“FAKE WATCHES ARE FOR FAKE PEOPLE!” The FHH and FHS anti-counterfeiting campaign was unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2009.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FH) and the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS) are joining forces to launch an international anti-counterfeiting campaign. Their objective is to inform the public on the damage caused by this global scourge.

In spite of the many efforts made, the problem of counterfeiting and piracy continues to wreak havoc on virtually every economy worldwide, and is expanding rapidly through multiple distribution channels, especially online.



Calculations based on Customs seizures show that counterfeits and piracy worldwide amount to US$ 200 billion to 360 billion a year. Swiss watches are no exception with an estimated amount of over 40 million fake Swiss watches produced each year, in comparison with exports of almost 26 million authentic Swiss watches for the year 2007.

Counterfeiting wouldn't be such a thriving industry without the individuals who buy fake watches, and who fail to realise the full extent of the damage they cause, in particular in human terms. Therefore the campaign priority, which will be unrolled in the international media supporting the initiative, will address directly the potential customers and have them realise that what they believe is a harmless purchase has serious consequences on companies and nations.

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Source: Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie