A Buyer's Guide to Condition Grades

Condition grading only means something if it's consistent, so we grade every piece against the same checklist rather than a general impression. Every listing uses one of three grades, followed by a plain description of the piece: for example, Used with light corner wear and a clean interior. Here's what each grade requires before we assign it.

Brand New means the piece is unworn, with its original protective elements (tags, plastic on the hardware, or sealing) where it came with them. It includes pieces we source to order for a client. There are no marks on the hardware and no creasing in the leather beyond what's structural to the design.

Like New means the piece is worn lightly if at all. You might find the faintest corner rub or a hairline mark in strong side light, but nothing visible in normal wear, and nothing that affects structure or function. It's the grade buyers most often ask us to explain, because "like new" and "mint" get overused across the industry as catch-alls. On our listings it is a specific standard, and the description after the grade tells you exactly what, if anything, you would find.

Used means honest signs of use: corner wear, minor scuffing, patina, slight fading on a strap, or watch bracelet stretch a jeweller can still adjust. None of it compromises the piece structurally. We describe exactly where the wear is in the listing rather than leaving the word "used" to do all the work, because where wear sits changes how much it will show in daily use. These pieces are priced accordingly and are often the smartest entry point into a house or model you've wanted for a while.

Whatever the grade, our listings include close-up photography of the exact areas we're grading against, not just flattering angles. If a grade and a photo ever seem to disagree, message us before you buy. We'd rather answer the question than have you second-guess a piece after it arrives.