SWISS WATCHMAKING giant Omega is marking the 110th anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market.
The firm's long association with the mainland began in 1895 when it was picked by China's national railway as official supplier of timepieces for its staff.
The brand took root in China when one of its salesmen moved to Shanghai as Omega's agent through an independent firm, the Croset Agencies. The representation later changed hands, but the watch brand continued to thrive with the support of movie stars and celebrities in Shanghai.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 all purchasing of Omega watches was done by a state-run corporation.
But Omega was still associated with the Chinese railway network. In 1951, a new Lepine 38.5mm watch with a chrome case engraved with 'Shanghai Railway Board' was ordered and delivered.
Omega resumed its mainland marketing activities in 1972, sending a representative to Beijing to obtain greater import quotas.