A shorter roundup this week, but three items worth knowing about if you handle repairs, source parts, or just keep an eye on the wider watch trade.
US Customs seizes 96 counterfeit watches from Hong Kong
Officers at Indianapolis’ express consignment facility intercepted a parcel from Hong Kong on 30 July containing 96 counterfeit watches bearing Swatch, Audemars Piguet and Rolex trademarks. Had they been genuine, the combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price would have topped $4.5 million.
It is a useful reminder for anyone sourcing parts or movements online rather than through recognised suppliers. Counterfeit watches are often built with substandard components, and the same “too good to be true” pricing that flags a fake watch tends to flag fake parts as well.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Louisville customs seizures pass $1.25 billion in two months
Separately, CBP officers at the Port of Louisville, Kentucky disclosed that a 31 July interception of 300 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches was the third such shipment from Hong Kong in as many months, all headed to different US addresses. Across the three shipments, CBP has now seized 875 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches with a combined MSRP of more than $1.25 billion.
CBP notes that individual consumers can be held liable for importing counterfeit goods even without intending to, which is worth passing on to customers who ask about buying “spare” watches or movements from overseas marketplaces.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Singer Reimagined builds a new chronograph around a restored Valjoux 72
On the restoration side of the trade, Singer Reimagined has unveiled the Heritage V72, a limited run of 70 chronographs built around fully disassembled, refinished and reassembled Valjoux 72 movements. The brand sourced new-old-stock examples of the iconic calibre, known from period Rolex, Breitling, Heuer and Universal Genève chronographs, then had them hand finished with polished chamfers, frosted bridges and blued components before fitting them with a glassbox case back so the work is on full display.
It is a nice example of what is possible when a genuine, well-preserved movement is put in the hands of someone who understands how to handle and support it properly during a full service, rather than being forced through a quick clean and reassemble.
Source: Fratello Watches
