Trump's 'Swiss-made' watches: Origins traced to Wyoming
A particular presidential candidate, Donald Trump, sells watches—supposedly "Swiss-made" and "designed for the president." The most expensive models are sold for a six-figure sum. Journalists investigated their origin, but their search did not lead to Switzerland.
"You're going to love them. Would make a great Christmas Gift," wrote Donald Trump on his social media platform, promoting the "Swiss" watches from TheBestWatchesonEarth, branded with his name. The Republican presidential candidate assures that owning this limited edition places one in "a very exclusive club."
If the pricing is to be believed—certainly. The most costly "Tourbillon" model is priced at €93,000. Shipping is set to begin this month, but the product has yet to receive acclaim from luxury watch reviewers. Oisin O'Malley noted that they appear to have been designed by a computer. Meanwhile, Tim Mosso remarked it's "a little bit ominous" that the priciest model can't get wet.
CNN journalists decided to investigate Trump's business partner selling watches "designed to embody President Trump’s fighting spirit." Instead of finding a base in Switzerland, they discovered a single-storey office in Sheridan, a small town in northern Wyoming.
Opaque arrangement
CNN reports that the Wyoming address is solely associated with TheBestWatchesonEarth, which was established earlier this summer.
"Little is known or discoverable about the company now working with the Republican nominee for president, including the person or persons behind it," the portal states.
The report continues, stating that "like other ventures Trump has launched while running for president, these watches are the result of an opaque arrangement." CNN highlights that the former White House resident's campaign team has not responded to inquiries on the matter, and no information can be obtained from the company itself, as the headquarters remain unresponsive to visitors.
"Neither Trump’s campaign nor the Trump Organization responded to a detailed list of questions from CNN about his partnership with TheBestWatchesOnEarth, including who is behind the company, how the deal came to pass and whether he vetted the people behind his new business venture," the portal writes.
