MALAYSIA. Luxury travel retailer Valiram has launched the sixth edition of its Swiss Watch Gallery’s Art of Time event at Kuala Lumpur’s Pavilion luxury shopping mall.
The 2019 edition, which showcases some of the world’s leading watchmakers, runs until 10 November. Featured brands include Arnold & Son, Bell & Ross, Girard-Perregaux, Graham, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaquet Droz, Oris, Parmigiani Fleurier, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin and Zenith.
Emphasising the Swiss homeland of many master watchmakers, the Pavilion’s Centre Court features booths designed to evoke the look and feel of Swiss chalets. A launch party last week was attended by over 200 guests including entrepreneurs, retail partners, celebrities and key media figures.
Valiram Executive Director Ashvin Valiram said: “The idea behind Art of Time is to bring to the Malaysian market the experience of the amazing and exclusive watchmaking showcases of Basel and Geneva.
“We feel it is the best way to inculcate the love for horological instruments, and the craftsmanship and innovation that go into their creation.”
Valiram noted that the event had attracted new brands. “We look at ourselves not just as a retailer but also an advocate of fine watchmaking and through Art of Time, we’re looking to evolve the customers’ interest in watches and fuel the passion,” he said.
Highlighted timepieces include the Jaquet Droz Tropical Bird Repeater; Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Tourbillon in red gold; Girard-Perregaux Bridges Cosmos; IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Rétrograd and Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon.
Girard-Perregaux, Arnold & Sons, Parmigiani Fleurier and Ulysse Nardin are first-timers at the exhibition which includes GWP offers and discounts. The event also features a demonstration by master enameller Jaquet Droz, a virtual reality experience by Oris, a watch masterclass by Girard-Perregaux and an Italian coffee experience by illycaffè.
Art of Time has collaborated with Tumi in a pop-up featuring the Tumi x Chris Pratt collection, which is inspired by the American actor’s personal packing style.
The Swiss Watch Gallery celebrated its 18th anniversary this year.
“When we opened our first watch boutique in Penang in 2001, we never expected to be become a preeminent watch retailer in the country. Swiss Watch Gallery is indeed a young adult now and we look forward to further strengthening the business beyond the shores of Southeast Asia,” Valiram said.
