The top-level domain (TLD) “.swatch” represents a brand-specific TLD that has been created for exclusive use by The Swatch Group Ltd. According to ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organization that helps coordinate the Internet’s global domain name system, .swatch is a Brand TLD (or .brand) due to its connection to this specific brand.
In 2012, ICANN launched what is known as its “New gTLD Program”, a program designed to allow corporations, organizations, and institutions around the world to apply for and operate a TLD of their choice. The objective of this program was to enhance competition, innovation, and consumer choice in the domain name space. To distinguish branded TLDs from other TLD types such as generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org), geographic TLDs (.nyc, .london, .paris), and more, ICANN refers to these unique, branded TLDs as “.brand TLDs”.
Now, looking closer at the “.swatch” TLD, as this is a branded domain extension, it is possible that the “.swatch” TLD exists primarily for brand innovation, branding consistency, secure domain space, intellectual property protection, and potentially also for Search Engine Optimization benefits among other reasons.
Furthermore, such branded TLDs are exclusively for use by the respective brand and usually not available for public registration. Therefore, domains with the extension .swatch would not be available for purchase by general consumers, businesses or entities outside of The Swatch Group Ltd.
Specific details about the .swatch TLD’s launch dates, sunrise periods, or more are not readily available, as this would typically be the case with branded TLDs that are not seeking external use or registration. Any potential domains under the .swatch TLD, such as “productname.swatch” or “service.swatch”, would have to be created and activated by The Swatch Group Ltd.
To sum up, .swatch is a top-level domain registered by The Swatch Group Ltd for their exclusive use, following ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It exists for reasons like brand innovation, intellectual property protection, secure domain space, branding consistency, and other potential benefits.
Sources used:
1. “New gTLD Program” – ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
2. “Guide to Brand TLDs” – Makeway.World
3. “Swatch” – Registry Information, ICANN WHOIS
4. “Brand gTLDs vs .com: Why the World ISN’T Ready for .brand & How to Do It Anyway” – SALT.agency Blog.
