Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition Winners Showcase Innovation and Market Potential

The 42nd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition concluded as part of the 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 13th Salon de TIME, attracting approximately 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions. This annual competition consistently works to raise the quality of watch and clock design in Hong Kong by encouraging innovation and creativity while enhancing exhibition offerings to boost sales of Hong Kong-made watches domestically and internationally.

This year's competition featured an Open Group themed "Memorable" and a Student Group themed "Believe in Yourself," receiving 116 entries judged by eight industry representatives and celebrity Bowie Cheung. The Open Group winner, "FREEZE" designed by Tam Kwok Tung and sponsored by Wincy Horological Ltd, breaks from traditional watch design with a camera lens-inspired dial that reveals the movement and gear mechanisms. The design was inspired by the designer's father who always had half his face covered by the camera when taking pictures.

The competition's innovative approach extends to other winning entries, including the first runner-up "RB_ROBO" by Wong Ting Bong, sponsored by Youngs Watch Company Limited and Po Fai Precision Company Limited, which conveys that "adults can still preserve their childlike innocence" through toy robot inspiration. The second runner-up "Backtrack" by Oro Time Limited incorporates nostalgic elements like game consoles, VHS tapes, and vinyl records, allowing the watch to become a playful fashion accessory through interchangeable game cartridges.

The Student Group category, open to full-time Hong Kong students, aims to recognize and promote young talent. Winner Chan Tsz Ying from Hong Kong Design Institute created "Aspire," featuring moving beads symbolizing goal-chasing and still beads representing reflection. The competition's commercial significance is underscored by the Made-to-Sell Award, judged by veteran manufacturers and former HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang, which selected Chan's "Aspire" for its strong market potential. The winning design will be put into production and released for sale at the HKTDC Design Gallery, demonstrating the competition's direct impact on the industry.

This competition matters because it bridges creative innovation with commercial viability, showcasing Hong Kong's ability to produce watches that challenge conventions while maintaining market appeal. The event reinforces Hong Kong's position as a global watchmaking hub by nurturing new talent and introducing designs that could shape future industry trends. The combination of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design concepts positions Hong Kong watchmakers to compete effectively in the global luxury goods market while preserving the region's manufacturing heritage.