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Hand Built In America? - Exposé of Ginault Watch Brand

ext1
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I really enjoyed this read, and also the other exposé this author has done. They were long reads but very good.

It really makes my opinion of WUS even worse, wow. The admins there are basically running organized crime.

It was also a reminder that everything we do leaves traces, and lies will always be found out.

With that reminder it makes me really realize that a place like OF is a really special place, and that's why members really stay vigilant to protect what's worth protecting.
 
Edward53
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I found that to be a fascinating read with worrying implications that go way beyond the fake watch business.
 
WatchCor
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Wau, a good and a terrifying read at the same time. I didn't check all the sources and links the article provided but assuming they're legit it's an impressive piece of investigative journalism.
 
CaptainWinsor
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After reading through that I really have to question the integrity of the people running WUS where I’m also a member but rarely visit since moving here
 
Stufflers Mom
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I nodded off after about 5 mins and I've decided I can't be arsed reading anymore.
 
Muddlerminnow
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Very engaging--and also very fastidious research--much more than your average investigative piece. I think it's important in terms of its implications: while it focuses on one brand in relation to another, it also reveals the extent of the skullduggery going on out there.
 
Foo2rama
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I’d not go as far as to disparage NTH and that mod yet.

They might not have known the connection or it could have been fake names on the company.

It’s fully plausible that NTH knew him as a legit maker, and the mod got involved for the government contract aspects as he is a veteran who also assumed there was no ties to the fakes.
 
wsfarrell
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Couple of things that amazed me: (1) Discovering the Wyoming connection---that was DEEP research. (2) The fakers having to use a gun company to machine the proper notches in bezels.
 
P
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A fascinating and rewarding read for those who enjoy a deeply researched, forensic investigation.

I should imagine Charles Ginault and/or Thomas Caddell may not have derived quite as much enjoyment as I did though.
 
CaptainWinsor
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Isn’t Wyoming one of those states where people register all sorts of nefarious companies all in one location?
 
wsfarrell
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CaptainWinsor CaptainWinsor
Isn’t Wyoming one of those states where people register all sorts of nefarious companies all in one location?
May be true, I hadn't heard that.
 
CaptainWinsor
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wsfarrell wsfarrell
May be true, I hadn't heard that.

There was a 60 min piece on one of those states N Dakota Montana or Wyoming where there’s one building in a town that is nothing but a front for ‘registered’ corporations. Basically a large PO Box
 
valkyrie_rider
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I've read it (took a little while, but I was at the DMV waiting so got plenty of time).

Fascinating investigative work and quite troubling that this 'brand' is labeling Chinese watches as 'made in USA'.

I personally dislike homages and would never buy a fake watch.

It is good to see that OF didn't delete this thread, unlike WUS would do.
😀
 
yinzerniner
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CaptainWinsor CaptainWinsor
There was a 60 min piece on one of those states N Dakota Montana or Wyoming where there’s one building in a town that is nothing but a front for ‘registered’ corporations. Basically a large PO Box
Favorite part of Montana is how many exotic cars used to be registered there just to evade sales taxes.
https://jalopnik.com/here-are-the-fanciest-and-craziest-cars-registered-in-m-1794538583

But back to the topic from the OP - fantastic deep dive investigation. Would love to see it picked up in some of the other respected watch publications.
 
ilayd
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Whoa, what a crazy article. That is quite well researched. The biggest red flag for me though is that a company which receives US Defensive Contract funds may be implicated with making Chinese replica watches. Makes you wonder how much they really care about IP law, trade secrets, or in this case military secrets? 😒
 
Foo2rama
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ilayd ilayd
Whoa, what a crazy article. That is quite well researched. The biggest red flag for me though is that a company which receives US Defensive Contract funds may be implicated with making Chinese replica watches. Makes you wonder how much they really care about IP law, trade secrets, or in this case military secrets? 😒
Lots of small companies get contracted to make one small part. No military security issues.
 
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