In August, it opened its first flagship store in Thailand, occupying 70 square metres in CentralWorld in Bangkok. It was due to have its official opening ceremony yesterday.

By next year's first quarter, the company plans to open a second Longines shop in Bangkok before launching new outlets upcountry.

Walter von Kanel, president of Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon, said yesterday the Thai sole distributor sent a proposal to open the flagship store, as Longines foresees a bright future here.

He said that although the country had passed through political uncertainty and an economic slowdown this year, it had many other good factors, including a new airport and good business facilities.

Longines' growth rate in Thailand has shown better performance than its global average. Kanel declined to reveal the figure, but said it was two digits. China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan are also good markets for Longines in the Asia-Pacific region.

Asia is considered the Swatch Group's most important market compared with Europe and the US, where the high-end watch market has already matured.

Kanel said Thailand's political uncertainty and economic slowdown were not a worry.

The company is also investing in customer-relations management. Yesterday, it signed a two-year contract with top Thai model Sara Malakul Lane for her to serve as its brand ambassador.

Swatch Group Trading brand manager Chonvicha Loekwitunkul said having a separate flagship store would enable it to strengthen its relationship with customers via direct mail and watch services.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation