Terms and Conditions of Search

Watch Searching Agreement

between the International Art & Antique Loss Register Limited (“ALR”), a company registered in England with company number 2455350, trading as THE WATCH REGISTER, its affiliates and subsidiaries, and you (“the Client”).

  1. In return for payment of the agreed fee the Client can submit searches for watches via THE WATCH REGISTER website or by text message in order to check whether they are registered as lost or stolen on the ALR database.

  2. In submitting searches the Client will provide full and accurate information.

  3. In the event that the Client is unable to supply the information required by the ALR to complete a search of a watch against its database or provides inaccurate information at the time of submission then no refund will be payable.

  4. It is important to note that not all lost and stolen watches are registered on the ALR database or any other database. This search is a minimum level of due diligence and does not exclude the need for the Client to check the credentials of the seller, the ownership and the authenticity of the watch.

  5. The ALR will confirm the result of the search to the Client. The result of the search is the status of the watch at the time that the search is submitted. The status of any watch may change in future and it is therefore advisable to submit a search at the point of every transaction.

  6. In the event of a match with the database the ALR will notify the Client who will make best endeavours to hold the watch if it is in their possession and will co-operate fully with the ALR and the Police if required. Such co-operation may require the Client to disclose the identity of the person offering the watch to them, together with any contact details for them. The Client should not endanger its staff in holding a watch.

  7. The information provided by the Client is confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party except law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, theft victims and their representatives when the ALR considers it reasonable to do so. For the avoidance of doubt, once a match with the database has been identified the ALR will pass on the details of the Client and their seller to any such relevant third parties.

  8. The Client is advised to warn the potential seller that the Client is consulting the ALR database. The Client should secure their seller’s explicit consent to the transfer of their personal data to the ALR, so that it can be passed onto law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, theft victims and their representatives in the event of a match. By submitting a search the Client warrants that they have secured this consent.

  9. Our Certificates are not a confirmation of authenticity. Note that if we have knowledge of a serial number submitted for searching being associated with counterfeits then we will not issue a Certificate.

  10. The ALR will not be liable to the Client except in the case of gross negligence and the liability is limited to £10,000.

  11. This Agreement is governed by the laws of England & Wales.

  12. The parties agree that if they cannot amicably resolve any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement they will attempt a resolution through mediation prior to any proceedings being issued. The parties agree that the courts of England & Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any such proceedings in the event that the dispute cannot be resolved amicably or through mediation.