Factory stickers

Factory stickers are the protective films applied by manufacturers to parts of a new watch, commonly on the caseback, clasp, or case, to protect the finish before it's worn.

Intact stickers are often used as evidence that a watch is unworn, and some buyers put real weight on them. On their own they prove little, since stickers can be removed and replaced, so they should be read together with the watch's overall condition and paperwork.

If a watch is sold as unworn with stickers, photograph them clearly, and check that the rest of the watch shows no signs of wear.