mistake. And we stand by our authentication with a maximum S$500k* pay-out if we make any mistake on a timepiece (applicable only to model watches produced year 2000 onwards).
*Just need an official writing from brand owner to say we made a mistake, and we will replace the part or entire watch of value up to S$500k. Watch in question must be produced together with official writing for claim. We do not accept claims from non-official sources as we work with and for the Swiss watch industry only.
Protect your Warranty
Make sure your warranty is still valid after someone touches your watch. Brand owners are happy to void existing warranty whenever there are signs of untrained or unauthorised opening of their watches. Just a small scratch on the outer case back, dust, fingerprint or mark inside the case or on the movement and brand owners will happily void all warranty. Don't risk the warranty and value of your watch.
At Swiss SAV, we guarantee your existing warranty up to S$10k*. If your warranty is void because of our authentication service, send us the bill and we will pay for it*.
*Just need brand owner to state in their official quotation the reason warranty is void, and if the reason stated is due to our handling of your watch during authentication, Swiss SAV will pay for the warranty quotation of value up to S$10k. This guarantee is applicable only to new untouched watches that still has its warranty intact. Watches that have been previously authenticated outside are not covered by our guarantee! Water damage also not covered by our warranty as all watches are properly sealed and tested in front of owners before returning.
Damage free, Scratch free handling
We are proud to be the only authentication service provider that does not damage, scratch or mark the timepieces we authenticate or handle. This includes the complimentary resizing without damage that we provide to owners of new timepieces.
Neutral to all parties
We work for the person who pays but we remain neutral with our assessment to both buyer and seller and parties are free to ask any questions regarding the timepiece during the authentication process.
Polished or unpolished, worn or unworn, sized or unsized
These are checks outside of authentication but may be important to some buyers who may be paying a premium for the timepiece. These are things we are able to check when requested at no extra cost.
Optional additional check for working condition with printed timing results
We are able to check and provide printed 6 position timing result with interpretation of the result for a small fee. Please let us know before the authentication process and we will be happy to assist. Useful for owners who like to know the condition of the watches when buying used or pre-owned or just to keep a record for future references.
World Class Equipment & Instruments, Only at Swiss SAV
Leica M205C
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
Keyence VHX Digital Microscope
The workhorse for all our authentication. The Leica M205C microscope is the most powerful stereo microscope in the world when we acquire it in 2014. After 9 years, it is still the leading & flagship stereo microscope in the Leica family and the world. Having authenticated thousands of watches without mistake, we continue to depend on it f
The workhorse for all our authentication. The Leica M205C microscope is the most powerful stereo microscope in the world when we acquire it in 2014. After 9 years, it is still the leading & flagship stereo microscope in the Leica family and the world. Having authenticated thousands of watches without mistake, we continue to depend on it for our daily research & authentication work. At S$60k, it is not a normal microscope you find elsewhere.
Keyence VHX Digital Microscope
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
Keyence VHX Digital Microscope
With increasing sophisticated fake watches and forgery, we have invested in the Keyence VHX Digital Microscope to help us quickly document fakes when we encounter them and use the images for comparison and verification. With a list price of S$145k for this configuration, it is the second most expensive piece of equipment in our service centre.
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
The big gun and mother of all digital microscope. We own & operate this digital microscope with all its 3 objectives & optional accessories. At S$185k for the entire set-up, it is currently the most expensive single piece of equipment in any watch service centre in the world. But its price is nothing compared to the watches we authenticate on a regular basis.
Witschi PROOFMASTER M
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
Leica DVM6 High-End Digital Microscope
Advance Water-less water resistance testing machine used to check every watch after we authenticate the watch to ensure watch is sealed properly and all gaskets are in place & in good condition. At about S$10k per unit plus an additional S$10k to run the compressor supplying high pressure compressed air to the PROOFMASTER, you will be gla
Advance Water-less water resistance testing machine used to check every watch after we authenticate the watch to ensure watch is sealed properly and all gaskets are in place & in good condition. At about S$10k per unit plus an additional S$10k to run the compressor supplying high pressure compressed air to the PROOFMASTER, you will be glad to know we have invested in this machine to test your watch's water resistance after we closed it.
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
We are the only service centre in Asia to run the Witschi X1 Generation 1 - Generation 3 timing machine, with Tourbillon testing on the G3. The Chronoscope X1 is the most advanced automatic mechanical watch timing machine in the world and is the leading flagship mechanical watch testing machine from Witschi. At about S$13-14k per machine,
We are the only service centre in Asia to run the Witschi X1 Generation 1 - Generation 3 timing machine, with Tourbillon testing on the G3. The Chronoscope X1 is the most advanced automatic mechanical watch timing machine in the world and is the leading flagship mechanical watch testing machine from Witschi. At about S$13-14k per machine, and requires yearly calibration, you will find it only with us.
