InFocus | Fine Jewellery Watches
Watch out...
The annual sale of counterfeit goods - from compact discs to sneakers and medicine - is about $540 billion, estimates the World Customs Organisation.
- By Shikha Mishra, Staff Writer
- Published: 00:00 September 23, 2006
- The UAE authorities are making great efforts in fighting against fake products.
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
...for the counterfeits in the watch market, though it's a lot safer in the UAE, thanks to vigilant authorities and strict rules.
The annual sale of counterfeit goods - from compact discs to sneakers and medicine - is about $540 billion, estimates the World Customs Organisation. Industry experts say that luxury goods account for about five per cent of that number.
Designer bags, watches and jewellery are very important components of the luxury goods industry and piracy is a threat affecting all luxury watchmakers these days.
Great efforts
All retailers are affected in some way by the counterfeit watch market. "However, we are fortunate in the UAE, as the government is making great efforts to crack down on this trade. These efforts, combined with those of the brand owners, helps minimise the effect it has on us.
Furthermore, as authorised agents for all international brands we represent and as members of the Dubai Service Excellence Scheme, staff at Rivoli are able to assure customers that they can shop at Rivoli with confidence," says Shailesh Kelkar, Brand Manager-Glitter, Rivoli Group.
"The problem of the counterfeit watch market affects Cartier, too," says Patrick Normand, Managing Director, Cartier Middle East. "However, Cartier's pieces are very hard to duplicate because they are made by professional jewellers and are easily recognisable. It may seem easy to duplicate a piece, but the style and savoir-faire can never be the same. This is where counterfeit jewellers fail when attempting to re-create a Cartier piece."
Usually counterfeit watches have slipshod detailing, poor workmanship and come with no after-sales service or warranty. "Any person who knows about jewellery and Cartier's authentic designs will be able to recognise fake pieces on the spot. The lines and curves, as well as the precision with which fake pieces are crafted are no match to the skills and expertise that are put into Cartier's creations. The colours and quality of the materials used are incomparable, too," says Normand.
Cartier claims that counterfeit watches do not result in loss of revenue for the company as they have very strong ties with their clients and strive to build long-term relationships with all of them. "Clients not only purchase Cartier pieces, they also understand and appreciate Cartier's culture and the history that lies behind each of our collection and creation. They not only look for a product, but are also in search of sophistication and craftsmanship, which are elements you will not find in counterfeit products," says Normand.
Cartier is active in its efforts to fight and contain counterfeiting. "We have been lobbying against it and trying to raise awareness regarding counterfeit products through various channels - mainly joining forces with other luxury houses and media. The authorities are strict with regards to fake products, and we have had several successful experiences in fighting against counterfeiting in several countries," says Normand.
SMART TIPS
How to spot fake brands
- No real luxury watch will sell for less than its retail price.
- Even though you might find a luxury watch at a discount store, it will never be marked below 50 per cent of its original price.
- Luxury watch brands are treated like valuable jewellery and will never be sold by a store at a loss. So watch out for 'reduced' and 'clearance' signs.
- A real luxury watch will be well discussed on the internet. Do a search for the brand name and if you can't find collectors and owners discussing the merits of the brand, it is unlikely to be an original luxury brand.
- Always buy luxury brands through well-known dealers.
Share this article
