Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot SA and The Hour Glass officially open the doors to its premier boutique in Kuala Lumpur at the Starhill Gallery today. This momentous occasion marks a number of firsts: Hublot’s first standalone boutique in South-East Asia; as a boutique that is managed by The Hour Glass, one of Asia’s marques of watch retailers, it is also a first boutique collaboration.

Occupying over 1200sqft of luxury retail space in the iconic Starhill Gallery, the new Hublot boutique is ideally located right in the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur’s fine retail belt. Fashioned in the same stylish mien of the brand’s international boutiques and furbished in Hublot’s trademark monochromatic colours – of black, white and silver, the boutique is the epitome of cool contemporary minimalist luxe – much like the watches themselves. The all-marble bar counter, chandelier and secluded VIP lounge set the tone for customers who will find themselves affronted with an uncluttered yet intimate environment that is not about mere watch-buying, but the promise of a total luxurious retail experience.

Mr Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot SA says “In the Swiss watch industry, Asia is one of the most important markets. In recent years, Hublot has grown exponentially, phenomenal really, internationally as well as in the region. It is only natural that we seek to strengthen our presence in a stronghold such as Malaysia, which is in the heart of Southeast Asia. With The Hour Glass as our partner, with its top-notch reputation and strong retail experience, it is a match made in heaven. Most importantly, as long term partners, they fully understand the philosophy of Hublot, what it stands for, what we are trying to achieve and the timelessness of its appeal.

Dr Kenny Chan, Managing Director of The Hour Glass, added “We have been partners with Hublot SA from the very beginning, when it was first founded by Mr Crocco to its present day, powered by its CEO, Mr Biver. We have followed the growth and success of Hublot with the same enthusiasm that we have watched our own retailing business grow hrough the years. I am proud that not only have we weathered through the many challenges of the watch industry and economic cycles, today, we are stronger than ever and this boutique only cements what is a mutually trusting relationship and friendship that Hublot SA and The Hour Glass has built through the decades. I look forward to more new exciting projects”.

On 5 June 2008, the Official Boutique Opening ceremony was graced by Mr Jean- Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot SA, Mr Ricardo Guadalupe, Managing Director of Hublot SA, Dr Kenny Chan, Managing Director of The Hour Glass and Mr Michael Tay, Executive Director of The Hour Glass. Joining the occasion is Mr Philippe Pascal, President and CEO of LVMH Watch & Jewellery business division, Hublot’s parent company. Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh of YTL Group is also in attendance.

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 7 July, 2008 2:29:25 PM IST #