Counterfeits found at Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair

Customs officers seized counterfeit watch parts at the high-profile Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair on Saturday.
An operation was mounted after a tip-off on Friday that fake goods were being sold by stallholders at the five-day long event, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries.
“A large batch of suspected counterfeit watch parts was seized,” Customs later said in a statement.
The fair attracted more than 20,000 buyers, up 2.4 per cent over the previous year – and clearly some visitors were surprised to see counterfeit goods being sold blatantly at an industry exhibition.  
“After initial investigation, Customs conducted an operation… The 44-year-old man in charge and 33-year-old saleslady of the booth were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.”
A Customs spokesman said the regulatory authority would continue to take “stringent enforcement actions” to combat infringing activities and appealed to booth exhibitors to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit goods.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders shall be liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
counterfeit smartwatch
Otherwise, a success
Meanwhile, the HKTDC hailed the event a success, citing the increased visitor numbers during a time watch sales were declining in in the territory.
“Amidst the economic downturn, demand for luxury watches and clocks remains weak. We can see that the industry is shifting from traditional luxury brands to more mid-market brands, independent brands and even new smartwatches in the market,” said HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau.
“Since the smart and light smartwatch market is booming, more and more traditional watch companies are seeking to gain a share in the sector. I believe more varieties will be introduced into the market and offer more choices to buyers.”
Buyers appeared eager to source smart watches. Franck Boudrie, president of Nouveaux Bijoutiers, which represents 170 retailers from France, was particularly interested in the brand Ringclock, which was exhibited at Salon de TE, as well as branded watches and smartwatches. He foresees that half of the French population will be using smart watches, especially quartz watches with smart features in the next five to 10 years.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.