However the internet provides an opportunity to do your vital Christmas shopping whilst still at work or in the comfort of your own home. Millions of products are now available at the touch of a button through the internet, and thus giving you more free time to spend doing things that you love.

This Christmas there are many designer watches that would make the perfect present with all the major watch brands now available on the internet from the likes of D&G, Diesel, and Guess to Chanel, Gucci, Breitling and Chopard. But with so many different websites all offering better than high street prices what should you look out for if you want to buy a designer watch online this Christmas?

The internet is a very competitive market place and price is one of the major reasons many people use the internet to purchase their designer watches, however be warned using the price as your only guide when looking for the right designer watch for you can end in disaster. Here is a check list of things to look for when you are shopping around on the internet for your designer watch this Christmas.

1.Is the site you are looking at an authorised retailer of the watch brands that it holds on its site? This is the most important factor you should look at when making your purchase. An authorised stockist means that the company has been vetted by the watch manufacturer and they purchase the watches direct from the manufacturer. Authorised stockists advertise on their sites to prove their status and must give a stamped manufacturers guarantee with every purchase made. The manufacturers guarantee authenticates your purchase and gives you full manufacturers protection against faults with your watch within the allotted guarantee period. Without this guarantee the manufacturers will not repair or replace faulty goods.

2.Does the site have a secure payment service? With identity fraud at its highest rate in history you should ensure that the company you choose to purchase your designer watch from has a secure payment service the likes of PayPal, Protx etc… you can see if the payment process is secure by looking for a padlock when you reach the page to enter you personal bank details. This secure payment service ensures that the details that your place on the companies website will only be shared with the providers bank and the bank alone.

3.Postage and packaging this is vital you must ensure that your item is being sent to you by a courier service or the Royal Mail that insures the item to the value that you have paid for it. Without this insurance if the item is lost in the post you may have a problem proving that you did not receive the item.

4.Can you get your money back should you not like the item when you receive it? Many internet retailers offer refunds however ensure that you read the terms and conditions before you make the purchase as some may offer a time scale for the return that is not possible due to the time period that the watch is being given.

We have complied this advice to guide you through your internet shopping this Christmas so heed the advice and you will be able to shop with piece of mind this Christmas.