Launch of the .watches extension on March, 2023

The registry, Identity Digital, (formerly DONUTS), has announced the launch of the .watches extension’s Sunrise Period from 28 March 2023 04h00 (Paris) to 27 May 2023 03h59 (Paris). During this period, domain name registrations are reserved to holders of trademarks registered with TMCH (Trademark Clearinghouse).

Why register a domain name in .watches?

The use of a .watches domain instantly tells your public and your customers what you offer and what your business relates to, and can help you differentiate your online presence from others.

Launch dates for the .watches extension

All periods start and end at 16:00 UTC.

Sunrise – from March 28th, 2023 to May 27th, 2023

Priority registration phase during which only title holders of a trademark that is registered with TMCH may register their domain name. The Registration of a .watches domain during the Sunrise Period is $540 excl. VAT under A rates.

If more than one eligible applicant wishes to register the same domain name, the domain name will be auctioned among the applicants at the end of the Sunrise period. The domain name will then be awarded to the highest bidder. Registration fees already paid to the registry are not refundable if the domain name is awarded to another applicant.

Early Access Period (EAP) – from May 31st, 2023 to June 7th, 2023

The early access period allows you to register high-value domain names before an extension’s general release to the public. During this period, the price of the registration changes every day over a period of 7 consecutive days, as follows for A rates excl. VAT:

EAP 1: $15,500.00
EAP 2: $4,230.00
EAP 3: $1,930.00
EAP 4: $1,400.00
EAP 5: $600.00
EAP 6: $600.00
EAP 7: $600.00

General Availability – starting on June 7th, 2023

Registration is open to everyone, on the principle of “first-come, first-served” for $420 excl. VAT for A rates.

Gandi Corporate Services Recommendation

Even though everyone can register a domain name in .watches, we feel that the threat of cybersquatting is relatively limited given the high registration price of domains in this extension during general availability. It is nevertheless still a good idea to envision registering a domain name in .watches for businesses whose activity has a direct connection to watches or jewelry.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact your dedicated account agent or write to us at corporatecontact@gandi.net.