When we think about Thailand, what are the first things that spring to our minds?
The Land of Smiles, as it’s often referred to, is mostly known for its stunning beaches, rich culture and delicious food.
Not to mention it’s a pretty wild entertainment scene, which has something to offer for everyone – from world-famous Full Moon parties on Koh Phangan island, to Elephants trekking through the jungle in Chiang Mai.
But what many people don’t know is that Thailand is also home to a booming watch industry.
The number of Thai watch companies that are making waves in the industry is on the up, some of which produce well-crafted timepieces that present a great bang for the buck.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 3 Thai-made watch brands out there. So whether you’re in the market for a new timepiece or just curious about what’s on offer from this Southeast Asian country, read on!
Thai Watch Brands – a Look at Top 3 Watchmakers
Below find what we consider the current 3 most interesting companies which in the design and manufacturing of timepieces in Thailand.
Note: if you’re familiar with more Thai watch brands that deserve a mention, submit your proposals in the comment section at the bottom of the article. We will be more than happy to take a look and, if we agree, add them to the list.
Wise
At the time of writing, Wise is probably the best-known Thai watchmaker, having established itself as a reputable brand both in Thailand and internationally.
The company was founded in 2008 which also makes it the longest-standing brand on the Thai watchmaking scene.
Since its inception, the brand has been manufacturing timepieces in its workshop located in the capital, Bangkok. All watch models are designed and hand-assembled by the very top watchmakers in Thailand.
The result is an impressive collection of watches that boast both excellent craftsmanship and an attractive price tag.
Wise has a wide range of watch models for men and women on offer, from more traditional and understated designs to those with a more modern and edgy look.
With that said, its biggest trademark is the ever-expanding dive collection. Inspired by the classic dive watch design, these timepieces come with all the necessary features for those who love spending time in or around the water.
Some of the Wise divers are extremely capable, offering water resistance of up to 300m. Many of these are reminiscent of the dive watch models from two Japanese watch giants, Citizen and Seiko.
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Looking at the prices, we could describe Wise as a low-to-mid-budget watchmaker. The cheapest models are available for around $170 while the most elaborate releases can cost you up to $800.
Simpl
Next up we have a brand that perfectly represents the name it chose for itself – Simpl.
Founded in 2013 by two avid watch enthusiasts Tanachpak Warrnissorn and Alisa Kittipong, Simpl is a Bangkok-based watch company that focuses on creating timepieces with simple, clean and uncluttered designs.
Despite the young age of the brand, it has managed to produce some really great-looking watches.
At the time of writing, the brand’s catalog consists of three collections – Timeless, One and Reverse. While they might differ in name, all three lines share the same key philosophy which is to create watches that are as minimalistic as possible.
The result is a rather elegant and stylish product that would look great on any wrist.
Apart from the impressive design, Simpl watches are also well-made. All models come with a Swiss-made movement and are put together by experienced watchmakers in Bangkok.
When it comes to the price, we could say that Simpl is a low-to-mid-range brand. The vast majority of its models are available for between $150 and $300.
A-rtisan
Last but not least, we have A-rtisan – a brand that prides itself on being different from anything else that’s currently on the Thai watchmaking scene.
The brand was developed by Ratthawich Chainarongruj, a watch enthusiast-turned-expert who, prior to achieving his lifelong dream of creating a true Thai watch brand, had spells as world-renowned watchmakers such as Hublot and Seiko.
Chainarongruj created A-rtisan with a clear goal of making it the most unique Thai watchmaker capable of showing the true potential of Thai watchmaking on the global stage, as well as transferring the rich Thai culture and heritage into every single timepiece.
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So far, the brand has one timepiece to its name – the Dragon. Although it’s considered a luxury timepiece, it’s in fact fairly affordable, with a price tag of roughly $1,000.
The watch is considered a limited edition model, available in steel, DLC or bronze.
A-rtisan takes great pride in where its timepieces come from. On the case back is inscribed “Siam Made,” which refers to Thailand’s historical name. With the exception of the movement, which was purchased from ETA in Switzerland, every component of the A-rtisan Dragon is built in Thailand.
Conclusion
As you have just learned, the watchmaking industry in Thailand is developing at a pretty decent pace.
There are currently a few brands that are making great strides in terms of design, quality, and overall value for money.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable yet well-made watch, Thai brands are definitely worth considering. And with the wide range of styles on offer, you’re sure to find a model that suits your taste.
Have you ever owned or worn a Thai-made watch? If so, which brand and model did you go for? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, if you’d like to learn more about obscure watch markets, try our guides to brands in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
