Can you help/advise me please?
Discussion
To cut a long story short I have ended up with quite a valuable watch in my possession (found, handed in and now given back to me as 12 months+ have passed).
I travelled from Norwich where I am based and the watch was found to my nearest boutique which deals with these watches (in London) within a week of it being found, to enquiry about how to contact the owner.
They gave me the details from the serial number as to where it was bought, which turned out to be a boutique in Ukraine. I emailed them to ask if they could contact the owner and never heard a reply after several attempts of contact including one from the London boutique. So it was handed in to the London boutique who have since returned it to me. They believed the owner will have probably just made a claim under their insurance anyway. Or if they had a disposable income, just thought never mind as it was possibly one their cheaper ones.
Now my problem is the watch was lost in the first place I suspect because the strap has partly broken allowing it to come loose on the owners wrist. So now legally I own a watch which I would never wear as the new value is £4k+ and I can't even afford the new strap at £350.
So my question is, what would you do? I have no box, no papers only a little pouch which the boutique gave me to keep it in.
I wouldn't know where to go to value it or how I would go about selling it, if anyone would even buy it......
Apologies for the lack of watch details, I'm just after procedure advice and not wanting to advertise anything on the forums.
Thanks all in advance.
I travelled from Norwich where I am based and the watch was found to my nearest boutique which deals with these watches (in London) within a week of it being found, to enquiry about how to contact the owner.
They gave me the details from the serial number as to where it was bought, which turned out to be a boutique in Ukraine. I emailed them to ask if they could contact the owner and never heard a reply after several attempts of contact including one from the London boutique. So it was handed in to the London boutique who have since returned it to me. They believed the owner will have probably just made a claim under their insurance anyway. Or if they had a disposable income, just thought never mind as it was possibly one their cheaper ones.
Now my problem is the watch was lost in the first place I suspect because the strap has partly broken allowing it to come loose on the owners wrist. So now legally I own a watch which I would never wear as the new value is £4k+ and I can't even afford the new strap at £350.
So my question is, what would you do? I have no box, no papers only a little pouch which the boutique gave me to keep it in.
I wouldn't know where to go to value it or how I would go about selling it, if anyone would even buy it......
Apologies for the lack of watch details, I'm just after procedure advice and not wanting to advertise anything on the forums.
Thanks all in advance.
Let's not be coy, what exactly are you expecting to happen when you say you've found a watch, which retails for circa £4K (new or pre-owned?) and you'll never wear it, as well as not being in a position to fund a strap/bracelet replacement/repair?
This boutique you took it to/left it with, have authenticated the watch by the sounds of it – did they put that in writing?
Did you ask what sort of used value the watch would have in its present state?
Assuming you can navigate the internet more than logging on here, you should find no difficulty in matching the brand and model up with those on ebay and chrono24, and other public viewable sales sections of watch forums.
So without divulging what it is exactly that you have, how do you expect us to give you any guidance?
This boutique you took it to/left it with, have authenticated the watch by the sounds of it – did they put that in writing?
Did you ask what sort of used value the watch would have in its present state?
Assuming you can navigate the internet more than logging on here, you should find no difficulty in matching the brand and model up with those on ebay and chrono24, and other public viewable sales sections of watch forums.
So without divulging what it is exactly that you have, how do you expect us to give you any guidance?
Well your username doesn't seem to correlate to your story 
On a more serious note, do you have written records of handing the watch in as 'lost', a police report or similar?
Handing it to your AD is all very well, but AFAIK they do not have the authority to issue lost property to a new owner.
What watch is it? Once you know what the watch is, using chrono24 will be a good indication as to what they trade for in an international market.
In your shoes, it sounds like there could be potential ownership issues and selling this on could present a problem for both you and the new owner should there be any confusion as to ownership of the watch.
I would either a) buy a different strap for less than the 350 you have quoted, depending on the watch this may or may not be possible, then wear the watch and use it as a reminder that I am not so unlucky
b) alternatively as this came into your hands purely by chance, donate it to a charity fund raiser or auction of sort for a local cause.
Or c).....as it cost you nothing, send it to me and forget all about it
Chris
If it's nice
On a more serious note, do you have written records of handing the watch in as 'lost', a police report or similar?
Handing it to your AD is all very well, but AFAIK they do not have the authority to issue lost property to a new owner.
What watch is it? Once you know what the watch is, using chrono24 will be a good indication as to what they trade for in an international market.
In your shoes, it sounds like there could be potential ownership issues and selling this on could present a problem for both you and the new owner should there be any confusion as to ownership of the watch.
