Andorran Deputy Crafts and Sells 'Inspired' Luxury Watch Copies
Carles Naudí, a Ciutadans Compromesos lawmaker, faces backlash for his hobby of making watches mimicking Rolex and Patek Philippe designs, despite.
Key Points
- Naudí sells artisanal watches 'inspired' by Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe.
- Critics call it 'reputational suicide,' risking IP controversy in watchmaking hub Andorra.
- Deputy dismisses fallout: 'If it costs political reputation, I don't care.'
- Venture is personal hobby, separate from legislative role amid envious backlash.
Carles Naudí, a deputy for Ciutadans Compromesos, spends part of his free time crafting and selling watches "inspired" by iconic designs from luxury brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
He described the endeavour to the Spanish outlet Crónica Global as an artisanal hobby pursued in a small workshop in the Principat. Naudí rejected claims that the activity has damaged his political standing, insisting he harbours no ambitions to lead either the Consell General or the government.
The report quoted unnamed sources from Andorra's civil society who labelled the business a "reputational suicide", particularly given the importance of the luxury and watchmaking sectors to the country's economy and global image. Local entrepreneurs have reportedly raised concerns that a prominent lawmaker appearing to skirt intellectual property boundaries could stir controversy.
Naudí dismissed the criticism, stating: "If my watches cost me political reputation, I don't care. I practice and preach by fighting for the projects that excite me, whether business or personal. The problem is that this world is full of envious people."
The story has drawn attention amid Andorra's reliance on high-end retail, though Naudí maintains the venture remains a personal pursuit separate from his legislative duties.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: