About

Located in the heart of Antwerp, we are professionals with 14 years of experience, research, and study. We specialise in the purchase, sale, sourcing, and authentication of both modern and vintage timepieces from the world's leading brands — including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and more.

Whether you are purchasing your first fine watch, searching for a particular reference, building a collection of rare and historically important watches, or considering selling a timepiece, our mission is to guide you with integrity, expertise and genuine care.

Each item in our webshop is rare, collectible and reflects our own appreciation for timeless aesthetics, craftsmanship, and history. Every item is legally acquired, thoroughly inspected, carefully evaluated, and presented with complete transparency. Each timepiece comes with an invoice issued in your name, a lifetime warranty on authenticity, and a two-year warranty on mechanical performance.

Selling your valuable watch should be safe and straightforward. Whether you're upgrading to a new model or taking advantage of rising market values, we ensure a seamless experience. From a Rolex worth €10,000 to a Patek Philippe valued at €100,000, you can count on a fair market offer and immediate bank payment. A typical transaction takes just five minutes at our Antwerp office.

We often meet clients who have received extremely low offers for their watches or have unknowingly purchased pieces that are not as described — for example, counterfeit watches fitted with genuine movements, those with replaced parts, altered warranty cards, or polished examples presented as unworn.

Authentication of both modern and vintage timepieces is a highly specialised field, requiring years of experience, research, and attention to detail. Allow us to share a story that illustrates why expertise matters.

A couple once approached us with a Patek Philippe watch they had inherited. They told us that an official retailer had considered the watch to be fake because the dial was signed “Patek Philippe & Co.” rather than simply “Patek Philippe.” The couple were understandably concerned and were even considering discarding the watch. Fortunately, they found us online and decided to seek a second opinion. When our in-house expert carefully examined the watch, he immediately recognised that the “Patek Philippe & Co.” signature was historically correct for the period. He identified it as the very first model of the Patek Philippe Calatrava, Reference 96, featuring an exceptionally rare black dial and a rare rose-gold case. The dial also bore the signature of the original retailer who had sold the watch — a particularly rare detail that significantly increases its value. Most importantly, the watch was in completely original, unrestored condition. This combination of rarity, originality, and provenance makes it an extremely rare and highly collectible timepiece — precisely the kind of watch that collectors dream of adding to their collections.

For this reason, we recommend consulting us when you plan to buy or sell a watch. We will provide you with the expertise and all the information you need to make the right decision.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for visiting.

My name is Khatchatour Mkrtoumian, founder of Watch Expert BV. I began collecting, studying and conducting research on vintage watches in 2005. In 2012, I began trading watches professionally. Today my expertise is trusted by collectors, jewellers, and institutions worldwide. I have been a Certified Diamond Grader by HRD Antwerp since 2013 and a watch expert of the Royal Belgian Chamber of Judicial Experts (KGSO-CEJA) since 2022.

To me, a fine mechanical watch is more than just luxury — it is art, craftsmanship, history, and passion; a collectible object of value that brings the joy of ownership and can be handed down through generations. For many men, a watch is the only piece of jewellery they wear — and at the same time, it is an instrument.

My office, located opposite the Flemish Opera and a short walk from Antwerp Central Station, is a private and secure space. You are always welcome — even just for a valuation or a conversation, with no pressure or obligation. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have about watches. Many clients stop by for a coffee to talk about watches, the financial markets, and life in general.

I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to make a living buying and selling luxury watches and jewellery. I love my work, and I hope I can continue doing it for the rest of my life.

My reputation is very important to me, and therefore my yes is yes and my no is no. It is also very important to me that my clients are happy and feel good about doing business with me.

Thank you. I look forward to welcoming you in person.

Best regards,
Khatchatour Mkrtoumian