I would either a) buy a different strap for less than the 350 you have quoted, depending on the watch this may or may not be possible, then wear the watch and use it as a reminder that I am not so unlucky
b) alternatively as this came into your hands purely by chance, donate it to a charity fund raiser or auction of sort for a local cause. Or c).....as it cost you nothing, send it to me and forget all about it
Chris
If it's nice
Good morning and thanks for your replies.
Ok, the watch is a Montblanc Sport Chronograph 104279.
I have no proof that the watch is legally mine. The boutique said that I could apply for the paperwork but there would be a cost. I forget how much exactly but this also ran into the hundreds.
They also wouldn't value it for me when I asked as they didn't deal in pre owned watches.
I have no report showing that it was handed in, all I had while they kept hold of the watch was the business card of the shop manager with the serial number on the back. This was handed in when I picked the watch up.
Ok, the watch is a Montblanc Sport Chronograph 104279.
I have no proof that the watch is legally mine. The boutique said that I could apply for the paperwork but there would be a cost. I forget how much exactly but this also ran into the hundreds.
They also wouldn't value it for me when I asked as they didn't deal in pre owned watches.
I have no report showing that it was handed in, all I had while they kept hold of the watch was the business card of the shop manager with the serial number on the back. This was handed in when I picked the watch up.
At the risk of publicly exposing a gaping chasm in my legal knowledge, I would have thought that handing it in to the 'proper authorities' was the way to go.
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
Vvroom said:
At the risk of publicly exposing a gaping chasm in my legal knowledge, I would have thought that handing it in to the 'proper authorities' was the way to go.
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
I agree. I don't mean to offend but at first glance it is a very strange tale. If I found a wallet in the street, I wouldn't be handing it into a shop that sells wallets.You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
Vvroom said:
At the risk of publicly exposing a gaping chasm in my legal knowledge, I would have thought that handing it in to the 'proper authorities' was the way to go.
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
Vvroom said:
At the risk of publicly exposing a gaping chasm in my legal knowledge, I would have thought that handing it in to the 'proper authorities' was the way to go.
You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
That was my thought initially but I thought to take it to the boutique they may be able to trace the owner. You found it- I assume you weren't trespassing, and from reading your OP it sounds like all you've done since is hand it in to a watch shop.
I wouldn't buy it from you as in my view, you have no legal title to the property. There's certainly no paper trail.
Give it the rozzers and when the owner doesn't claim it, you will be able to keep it and what's more, you will have the paper trail required to show title.
Am I mad, or does anyone agree?
I've just realised in my initial story I didn't mention I found this watch at my work. I still work there and no one has ever been in to ask about a lost watch.
It has now been the best part of 18 months since it was found, does that have an affect on now handing it to the Police?
If not, I'll go there today....
tertius said:
I agree. I don't mean to offend but at first glance it is a very strange tale. If I found a wallet in the street, I wouldn't be handing it into a shop that sells wallets.
No, I understand this completely. But for me, I could tell that it was a big, weighty and I assumed expensive watch so I though if te owner isn't coming in after a week I'll do what I can to trace him. NeMiSiS said:
You found a watch, handed it in to a 'shop', returned to the 'shop' after 12months and they said the watch is now yours.
No it's not.
You should have handed it into the Police, then after a period of time they were to say it's legally yours, then that would be good enough.
I think it belongs to an insurance company who may have paid out on the loss, but I don't really know, Cotty would know as he works in this area/dept.
I've never really considered it to be mine hence why I haven't done anything about it for the 6 months or so I've had it back. But I'm all out of ideas now, hence why I though of asking on here. No it's not.
You should have handed it into the Police, then after a period of time they were to say it's legally yours, then that would be good enough.
I think it belongs to an insurance company who may have paid out on the loss, but I don't really know, Cotty would know as he works in this area/dept.
Many years ago, while mountain biking in the Quantocks, we passed a group of horseriders, one of which had just been thrown by the horse. All seemed ok so we carried on.
Retracing our route a couple of hours later, I noticed something shiny in the grass where the rider was thrown. It turned out to be an old Rolex T dial GMT, even then worth some good money.
I put it in my bag & dropped it in to the police stattion in Bridgwater on my way home & gave them my details etc.
The following day I had a knock at the door - It was the horse rider that had been thrown, all smiles, thanking me for handing the watch in.
I'd hope that if I lost may watch/wallet etc, others would do the same.
Retracing our route a couple of hours later, I noticed something shiny in the grass where the rider was thrown. It turned out to be an old Rolex T dial GMT, even then worth some good money.
I put it in my bag & dropped it in to the police stattion in Bridgwater on my way home & gave them my details etc.
