A Top-Level Domain (TLD) refers to the last segment or the part that follows immediately after the final dot of a domain name. It’s the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The TLD “.watch” is a generic TLD (gTLD) and it is available for any individual, business, or organisation that wishes to register it.
As stated on the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) website – the organization responsible for maintaining and regulating domain names, the “.watch” TLD was delegated to Sand Shadow, LLC in 2014. This new gTLD was established as part of an expansion of the DNS system to include new consumer-choice TLDs, providing greater opportunity for branding, marketing, and web presence customisation.
According to the WHOIS database, the “.watch” TLD can be used by businesses or individuals in the watch industry, such as manufacturers, retailers, enthusiasts, and reviewers. For example, a luxury watch retailer like Rolex or Omega might register the domain “rolex.watch” or “omega.watch” respectively to enhance their internet presence and make their website more readily identifiable to customers.
Besides businesses, individuals involved in watch collecting or reviewing might use a “.watch” TLD to signify their area of interest. For example, a watch blogger might register a domain such as “vintageluxury.watch” to create an immediately recognizable platform for their content.
The “.watch” TLD is managed by Donuts Inc., a domain name registrar and TLD management company. The domain can be purchased through various domain name registrars that are accredited by ICANN, such as GoDaddy.com, Namecheap.com, and others.
Keep in mind that the rules and price for the “.watch” TLD can vary across different registrars depending on factors such as availability, the registrar’s own pricing policy, or any extra services offered (like hosting or email). The renewal price and terms for the “.watch” TLD can also differ from the initial registration price/fee, and it’s crucial to note these differences and fully understand the terms before registering this TLD.
In conclusion, the “.watch” TLD can be a valuable asset for businesses, individuals, or organizations operating in the watch industry, providing an immediate indication of the nature of the website’s content and potentially enhancing branding and website discoverability.
Sources:
1. ICANN – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (https://icann.org)
2. WHOIS Domain Name Search Database (https://whois.icann.org)
3. Donuts Inc. – Leading Domain Name Registrar (https://www.donuts.domains)
