What happened in the Cortina Watch case?

A former employee pleaded guilty to cheating 14 customers, with losses near S$495,000. Payments were made outside standard channels after promises of watch allocations. The individual admitted doing so to cover debt. Sentencing is expected in February 2026, and investors await updates on restitution, controls, and governance steps from the company.

Why does this matter to investors in Singapore?

The case tests customer trust and control quality in luxury retail. Reputational risk can slow conversions from waitlists. Investors should watch for disclosures on refunds, insurance recoveries, and policy changes. Clear, dated remediation and independent review can limit damage and support sales momentum in the Singapore market.

What control fixes should retailers adopt now?

Ban off-channel payments, issue system e-receipts, and route all funds to corporate accounts. Enforce pre-approval for staff purchases, audit waitlists, and use alerts for unusual patterns. Add maker-checker for refunds and monthly exception reviews. These simple steps cut fraud risk and improve confidence for both customers and investors.

How can buyers avoid a luxury watch scam?

Pay only to the retailer’s official account and get an invoice. Avoid deposits sent to personal accounts. Use official contacts for payment instructions and confirm refund terms in writing. Keep receipts and record serials or allocation details. If in doubt, pause and seek confirmation from the store’s main line.

Law and Government

January 05: Cortina Watch Fraud Admission Highlights Control Gaps

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Cortina Watch is in focus after a former employee pleaded guilty to cheating 14 customers of nearly S$500,000. The case exposes weak points in staff purchase schemes and off‑channel payments in Singapore’s luxury retail market. We outline the facts, the control fixes investors should expect, and what updates before February sentencing could signal about restitution, governance, and brand resilience. Strong responses from Cortina Watch can limit reputational damage and protect the sales pipeline for high‑demand models in 2026.