The Book Owner’s Phone Call Contest

This goes out to all the 100+ No BS Watch Tips book owners, so listen up homeskillets...

Packaging books to head out! 

WHAT CAN I WIN?

Aside from the fact that you’re part of the cool club now. The lucky winner will win a  30 minute long phone call with me. We can talk about anything you want. Your watches, life of a watchmaker, personalized advice and tips, etc. The whole sha-bang. It’s all focused on you.

If you’re a Watchmaking student or an aspiring watchmaker, this will DEFINITELY benefit you.

HOW DO I ENTER THE PRIZE RUSH?

1. If you own a copy of the book, you’re automatically eligible to enter the prize contest.
2. Take a picture (or funny video) of the book (selfies are definitely encouraged) and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #nobswatchtips (You must include #nobswatchtips to enter the prize contest)
3. Optional: If you have 30 seconds, please head over to Amazon and write up a review. Likes, dislikes, etc. It would really mean the world to me.
4. That’s it! Sit back and wait. A winner will be announced on October 31st.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

12AM on October 31st.

 WHEN WILL THE WINNER BE ANNOUNCED?

The Winner will be announced on the day of October 31st

IS THIS ONLY FOR US RESIDENTS?

Nope, anyone from around the world can win it. If the winner is outside of the U.S., I can always use Skype or FaceTime.

I DIDN’T RECEIVE MY PRE ORDERED BOOK YET 

No worries, your book is on its way. I’m sure everyone will receive their pre orders before October 31st. 

_______________

Good luck! I look forward to chatting with the lucky winner! 

“FAKE WATCHES ARE A BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY"

“FAKE WATCHES ARE A BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY" 

The counterfeit watch industry is a money raker. It’s got the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) up in arms. There’s even a running joke amongst Swiss CEOs that the real measure of a brand’s success is the number of counterfeit watches a brand has.

NUMBER OF FAKES INCREASING

According to an article produced by 24/7 Wall St, fakes watches make up 11% of customs seizures. FH reported that over 120,000 counterfeit watches were seized during 2013

In 2014, law enforcements seized $375.4 million dollars worth of watches. In 2016, it jumped to $653.6 million dollars worth of seized goods.  

FAKE WATCHES ARE LUCRATIVE

Confiscated fake watches were worth far more than any other fake products seized. Keep in mind, the numbers aforementioned only reflect those that were actually caught. 

Switzerland’s FH estimates that 40 million counterfeit watches are produced annually, 25% more than Switzerland’s entire yearly output.

According to the FH, fake watch sales amount to $1.08 billion dollars worth of sales annually. The sales amount only increases each year as more people start buying online with internet sites like Alibaba and the like.

15-30% OF SEARCHES FOR WATCHES ARE FOR FAKES

Marketing increases awareness and product demand. 

As the watch industry spends a shit ton of money on marketing, counterfeits are getting the benefits as well. With the internet being a superhighway, people are now getting access to counterfeit sellers like never before. It’s not uncommon for counterfeit sellers to photoshop watches and even use photos of the real watch to encourage people to buy. 

FUELED BY GLAMOUR

With luxury goods set at a premium price points, it's not uncommon for people to seek alternative routes whether it'd be knowingly or unknowingly counterfeit.

Counterfeit watches that look nearly identical to the real ones appeal to those who want the glamour at a fraction of the cost. Some people are willing to spend $250 on a fake watch that resembles the $200,000 one. Even if it’ll break on them at any second.

FAKE WATCHES ARE GETTING BETTER

Some of the fake watches being produced are increasingly accurate. The designs, weight, and feel are getting better each year. I’ve seen watches that mimic everything about the calibers inside from head to toe. 

I’ve seen fake Rolex watches that look identical on the outside. The bezel, dial, hands, crown, design, and everything screams original. I’ve even seen fake watches pass through authorized dealers thinking it was the real deal only to find out from the manufacture that it’s fake. 

Counterfeiting is such a profitable industry at this point. Rolex spends a lot of their resources on going after these counterfeits. What blows my mind is that with all the time and money spent in trying to create a replica, why not spend it and use it create a brand new watch? I don't get it. 😒 Some of these watches are so accurately designed. I've seen watches that even mimic everything about the calibers inside from the same finish and design. I'm sure by counterfeiting a fake Rolex, they can get it sold faster and quicker but seriously. Think long term people. The customer who brought this swore he bought it from an Authorized Dealer too. Yikes!

A post shared by No Bullshit Watchmaker (@nobswatchmaker) on Mar 28, 2017 at 8:21am PDT