Round Table China What's ticking in watchmaking?
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Aug 30, 2025 The podcast dives into the transformative world of watchmaking, spotlighting the surge of innovative Chinese brands that challenge traditional Swiss powerhouses. It uncovers the shifting consumer preferences, especially among the youth, for bold designs that blend mythology with modernity. Topics like the contrast between luxury timepieces and smartwatches are explored, along with breakthroughs in the tech side of watchmaking. Cultural moments, like celebrity engagements, also highlight the evolving status symbols in luxury.
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Swiss Dominance Is Eroding
- The Swiss watch's monopoly on prestige is loosening as China embraces both tech and local brands.
- A new horological landscape blends smartwatches, homegrown craftsmanship, and shifting status signals.
Homegrown Brands Lean Into Local Culture
- Yu Shun highlights rising domestic brands like Seagull and FIATA embracing Chinese aesthetics and narratives.
- He cites models inspired by mythology and Song dynasty porcelain that attract younger buyers.
Price Discrepancies On Luxury Pieces
- Yushan recounts the three-legged golden crow watch and notes wildly different prices across markets.
- She observed the watch listed near $193,000 in China and about $240,000 overseas.