About .watches domain
.watches is a brand TLD applied for by Richemont DNS Inc. during ICANN's New gTLD Program. The application was proposed but faced a GAC Early Warning concerning exclusive access to a generic string. The applicant submitted Public Interest Commitments outlining an intent to develop transparent registration criteria. The TLD's status remains proposed and was not delegated as a live, registrable extension.
Who can register .watches domain
As a proposed brand TLD, .watches is not available for public registration. The application indicates the registry would be operated by Richemont DNS Inc., a subsidiary of the Richemont group. The stated intent was to potentially create a secure platform for the watch industry, with registration criteria to be developed in consultation with stakeholders. It was not designed as an open, unrestricted TLD.
How to register .watches domain
This TLD was not issued through commercial registrars. The process involved submitting an application to ICANN during the New gTLD Program, which included a public comment period and evaluation. The application received a GAC Early Warning, prompting the submission of Public Interest Commitments. The final delegation and operational policies were contingent on further discussions with ICANN and other stakeholders, but the TLD never progressed to an active registry.
Typical uses of .watches domain
If delegated, the .watches extension would have been used primarily by the watch industry. Watch manufacturers, retailers, and related businesses could have utilized it to create a dedicated, secure online space. The registry's stated goal was to foster a trusted platform, potentially offering a more niche and brand-associated alternative to broader commercial TLDs like .com or .shop for entities within this sector.
Tips for registering .watches domain
- This TLD never became an active, operational registry, so no registration terms, pricing, or policies were ever finalized.
- The application included Public Interest Commitments to develop objective and non-discriminatory registration criteria, though specifics were never defined.
- As a proposed brand TLD, it was not intended for open public registration but rather for a curated namespace.
Frequently asked questions about .watches domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .watches domain?
As of today, .watches domains start from $49.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $420.00/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .watches domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .watches domain registration, with the cheapest option at $49.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .watches domain?
The registry for .watches domains is Identity Digital, administered by Identity Digital Limited.
Who can register a .watches domain?
The application envisioned a platform potentially open to third-party watch manufacturers and related entities, not the general public. Final eligibility would have been determined by registration criteria developed by the registry operator in consultation with stakeholders. These criteria were intended to be transparent and non-discriminatory but were never established, as the TLD did not launch.
Can I transfer a .watches domain between registrars?
As the .watches TLD was never delegated, no inter-registrar transfer policy was created. For a brand TLD of this nature, transfer rules would typically be defined in the registry agreement with ICANN and implemented by the registry operator. The process would likely have involved standard procedures like unlocking a domain and obtaining an authorization code, but the specifics remain undefined.
What were the Public Interest Commitments for .watches?
The applicant submitted Public Interest Commitments to ICANN, stating an intent to discuss registry operations with third-party watch manufacturers. The commitments outlined a plan to develop transparent, objective, and non-discriminatory registration criteria. These criteria were to be determined after discussions with stakeholders and legal advisors, but they were never finalized due to the TLD's proposed status.
Why did the .watches application receive a GAC Early Warning?
The Governmental Advisory Committee issued an Early Warning, noting the applicant was seeking exclusive access to a common generic string related to a broad market sector. The warning expressed concern that this could have unintended consequences and a negative impact on competition. This prompted the applicant to engage with the objecting GAC members and submit additional commitments addressing these public interest concerns.
Could trademark owners have registered .watches domains?
The application materials did not specify a sunrise period or trademark protection mechanisms, as operational policies were never set. Typically, new gTLDs implement sunrise periods for trademark owners. Given the brand-focused and potentially restricted nature of .watches, trademark recognition would likely have been part of the registration criteria, but the exact mechanisms remain undefined due to the TLD's proposed status.
