watches (.watches)

.watches is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) aimed at the watch industry, including retailers, manufacturers, collectors, and enthusiasts. It is operated by Identity Digital Limited, a major domain registry company based in Bellevue, Washington. The domain is open for general registration with no strict eligibility restrictions, though it was originally created to serve businesses and individuals associated with watches. Identity Digital markets it as a way to create a clear, memorable web address for anyone involved with timepieces. The domain was first delegated in 2015, originally run by Richemont DNS Inc., and was later transferred to Afilias Limited in 2021 before coming under Identity Digital's management.

The .watches domain was delegated on November 12, 2015, and initially sponsored by Richemont DNS Inc., a subsidiary of the luxury goods group Richemont. In March 2021, control of the domain shifted from Richemont to Afilias Limited, a registry services company. Afilias later transferred the TLD to Identity Digital Limited, which now oversees its operations. The domain has thus evolved from a brand-specific initiative to a broadly available gTLD under a professional registry operator. The IANA records reflect these changes in sponsorship and technical management over the years.