He’s sold Bibles, sneakers, Photo books And Cryptocurrency during his third campaign for president. Now Donald Trump is launching a new business venture: diamond-studded watches.

The Republican presidential candidate unveiled the “Official Trump Watch Collection” on Thursday. The most expensive watch, with 122 diamonds on the bezel and three 18-karat gold versions, costs $100,000. Another “Fight Fight Fight” model is listed for $499.

Trump has peddled a range of branded products since his White House campaign began in 2024, following his long tradition of combining his political and business interests. The release on Thursday, 40 days before Election Day, could open him up to criticism for monetizing his campaign, particularly as he argues that Vice President Kamala Harris is out of touch with Americans’ economic problems.

While websites for the various products note that proceeds from their sales do not directly benefit Trump or his campaign, they also note that each product is subject to a “paid license agreement.” This is the same mechanism that enabled Trump long before he entered politics Profit for years from selling everything from water to vodka to steaks.

Earlier this week, he announced the sale of $100 silver coins featuring his face. In March, before Easter, Trump posted a video on Truth Social asking his supporters to spend $59.99 on a donation “God bless the USA Bible” inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad. Trump takes the song to the stage at each of his rallies and has performed with Greenwood at events.

In February he started haggling again Sneakers with Trump logo at “Sneaker Con,” a gathering that bills itself as “the biggest sneaker show in the world.” The shoes, shiny gold high-tops with an American flag detail on the back, are being sold as “Never Surrender High-Tops” for $399 on a new website that also lists other Trump-branded shoes as well as cologne and perfume “Victory47” sells for $99 a bottle.

Trump also dabbled in NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, last year reported He earned between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards that depicted him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, a cowboy, and a superhero.

Some of those items, including coins, sneakers and Bibles, were listed as being affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump said he owned in his 2023 financial disclosure and that has a similar agreement with 45Footwear, which also says it is Trump’s “Names” used. Likeness and Image under a paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked in accordance with its terms and conditions.”

The items were put up for sale as part of a $489 million civil fraud verdict against the former president handed down Thursday by a New York appeals court seemed to be open to reduce or reverse.

According to a disclaimer on a sales website, the watches are subject to a similar agreement to license Trump’s name, image and likeness, and the proceeds from their sales do not go to Trump’s campaign or the Trump Organization and “are not designed, manufactured or distributed.” or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, or any of their respective affiliates or principals.”

Instead, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC — the company listed as the distributor — says it is using “Trump’s” name, likeness and likeness under a paid license agreement, which can be terminated or revoked according to its terms. Trump watches are intended as collectibles for individual enjoyment only, not for investment purposes.”

A Trump campaign spokesman referred questions about the licensing agreement to the Trump Organization, which did not immediately return a message seeking comment. TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC also did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the deal via its website.

___

Meg Kinnard reported from Chapin, South Carolina and can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP