(From left) Helowatch.io chief marketing officer Jack Ter, its chief operating officer Darren Tan, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Helowatch.io chief executive officer Kent Chong, its chief technology officer Davent Low and its chief financial officer Vincent Eik at the official launch event of Helowatch.io online trading platform and marketplace and its mobile app held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Helowatch.io, Malaysia's largest pre-owned luxury watch online trading platform and marketplace, has officially launched its presence and its first mobile app globally, marking a significant milestone in the country’s luxury watch industry.
With a commitment to revolutionising the way enthusiasts buy and sell pre-owned timepieces, Helowatch.io offers an extensive selection of 1,235 watches valued at over RM139mil from more than 100 local dealers.
Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Michael Tio handing over the MBR certificate to Helowatch.io chief executive officer Kent Chong (left) for the platform recognising it as the ‘Largest Pre-owned Luxury Watch Online Trading Platform and Marketplace’ at the event, witnessed by Ugak.
This platform has been certified by The Malaysian Book of Records as the ‘Largest Pre-owned Luxury Watch Online Trading Platform and Marketplace,’ solidifying its position as a leader in the market.
Helowatch.io aims to become the largest and safest online trading platform for pre-owned luxury watches in the Asia-Pacific region, seeking to modernise the industry by seamlessly integrating online and offline services.
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong graced the event held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on March 22.
In his speech, Ugak emphasised Helowatch.io’s role in providing a seamless and immersive online experience for collectors and enthusiasts, highlighting the convergence of craftsmanship and digital innovation.
“Through this platform, aficionados from every corner of the globe will have access to an unparalleled selection of luxury watches, each telling its own story of precision engineering and unparalleled design. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enthusiast taking your first steps into this world, this platform will be your gateway to a universe of horological excellence.
“Moreover, this platform represents more than just a marketplace. It is a celebration of the passion and dedication that goes into creating these masterpieces. It is a testament to the artisans and visionaries who have shaped the industry into what it is today.”
Ugak also added: “Malaysia's digital economy is on course to hit its goal of contributing more than 25.5% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025.”
Helowatch.io understands the problems encountered by watch enthusiasts when buying or selling their pre-owned timepieces. Helowatch.io tailored safer and more secure solutions for both buyers and sellers regarding the problems. Whether you're interested in brand new or pre-owned, modern or vintage timepieces, its platform offers extensive options from certified commercial and private watch dealers by Helowatch.io across Malaysia, including renowned brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.
Helowatch.io is also the first platform in the world to combine online and offline pre-owned watch trading services. Both buyers and sellers can arrange a safer face-to-face transaction at Customer Service and Inspection Centre located in Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, ensuring transactions are completed in a comfortable and secure environment.
Exclusive buy assurances
There are four exclusive guarantees when purchasing luxury watches in Helowatch.io:
> Rigorous screening and registration of all watch dealers to effectively deter online scammers.
> With just a 5% deposit, they arrange meetings between buyers and sellers at its Customer Service Centre for transparent, hassle-free transactions with no hidden charges.
> Providing a "Sale Agreement" to offer legal protection for both buyers and sellers.
> Complimentary professional third-party authentication report for every watch sold.
Maximise your watch value
You can sell your watches via Helowatch.io at the highest price without any charges:
> It connects with most pre-owned watch dealers across Malaysia, streamlining the process for consumers to get the best deal without visiting multiple stores.
> Helowatch.io provides the latest market index for pre-owned luxury watches, offering users a valuation closest to the market price.
> Through Helowatch.io online bidding or buy now system, all its registered dealers can participate, where the highest bidder wins.
> All transactions are conducted at Helowatch.io’s Customer Service and Inspection Centre, with a "Sale Agreement" provided to safeguard the rights for both parties.
Smooth process
Helowatch.io is a pre-owned luxury watches selling platform where it helps customers sell their pre-owned luxury watches through a trusted, convenient and fast process.
This simple process starts with booking an appointment online. Its extensive 36-point inspection process is free and takes only 30 minutes at a Helowatch Inspection Centre.
