Shanghai Watches Shine at Hong Kong Fair, Marking 70 Years of Chinese Horology

Hong Kong — At the 44th Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Watch & Clock Fair, coinciding with the 13th International Salon de Time, Shanghai Watches, the flagship brand of Hanchen Watch Group, marked a milestone moment: the dual celebration of 70 years of Chinese watchmaking and the brand’s own septuagenarian anniversary. Hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the fair brought together more than 650 exhibitors from 15 countries, with over 140 brands showcased in the Salon de Time “Masterpieces of Craft” section.

Shanghai Watches’ exhibition underscored the intersection of Eastern aesthetics and modern horological precision. By presenting a carefully curated selection of timepieces, the brand signalled its ambitions to elevate China’s high-end watchmaking voice on the global stage. Among the highlights were the tribute ORIGINATE series, the reissue of the nation’s first dive watch in the COMMANDER 114 series, the contemporary women-focused Modern line, the THE BUND collection, and the forthcoming tourbillon.

A particularly noteworthy unveiling was the Tribute Shanghai 1955 70th Anniversary Moonphase Edition, limited to 700 pieces worldwide. Drawing inspiration from the moon’s waxing and waning, this commemorative watch evokes the brand’s founding ethos: though the moon may wane, brilliance endures. Echoing the original 1955 Shanghai slim wristwatch, the light sunburst dial preserves the inscription “First Prototype,” while the “1955.10.1” and “Shanghai” positions are ingeniously integrated into the date ring and moonphase window. The brand’s signature three-dimensional logo and moon motif are crafted in 18K gold.

In a nod to cultural craftsmanship, Shanghai Watches also presented the award-winning Modern Magnolia Series, embroidered in Suzhou traditional silk embroidery (Su Xiu) and inspired by the city flower, the white magnolia. Recognised with the 2025 MUSE Design Gold Award in the United States, this piece embodies the fusion of technical excellence and cultural storytelling, offering a window for the world to appreciate China’s horological innovation.

Complementing the high-end displays was the “70 Years of Chinese Watchmaking” corridor, tracing the evolution of timekeeping from 1955 to the present through archival images and milestone achievements. Central to this showcase were two restored vintage Shanghai Watches—one surviving wartime upheaval and inscribed with revolutionary sentiment, the other passed through three generations, a tangible emblem of enduring familial love. These 70 pieces, meticulously refurbished as part of the “Restoring the Time” project, breathe new life into historical movements, preserving memories while demonstrating the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and heritage.

Shanghai Watches’ presence at this prestigious Asian exhibition highlighted not only the technical prowess and aesthetic sensibilities of Chinese horology but also its ambition to narrate cultural stories on an international stage. Through a blend of innovation, heritage, and artistry, the brand continues to assert China’s growing influence in the high-end watchmaking world.