More leading brands are now on board with Central Department Store in evolving its annual watch fair, enriching the variety from three-hand models to sophisticated timepieces.
The latest releases were worn by celebrities led by actor Harit Buayoi at the grand opening of the Central International Watch Fair 2025, held on Oct 1 at Central Chidlom, aka The Store Of Bangkok.
The renovated second floor include the whimsically-named Watch Watch zone, which serves as the main venue for exploring the novelties.
Harit wore the Grand Seiko SLGW007 with a textured navy-blue dial and matching strap evoking the bark of a white birch tree bathed in moonlight.
From the Evolution 9 collection, the stainless steel dress watch is powered by a hand-wound high-beat movement (36,000 vibrations per hour or 10 beats per second), which assures accuracy and a generous power reserve of up to 80 hours.
Grand Seiko doubled its presence with a counter at the Watch Watch department and a pop-up exhibition at the Atrium on the ground floor. Under the concept “Feel The Nature Of Grand Seiko”, the exhibition presents exquisite timepieces, inspired by Japan’s seasonal beauty and landscape.
Frederique Constant has reinterpreted its Classic Tourbillon Manufacture in a white gold case and an aventurine dial for a limited edition of 36 pieces. The tourbillon spins inside the “Heart Beat” window at 6 o’clock while the self-winding movement is revealed by the transparent caseback.
Redesigned models include Longines PrimaLuna with refined case proportions and a new date display in the moon phase complication. The new collection includes a self-winding model with a mother-of-pearl dial in a Celestial Blue shade and a bezel set with blue sapphires in a subtle gradation of hues and sizes.
Japanese brand Orient Star has also refreshed the moon phase display on the Mechanical Classic M45 with a motif made from mother of pearl. The dial has a stamped pattern expressing the beauty of the M45 Pleiades star cluster, and a monotone gradation transitioning from grey in the centre to black on the outer edge.
Casio transferred the Japanese art of hammering to G-Shock MR-G, with master tsuiki artisan Kazuya Watanabe crafting a relief pattern on the bezel and bracelet, making each timepiece unique. The artistry is complemented by the execution on DAT55G, a special alloy that is three times harder than pure titanium. Moreover, this extra-hard metal material is finished with a diamond-like carbon, or DLC, coating for enhanced scratch- and abrasion-resistance.
The watchmaking at Oris employs a material made from carbon fibre using an additive manufacturing and moulding technique. As light as plastic and yet stronger than most metals, the innovative carbon-fibre composite is used to make the case of the ProPilot Altimeter Mission Control — a collab between Oris and the Bamford Watch Department.
The ProPilot Altimeter is the only watch in the world to house a “Swiss Made” automatic mechanical movement alongside a mechanical altimeter that can relay readings up to 6km.
The Swiss brand also launched the Oris Big Crown Calibre 113 featuring a business calendar at the Central International Watch Fair 2025.
Seiko debuted a limited edition of 500 pieces in partnership with Thai product design company PDM, with its signature stride pattern in navy blue adorning the dial of Seiko Prospex.
During the watch fair, The Citizen will celebrate its 30th anniversary and introduce two models, exclusively available at Central Chidlom.
Under Central Retail, Central Department Store has dedicated the Luxury Watch Week to showcasing exceptional timepieces.
Blancpain, Bulgari and Omega as well as Cortina Watch participated in the first round of the Luxury Watch Week. The second round scheduled from Oct 17-19 will present a selection from Pendulum — the authorised retailer of various luxury and independent watch brands.
Likewise the three-day Distinguished Brand Showcase starting from Oct 31 will introduce new participants with a rich heritage.
Rudis Sylva dates way back to 1384, while Charles Girardier is named after a master watchmaker active in Geneva from the second half of the 18th century to the early 19th century.
Cuervo y Sobrinos is the only luxury watch brand with a Latin legacy, as it was born in Havana in 1882. Seven years later, Doxa was established in Le Locle, Switzerland’s cradle of watchmaking.
While founded in 2019, BA111OD is rooted in more than 250 years of the Baillod family’s horological heritage in NeuchStel.
The Central International Watch Fair 2025 will also feature Austrian maison Carl Suchy and Söhne in an exclusive workshop on Nov 2. Owner Robert Punkenhofer will trace the history back to 1822 and update on the revival since 2017.