Sheridan, Wyoming — In a recent promotional video, Donald Trump, dressed in his signature blue suit and red tie, appeared presidential as he signed a document, showcasing a glimmer of gold on his wrist. This sparkle highlighted the purpose of the video: Trump is marketing limited-edition watches designed under his name. Marketed as “Swiss-made” with prices reaching six figures, the watches are said to embody “power and precision.”
However, a CNN investigation into the watch brand's manufacturing and distribution led to an unexpected destination: a nondescript shopping center in a small northern Wyoming city near the Montana border. Here, alongside an H&R Block and a Wendy's, is an unmarked office space that serves as the mailing address for TheBestWatchesOnEarth LLC, the entity behind Trump's new timepieces. Despite the claims of exclusivity, no signs of the luxury watches were found at the site, which also houses a daycare.
The investigation revealed little about the company or its owners. The lack of transparency surrounding Trump's latest venture raises questions that remain unanswered, even after visiting the listed address. Several other companies share the same location, including a separate LLC that markets Trump-themed sneakers. These businesses, linked through a common registered agent, Andrew Pierce, provide a murky backdrop to the watch line.
Interestingly, another company associated with the same address, Kingdom Honey LLC, sells “Male Enhancement Honey” products that have drawn FDA warnings for containing undisclosed drugs and health risks. While there’s no direct link between the honey company and Trump, Pierce's firm registers numerous businesses, often obscuring the identities of their owners.
Pierce, based mainly in Puerto Rico, acknowledged that his company serves as a registered agent for Trump's watch line but stated they do not oversee operations or client actions. His father, attorney Mark Pierce, expressed concern about potential buyers' lack of information regarding Trump's business dealings.
Trump’s ventures have historically capitalized on his celebrity status, with a variety of licensing agreements producing products ranging from vodka to digital NFTs, many of which are also registered in Wyoming—an advantageous state for business anonymity.
Despite promotional claims, the watch website includes disclaimers stating that Trump and his organization are not directly involved in the manufacturing or sale of these products, emphasizing a separation between the watches and Trump's political campaign.
Registered in July, TheBestWatchesOnEarth has limited public details available, leading to skepticism about its legitimacy. The business landscape in Wyoming allows for such obscurity, with the state facilitating the creation of anonymous LLCs, which Mark Pierce noted rarely come under scrutiny.
While Trump continues to market these high-priced watches, experts and consumers alike are advised to exercise caution, especially given the complex web of entities behind his latest business endeavor.
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