Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

質問

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered answers to questions we often receive at Ante.
Choose your vintage watch with confidence.
From visiting our store to after your purchase, we’re here to help.

01

Visiting Us

Q.Do I need an appointment to visit?
A.

You are welcome to visit our Ginza store without an appointment. We have a limited selection on display, so if you have a particular watch in mind, we recommend contacting us in advance.

Q.What are your business hours?
A.

We are open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 7:15 PM. Hours may change depending on the facility’s operating schedule.

Q.Where is the store located?
A.

Our store is located on B1F of EXITMELSA Ginza, 5-7-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. It is just a short walk from Exit A1 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro.

Q.Can I view items listed online at the store?
A.

Our in-store display space is limited, so not every item listed in our online store is always on display at the Ginza store.

If you have a particular watch in mind, we recommend contacting us in advance. We’ll check its availability and storage location and let you know if it can be viewed at our Ginza store.

You can try watches on in person and compare the Case Size, how they look on your wrist, their weight, and strap colors before choosing.

02

About Our Watches

Q.Are the watches listed authentic?
A.

We sell only authentic watches. Our expert watchmakers inspect every vintage watch, including Cartier, checking not only its authenticity but also the exterior, dial, movement, engravings, and specifications.

Q.Are the watches Serviced?
A.

We individually check the movement, operation, accuracy, functionality, and exterior of every watch we acquire.

Rather than servicing every watch the same way, we assess its Era, current condition, and originality, then carry out the inspections and servicing it needs before presenting it for sale. The work performed varies by item, so please see each product page for details.

Q.Can I place an item on hold?
A.

Yes. We can hold an item for a limited time with a deposit.

  • Within one week: A 5% deposit of the purchase price is required.
  • Within two weeks: A 10% deposit of the purchase price is required.

We cannot hold items for more than two weeks. When you purchase, you will pay the remaining balance after the deposit has been deducted. Holds are limited to one item per person.

Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel for personal reasons or if the hold period expires. If the deadline passes, the order will be automatically canceled. This policy helps us offer our one-of-a-kind pieces fairly and ensures everyone can shop with confidence.

03

Purchases and Payment
About

Q.What payment methods can I use in-store?
A.

We accept cash, major credit cards, bank transfers, and shopping loans. Please contact us in advance to confirm accepted card brands and applicable terms.

Q.What payment methods can I use in the online store?
A.

We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and various online payment methods. Please check the payment options shown at checkout.

Q.Can I use a shopping loan?
A.

Yes, you can use a shopping loan in-store. We cover all installment interest and fees for payment plans of up to 12 installments. Plans with 13 or more installments incur the applicable installment fees.

An application, screening, and identity verification documents are required. Please contact a member of our staff for details.

Q.Can I make a tax-free purchase?
A.

International visitors who meet the tax-free requirements can shop tax-free at our Ginza store. Please bring your passport and any other required documents. Please note that you may not be eligible for tax-free shopping depending on your residence status, length of stay, and other factors.

Q.Can I return or exchange an item after purchase?
A.

Due to the nature of vintage items, we generally cannot accept returns or exchanges for personal reasons. Each item differs in Era, condition, and character, so please feel free to contact us before purchasing if you have any questions.

For details on eligibility and the process for returns and exchanges, please see Returns and Exchanges.

04

Shipping

Q.Can I pick up my order in-store?
A.

Yes. If you would like to pick up your order in-store after purchasing it through our online store, please contact us in advance. We may ask you to verify your identity when you pick it up.

Q.Can you tell me about shipping?
A.

To ensure you receive your chosen watch with confidence, we recheck its condition and operation before shipping, then carefully package and ship each watch individually.

Shipping within Japan
Shipping within Japan is a flat ¥900 nationwide. Orders are shipped via Yamato Transport.

International Shipping
We ship internationally. Shipping is a flat ¥38,000, including shipping and insurance. Please contact us before placing your order to confirm whether we can ship to your country or region.

Customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees incurred overseas are generally the customer's responsibility.

05

Use and Maintenance
About

Q.Are there any precautions I should take when wearing a vintage watch?
A.

