Watch retailer looks beyond big names

CEO Michael Tay, importer of luxury watches in Asia and joint partner of PMT The Hour Glass, said Thai customers, who are well-known globally as watch collectors, have been seeking more personalised watch designs over the past 10 years, in keeping with the global trend.

"The collectors have stepped up from buying luxury watches from top watch companies to independent brands because they can fully put their passion and imagination into their work and make  really unique watches unlike the big companies who have to follow expected designs to fulfil their marketing plan," said managing director Narant Thamawa-ranukub.

PMT The Hour Glass works with 10 independent watchmakers and is looking for more, Narant said. The rise in inflation has not affected sales as its main customers have deep pockets, he said.