Franck Muller Set to Launch Unique Watch Experience Centers in India
Franck Muller, the renowned luxury watch brand, is planning to open unique experience centers in India, aiming to engage watch enthusiasts beyond sales. The brand is also exploring its first real estate venture in strategic locations, potentially in Mumbai or Delhi, with an announcement expected next year.
Franck MullerLuxury WatchesReal EstateIndiaExperience CentersReal Estate MumbaiAug 21, 2025
These experience centers are not just about selling watches but aim to create a unique environment for watch enthusiasts to engage with the brand. “We are increasing our points of sales, and we have a plan of opening 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 concept is groundbreaking and will be the first of its kind for Franck Muller, with plans to replicate it 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 to cater to their needs. “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 is preparing to launch an exciting new collection during the festive season, which has taken a year to develop. “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.
Swiss watch exports to India rose to 128.3 million Swiss francs between January and June this year, up 12.7% over 2024, according to data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. In contrast, shipments to Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore fell by 3.2%, 18.7%, 13.3%, and 3.7%, respectively. India’s robust growth came on a smaller base compared to these 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, the GST on a $1000 watch is approximately 40%, which, if reduced, could significantly boost watch sales. “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.
Baliyan also mentioned that the company is 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,” he said.
The real estate project is expected to add something new to the skyline of India, with potential locations in Mumbai and Delhi. “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 noted that other luxury brands are now realizing the potential of the Indian market. “Luxury brands understand and realize what we realised six years ago that India is a country full of culture and deep history,” he said.
From a real estate angle, new experience centers, and expanding the retail network, Franck Muller is committed to making a significant impact in India. “For India, the sky’s the limit,” he added.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Franck Muller planning to do in India?
Franck Muller is planning to open unique experience centers in strategic locations in India and is exploring its first real estate venture, potentially in Mumbai or Delhi, with an announcement expected next year.
Why is Franck Muller focusing on India?
Indians are among the top three consumers for Franck Muller in key markets like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The brand aims to cater to their needs through limited edition collections and unique experience centers.
What new collection is Franck Muller launching?
Franck Muller is launching a new collection during the festive season, which includes a religious figure embedded in the watch. This collection has taken a year to develop and is unique to the market.
How are Swiss watch exports to India performing?
Swiss watch exports to India rose to 128.3 million Swiss francs between January and June this year, up 12.7% over 2024, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.
What is Franck Muller's strategy for real estate in India?
Franck Muller is in active discussions with developers to launch its first real estate project in India, aiming to add something new to the skyline of cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
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