An Irish consumer bought a watch online from a UK trader for £201. But within the first six months, he found that things weren’t ticking along at all nicely - there was a problem when trying to change the time.

Soon after, the winder fell off completely and went missing. The consumer sent the watch back to the seller in the UK to get it repaired or replaced but was told that the manufacturer’s warranty didn’t cover his particular problem and that the repair could only be offered at an extra charge.

The seller also refused to provide the purchaser with his right to remedy under statutory rights, so the consumer got in touch with the European Consumer Centre in his home country - Ireland - who sought assistance from UK ECC on his behalf.

The UK ECC got in touch with the trader to remind him of his obligations under consumer legislation to provide remedies such as a repair or replacement free of charge when goods are faulty. Our consumer advisors also reminded him that a manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to a consumer’s statutory rights. The consumer was subsequently provided with a replacement watch.