CROWNING GLORY

Franck Muller takes another step in cementing themselves in Asia with the launch of their flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur. CEO Nicholas Rudaz elaborates

- DANIEL GOH

It is not every day we see a Swiss watch manufacture pay so much attention to the Asian, or more particularly the Southeast Asian market; but then again, it is not every day we hear a Swiss brand say that Asia is their largest market. Both statements however are true for the independently owned Swiss brand, Franck Muller, and the last two years saw a fantastic expansion in the region, first in Bangkok and now in Kuala Lumpur. To put a finer point on this, the boutique launched in Kuala Lumpur represents the flagship in Asia with a massive footprint of 1,887 sqft.

Inside, the boutique blends opulence with modernity and a sophisticated neutral colour palette combining Franck Muller’s signature navy blue and champagne gold accents. There are capsule-like showcases strewn about the boutique and even a hidden bar tucked into one of the corners of the boutique. It is all very reminiscent of yet another flagship boutique that launched for the region, the SHH flagship just a couple of metres away. We really cannot fault the similarities because the distribution of Franck Muller watches in the Asia Pacific region is done via a partnership with Sincere Fine Watches. We got a chance to sit down with Nicholas Rudaz, the CEO of Franck Muller to get an even better idea of how this partnership has been panning out, and what their combined strategy will be for the brand moving forward within Asia.

Last year Bangkok got a new boutique and now there is a new flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur. Can this new push be attributed to the partnership with Sincere Fine Watches?