Set & documentation
What does “Card Only” mean?
Comes with the warranty card only.
Card Only, explained
'Card only' means the watch comes with its warranty card and nothing else: no box, booklets, tags or spare links. Many modern brands issue a plastic warranty card in place of older paper certificates, Rolex among them since the mid-2000s, so for those watches 'card only' effectively means the same as 'papers only'.
For many buyers, the card is the most valuable part of the set, because it shows the reference, the serial number and, usually, the date the watch was sold. A card-only watch therefore sits between a full set and a watch with nothing at all. The card should match the watch's serial exactly and be checked for any signs of tampering. Listings should give the card date, as it is one of the first things buyers ask about.
Example: 'Card only, dated 2022, serial matching, no box or links.'
Related terms
Full Set
The watch with everything it originally came with: boxes, papers, tags, links and accessories.
Watch & Box
Comes with the original box but no papers.
Watch & Papers
Comes with the warranty card/papers but no box.
Watch Only
Just the watch on its bracelet or strap. Nothing else.
Head Only
The watch head without bracelet or strap, and no extras.
Outer Box
The exterior box the inner watch box sits in. Part of a true full set.
Inner Box
The presentation box the watch sits in.
Hang Tag
The tag attached to a new watch at the boutique, usually with reference and serial.
Soda glossary