Take care to protect the watch from moisture, sweat, strong impacts, magnetism, and sudden temperature changes. Vintage watches may not offer the same water resistance or shock resistance as modern watches.

To preserve the unique appeal of a watch that has endured for many years, we recommend taking a little extra care with it in everyday use.

Q.Is the watch water-resistant?
A.

Regardless of whether a vintage watch is marked as water-resistant, please treat it as non-water-resistant. Take care to protect it from handwashing, rain, sweat, and humidity.

Q.How many times should I wind a Manual-Winding watch?
A.

As a general guideline, slowly wind the crown about 20–30 times once a day. The number of turns varies by watch. If you feel strong resistance, please do not force it any further.

Q.What should I do if my watch has stopped?
A.

If your watch has stopped, first check the instructions for its movement type.

  • Manual-Winding watches: Slowly turn the crown about 20–30 times, then check that the watch is working.
  • Automatic watches: For models with a Manual-Winding function, wind the crown. For models without one, gently move the watch to build up some power before use.
  • Quartz watches: The battery may be depleted. Please do not try to operate the watch; contact us for assistance.

When near objects that generate strong magnetic fields, the watch may gain or lose time or stop. If the issue persists after checking the above, stop using the watch and contact us.

Q.How often does a watch need an overhaul?
A.

It depends on how often the watch is worn and the condition of the movement, but 3–5 years is a general guideline for mechanical watches.

We recommend an inspection regardless of the time since your last service if you notice a significant change in accuracy, unusual resistance when winding, or abnormal noise.

06

Straps and Bracelets
About

Q.Can the Leather Strap be replaced?
A.

We can replace the strap if one is available that suits the watch’s size and specifications. The compatible strap may vary depending on the Era and buckle shape. We’ll recommend a suitable option based on the watch, including available colors and materials.

Q.Can I purchase a genuine strap or genuine Buckle?
A.

If we have a compatible genuine strap or genuine Buckle in stock, we can offer it for an additional charge. Specifications that can be fitted vary by Era and model, so please contact us with photos showing the watch’s details or product information.

Q.Can the bracelet size be adjusted?
A.

Yes, we can adjust the bracelet size when you purchase the watch.

  • To reduce the Wrist Size: We’ll adjust it free of charge.
  • To increase the Wrist Size: Additional links are required and will incur an extra charge.

Options depend on the availability and compatibility of links. Size adjustments usually take about 7–10 days.

07

Warranty and Repairs

Q.Does the watch come with a warranty?
A.

Yes, each product comes with a warranty. The warranty period varies depending on the watch’s Era, movement, and condition, and is up to 3 months. Details are provided on each product page or at the time of purchase.

Since each vintage watch has a different Era and construction, we provide warranty coverage suited to each watch.

Q.What types of failures are covered by the warranty?
A.

We will repair or adjust natural failures of the internal mechanism that occur during normal use, in accordance with the warranty terms.

Damage from drops or impacts, exposure to water or sweat, magnetism, damage to the case, crystal, or strap, improper use, and consumables such as batteries and Leather Straps are generally not covered by the warranty.

Q.Can I request repairs after the warranty expires?
A.

You can contact us about repairs and maintenance for watches purchased from us even after the warranty period has ended.

Repair details, turnaround time, and estimates vary depending on the watch’s Era, condition, and parts availability. We’ll first assess the watch and then recommend the most suitable solution we can.

We’ll continue to provide attentive support after your purchase, so you can enjoy your watch with confidence for years to come.

Q.Can it be serviced at an authorized boutique?
A.

This varies depending on the brand, Era, watch condition, and component configuration. We cannot guarantee that an authorized service center will accept the watch for service, so if you have concerns about future maintenance, please contact us before purchasing.

08

Contact us

Q.Can I ask questions about a product?
A.

Of course. If you have any questions about a product’s condition, fit, appearance when worn, or movement, please feel free to ask.

Even watches of the same model can vary in appearance and condition. We’ll provide clear information about each watch so you can choose with confidence.

contact us or reach us via our official LINE ID @ante.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for

If you have any questions,
Please feel free to contact us.

Business hours 11:00–20:00

5-7-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
EXITMELSA B1F