She began as a distributor for then-upcoming independent watch brand Urwerk in 2005 and later H. Moser & Cie in 2007. Chow noticed a gap in the independent market when a client who bought a watch from a retailer was disappointed with the salesperson’s limited knowledge. Soon enough, she realised her passion for watchmaking was the answer to bridging that gap between these brands and their overseas clients.

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“[The client] was keen to seek advice from me – I was entrusted, [for] my passion, knowledge and patience,” she says. “That was the moment that the idea of running a retail business emerged.”

Since its opening in 2013, The Lavish Attic has moved into the neighbouring Central Building in 2020, and opened a second location, The Lavish Loft, inside The Peninsula hotel.

Chow says collecting watches makes sense for those living in Hong Kong, where space is limited. Beyond a brand name, these sophisticated buyers expect their small collectibles to pack a heavy punch when it comes to quality and creativity. A narrative aligning with local culture and these values helps when introducing a new brand. “By picturing the stories from different angles, say an artistic and historical viewpoint, collectors can understand the uniqueness of each brand, enriching the buying experience,” she adds.

But quality is, first and foremost, what speaks to local collectors, who tend to be more conservative. Chow’s role is to be that middle person who can convey the craftsmanship and design language of these niche players in the industry to an already knowledgeable audience.

Collectors, Chow herself included, inevitably hold independent watchmakers to a higher standard. “A good design comes in three elements: appearance, movement and craftsmanship,” she says. “I admire brands which go beyond the boundaries by reforming the norms or push the limit of the boundaries by revisiting the lost traditional hand craftsmanship.”

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Whether driven by established watchmakers like F.P. Journe and Lang & Heyne, or brands founded by engineers or creatives who may not always have a background in watchmaking like Ressence or Singer Reimagined, the fresh approaches coming from independent players is never as simple as a different colour of dial or different size of indices.

Collectors gravitate towards that out-of-the-box originality and genuine novelty that sometimes can only be found in brands that are not bogged down by red tape and tradition. When they enter a shop like The Lavish Attic, they expect to be fascinated by wholly original creations.

“Before the arrival of Urwerk,” surmises Chow, “who could imagine a watch shaped like a spaceship?”