QQQQQ: Meet the Entrepreneur
.
Originally from Paris, France, Adrien has spent his last 14 years in Asia.
He started The Chinese Timekeeper, the first exclusive watch brand of Chinese heritage, and has seen great success in his first three years.
.
Hey Adrien! Thanks for stopping by The Guest Room!
Can you tell us a little about your watches and what makes them unique?
.
The Chinese Timekeeper (CTK) is the first exclusive watch brand of Chinese heritage.
Our mechanical timepieces are all proudly crafted in China & hand-assembled in Hong Kong. What is so unique about them is the fascinating heritage they are portraying from the water-driven clock tower built by the Chinese scholar Su Song in 11th century to the use of Chinese most mystical stone, Jade, in all it’s variation, Green, White and Red.
Our mechanical timepieces are all proudly crafted in China & hand-assembled in Hong Kong. What is so unique about them is the fascinating heritage they are portraying from the water-driven clock tower built by the Chinese scholar Su Song in 11th century to the use of Chinese most mystical stone, Jade, in all it’s variation, Green, White and Red.
We are the pride of one country eager to show the world that quality & charismatic timepieces can very much be Chinese.
The Chinese Timekeeper’s collection is made of limited edition timepieces, with between 18 to 50 pieces each. This is another reason why watch enthusiasts in HK and around the world have been keen to get their hands in one !
The Chinese Timekeeper’s collection is made of limited edition timepieces, with between 18 to 50 pieces each. This is another reason why watch enthusiasts in HK and around the world have been keen to get their hands in one !
.
.What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in establishing your brand in such an established industry?
.
It is indeed a Swiss dominated industry and the first time we exhibited in Baselworld, in the heart of traditional Swiss watchmaking, we were definitely the odd one out.
It has been 3 years now and we can see slowly that The Chinese Timekeeper is now being accepted and recognized by some players in the industry … yet this remains our biggest challenge as we now have to change watch enthusiasts’ perception of Chinese made timepieces.It is an important uphill battle yet we have had numerous successes along the way with coverage in some of the world’s most prestigious publications … not to mention The Guest Room 😉 !
.
Many people dream of starting a business of their own. What’s the best part about working for yourself?
.
The entrepreneurial adventure is fascinating and what pushes me everyday is ability for CTK to forge itself a place in the world of watch making. We are not a brand that will disappear in a few years, rather we will keep on growing until we become a global brand.
This is my dream and the ambition behind The Chinese Timekeeper. The great news is that we are now feeling a growing sense of pride in Mainland China, hence a growing interest for quality home-grown brands.
This is my dream and the ambition behind The Chinese Timekeeper. The great news is that we are now feeling a growing sense of pride in Mainland China, hence a growing interest for quality home-grown brands.
.
What’s been the highlight of your entrepreneurial adventure with CTK?
.
You know Mr.J, we are only at the very beginning of the road and although we have had some successes, big & small along the way, I consider every new member to the CTK family as a great joy. Every time a customer acquires a timepiece I can’t help but realize we’ve made one more person happy & proud to own a CTK watch.
Not a small achievement … So I guess my next highlight will be when you, Mr.J, finally treat yourself to a remarkable timepiece 🙂 !
.
What’s the next big step for The Chinese Timekeeper?
.
For the first 3 years we have focused on building the brand foundations, working constantly on creating quality watches and establishing awareness around our collection. We are now ready to take the brand to the next level and touch many more watch enthusiasts through various events and exhibitions across the regions.
Also we are just launching our first ‘lady collection’ which is looking really special, I have been told, … so I invite all your readers to come discover us in our Boutique at 82 Stone Nullah Lane in Wanchai!
Thanks Mr.J!
Thanks Mr.J!
Having been to the CTK shop, I definitely recommend you all go take a look if you get a chance! I love that location too!
Thanks again Adrien for stopping by and I wish you all the best in your entrepreneurial adventure! What you have accomplished already is very impressive, but I know with your drive, you will have continued success.
If anyone has any questions for Adrien about CTK and his watches or about how he decided to take the leap of faith in starting up his own business, please feel free to ask in the comments below or go visit him at his shop in person.
Also, check out more of CTK on their website www.thechinesetimekeeper.com
Cheers everyone!
Mr.J
The Guest Room 
Are these timepieces available in the USA? ou en Paris??
Dear Brielle, Yes! We do have a distributeur in Paris and in a couple of retail stores in the USA (Santa Barbara & Washington). Feel free to email me personally should you want more information: adrien.choux@ctk.hk