Making the right choice for watch verification is crucial. Compare the two leading stolen watch databases to see why over 50,000 professionals worldwide trust StolenWatch for their verification needs.
A detailed breakdown of how StolenWatch compares to The Watch Register across all key features
Here's what makes StolenWatch the preferred choice for watch dealers, collectors, and law enforcement
With over 13,000 verified stolen watch records, StolenWatch maintains the most comprehensive database available. The Watch Register has approximately 8,000 entries - that's 63% fewer records that could be crucial for your verification.
StolenWatch starts at just $7 per verification compared to The Watch Register's £25 minimum. For high-volume users, our bulk plans offer even greater savings, making professional verification accessible to everyone.
While The Watch Register focuses primarily on the UK and European markets, StolenWatch provides comprehensive coverage across 195+ countries with full multi-language support in 5 languages.
StolenWatch is built on modern technology with Progressive Web App support, RESTful API integration, and real-time verification. The Watch Register's aging platform lacks these modern capabilities.
Every StolenWatch verification comes with a professional PDF certificate featuring a unique QR code for independent verification. The Watch Register provides only basic email confirmations.
StolenWatch provides round-the-clock customer support in multiple languages. The Watch Register only offers support during UK business hours, leaving international users without assistance when they need it most.
The Watch Register was established in 2002 in the United Kingdom and was one of the first dedicated stolen watch databases. While they pioneered the concept of centralized watch theft reporting, the platform has struggled to keep pace with modern technology and global expansion.
Their primary focus remains on the UK and European markets, which limits their usefulness for the increasingly global luxury watch trade. The Watch Register charges significantly higher fees (starting at £25) and lacks modern features like API integration, mobile apps, and real-time verification certificates.
For users who primarily deal with UK-based watches and don't require advanced features, The Watch Register may be adequate. However, for professionals seeking comprehensive global coverage, modern technology, and cost-effective verification, StolenWatch offers a significantly superior solution.
Primarily UK and Europe focused, missing thefts from other regions
Starting at £25 per search - over 3x more expensive
Cannot integrate with business systems or automate verification
Email confirmations only, no QR verification
UK business hours only, no 24/7 availability
An honest assessment of when each service might be appropriate
Note: Even for UK-focused users, StolenWatch offers better value with lower prices and a larger database that includes comprehensive UK coverage.
Hear from professionals who made the switch
"I used The Watch Register for years, but once I discovered StolenWatch, there was no going back. The larger database, lower prices, and professional certificates make it a no-brainer for any serious dealer."
"The API integration alone was worth switching. We automated our entire verification workflow, something The Watch Register couldn't offer. Plus, we're saving thousands annually on verification costs."
"As an auction house dealing with international consignments, The Watch Register's UK focus was limiting. StolenWatch's global coverage has helped us identify stolen watches from around the world."
Everything you need to know about choosing between these two services
The Watch Register is a UK-based stolen watch database that has been operating since 2002. While they were pioneers in the industry, StolenWatch offers a more comprehensive global database with 13,000+ verified entries, real-time updates, and significantly lower pricing starting at just $7 per verification compared to The Watch Register's £25 starting price. StolenWatch also provides superior technology including PWA support, API access, and instant verification certificates with QR codes.
Yes, StolenWatch offers significantly better value. Our single verification starts at just $7 (approximately £5.50) compared to The Watch Register's £25 minimum. For businesses, our bulk verification plans offer even greater savings with packages starting at $55 for 10 verifications. This makes StolenWatch up to 70% more affordable while providing access to a larger, more frequently updated database.
StolenWatch maintains a larger database with over 13,000 verified stolen watch records compared to The Watch Register's approximately 8,000 entries. Our database is also updated in real-time as new reports come in, while competitors typically use batch processing that can delay new entries by hours or even days.
Yes, StolenWatch provides true global coverage across 195+ countries with multi-language support in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. The Watch Register primarily focuses on the UK and European markets. Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies worldwide ensure comprehensive coverage for stolen watch verification regardless of where the theft occurred.
Yes, StolenWatch provides professional verification certificates with every search. These certificates include a unique QR code that allows anyone to verify the authenticity of the certificate online. This is particularly valuable for dealers, auction houses, and private sellers who need documented proof of verification. The Watch Register offers only basic email confirmations without QR verification capabilities.
StolenWatch is specifically designed for professional use with features like bulk verification plans, API integration, and white-label solutions. Our Business and Enterprise plans offer significant volume discounts, dedicated support, and custom integration options that The Watch Register doesn't provide. Many dealers have switched to StolenWatch for the cost savings and superior technology alone.
StolenWatch's Premium Tracking Service offers lifetime monitoring of your reported stolen watch for a one-time fee of $15, with instant email and SMS alerts if your watch is ever searched in our database. The Watch Register requires ongoing annual subscription fees for similar monitoring, making StolenWatch's offering significantly more cost-effective over time.
Yes, StolenWatch maintains direct partnerships with law enforcement agencies in over 50 countries. Our database is regularly referenced by police departments, Interpol liaisons, and customs agencies worldwide. We provide special law enforcement access programs and have assisted in the recovery of thousands of stolen timepieces valued at over $50 million collectively.
Start with a free search and see why professionals worldwide are switching from The Watch Register to StolenWatch.