Hublot in The Hour Glass boutique in Gurney Plaza, Penang
Cover Hublot in The Hour Glass boutique in Gurney Plaza, Penang

Our monthly round-up of watch news from Malaysia and the rest of the world

Watch lovers in the north of Peninsular Malaysia will be happy to know that The Hour Glass finally made its debut in Penang. Located in Gurney Plaza in George Town, the design takes its cues from the island with the use of natural stones and timber, the latter decorating the ceiling in wavy patterns. Accents around the boutique echo the soft, shimmery beauty of seashells and corals.

It's also the first Hour Glass boutique in Asia to feature a store-in-store concept with a dedicated Hublot space. Other brands calling it home here are Breitling, Girard-Perregaux, Grand Seiko, Nomos, Sinn-Spezialuhren, Tag Heuer, Tudor, and Ulysse Nardin.

The boutique also features a private space complete with a full kitchen and dining space called the Apartment for discreet viewing of the watches.

See also: Roger Dubuis opens first boutique in Malaysia

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Photo 1 of 4 The Hour Glass in Penang features a slew of top international brands
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Photo 4 of 4 The Apartment private space

Rolex recently announced an official programme to purchase pre-owned watches that are certified and guaranteed by the watchmaker itself. This brings added value to existing supply of pre-owned watches, which were already made with durability in mind. This service has rolled out in Bucherer boutiques in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Denmark, and the UK. More participating retailers will be announced from spring 2023.

See also: This Rolex can survive really extreme water depth

Tatler Asia
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date
Above Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date

Seiko has opened Atelier Ginza in Tokyo, a creative studio tasked to push the envelope in watchmaking, on the seventh floor of Seiko House Ginza. It will be staffed by some of its best designers, craftsmen, and watchmakers, and will be opened to enthusiasts who would like to discover the unique beauty of Japanese watchmaking.

See also: The rise of Asia’s watchmakers

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Photo 1 of 2 Atelier Ginza
Photo 2 of 2 Seiko's new creative studio in Tokyo is staffed by some of its top watchmakers

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