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THE WATCH SCHOLAR
Branded Authentication Resources, Training Dates,
Events, and Industry News
As leading experts in the field of watch authentication and valuation, The Watch Scholar works with global online organisations and individuals to set up authentication hubs, deliver expert authentication services, courses and resources to employees, specifically for the authentication, valuation and sale of pre-owned watches.
The Watch Scholar works with HNW collectors, auction houses and asset lenders in the valuation of high end watches and watch collections, whether for sale, insurance, probate or family division.
Underpinned by more than 30 years in the Watch Industry, The Watch Scholar was founded by Adrian Hailwood at the end 2024 to address the lack of education and training opportunities available to Authenticators, Valuers, Pawnbrokers and Dealers working within the Secondary Watch Market. One of our missions when we started The Watch Scholar was to develop courses and resources, both online and in person, that would build towards an accredited qualification. And, just ten months later, we are delighted to announce that The Watch Scholar is now formally recognised as a provider of `NAJ trusted education and training’.
Watch Authentication
We work with global businesses and industry-leading sales and auction platforms, such as eBay and others, to set up authentication hubs, deliver consultancy services, watch education, and detailed brand resources.
To individual watch collectors, The Watch Scholar offers an authentication service as part of any valuation - an important and often overlooked step, as a fake watch has no value!
We provide authentication reports on anything from a single watch to a large collection, and work with both the Police and Trading Standards to provide expert services to determine authenticity, lost value and support prosecutions.
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Watch Valuation
Adrian is a Founder Specialist Member of the Jewellery Valuers Association, focusing solely on watches. He works with HNW collectors, auction houses and asset lenders in the valuation of high end watches and watch collections, whether for sale, insurance, probate or family division.
As an expert Watch Valuer, Adrian trains members of both the JVA and the IRV to follow recognised principles of professional valuation practice to ensure that their valuation conclusions are thoroughly researched, evidence-based and wholly justifiable.
With over 30 years of experience in the watch industry, covering retail, pre-owned, and auctions, Adrian is perfectly equipped to offer a professional appraisal of your watch or collection of watches.
Adrian also acts as an expert witness in legal cases involving watches, their values and their authenticity.
Watch Journalist
Adrian is a prolific writer on watches and watch culture. He writes not only on individual watches and movements, but on the current state of the watch market, as well as its history and development.
Featured in numerous print and online publications including GQ, Revolution, QP Magazine, The Telegraph, Retail Jeweller, and The Financial Times, Adrian writes in a style that is both informative and accessible, with an element of wit and humour.
An independent voice within the watch community, Adrian writes with knowledge and authority gained from long experience and broad interest. He is equally at home creating blog content, both long and short-form, website content and sale listings copy.
Key Note Speaker
Adrian has written and presented watch training courses to audiences large and small for more than twelve years. His style is both entertaining and accessible, and feedback has been universally positive, with many organisations sending new members of staff to Adrian for training year after year.
Away from the classroom, Adrian is a captivating keynote speaker, presenting on a wide range of watch-related topics, including the current market, counterfeiting and watch crime, watch collecting, the history of watch brands, and of course the fascinating stories behind them.
Broker / Advisor
With over 30 years in the watch industry, and long experience serving HNW clients, Adrian has established a wide range of connections across the retail, pre-owned, and auction sectors.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a specific watch, curate your collection, or just understand the market better, Adrian can offer advice and assistance.
Watch Business Consultant
Adrian has a rare combination of experience in the watch industry, combining high-end luxury retail, pre-owned sales, and both traditional and online auction models. From the front-of-house, sales and customer service functions to sales and marketing strategy.
From a fledgeling start-up to the restructuring of an established business, Adrian brings creative problem-solving and a can-do attitude. Whether you need inspiring people skills or analytic rigour, Adrian can help you achieve the results you need.
Recent successful projects include recruiting, supporting, and motivating teams; building customer journeys, both on and offline; implementing Fintec solutions including KYC, AML processes, and escrow; creating SOPs to ensure customer care remains at the heart of the business practice.
Pawnbroker Services
Since 2011, Adrian Hailwood, MD of The Watch Scholar, has provided valuation and authentication support to Pawnbrokers nationally.
Adrian offers an expert pair of eyes to assist stores - not only are counterfeit movements and aftermarket additions identified, but less obvious problems are noted, meaning that a watch may require a service before resale or may be uneconomical to price due to damage.
Adrian knows that finding a price at which a watch can be sold, should a pledge not be redeemed, is crucial for a Pawnbroker. Adrian assists the Pawnbroker in managing Client expectations for immediate pricing and future projections, ensuring loans and purchases are made at the correct level, allowing for disposal if necessary.
The Watch Scholar courses are regularly attended by Pawnbroker staff, building a deeper understanding of watches, their value and authenticity.
Our courses boost staff confidence in making autonomous decisions and facilitate a more precise exchange of information during the authentication and valuation support communications.
Coming soon!
Pawnbroker Apprenticeship Courses early 2027. Contact us to find out more.
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