Established in 1972 as a modest single-store family business, Cortina Watch has grown into one of the key subsidiaries under Cortina Holdings Limited, contributing to a retail network of over 40 boutiques across the Asia Pacific region.
While Cortina Watch was founded in 1972, our appreciation for fine watchmaking started much earlier – when our founder, Mr. Anthony Lim, first embarked on his career as a watch associate. His first-hand experience in the industry instilled a deep appreciation for fine watchmaking—one that continues to guide our vision and values today.
Reaching beyond Singapore
Driven by his passion to share the art of fine watchmaking across Asia, Cortina Watch began to look beyond Singapore’s shores. By 1982 – just a decade after opening our first boutique at Colombo Court, we established our presence into Malaysia.
Our regional footprint continued to grow in the years that followed, entering established markets such as Hong Kong in 1993, and emerging destinations including Thailand and Taiwan by 2007.
Curating the finest in watchmaking
As our network grew, so did our desire to bring the artistry of watchmaking closer to collectors. We collaborated with our partner brands to curate immersive experiences that celebrated their distinctive craft – allowing enthusiasts to appreciate not only exceptional timepieces but also the innovation and heritage that define each watchmaker.
One memorable milestone was in 1997, when we co-presented a special exhibition with Patek Philippe to unveil the 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Ref. 5057G-001 Calatrava, powered by the iconic calibre 240 and distinguished with the Geneva Seal.
We also hosted the Rolex GMT-Master Exhibition in 2025, commemorating 70 years of the iconic collection and tracing its journey from a pioneering aviator’s instrument to one of Rolex’s most enduring emblems of technical mastery.
Redefining Luxury Retail
As customer expectations evolved, so did we. To offer clients greater privacy and a more intimate, personalised environment, we developed the Espace retail concept – a modular, monobrand-focused experience housed within a multi-brand store.
Unveiled in 2001 at Millenia Walk, the concept won the “Best Retail Concept of the Year” by the Singapore Retailers Association, and was soon adopted in Malaysia and Thailand, including our first Bangkok boutique.
Charting New Milestones
Our 30th anniversary in 2002 signalled more than a celebration—it marked our readiness for the future. With our listing on the Singapore Exchange, Cortina Watch entered a new phase of development, strengthening our foundation and expanding our capacity to pursue long-term growth across the region.
Strengthening Brand Partnerships
Rolex
We became an Official Retailer for Rolex in 2002 with the launch of our Espace boutique in Kuala Lumpur. This milestone marked the beginning of a growing partnership that expanded our presence across key cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Bangkok.
In 2025, we further strengthened this relationship with the opening of our Rolex Boutique at One Bangkok—now the largest Rolex boutique in Southeast Asia—offering clients an elevated and immersive retail experience.
Growing with Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe
Our enduring friendship with Patek Philippe began in 1956, when Mr. Anthony Lim met Mr. Henri Stern and Mr. Philippe Stern—forming the foundations of a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a deep appreciation for fine watchmaking. In 1978, Cortina Watch became the first authorised retailer for Patek Philippe in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in our history.
As expectations for personalised service grew, we expanded our monobrand footprint with our longest-standing partner. Our first Patek Philippe boutique opened at ION Orchard in Singapore, followed by boutiques in Malaysia, Taiwan, a second Singapore location at Marina Bay Sands.
Embracing Digital Transformation
As digital innovation transformed the retail landscape, we adapted to meet changing customer expectations. Cortina Watch was among the first luxury watch retailers in Singapore to introduce an e-commerce platform, delivering a multi-channel experience for our customers’ convenience.
Today, we collaborate with our brand partners to introduce online exclusives, enhancing our role as curator of time.
Welcoming Sincere Watch into the Family
In 2021, we reached another significant milestone with the acquisition of Sincere Watch, one of Asia’s most established watch retailers. This expansion strengthened out presence across the region and extended out portfolio to include iconic brands such as Franck Muller, reinforcing our position as a key player in the luxury landscape.
Our Commitment to Care
Extending our dedication to watch care and after-sales service, we introduced Horology Services at Capitol Singapore in 2024. With skilled technicians and industry-standard facilities, the centre delivers essential maintenance, complex repairs, and a seamless customer experience—ensuring every timepiece is cared for with precision.
“Cortina Watch has come a long way today from our first store in Colombo Court. We have worked tirelessly to realise the vision that our founders had — to introduce people to the art of fine watchmaking and the watchmakers behind our timepieces. I’m delighted that we have accomplished more than we ever dreamt possible and I will continue to build on the success our founders have created.”
– Mr. Raymond Lim. Group CEO of Cortina Holdings Limited
