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Published on August 6, 2007

Purij Mahadumrongkul, managing director of Muang Thong Seiko, the top Japanese brand's sole distributor here, said last week his company planned to engage a woman presenter for the first time - Hong Kong singer and actress Miriam Yeung.

Mechanical wristwatch models have caught on, as more women want to know what's going on inside their timepiece rather than simply look at its outer appearance.

The women's line has been contributing 20 per cent of Seiko's total sales but should grow in importance to 30 per cent this year, he said.

Prices of Seiko's women's watches range from Bt5,000-Bt60,000, while prices for all its watch product categories start at Bt2,000 and go up to Bt100,000.

One reason why Seiko is focusing more on women is that the men's market has levelled out, so it needs to find new opportunities to keep up its growth. However, it will not reduce its attention to the men's market.

Purij said the watch market needs consistent stimulation from marketers. Upmarket consumers, who are its target, still have purchasing power but their shopping mood might have turned glum due to the unfavourable political and economic atmosphere.

Muang Thong has devoted more funds to marketing this year - Bt60 million as against Bt40 million last year.

Purij believes the company will again achieve two-digit growth as it did last year.

Seiko is arranging its biggest ever product launch for September, including more sports models.

Nitida Asawanipont

 The Nation