The 42nd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition has concluded with winning entries that challenge traditional watchmaking conventions while demonstrating strong commercial potential. Organized alongside the 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, the competition attracted 116 entries and drew approximately 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions, highlighting its significance in the global watch industry.
This annual competition serves a dual purpose: raising the quality of watch and clock design in Hong Kong through innovation and creativity while boosting sales of Hong Kong-made timepieces domestically and internationally. The event featured two categories—an Open Group themed "Memorable" and a Student Group themed "Believe in Yourself"—each encouraging designers to express emotional depth and personal values through their creations.
The Open Group winner, "FREEZE" by Tam Kwok Tung sponsored by Wincy Horological Ltd, broke from traditional design with a camera lens-inspired dial that reveals the watch's movement through right and left windows. The first runner-up, "RB_ROBO" by Wong Ting Bong sponsored by Youngs Watch Company Limited and Po Fai Precision Company Limited, incorporated toy robot elements to convey that "adults can still preserve their childlike innocence." The second runner-up, "Backtrack" by Oro Time Limited, featured swappable "game cartridges" inspired by Y2K nostalgia, transforming the watch into a playful fashion accessory.
The Student Group category, open to full-time Hong Kong students, aimed to recognize and promote young design talent. Winner Chan Tsz Ying from Hong Kong Design Institute created "Aspire," using moving beads to symbolize goal-chasing and still beads for reflection. First runner-up Lee Yuet Tung Eudora from Good Hope School featured the words "Love," "Hope," and "Faith" on her watch's outer ring, while second runner-up Yip Yuen Sze Christine from Hong Kong Design Institute used ripple patterns and a star hour hand to convey that "life is still full of hope" despite ups and downs.
The Made-to-Sell Award, judged by veteran watch manufacturers and former HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang, recognized Chan Tsz Ying's "Aspire" for its strong market potential. The Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited will put this award-winning design into production and release it for sale at the HKTDC Design Gallery, demonstrating the competition's direct commercial impact.
This competition matters because it bridges creative design with commercial viability, fostering innovation that can revitalize the traditional watch industry. By nurturing young talent and showcasing designs that break from convention, the event positions Hong Kong as a hub for watch innovation while addressing consumer demand for personalized, emotionally resonant timepieces. The production and sale of winning designs through channels like the Salon de TIME demonstrate how creative competitions can directly influence market offerings and drive industry evolution.
