Swiss Watch marks two decades of timeless luxury with revamped flagship store

Swiss Watch's newly redesigned flagship boutique in Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, celebrates luxury timepieces and world-renowned brands in all its glory. (Aug 13, 2023) - Jeremy Tan/The Star

Swiss Watch’s newly redesigned flagship boutique in Penang makes shopping for luxury timepieces a more engaging and immersive experience.

Sprawled over 2,523sq ft at the Level 1 Galleria of Gurney Paragon Mall, it has sections carved out for individual brands and sparkling displays showcasing their latest novelties.

A built-in bar affords customers the added pleasure of enjoying drinks while delving deeper into each watchmaker’s rich heritage, expert craftsmanship and trendsetting innovations.

The impressive portfolio here includes Rolex, Cartier, Bulgari, Omega, Bell&Ross, Blancpain, Breitling, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Zenith, Tudor and TAG Heuer.

The revamped store now stands as the largest multi-brand watch boutique in northern Malaysia, giving first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike a comprehensive selection under one roof.

Over a hundred guests attended its grand reopening recently and toured its refreshed spaces, which was unrecognisable from the earlier iteration that opened in 2013.

Many took a closer look at the accompanying The Ultimate 2023 Novelties Showcase featuring a selection of standout timepieces from major watch brands.

Guests mingling about and viewing timepieces featured in The Ultimate 2023 Novelties Showcase during the recent grand reopening of Swiss Watch's newly redesigned flagship boutique in Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.(Aug 13, 2023) - Jeremy Tan/The Star

Highlights include the pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Jewellery Tourbillon with three diamond circles, Bovet’s The Recital 23, and TAG Heuer’s Carrera Chronograph Gold.

Also setting pulses racing is the Breitling Swiss Watch Edition, which is limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Its stunning blue mother-of-pearl dial is paired with a rotating bezel and sapphire caseback engraved with the Swiss Watch logo and a celebratory “20 Years & Beyond” message.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were ushered to the mall’s St Jo’s heritage building for a multi-course dinner prepared by Gen, with dishes inspired by Penang’s rich culinary heritage.

The Penang flagship boutique’s reopening also marks a new chapter for Swiss Watch, which was established at the Penang International Airport in 2001 by luxury lifestyle retail specialist Valiram.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of brand partners who took a chance and believed in us two decades ago,” says executive director Ashvin Valiram.

The group was originally in the textile trade, with roots in Kuala Lumpur going back to 1935.

When a watch concession opportunity opened up at the aforementioned airport at the turn of the millennium, they put in a bid.

“One day we received a phone call saying we got the space.

“We had no history with horology but just went with it,” Ashvin shares.

The corner for Cartier timepieces in Swiss Watch’s redesigned flagship boutique in Penang.

From that first store carrying 16 brands, Swiss Watch has grown to over 20 watch boutiques in Malaysia and Singapore with more than 50 renowned timepiece brands.

The Valiram stable also encompasses brands across other categories such as fashion, accessories, perfumery, cosmetics, sports, confectionery, and food and beverage. Their portfolio includes Chloe, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Tumi, Tory Burch, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, to name a few.

“The little thing we started has now grown to over 10 countries across Southeast Asia and Oceania, with over 400 stores from Hong Kong to New Zealand.

“Penang was where the Valiram luxury retail empire began and it’s a story we can all be proud of,” Ashvin says, adding that the group has also expanded its retail digital footprint and today operates nine e-commerce sites.Fellow executive director, Mukesh Valiram says they would never have imagined growing into the region’s largest luxury retailer, back when they first started.

“It has been a brilliant journey and one that we will continue to evolve with.

“We’re going to introduce more cool things in the watch and retail space, so stay tuned,” he teases.