The Asian watch market

Real watch fans usually know their way around the American and European markets. But what about Asia? If you think that you're only dealing with cheap fakes and unknown local production facilities here, you're wrong. The Asians are truly watch-mad and have a lot to offer. Whether America, Europe or Asia: According to a 2018 analysis, Rolex has secured the throne in all markets when it comes to the most sought-after watch brand. Behind it are also some familiar faces - Patek Philippe and Omega take silver and bronze. This makes it clear that Asian watch fans are not (only) jumping on any local production, but appreciate globally recognized craftsmanship of the finest. Panerai, IWC Schaffhausen, TAG Heuer, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Hublot and Breitling have also already managed to arouse great interest in their products on the Asian market. And renowned manufacturers should definitely be able to achieve this – after all, Asia is now known for its lively and enthusiastic watch fans.

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair

The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair is the Asian equivalent of Baselworld: an annual watch fair that presents all the latest innovations, trends and other highlights from the world of watches. It takes place in Hong Kong and is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd. The Hong Kong Conversation and Exhibition Centre, where the fair is held, is located in the "Wan Chai" industrial estate. The huge halls on several floors of the approximately 29,000 square meter site offer a view of Victoria Harbour. This year there were 9,000 exhibitors to marvel at. This makes the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair the largest watch event, even if Baselworld and SIHH, which take place in Switzerland, are still the most important for manufacturers. In addition to the global highlights, what the "inside" has to offer is also presented here. The local watch industry in Asia has been developing faster than anywhere else in recent years. Unique local productions are becoming increasingly popular. The new Asian brands are usually young, creative and bring out innovative and modern creations. However, there are also factories that have existed since the 1950s and have a remarkable history to tell.

All fake?

As soon as Asian goods are involved, a cliché is usually not long in coming: theft and counterfeiting. The stereotype of "thieving" Asia has been around for many years now. Based on various stories, no one can blame you for concerns about quality control, but that has long since ceased to be what really defines Asia. Numerous watch manufacturers from Switzerland and other parts of the world work closely with Asian suppliers and partners. Well-known brands in this country use this type of cooperation for various parts and work of all kinds. And it is completely legal, because in order to be allowed to put the "Swiss Made" label on a watch, only 60 percent of the product value has to come from Switzerland. In most cases, these are mainly costs for design, assembly, etc., while a considerable amount of the watch parts are sourced from Asia. If you consider this, it becomes clear that Asia can not only produce "junk", but is also quite capable of building great timepieces. In addition to the high-quality "support" of the European favorites, there are also top Chinese brands that are quite impressive. China, for example, has some great smartwatches on the market. Lemfo is particularly noteworthy among these, a brand that offers affordable and powerful alternatives to the hyped (and expensive) Apple Watch. Curious? The "Lemfo Lem1" model is one of the more expensive smartwatches in Asia, with a price between 70 and 80 euros, but for our taste it is a real bargain. The Chinese version of the Apple Watch impresses with all the useful functions and an attractive look. The unisex watch is made of stainless steel and comes with a brown or black leather strap. You can also choose from silver, gold and black colors.

China is gaining international importance

Although Apple is actually number 1 in the world for smartwatches and Asia itself is also particularly interested in the LTE version of the watch, an Asian company is already in second place: Xiaomi from China offers smart shoes, children's watches and fitness bracelets as well as affordable smartwatches. Hong Kong and China in particular are increasingly becoming the global epicenter of watch manufacturing and demand. Watches from Asian brands such as Curren, Shark, Megir, Weide etc. are gaining more and more prestige because they combine low prices and technical sophistication and are very reliable. In addition, they often specialize in a certain type of timepiece, so that the complete focus creates a real treasure. "Asian" or "Chinese" is therefore no longer synonymous with "junk". Asia is therefore increasingly influencing the industry and playing an important role in production and innovation. Hong Kong is actually number 1 in the world for Swiss watch exports, although the city is only home to 0.1 percent of the world's population and is geographically practically tiny. This shows how watch-crazy Asians really are and how deeply these pieces of jewellery are anchored in their culture. The enormous importance of Asia for the global watch market can no longer be denied.

This is worn on Asian wrists

The popularity of Rolex and Patek Philippe shows that elegance and status are important to Asians. But modern sports watches are by no means out of place for them either, as can be seen from the demand for TAG Heuer and Panerai. The Italian watches from Panerai are even more popular in Asia than anywhere else in the world. Even though flying is probably not one of the favorite hobbies of most Asians, Breitling certainly has its fans there. No wonder, considering that Asians have always had a soft spot for innovative developments: Breitling built the world's first chronograph in which the pusher was no longer integrated into the crown. The company apparently scored highly with this. But beyond that, it's not just about the brand and model, but also about the statement you want to express with your timepiece. For several years, matching looks have been particularly popular in Asia. It's about capturing special moments with your loved ones using a specific watch and never forgetting that special time. Whether it's a wedding, the birth of the first child, or the graduation of a son or daughter: partner watches serve as a personal symbol for the experiences shared together. However, the two watches do not necessarily have to be identical; there is certainly scope for personal development.

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