Label Patina Expert

The network of independent and anonymous watch experts powering authentication and excellence in the second-hand luxury watch market

Who They Are

  • Label Patina Friends are seasoned watch professionals, horologists, and collectors who are not Label Patina employees. They bring decades of combined expertise and an independent perspective to every evaluation.

  • Our network conducts rigorous assessments, from merchant mystery shopping to on-demand collector inspections. This ensures that every certified merchant and authenticated piece meets our exacting standards.

  • We believe in sharing knowledge, fostering integrity in the market, and supporting both merchants and collectors in their watch journeys. Label Patina Experts are industry advocates committed to excellence.

A 3D diagram of mathematical points and lines with labels 'X', 'Y', and '1', '2' on a black background.

What Our Network Does

  • Label Patina Experts conduct unannounced mystery shopping evaluations of merchant candidates, assessing service quality, authenticity standards, and expertise. These results directly inform our certification process and ongoing monitoring.

  • Our network conducts periodic audits of certified merchants, reviews customer feedback, and verifies continued compliance with Label Patina standards. This ensures our directory remains trustworthy.

  • Collectors can request independent authentication and condition assessments directly from Label Patina Experts. These professional inspections provide peace of mind before major purchases.

  • Through content, guides, and community engagement, our Experts help educate collectors about authentication, collecting best practices, and industry trends.

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Meet Our Expert Profiles

  • Headshot of a young man with dark hair, smiling, wearing a gray sweater over a collared shirt, against a plain gray background.

    Marco Rossi

    MOVEMENT SPECIALIST

    Marco's expertise in watch movements and rare calibers makes him expert at identifying counterfeits. He's worked with museums and collectors on complex authentication cases.

    Specialty: Movement Authentication, Rare Calibers, Conservation

  • Close-up of a man with curly dark hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a dark sweater, sitting indoors.

    Thomas Müller

    WATCH EXPERT & HOROLOGIST

    With 15+ years in watchmaking and authentication, Thomas specializes in Swiss mechanical watches. His meticulous eye for detail makes him invaluable in our certification process.

    Specialty: Vintage Swiss, Rolex, Omega

  • Label Patina Expert

    George Bryant

    CERTIFIED WATCHMAKER

    George has spent about 20 years in the world of luxury. Starting at a young age as a watchmaker at OMEGA he later had the chance to further his passion and skills at Breitling and IWC. Over the years George has become a horological experts, and is now specialized in vintage watches.

    Specialty: Technical inspection, Condition assessment of vintage watches

  • A smiling Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair wearing a blue top, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Sarah Chen

    LUXURY WATCH AUTHENTICATOR

    Sarah's three decades of collecting expertise combined with auction house experience brings a collector's perspective to every evaluation, ensuring authenticity without losing the human element.

    Specialty: Patek Philippe, High-End Vintage, Condition Assessment

  • A woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes stands outdoors in a lush, green environment, wearing a white long-sleeve top, a pearl necklace, and a smartwatch on her wrist, smiling softly and touching her neck with one hand.

    Lisa Keller

    CONTEMPORARY MARKET EXPERT

    Lisa focuses on modern luxury and limited editions, helping collectors navigate contemporary markets with sharp market knowledge and strong brand relationships.

    Specialty: Modern Luxury, Limited Editions, Valuation

Become a Label Patina Expert

Are you a watch expert, horologist, or passionate collector with deep market knowledge?

Label Patina Expert is an invitation-only network, but we're always interested in talented professionals who share our commitment to authenticity and excellence.

Who We’re Looking For?

Watch Experts & Horologists

Industry Professionals

Seasoned Collectors

Market Experts

Who We’re Looking For?

✓ Competitive compensation for mystery shopping evaluations

✓ On-demand authentication service opportunities (earn per assessment)

✓ Be featured in our network directory

✓ Support from a professional platform and community

✓ Flexible time commitment. Work as much or as little as you want

Apply to Become an Expert

  • Label Patina Experts work on their own schedule. You set your own pace. The Mystery Shopping System is designed to be flexible around your existing work.

  • Yes, all Label Patina Experts sign a confidentiality and professional conduct agreement. This protects merchants, collectors, and the integrity of our process.

  • You'll visit or contact merchant candidates, ask questions about watches, evaluate their expertise, and report back to Label Patina. Your honest feedback directly informs our certification decisions.

  • Label Patina Experts can offer independent authentication services on-demand. Collectors contact us, we connect them with appropriate Friends, and fees are split between Label Patina and the Friend.

FAQ

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're a trusted expert & horologist willing to join us or a collector seeking verification, we got you.

Contact Us