Warranty & Authenticity
We want you to buy with confidence. This page explains exactly what you’re covered for, how warranty claims work, and what your rights are under Australian law.
Your rights under Australian Consumer Law
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
These rights apply to every watch we sell, including Japanese domestic market models, and they apply against WatchBay as your supplier — not only against the manufacturer. Any manufacturer’s warranty described on this page is in addition to these rights, not a replacement for them.
If something goes wrong with a watch you bought from us, you can always come to us first.
Warranty provided by:
WATCH BAY | ABN: 71621517566 | BUSINESS ADDRESS: PO BOX – 5596, STUDFIELD, VIC – 3152
Email: contact@watchbay.com.au
Authenticity guarantee
At WatchBay, authenticity is non-negotiable.
- Every watch we sell is 100% genuine and sourced through trusted supply channels.
- We do not sell replicas, counterfeits, refurbished, or factory-second watches.
- All watches retain their original serial numbers, branding and manufacturer specifications.
- Watches are supplied with their original packaging and documentation, unless we clearly state otherwise on the product listing.
If you ever have a concern about the authenticity of a watch purchased from us, contact us and we will investigate it promptly.
Manufacturer warranty coverage
Manufacturer warranty coverage depends on the origin and intended market of the watch. We tell you which applies on the product listing.
International / Australian market models
These watches come with a manufacturer’s warranty valid from the date of purchase. It typically covers manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship under normal use, for the period specified by the brand. Coverage and duration vary by brand and model.
Japanese domestic market (JDM) models
We offer a curated selection of Japanese domestic market watches; authentic pieces made for sale within Japan, often with references, dial colours or specifications never released internationally. That’s exactly what makes them worth owning, and we want you to understand how they differ before you buy.
Please read this carefully:
- JDM watches carry a manufacturer’s warranty issued for the Japanese market only.
- That warranty is generally not honoured by authorised service centres outside Japan, including in Australia. You should assume local walk-in warranty service is not available for these models.
- Where a JDM watch has a manufacturer warranty issue, WatchBay will coordinate the claim on your behalf through our Japanese supply partners or authorised service channels.
- This may involve international shipping, and turnaround times will be longer than for a local warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are made by the manufacturer or authorised service centre, not by WatchBay.
Importantly: the Japan-only nature of the manufacturer’s warranty does not limit your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. If a JDM watch is faulty, not of acceptable quality, or does not match its description, you are entitled to a remedy from WatchBay in the same way as any other product we sell.
How to make a claim
1. Contact us first. Email contact@watchbay.com.au with your order number and a short description of the issue. Photos or a short video help us assess it quickly.
2. We assess and advise. We’ll review what you’ve sent and let you know the best path forward, whether that’s a remedy directly from us under the Australian Consumer Law, a manufacturer warranty claim, or a chargeable service.
3. Wait for return authorisation before sending anything. Please don’t post your watch to us until we’ve confirmed in writing where to send it and how. Unauthorised returns may be delayed or returned to sender.
4. We process the claim. Depending on the outcome of step 2, the watch will be serviced through an authorised service centre, coordinated by us (for JDM models), or resolved directly by us.
Who pays for shipping
This depends on why the watch is coming back to us.
If the watch is faulty, not of acceptable quality, or not as described: We will cover reasonable return shipping costs, and we will reimburse you if you’ve already paid them, in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law. Please contact us before sending so we can arrange or approve the method.
For voluntary manufacturer warranty claims, servicing, or inspections that are not a consumer guarantee issue: Shipping costs to and from the service centre are generally the customer’s responsibility, unless the manufacturer or service partner covers them, or we tell you otherwise in writing.
In all cases:
- We strongly recommend a tracked and insured service, while the watch is in transit to us it remains at your risk, and we can’t be responsible for loss or damage in the post.
- Please pack securely. Damage caused by inadequate packaging isn’t covered.
- Once a service centre has your watch, their handling and timeframes are governed by their own policies.
We act in good faith to assist you throughout, and we’ll keep you updated. What we can’t do is guarantee timeframes or outcomes that are determined by a third-party manufacturer or service centre.
What a manufacturer warranty does not cover
Manufacturer warranties cover manufacturing defects. They generally do not cover:
- Normal wear and tear, scratches, dents, fading, ageing of materials, or wear to straps, bracelets, clasps or coatings
- Accidental damage, impact, drops or mishandling
- Misuse, neglect or improper care, including not following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Water damage, including use beyond the stated water-resistance rating, or an improperly secured crown or pushers
- Unauthorised repairs, servicing or modifications by third parties
- Batteries and other consumable components, unless the manufacturer specifically covers them
- Cosmetic issues that don’t affect how the watch functions
This list describes the manufacturer’s warranty only. It does not limit your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which continue to apply.
Battery safety
Some watches contain button or coin batteries, which can cause serious injury if swallowed. Keep batteries and watches containing them out of reach of children. If you suspect a battery has been swallowed, contact the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately.
Last updated: JUNE 2026