Authentication Standards

OpenChrono's authentication network sets the ‘gold standard’ for the high value asset authentication & condition reporting.

OpenChrono has built a decentralised network of independent experts which provides its users with accurate condition reporting and authentication services. We have chosen to utilise a hub and spoke model, which can be expanded or contracted in a modular way. OpenChrono's combined expertise conclude that 'one size' authentication does not provide sufficient accuracy across the wide spectrum of watches available in today's market, and should not be considered as a reliable standard. Key advantages of the OpenChrono standards include :

  • Accurate condition reporting across any category of watches

  • No ties or reliance on any one authentication expert

  • Strong focus on customer satisfaction

  • Competitive environment - experts compete for share of network incentives

  • Scalability without compromising authentication process quality

  • Customer has optionality & choice

  • Fully secure & insured end to end process

Authentication Network (Nodes)

OpenChrono architecture includes hub, specialist and backup nodes. Each plays a key role in providing high accuracy condition and authentications reports.

What is a 'Hub Node'?

We estimate that a large percentage of OpenChrono's authentication volume will pass through independently managed and owned authentication hubs. Our hub handles the majority of OpenChrono volume. Examples of items that are authenticated via a hub are :

  • Modern, mass produced watches

  • Non vintage Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek, AP etc

  • Mass produced vintage

What is a 'Specialist Node'?

Specialist Nodes are operated by industry experts with specific knowledge in certain periods, categories, genres. Examples of specialist nodes are:

  • Military watches

  • Specific eras & categories that require in depth experience

  • Vintage experts in particular make, model or design

  • Limited production Timepieces (Richard Mille etc)

  • Direct Brand (Micro Brands)

What is a 'Backup Node'?

OpenChrono operates an in house backup node for network resilience & bespoke edge cases and can step in to cover additional volume if required, to enable low friction onboarding for user assets.

Accountability & Incentives

OpenChrono takes pride in collaborating with highly credible and reputable authenticators.

Authentication experts are incentivised to provide accurate condition report and authentication services to OpenChrono users via a generous incentive model Asset Authentication Incentives : Minimum £100 or 1% of asset value (recurring upon each sale).

In return, the authentication expert provides the buyer with a set of warranties that provide certainty and drive quality control.

Due to the frequency of luxury watch transactions the authentication expert will receive multiple payments for the same piece of work if the assets stays in the OpenChrono ecosystem. The buyer will pay a small % of the overall transaction to obtain 'certainty & protection'. The authentication expert is heavily incentivised to provide full and accurate details regarding the condition so not to engage in dispute resolutions.

Scaleability

OpenChrono authentication standard is designed with scalability in mind, both geographically within a chosen country, but also globally. We have chosen to partner with existing industry experts , incentivising them with a new way to generate recurring revenue. This allows us to expand our reach globally with a low overhead cost.

OpenChrono 'Head of Authentication'

At the centre of our network sits OpenChrono's 'Head of Authentication' who is accountable for our authentication standards, process, associated asset warranties and quality control. OpenChrono's Head of Authentication is a 2nd generation watchmaker with more than 30 years industry experience. He has previously held positions as Head Watchmaker - eBay UK and Xupes & Wempe, London.

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