When it comes to luxury timepieces, the brand matters. The celebrated brands of the watchmaking industry build their reputations on their technical proficiency, continuous drive for perfection and the talent of their artisans.

Because of the price tags these watches command, it’s no surprise that their discerning consumers often demand for the extraordinary be it in precision time measure, sophisticated construction, complicated micromechanics and of course, exquisite aesthetics.

Prestigious names that fit the bill include IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Ulysse Nardin, Longines, TAG Heuer and Omega to name a few, all of which can be found housed under one roof at Swiss Watch Gallery, one of Malaysia’s own “horologer extraordinaire”, as it often refers to itself.

Swiss Watch Gallery started 10 years ago, opening its first store in Penang International Airport in 2001. It was established by luxury purveyor Valiram Group — which manages brands like Tumi, Vertu, Jimmy Choo, Shanghai Tang, Coach, IWC, Godiva Chocolatier, Michael Kors among others in Malaysia — now Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and travel-retail specialist. Since its inception, the brand has undergone major expansion and transformation, adding to its portfolio signatures of some of the most esteemed names in luxury including Breitling for Bentley, Bremont, Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi and Gucci.  It has also opened up stores at KL International Airport and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. These stylish, elegant boutiques also include a concept store called Wear + When, that capitalises on the fun factor of lifestyle watches.

To celebrate its 10-year relationship with the world of watchmaking, Swiss Watch Gallery is presenting the Timepieces Today, Tomorrow and Forever Exhibition, slated for Sept 29 to Oct 9 at Pavilion KL. It is a special 11-day showcase comprising breathtaking horological pieces by leading icons of the watchmaking industry, including Cartier, Graham, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc and Ulysse Nardin.

During the exhibition, limited edition timepieces, museum timepieces, high jewellery as well as grande complications will all be on display, many of which are being unveiled for the first time in Malaysia. Exhibition highlights include live demonstrations by master watchmakers, revealing what goes on in the crafting of a fine watch.

Swiss Watch Gallery director Ashvin Valiram said in a statement: “We aim to present visitors and guests a rare and unique glimpse into the journey of these fine watchmakers, how they have masterfully blended heritage and cutting-edge technology in keeping the art of fine-watchmaking alive and how the intrinsic value of timepieces have been appreciated from generation to generation.”

The exhibition will be presented in a luxurious shop-in-shop setting, with each brand outfitting its own salon. It is set to be a true celebration of the world of horology. Organised in partnership with UOB Bank, The Star, The Peak, Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Glenmorangie, the Timepieces Today, Tomorrow and Forever Exhibition will be according tailor-made preferential privileges for acquisitions made by visitors to the exhibition. For this limited duration only, those making purchases will:

•    Receive a special edition Swiss Watch Gallery watch winder or a special edition luxurious leather watch and jewellery box with every purchase
•     Receive an additional gift — a special edition watch box with purchases made with any UOB credit card
•      Receive an additional Tumi gift with purchases made with a BMW White Card
•     Enjoy a 12 or 18 months’ 0% interest instalment payment plan for purchases made with a Malaysian UOB credit card;
•     And enjoy an exclusive trip to the watchmaker’s factory in Europe for the purchase of selected high jewellery and tourbillon timepieces.

Registration for admission prior to the exhibition is required. To do so, simply log on to www.swisswatchgallery.com.my, call (012) 588 0786 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also do it via SMS — type SWG<space>Your Name<space>Your email address and send to 63660.


This article appeared on the Live it! page, The Edge Financial Daily, September 26, 2011.