The following day I had a knock at the door - It was the horse rider that had been thrown, all smiles, thanking me for handing the watch in.
I'd hope that if I lost may watch/wallet etc, others would do the same.
That is someone elses pride and joy and I reckon were probably slightly pissed off that they've lost it, needs to go to the police to be traced as to who actually owns it now, as said in a previous thread it could be paid out on and belongs to an insurance company. If they find or trace it back to you then you could be in deep sh!t seeing as you have had it and held on to it for so long. Pay a visit to the police and make your apologies.
phumy said:
it could be paid out on and belongs to an insurance company.
Most likely 
If you hand it to the police, it'll most likely be claimed back that way, but not everyone claims or has insurance so you may get it back.
I would ask for some paperwork from the boutique, just a piece of headed notepaper explaining what has gone on (they've had it!) for the last 12 months. Should be no grief. When/if you get it back, that will help you sell it.
I have something similar on a watch which came with no box or paperwork; the boutique confirmed in writing that it was not lost or stolen, the watch was genuine, serials matched records and where and when it was originally retailed.
The law does not require you to hand the watch into Police, but for you to take reasonable steps to identify the owner. However, I would suggest that with a watch of such known value, reporting the find to Police would be seen as the "reasonable steps" required....!
If you report the find to Bethel Street Police Station, they will look at whether the watch has been reported lost or stolen (a lot of lost property is reported as "stolen" to claim on insurance that wouldn't otherwise payout in full if there was potentially any degree of negligence or complicity on the part of the owner, particularly mobile phones and jewelery).
If it has been reported stolen, that won't be a problem for you (ie you aren't going to be arrested) as you have brought it to the attention of the Police rather than them finding you.
If you are able to go in to the station during normal office hours, you may speak to the Property Officer in person, who may be able to do the checks while you wait.
Either way, you do not have to hand the watch over, and stating that you will keep it safe whilst they make their checks shouldn't cause any issue (you have demonstrated your honesty by walking into the Station after all!).
You aren't going to get a letter from the Police to say it is your property if they can't find it on their systems, because they are not in a position to say that (it could have been reported lost at a Police Station in Cambs, for example). But you have demonstrated that you have taken the reasonable steps required - and if the owner spotted it when you put it on ebay or TZ, then you'd be able to show you had been honest in your dealings.
My mum lost her Omega watch, a wedding present, and never recovered it - something that had emotional value over and above its sale value - if anyone ever did find it, I would hope that person would be scrupiously honest.
Finally - having stated on a public forum that you are in posession of a pretty easiliy identifiable watch, it is not beyond the relms of possiblity that a Norfolk Police Officer or member of staff would check their records, and if they found said watch reported lost or stolen, failing to report it now could put you in a more difficult position (fortunately, you have already said you are going to report it to the Police!!).
You do run a greater risk of the watch being returned to the rightful owner by reporting it to the Police now, but in doing so, you take the moral (and legal) high road.
If you report the find to Bethel Street Police Station, they will look at whether the watch has been reported lost or stolen (a lot of lost property is reported as "stolen" to claim on insurance that wouldn't otherwise payout in full if there was potentially any degree of negligence or complicity on the part of the owner, particularly mobile phones and jewelery).
If it has been reported stolen, that won't be a problem for you (ie you aren't going to be arrested) as you have brought it to the attention of the Police rather than them finding you.
If you are able to go in to the station during normal office hours, you may speak to the Property Officer in person, who may be able to do the checks while you wait.
Either way, you do not have to hand the watch over, and stating that you will keep it safe whilst they make their checks shouldn't cause any issue (you have demonstrated your honesty by walking into the Station after all!).
You aren't going to get a letter from the Police to say it is your property if they can't find it on their systems, because they are not in a position to say that (it could have been reported lost at a Police Station in Cambs, for example). But you have demonstrated that you have taken the reasonable steps required - and if the owner spotted it when you put it on ebay or TZ, then you'd be able to show you had been honest in your dealings.
My mum lost her Omega watch, a wedding present, and never recovered it - something that had emotional value over and above its sale value - if anyone ever did find it, I would hope that person would be scrupiously honest.
Finally - having stated on a public forum that you are in posession of a pretty easiliy identifiable watch, it is not beyond the relms of possiblity that a Norfolk Police Officer or member of staff would check their records, and if they found said watch reported lost or stolen, failing to report it now could put you in a more difficult position (fortunately, you have already said you are going to report it to the Police!!).
You do run a greater risk of the watch being returned to the rightful owner by reporting it to the Police now, but in doing so, you take the moral (and legal) high road.
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