Proper tools & equipment to work on your watch
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
Witschi CHRONOSCOPE X1 (G1-G3) with Tourbillon Testing
With the ROXER OBMP case back opening machine costing in excess of S$3k, HORIA sets each in excess of S$4k and other opening tools totaling S$30k, you can rest assured only the real proper Swiss manufacturers' tools are used when working on your watches.
And we always use finger cot when checking the inside of your watch.
Authentication Service Frequently Asked Questions
Why Us?
What is the difference between SwissSAV authentication vs Brand Owner authentication?
At SwissSAV, we authenticate the watch in your presence, show you the entire process and allows you to ask questions when you are in doubt or when you see something that bothers you. Brand owners do not authenticate on-the-spot, will take a few days or weeks and not do it in your presence. You will be left wondering what had been done or checked.
What is the difference between SwissSAV authentication vs outside authentication.
We guarantee the authentication, warranty, if any, and original condition of the watch. We will not scratch or mark the watch when removing the bracelet or opening the watch. We will also ensure the watch is authenticated in a dust-free environment with proper handling that will not leave any foreign particles, stain or fingerprint on the movement or inside the watch.
Credential
What is the credential of the person checking my watch?
Swiss Certified & Swiss manufacturers' Trained to Train the Trainers watchmaker specialising in Authentication, Fault Analysis & Troubleshooting / Diagnosis.
For full credentials, click here
Written Report or Copy of Images
Do I get a certificate or report for the authentication?
No report or certificate will be given. If the watch or part of the watch is questionable, we will state so in the final receipt which we will issue to you after the authentication. This final receipt will include the watch's model & serial number, calibre model & serial number, if any, and will contain all important details of the watch we authenticated.
Why can't I have a set of the photos you have taken during the authentication?
Clients are allowed to take photos of the high-resolution images, of their own watches, projected on the big screen. However, we cannot not provide these high-resolution images in soft copy to anyone to prevent counterfeiting or production of fake watches. It is our duty to protect the Swiss watch industry that sponsored and provided us with our education and knowledge.
Condition of Watch's Exterior
How can you tell if a watch is polished or unpolished, sized or unsized, worn or unworn?
The watchmaker checking your watch is also Swiss certified in refinishing (polishing), trained by the Industry in Switzerland & is a Trainer himself. He uses the best Leica research stero microscope (M205) in the world to thoroughly check every minute part of the watch. When necessary, he also has the most powerful digital microscope in the world, Leica DVM6, to document the findings in unbelievable details.
Can you help me check if watch is brand new/unworn?
Yes, we can help you check if; 1) watch is brand new (not used) condition; 2) inside movement is untouched; 3) watch is unpolished. You just need to ask before we start the authentication process, and in presence of the seller, if there is one.! If watch is brand new, we will return it to you in its original brand-new condition. This is what you are paying for when authenticating with us!
Condition of Watch's Interior
Can you help me check if any parts has been changed or not original?
Yes, we will check through the entire watch's inside and outside in your presence without any disassembly using our Leica M205 microscope connected to a 65 inch full HD TV. You can witness the entire intricate process.
Will you be checking every part of the watch?
Yes, we will check all parts visible to us under the microscope. The checking process is done under a microscope connected to a 65-inch TV so you can see the whole process.
I probably trust you more than the seller. To understand more, will you be able to detect alignment (probably due to drop) dents, swap of minor parts internally?
Yes, we will be able to detect all problems we can visually see. Please raise all your questions and concerns with the watchmaker before the authentication so he is able to address them one by one to you during the authentication process.
Seller
The dealer says its expensive to authenticate with SwissSAV & he knows somewhere faster & cheaper!
If his true intention is to save you some money, he can give you a discount. You can then use the money saved to get your watch authenticated by SwissSAV, the Professionals, safely!
The dealer refuses to authenticate at SwissSAV giving various reasons & excuses!
This is usually a red flag. If you really have to buy from this dealer, have everything written down clearly on the receipt - watch condition, used or brand new etc. State clearly any return T&C if watch is checked & found to be misrepresented. The biggest challenge & problem we face during authentication are NOT fake watches but having to explain misrepresentations to the sellers who misrepresent their watches (e.g., polished watches sold as new, mint, unworn). Fake watches are easy, fake people are not.
Many serious reputable dealers with shops visit us with buyers, and some of the biggest online sellers insist on us, because they don't want damage to their timepieces during authentication. They also know we provide a safe environment for them to deal & transact after authentication.
