Profile & Services
The Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. (HKWMA) was established in July 1968. It aims to upgrade and consolidate the local watch industry, to promote the local watch manufacturers’ interests, trade and contacts with overseas counterparts, and to liaise with the Government for the formulation of appropriate policies and regulations. Up to date, the HKWMA has about 600 members. All of them are registered companies in Hong Kong.
Due to the diligent effort made by the local watch manufacturers, the watch industry becomes one of the four major export industries in H.K. Besides Switzerland, Hong Kong become one of the world famous watch & clock empire. Total export value was 55.2 billion dollar in 2008.
At the same time, the HKWMA is also playing a role which is getting ever important. On behalf of its members, the association makes known the industry’s problems to the Government and external parties. HKWMA seeks for an immediate release and objective coverage of its observations, and promotes the interests of its members. The association also strives to strengthen the relationship with China (including Taiwan) Japan and other Asian and European countries to help members explore investment opportunities as well as strengthen the development of local watch & clock industry.
HKWMA engages in various activities and services:
- To organize, co-organize & sponsor in major local / overseas exhibitions, to help members promoting their products & fighting for privilege discounts.
- Apply the SME Fund granted by the government for implementing the Project: "To assist small and medium watch and clock manufacturers in developing their own brands for entry into China market".
- To organize watch & clock seminars and training courses to enhance members' knowledge in management, control, quality and technology.
- To organize overseas study missions & delegation in order to establish and strengthen contacts with overseas counterparts and to promote the exchange of information and experience.
- To run a "Watch & Clock Design Depository Centre" where members can store their watch and clock product designs, to help members established and protect their copyrights in legal proceedings, the centre provides a third-party certification service for the duration-in-record of a copyright.
- To liaise and meet regularly to express the views of the industry with other organizations such as the Liaison Office of the Central People's Gov't of the HKSAR , the Industry & Trade Department, the Innovation & Technology Commission, the Customs and Excise Department, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Productivity Council; And also investigates the needs of members and brings together members' ideas to solve the problems facing the industry.
- To attend to the training needs of the watch and clock industry, HKWMAL has set up a Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Foundation Limited. Grants will be given to development programmes that benefit the industry. Students attending training courses for the watch industry at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee Campus) and (Shatin Campus) can apply to the fund for scholarships.
- To provide members and the industry with up-to-date information, HKWMAL publishes Annual Book "Hong Kong Watches" and distributes circulars (including latest information of Watch & Clock Industry, & overseas enquiries etc.).
- To establish "China Horology Federation" in order to strengthen the co-operation among China, Hong Kong and Taiwan Watch & Clock Industry.
Updated on 8/09