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The Swiss Customs Service

The 2009 version of the Cosmograph Daytona is diamond studded, and its only homage to blue are the subtle, tasteful blue numbers around the dial. While many watch manufactures appear to lead the way in terms of fashions, with new designs that show off technical prowess rather rolex than pure aesthetics, the constant changing designs and appearance of these watches, in size, shape and materials reflects a deeper concern over their image. When a company's more vintage models look 'dated', it is certainly a sign that they have moved with the ebb and flow of fashion, and not, like Rolex, created an utterly rolex timeless fashion of their own. Rolex Replica Watches and the Effects of the Counterfeit and Replica Watch Market The Swiss Customs Service estimates between 30 to 40 million counterfeit and replica watches are put into circulation annually. These counterfeit watches cause considerable damage to the watch industry, both financially due to potential lost sales and also brand degradation as a result of the market being flooded with counterfeit copies of the original watches. The annual trade show of the watch industry known as BaselWorld attracts many attendees from China who spend their time photographing the latest models being displayed by the top luxury watch-making brands. The photos of these new and prototype watches then find their way back to manufacturers rolex in China where they are quickly copied and made into replica watches. The counterfeit timepieces are then rushed to market, often in advance of the authentic watch.

It is estimated by Swiss Customs that 40% of replica watches originate in China, although counterfeits are also manufactured elsewhere, including the United States. In October of 2006 police in Florida arrested a woman who had been operating a counterfeit watch business that earned about $8 million in sales. It is estimated that counterfeit watch sales worldwide cost Swiss watch manufacturers more than $600 million per year in lost sales. Once these counterfeit watches have been confiscated, it is the obligation of the Swiss Customs Service to destroy them. Surprisingly, in  rolex Switzerland individuals are allowed to keep a maximum of one counterfeit watch per person, provided they personally import it into the country. In addition, the watch being imported must not include any forged precious-metal hallmarks.