Duration of Entire Process
How long does an official check usually take?
Total of 45 minutes allocated for each authentication, with 20-30 minutes for physical checks under microscope, 10-15 minutes for checking paperwork if any plus sharing how to use & take care of the watch authenticated, plus 10 minutes for sizing.
Hence it is extremely important that nobody is late or else it will eat into the time allocated for the entire authentication process and appointment will be automatically cancelled if authentication is delayed by more than 20 minutes due to next authentication taking place.
Reschedule / Refund
I am buying a watch online. If the seller is late, or cancel the selling decision, but I have paid SwissSAV. Will you be able to refund me?
No refund will be given as the watchmaker's time had been blocked for your authentication. But if you show up and the seller did not, we can offer you a one time re-schedule, out of goodwill.
If the seller is still a no-show on the rescheduled date, we cannot do another reschedule as the watchmaker would have already availed himself twice at your request.
Vintage / Older Watches
I have my hands on a Rolex 16760 that I would love to have authenticated. I am not an expert on older watches so I would like to learn and see the process!
You can witness the whole process and we are happy to share with you what we observed. However, we are not be able to teach you how to authenticate - A little knowledge is most dangerous!
It's not something anyone can pick up in half an hour and if we teach you how to do it, it's like letting you race F1 when you just learn how to engage 1st gear without stalling.
I'd like to authenticate a vintage Rolex. Will you be able to check if all the parts are period correct and nothing has been changed!
We are only able to share with you based on what we can see and know for vintage Rolex, but we will NOT be able to tell you if all the parts belong to the watch when it was made. We do not think anybody, including the original owner can tell you that.
Opening the Watch
I have heard that opening the watch voids the warranty. Is it true?
Yes, opening the watch by untrained hands voids all warranty. Watches must be opened & closed properly without any trace of handling or marks inside & out. Especially watches with screwed-on back case, like Rolex, and must be closed properly with correct amount of torque without over-tightening. We have seen many cases of case back that is over tightened, and this will easily cause the warranty of the watch to be void.
At SwissSAV, we guarantee the warranty of your watch (from 2024 onwards) after we authenticate it. With us, your watch is handled professionally by Swiss Certified Watchmaker trained to do the job.
After opening the back, do you perform the waterproof test or something after that?
Yes, and to prove this, all watches we worked on go through a complete water resistance test in front of the client after we close it.
Will opening the case void the warranty?
No, warranty will not be affected if you authenticate with us. Our watchmaker passed the official exam in Switzerland with the highest score.
Is it true once you open the back, you will need to change the gasket?
No, unless gasket is damaged. To-date, we have never damaged any gasket.
A part of verification requires opening the watch. Is it true that opening the back of watch requires changing the gasket too, which will void the warranty?
We will not cause any change to the inside your watch when authenticating. Opening of watch will not spoil your original parts as we only use soft tools with certified professional watchmaker doing the work.
If the gasket is not good, we will inform you. You decide if you'd like to change it. Our work or original Swiss made gaskets will not void any warranty or cause the watch to be more expensive to service if you go back to the authorized service centre in future.
i. Hello, can I check if you guys provide a visual authentication and checks on whether the watch is authentic, brand new and unpolished without opening up the watch? Rolex gmt master 2
ii. If I just want a visual check without opening the case possible? And how much would that be?
We can check only what we can see. We can tell you if watch's exterior, the dial and hands are authentic, brand new, unpolished from the outside. We cannot tell you if the watch's inside is 100% authentic, brand new or untouched if we do not open the back case. For watches with see through case backs, we can authenticate without opening the case backs, but we may not be able to provide important details like models and serial numbers for some watches e.g., Patek Philippe which have their model and serial numbers inside the case back.
The authentication price remains the same even if we don't open the caseback.
Complimentary Sizing
Can you help me resize the watch after authentication?
Yes, we will provide one time complimentary resizing after the authentication process. This complimentary service is extremely valuable especially if it is a brand new watch. This is because we will resize the watch for you without any damage to the bracelet screws. It is common to find bracelet screws damaged when you resize outside. We want to help customers preserve the value of their new watches by resizing it for them professionally during our authentication services. Professional resizing requires treating the bracelet screws with special adhesive, according to Rolex standard, to prevent it from coming loose during its service life.
Resizing for new Rolex watches is S$45 without authentication.
Did not find answer to what you are looking for? Feel free to send your question via WhatsApp to +65 8363 9000 and we will response soonest available!
Photo Gallery of SwissSAV Authentication
Photo Gallery of Hallmarks for Watches in Precious Metal
Why you should never authenticate outside