Its highly-trained inspectors are well-equipped to provide a complete watch condition report before posting to its bidding platform.
Alternatively, customers can proceed with bidding where its network of dealers will have the chance to place a bid.
After the sale is confirmed, all paperwork will be handled by them. From watch inspection to ownership transfer, selling a watch becomes hassle-free. Helowatch eliminates the pain points in the traditional pre-owned watch selling process, offering effective solutions to consumers and pre-owned watch dealers.
Innovative solutions, trusted credibility
Helowatch.io chief executive officer Kent Chong stated, "With the official launch of Helowatch.io, we aim to introduce new dynamics to the pre-owned luxury watch market in Malaysia."
Speaking to The Star after the launch event, Chong shared that they have developed a system incorporating an 'AI character' such as ‘Kent Sir’ to assist dealers in content creation for watches and live sales, customised to their needs.
"We will offer this service to dealers who subscribe to Helowatch.io services. They can utilise this AI character, capable of speaking in multiple languages, for their content creation and live sales."
Additionally, he shared that four additional features would soon be available for their mobile app users.
"Our team is committed to continuous innovation, developing more advanced AI features such as AI Watch Authentication, AI Chatbot, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality into our mobile app."
He explained that AI Watch Authentication would facilitate the initial stage of authentication of watches as real or fake, while the AI Chatbot would address user questions about watches.
“The in-app machine learning feature will also identify the watch details via image, to auto-populate the details for the user and dealer whenever they post any watches for bidding, all this will improve the user experience and make the posting of watches seamlessly easy.
“Soon, the in-app Augmented Reality feature will also enable users to visualise whether the watches are suitable for their wrists before purchasing them.”
Regarding their plans, he elaborated that they would expand their business to Singapore by the end of this year and to China by next year.
Chong also shared that, “To ensure transparency and authenticity, Helowatch.io implements a rigorous verification process for all watch dealers. This process includes thorough screenings to deter online scammers and ensures that dealers are not blacklisted parties.
“We conduct assessments through credit reporting agency CTOS and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) databases and perform site visits to their retail shops.
“We have detailed conversations with each dealer before extending invitations to them to join our platform. Only after this comprehensive evaluation do we allow dealers to make listings on our website, guaranteeing that every product offered comes from verified dealers who meet our standards of trustworthiness and integrity.”
(From left) Piao,Ter,Chong and How at the MoU signing to mark their strategic partnership on the sidelines of the launch event.
Strategic partnership
Helowatch.io also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with their strategic partners - luxury goods professional committees China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association, Henan Collectors Association, as well as PGO Academy, at the launch event.
China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association standing director and Henan Collectors Association president Piao Hai Kuan represented the committees, while PGO Academy founder Sam How acted on behalf of the event organiser.
Chong explained that the MoUs with the committees were part of their business expansion plan in China.
How stated that their MoU was to assist in watch authentication and as an event organiser.
Ong posing at their Royal Guard exhibition booth at the launch event.
Smart dealership
At the launch event, Helowatch.io dealers also displayed their products and offerings.
Royal Guard exhibited their watch protection film and certain watches. Royal Guard's founder and chief executive officer Sean Ong shared that they have been selling two Rolex watch models on the Helowatch.io platform since early last year.
“We also sell luxury watch protection films with prices ranging from RM899 to RM1,699 for 100 luxury brand watches. Additionally, we are a dealer for 14 Houristo brand-new watches from Hong Kong, available in three different models and colours. There is one Houristo limited edition priced at RM13,000, numbered 21 out of 58 pieces available worldwide.”
Swiss Hour sales executive Ong Wen Beng shared that they are also a dealer for Swiss Hour rubber straps, with prices ranging from RM900 to RM2,000, on the Helowatch.io platform for four luxury watches.
For more information, visit https://helowatch.io/home or go to its social media pages - htps://www.facebook.com/helowatch.io/, and https://www.tiktok.com/@helowatch.io or liaise with their customer support team at support@helowatch.io.
