Frequently Asked Questions




  • How does Pre-Approval work?

    Get Approved - Apply Online with our secure and efficient Credit Approval system to get a credit decision within seconds.

    Find A Store - Once approved, you can find a First Watch Leasing Authorized Agent by using our Retailer Locator.
    If you cannot find an FWL Authorized Agent in your area, please call (866) 505-8888 and we will assist you in acquiring the watch of your choice.

    Get Your Watch! - Redeem your Pre-Approval Certificate, choose the lease term and monthly payments that best suit your budget – and wear your new watch home!

    If there is an Authorized Dealer with whom you prefer to shop, please ask them to contact us at (866) 505-8888.

  • Is the EliteLeasesm program available nationwide?

    At the moment, the EliteLeasesm program is only available to residents of the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. First Watch Leasing is currently in the process of expanding our ability to serve residents in other states. Please check back with us for more updates.

    If you are a resident of one of the above listed states and cannot find a retailer in your area, please contact us at (866) 505-8888 and we will assist you.

  • What if the watch brand I'm looking for is not offered in your program?

    We are always working to include additional brands in our EliteLeasesm program. Please check back for updates.

  • Can I lease to own the watch?

    Yes. You have the opportunity to purchase the watch at the end of the lease term through our Affordable Purchase Option.

  • What does Lease to Own mean?

    Lease to Own (also referred to as Lease Option, Closed-End Leasing, Lease with an Option to Buy) is a financing method where the lessee can apply lease payments toward the purchase of the watch if he/she chooses. The benefit of Lease to Own is that the lessee is able to wear his/her desired watch without having to pay a large sum upfront as a down payment.

  • What is the Affordable Purchase Option?

    Our EliteLeasesm Program includes a lease option called the Affordable Purchase Option. This option allows lessees to purchase the leased timepiece at a reasonable price, within the specified lease term of 24 to 60 months.

  • Is a down payment required?

    No. We do not require any down payment. However, if you wish to lower your monthly payments, you have the option to pay down as much as you choose.

  • Do the watches acquired through FWL come with a manufacturer's warranty?

    Yes. As a new timepiece purchased through an authorized dealer, the timepiece will come with a Manufacturer's Warranty. Please refer to the Manufacture's Warranty at time of transaction, the terms and conditions of which apply. At present, FWL does not offer extended warranties.

  • What is the credit requirement?

    The EliteLeasesm program was created to benefit well-qualified Tier 1 credit individuals. Our credit criteria encompasses a range of factors including FICO, income, Payment to Income ratio, and Debt to Income ratio.

    To qualify for approval, the minimum credit scores in most instances must fall within the high 600-range. Variance between credit scores depends on individual agency reports. Other factors may also be considered for approval.

  • Are there tax advantages with leasing?

    Yes, in certain instances. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor to learn about potential tax advantages of leasing.

  • What is the difference between an FWL authorized retailer and a factory authorized retailer?

    A factory authorized dealer is one who has been selected by a particular wristwatch manufacturer to offer for sale that manufacturer's brand. An FWL authorized retailer is a factory authorized dealer who has been selected and approved by FWL to offer the EliteLeaseSM program. The EliteLeaseSM program is available only through retailers who are authorized by wristwatch manufacturers to sell their watches.

  • Does First Watch Leasing lease watches directly?

    No. First Watch Leasing provides a financing program to select factory authorized retailers, allowing them to offer a leasing program for fine timepieces to their clients

  • Who should I contact if I want to lease a watch?

    The First Watch Leasing program is offered only through factory authorized retailers who have been selected to offer our program. You will be able to locate retailers here on the FirstWatchLeasing.com web site. If you would like your local authorized retailer to offer the program, ask them to call us at (866) 505-8888. If there is no FWL Authorized Agent in your area, please call (866) 505-8888 for assistance.

  • How does leasing a watch work?

    You select the watch you like and the lease term that best suits your needs. We offer terms from 24 to 60 months. You make an initial payment and take your watch home. During the lease term, you make monthly payments. At the end of the lease, you can purchase the watch using our Affordable Purchase Option, return it to your FWL Authorized Agent, or return it to First Watch Leasing.

  • What lease terms are available?

    The EliteLeaseSM program currently offers terms of 24, 36, 48 and 60 months

  • Can I lease any watch brand?

    The EliteLeaseSM program is currently available only for these fine brands: Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Breitling, Cartier, F.P. Journe, Glashütte Original, Harry Winston, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lange & Söhne, Omega, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Tag Heuer and Vacheron Constantin. Please note that while the program is offered only through factory authorized retailers for these brands, First Watch Leasing is an independent company and is not affiliated with any of these brands.

  • Can I lease a watch on-line or by phone?

    For now, the EliteLeaseSM program is only offered through our FWL Authorized Agents. If there is no FWL Authorized Agent in your area, please call (866) 505-8888 for assistance.

  • What are the advantages of leasing?

    Leasing allows you to acquire a fine timepiece without drawing on existing credit lines. In most cases you can wear your new timepiece home the same day, having made just a small initial payment. Leasing provides flexibility: we offer terms from 24 to 60 months, and at lease end you can acquire your timepiece using the Affordable Purchase Option, or turn it in and, if you choose, lease a new timepiece. Leasing is also a great financing option for those who know they want to purchase.

    EliteLeaseSM is the smart way to acquire your next fine watch! Please visit or call our FWL Authorized Agents for details, or call us at (866) 505-8888 for further assistance.

  • Can I make automatic payments on my lease?

    Yes, we currently offer our customers the option of paying by check or automatic debit via ACH. Should you elect the automatic debit via ACH, please download and complete our ACH form. Upon completion, please fax the form to 310.807.9286 and we will be happy to set up the automatic payment for you.

  • How is leasing different from renting?

    Renting is typically a short term option, often for a few days or weeks, and there is no purchase option. Leasing allows you to enjoy your timepiece for an extended period, and at lease end, you can purchase your watch using the Affordable Purchase Option, or return it and lease a new one.