Franck Muller Expands into Indian Real Estate with Unique Experience Centers
Franck Muller, the luxury watch brand, is planning to launch unique experience centers in strategic locations in India, along with its first real estate project, to engage watch enthusiasts and tap into the growing Indian luxury market.
Luxury WatchesReal EstateFranck MullerIndiaExperience CentersReal Estate PuneAug 21, 2025
The company is planning to open these 'first of its kind' experience centers in strategic locations across India. These centers will serve as more than just sales points; they will create a unique and immersive experience for watch collectors and enthusiasts. “We are increasing our points of sale, and we have a plan to open new experience centers in strategic locations in India. It’s not just about selling watches, but we are trying to create a unique experience for watch lovers that could include talking about watchmaking and getting their opinions on creating better collections,” said Baliyan.
This innovative concept is poised to be a first for the brand and will likely be replicated in other parts of the world. “This is going to be a very interesting concept and the first in the world for the brand. It is going to be replicated in other parts of the world,” he added.
Indians are among the top three consumers for Franck Muller in markets such as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making it crucial for the brand to cater to their preferences. “One of the ways to cater to them is through limited edition collections associated with the culture and history of India,” said Baliyan.
The brand has a very exciting collection in the works, set to launch during the festive season. “We have a very exciting collection coming up and we hope to launch it during the festive season. It took us a year to work on this, and nobody has done anything like this. The collection will have a religious figure embedded in the watch,” he added.
According to data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, Swiss watch exports to India rose to 128.3 million Swiss francs between January and June this year, up 12.7% over 2024. In contrast, shipments to Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore fell 3.2%, 18.7%, 13.3%, and 3.7% respectively. India’s robust growth came on a much smaller base compared to these other markets.
Despite a global slowdown, India is expected to see steady single-digit growth in watch sales this year. “There is a bit of a global slowdown, but India should see a steady single digit growth in sales this year as well. We are nowhere close to our potential in India. We keep advocating for a reduction in duties and taxes,” said Baliyan.
Currently, bringing a $1000 watch into the country incurs a GST of approximately 40%. “If that reduces, watch sales will soar. Indians will come and buy in their own country rather than buying in Dubai, Singapore, or London,” he added.
Franck Muller is also in active discussions for launching its maiden real estate project in India. “We are announcing our third project in Dubai. Most of our buyers in Dubai are Indian, so we feel now it’s time to do something in India,” said Baliyan. “The strategy would be to add something new to the skyline of India. It’s probably going to be Mumbai, and then maybe, Delhi. We are in talks with a couple of big names. Hopefully, we should be able to announce something in the first quarter of next year,” he added.
Baliyan emphasized that other luxury brands are now recognizing the potential of the Indian market. “Luxury brands understand and realize what we realized six years ago that India is a country full of culture and deep history,” he said. “From a real estate angle, from a new experience standpoint, and expanding our retail network. We will keep trying to do better here. Because for India, sky’s the limit,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Franck Muller planning to launch in India?
Franck Muller is planning to launch unique experience centers in strategic locations in India and is also exploring its first real estate project in the country.
Why is Franck Muller focusing on India?
Indians are among the top three consumers for Franck Muller in key markets, and the brand aims to cater to their preferences with limited edition collections and unique experiences.
What is the current state of Swiss watch exports to India?
Swiss watch exports to India rose to 128.3 million Swiss francs between January and June this year, up 12.7% over 2024, despite a global slowdown in other markets.
What is the expected impact of reducing duties and taxes on watch sales in India?
Reducing duties and taxes on watches could significantly boost sales, encouraging Indians to buy in their own country rather than abroad.
Where is Franck Muller planning to launch its real estate project in India?
Franck Muller is considering launching its real estate project in Mumbai and possibly Delhi, with an announcement expected in the first quarter of next year.
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