(From left) friends Vincent Wong, Edric Beh and Sherry Ng checking out their Watch Unify auction platform.(SEPTEMBER 12,2024) —CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
TWO friends in Penang – Vincent Wong and Edric Beh – are set to revolutionise the luxury watch industry by founding Watch Unify, Malaysia’s own online auction platform for high-end timepieces.
This innovative venture grew from their shared dream of creating a global, transparent marketplace that would make luxury watches accessible to collectors and enthusiasts.
Their combined expertise and passion for horology laid the foundation for what would become a premier destination for buying and selling fine timepieces.
The journey started in 2014 when Wong founded Grand Montre in Penang after gaining 13 years of international experience in watchmaking.
Initially a service centre for luxury watches, Grand Montre quickly earned a stellar reputation, especially for intricate timepieces from brands such as Richard Mille, Rolex, Breitling and Audemars Piguet.
Wong (left) and Beh
Collectors and dealers in the state trusted Wong’s passion, precision and expertise, making Grand Montre a go-to for horological enthusiasts.
Despite starting solo, his dedication to quality and authenticity turned Grand Montre into a beloved institution among watch collectors.
His reputation for breathing new life into vintage treasures was key to building a loyal client base, setting the stage for further growth.
In 2018, Wong invited Beh, a school friend, to join Grand Montre.
With a background in marketing and event planning, Beh helped to expand the business into the pre-owned luxury watch market.
His strategic vision and marketing expertise helped Grand Montre reach customers nationwide, while Wong’s craftsmanship ensured that every timepiece was of the highest standards.
Their partnership was a natural fit, Beh’s innovative campaigns attracted a broader global audience while Wong’s deep knowledge of horology cemented the brand’s reputation for excellence.
Together, they identified key challenges faced by collectors, such as concerns about authenticity and the difficulty in sourcing rare watches.
Recognising the obstacles that prevented many from acquiring their dream timepieces, they envisioned a platform that would address these concerns.
Wong said they roped in another friend, Sherry Ng, last year to help with system planning to optimise the customer’s experience on the platform.
“In August this year, we brought our vision to life by launching Watch Unify (watchunify.com), an online auction platform designed to make luxury watches accessible to a global audience.
“Watch Unify offers a wide selection of exclusive timepieces through transparent auctions, allowing collectors to buy and sell watches with confidence,” says Wong.
“The platform’s advanced technology enables real-time monitoring of auctions, ensuring fairness and privacy throughout the process.
“High-resolution images of the actual watches, detailed descriptions, and expert assessments empower buyers to make informed decisions, while the Watch Unify team provides authentication services and customer support,” he says in a an interview with StarChrono.
Wong says Watch Unify aims to build a global community united by a shared passion for horology.
“And by removing geographical and market barriers, the platform celebrates the artistry and heritage of luxury watches, creating a marketplace where enthusiasts can discover, acquire and sell timepieces with ease,” he adds.
Wong, Beh and Ng’s commitment to authenticity, transparency and innovation continues to drive the platform’s success.
They hope Watch Unify will revolutionise how people engage with the world of luxury watches.
