First Independent Platform to Connect Watch Lovers Worldwide
Launch of the online-to-offline commerce platform
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The launch of www.watchadvisor.com presents the first independent platform which connects watch retailers and brands with watch lovers worldwide.
WatchAdvisor differs essentially from previous watch websites: For the first time ever, the Swiss watch industry has a neutral and cross-brand platform which currently offers detailed information on around 12,000 watch models in the price segment above CHF 2,000. A unique feature is the possibility the users engage directly with official watch retailers who offer the desired watch. In addition to its powerful search engine which can target esthetical and technical features of the watch, WatchAdvisor develops algorithms which - depending on the users preferences and interests - introduce watch lovers to new brands and models.
WatchAdvisor is building a global network of official retailers who actively engage with the international online community of interested watch lovers. Today, WatchAdvisor covers Switzerland and Liechtenstein and starts off as an "by invitation only" web community. In the near future, WatchAdvisor will add more services to support watch lovers, retailers and brands alike.
As initial feedback shows, WatchAdvisor fills a gap for the watch market and the watch industry. The potential of sales for luxury watches through the Internet is limited - to important is the emotional connection to see a watch in action at one’s wrist and the safety concerns to make such a purchase online. WatchAdvisor delivers a new approach for online-to-offline retail: watch lovers can use the platform’s services to find the watch of their dreams and WatchAdvisor networks them with a suitable retailer of their choice, no matter if they wish to buy the watch in their home town or while travelling. As watch lovers can try on their watch at the official specialist retailer, they can rest assured that they will buy the real product. As the network only accepts official retailers, watch brands can be certain that the customer’s shopping experiences is in line with the interests of the brand.
WatchAdvisor is a Swiss Internet start-up company with the aim of stimulating the Swiss watch business with innovative, digital solutions and, in the process, of linking all watch brands and all official retailers with the rapidly growing international online watch community. WatchAdvisor AG was founded by watch and IT specialists Valerij Stepanov, Garry Meier and Dr. Olaf Eichstädt in late 2014.
The founders share a passion for fine mechanical watches and have accumulated over 12 years of experience in the watch industry as well as over 30 years in the IT business. Leading watch retailers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein joined the platform’s network, including Beyer in Zurich, Charly Zenger in Ascona, Huber in Vaduz/FL or Zigerli Iff in Bern. More retailers have expressed interest to join. The current development revolves around growing the user community and retailer network as well as improving the platform’s services.
In addition to the watch catalogue and retailer network, WatchAdvisor is planning to provide its original content about watches and the watch industry.
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