Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition Announced

31 August 2017 – Hong Kong is a hub of world international brands, with the perfect soil to cultivate talented designers in various areas. This was evident when the results of the 34^th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition were announced at a 29 August press conference of the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair. The winning entries showcase Hong Kong designers’ craftsmanship and creativity. The annual competition reveals new talents for the industry as well as pioneering new watches and clocks trends.

The annual competition was jointly organised by The HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2017 Organising Committee, Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd, with an aim to enhance the design quality of Hong Kong watches and clocks, and promote their sales both locally and overseas.

The competition is divided into the Open Group and Student Group with the theme of “Luxury Automobile” and “Future Luxury” respectively, encouraging designers to break free from design conventions and blend new elements in watches and clocks. More than 200 entries were received. The panel of nine judges from various sectors evaluated the entries based on originality and creativity, aesthetics and marketability.

Open Group: Symbol of Speed
Three awards were presented in the Open Group. The design by Tam Kwok Tung, entitled “Roadster,” was named the champion. His piece evokes a sense of speed with its streamlined case design. The watch dial resembles a vehicle dashboard, with the crown set atop the dial’s surface. The innovative design reflects the automobile theme and adopts an ergonomic approach, as the case can be turned by 45 degrees for drivers to read the time more easily while driving.

The first runner-up went to the “Timespeed” design by Sketto Ltd. This piece used a variety of curves to bring out the speed and mechanical feel of cars. The sophisticated double dial design exemplifies the premium craftsmanship and elegance of watchmaking.

“Speedway” by designer Wong Ting Bong was named second runner-up. Inspired by car speedometers, the watch shows time with great precision, surpassing past designs that combine the mechanics of automobiles and watches.

Student Group: Cherish the Moment
To inspire creativity in young people and cultivate new talents in watch and clock design, the competition’s Student Group welcomes students of Hong Kong institutions.  Ho Wing Ki, from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, was the group’s champion. Her piece “Arche,” derived from the Greek word meaning “beginning” or “origin,” replaces the traditional strap with a simple bracelet, and the surface of the watch imitates the small waves caused by a slight breeze. The design concept reminds us to treasure water as the mother of life.

Wong Chun Na, also from the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, was named first runner-up. Her entry, “Mirror,” shows the simple harmony of matter and nature as an alternative luxury style. The blue mirror on the watch surface symbolises water, and reflects the sky. The marble texture represents the wear and tear of rocks over time. The designer hopes the wearer can enjoy the calm of nature and a moment of “luxury” amid today’s busy life.

The second runner-up went to Chan Wai Mau from the Hong Kong Design Institute. His design “Cherish” conveys the idea that the luxury of the future lies in the present, and alludes to the shape of time, as in the theory of relativity, to stand for the present and the future. The vintage bronze material and the form of a pocket watch represents the past, reminding us to cherish the moment and appreciate what we have.

Local Creative Forces in Full Bloom
The three winners of the Open Group will attend a five-day study course in Japan through  sponsorship by the Hong Kong Japan Business Co-operation Committee. The winning and final entries will also be exhibited at the 36^th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair in Hall 1B concourse next week to showcase local designs to industry players.

Organised by the HKTDC, the 36^th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the fifth Salon de TE will be held on 5-9 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), gathering a record of over 820 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions.

Description of winning entries: http://bit.ly/2wRCIW3

Websites
HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: www.hktdc.com/hkwatchfair
Salon de TE: www.hktdc.com/hkwatchfair/te

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Selina Fan    Tel: (852) 2584 4298                      Email: selina.mi.fan@hktdc.org

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.