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Welcome to the family owned business web site for PM Time Service. Our business, started in the 1960's by Paul Zuercher, has worked steadily to provide our customers with vintage and antique pocket and wrist watches. Today, Catherine Zuercher carries on the 2nd generation of service. and is delighted to work with our returning customers and new ones to place these fine old timekeepers with new owners! For more information about us, please head over to our About Us page.
On this page, we hope to answer some of the commonly asked questions from our first time customers.
Understanding Our Descriptions
We process a very large number of watches and accessories each year for sale via our web site, Ebay and local avenues. We attempt to offer as complete a description and clear of photos as possible on each item, and we always encourage you to write us with questions if something is not addressed in the description! In each description, we attempt to note the following things:
<maker><size><jewels><setting><adjustments><grade/model><serial number>, <movement information>, <dial information>, <hand information>, <case information>, <misc. information>. <overall condition and comments>
Taking an example of a watch already described, we've bracketed the different sections and color coded them like above:
<Ball-Hamilton> <16S> <21J> <LS> <adj.> <Official RR Standard> <#B651197>, <nickel movement with gold jewel settings and concentric circle damascene pattern, should be noted that the gears on the movement may not be all original however watch is running strong and not affecting running condition>, <porcelain Ball marked dial with Arabic numbers has very faint hairline (not distracting)>, <blue steel hands>, <beautiful YGF SB&B Ball marked case with engraved bezels and blank monogram shield showing normal even wear (no brass)>, <fancy bow>. <High grade Ball watch in very good condition, perfect to carry everyday!>
Help with the abbreviations we use and glossary of terms can be viewed here.
Condition Grading
You will notice on most of our watches and accessories comments on the overall condition. Here is a general scale to interpret those comments.
- Like New Condition & Factory New Condition- May never have been carried, all original condition, usually accompanied with the original box, papers or other items. This condition of watch was likely in the same condition as when it left the factory.
- Mint Condition - May have a few (2-5) small cosmetic problems, such as a scuff on the original finish, some wear near one hole of a leather band, a small spot of discoloration on the hands. Overall though, this watch will have no flaws or damage that would detract from either running or overall appearance. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn very infrequently, and was taken good care of during its life span.
- Near Mint Condition - May have a number (5-10) of small cosmetic problems like those listed above, however the overall appearance and running condition will not be detracted from. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn more frequently but was still cared for well during its life span.
- Excellent+ Condition - May have 1-2 moderate flaws of note, such as the movement having scratches near the screws, a short or faint hairline on the dial, wear on the engraving of the case. This condition will not have any serious defects, such as brass, dial repairs, serious damage or wrong parts on the movement. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn regularly but with care.
- Excellent Condition - May have 3-5 moderate flaws of note like those listed above, however the appearance and running condition will not be detracted from. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn regularly with care, however may have been victim to a minor accident or poorly executed repair work.
- Very Good Condition - May have 1-2 serious problems of note, such as brassing on the case, expert repair on the dial, serious discoloration and damage to the movement. Damage to the movement will not affect the running condition for items listed on the normal sections of the site. Any watches with major running condition problems we list under the Mechanical Special section of the web site, and those problems will be noted within the descriptions. Often we will use this grade to describe a watch that is still attractive and does not have enough flaws to overshadow the appeal, but that is starting to 'show its age'. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn regularly/daily, has at least 1 serious defect of note, and would be an ideal watch to carry or wear everyday now.
- Good Condition - May have 3-5 serious problems of note like those listed above, and although will be in good running condition and may still be very attractive overall, is showing its age. This condition of watch was likely carried or worn regularly/daily, has at least 3 serious defects of note, and would be ideal to carry or wear daily.
- Fine Condition - This is the lowest grade you will see in the standard listing section of the web site. This watch will have some serious problems similar to those listed above, and will likely be in a general state of wear overall. Although it may have other factors to make it desirable, such as the maker, fancy dial or case, etc. it will likely need some serious cosmetic restoration. This grade will still be in good running condition unless otherwise noted in the description. This condition of watch was likely the victim of a serious accident or was poorly cared for during its life span.
- As-Is Condition - Mostly seen in our Mechanical Special section of the web site, we will describe the overall condition and running condition as accurately as possible. However, this condition may have missing parts, serious damage or incorrect parts. We are happy to answer any questions prior to sale on this condition, however once the sale is made, we can not offer a refund. This condition of watch is damaged, and will need restoration work to return it to full cosmetic and/or running condition.
- (no condition listed) - If notes are made in the description about various aspects of condition on the movement, dial and/or case, the lack of overall grade may be an oversight from our describing process and we do apologize! Please contact us so we can give you that, and of course update our listing.
Overall Condition
All of our watches are in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should have them cleaned and oiled, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
We do have a professional watchmaker that does all of our repair work for us. He charges us $65 for cleaning and service of a watch, and if you purchase a watch from us, we pass this cost along to you if you would like us to have the watch serviced for you. Depending on the time of the year, we would have the watch back in 1 to 3 weeks.
Please note that we provide access to this service via a 3rd party watchmaker. If you do purchase this option for your watch and later decide to return it, this fee is non-refundable.
To have your watch serviced before shipping, please add the service agreement to your cart. It can be added from here.
Layaway Program
On our layaway policy, we usually ask that you place 1/4 the price of the order (cost of the items + shipping charge) for the down payment, and then pay off the remainder within 6 months. We are happy however to work with you to find a schedule that meets your budget. Just drop us a note for more details.
Holiday & Vacation Dates
Unless otherwise noted on our holiday page, you can expect an order placed to be processed and shipped out within 2-3 business days, often much sooner. If you need an item quickly, please do double check our holiday page to make sure we will be in the office!
Return Policy
There is a 10-day, unconditional return from the day you receive your items on all PM Time Service merchandise. If you are not happy with the item for any reason, just send it back for a refund or exchange. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase!
Privacy Policy
Any information collected by PM Time Service, either by phone, email or a direct order, is kept within our company. We do not sell or trade customer information under any circumstance unless via a direct request by a customer for a reference. Use the 'Contact' link at the top right of any page to send a request for mailing or email list removal at any time.
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