Grand Seiko’s global expansion has taken another leap forward today with the establishment of Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd., which will serve the region from headquarters in Singapore.
Its stated purpose is “to provide Grand Seiko with the solid foundation, resources and investment that will ensure its future growth in the region”.
Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific is a joint venture with Thong Sia Watch (Far East) Co. Ltd., the sole distributor for Seiko and Grand Seiko in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.
Its parent company, Stelux Holdings International, owns the City Chain retail operation, which has a network of watch stores across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.
Grand Seiko says its new Asia-Pacific headquarters will bring decision-making about the implementation of the brand’s strategy closer to the market and allow Seiko Watch Corporation to increase its marketing investment in the brand.
In a few months’ time, the new company will also open its first Grand Seiko Boutique in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands.
Akio Naito, who established Grand Seiko in the United States and Europe before moving back to Japan to take on the role of president of Seiko Watch Corporation has been named as chairman of Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific.
“The creation of this new company is another milestone in the history of Grand Seiko. I am delighted by the progress that Grand Seiko has made in the past few years in many markets throughout the world and I am certain that Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific will allow us to further increase the brand’s profile in this important region. I believe that we can look forward to a golden era for Grand Seiko.” Mr Naito says.