In the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, where tradition and modernity intersect, a quiet revolution in luxury watch culture has been unfolding. At the heart of this movement is Ankur Jhunjhunwala, a visionary entrepreneur whose deep-rooted passion for horology has reshaped the way Nepal experiences timepieces. From a modest 100-square-foot showroom to a premier destination for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, Ankur’s journey is one of heritage, determination, and an unwavering vision to bring world- class watches to Nepal.

Born in 1989, Ankur Jhunjhunwala grew up in a family where watches were far more than Instruments of time they were symbols of heritage, craftsmanship, and legacy. His grandfather, a pioneer in Nepal’s watch business, had already laid a strong foundation. For Ankur, the rhythm of ticking dials wasn’t merely a background sound; it was a part of his earliest memories, shaping his curiosity and inspiring a lifelong fascination with horology.

These experiences ignited not just curiosity but also a deep emotional bond with the craft of matchmaking, instilling in him a sense of purpose that would guide his future.

Ankur’s academic journey further shaped his vision. After completing his undergraduate Studies at Kathmandu College of Management under Kathmandu University in 2012, he pursued a Master’s degree at Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University.

The Story of Swiss Timepieces

Upon returning to Kathmandu, Ankur faced a choice: seek opportunities elsewhere or honor his family legacy. His decision was clear. He launched Swiss Timepieces from a modest 125- square-foot triangular showroom on Durbarmarg small in size but enormous in vision.

The goal was ambitious: to introduce world-class watchmaking to Nepal while fostering a sophisticated culture of horology.

From the very first day with Sevenfriday, Frederique Constant and Maserati, the journey was a blend of excitement and challenge. On opening day, Ankur sold two watches, a modest start but one filled with optimism. Thefollowing weeks tested his perseverance, with minimal sales threatening to dampen spirits. Yet, Ankur’s unwavering determination and tireless outreach to friends, family, and watch enthusiasts kept Swiss Timepieces moving forward.

The addition of Balmain to his collection marked a small but significant milestone, proving that he was on the right path. Soon, his showroom began attracting Titoni, Marc Jacobs,  Luminox, and Carl F. Bucherer, each brand further solidifying Swiss Timepieces’ reputation in Nepal’s luxury watch market.

The defining breakthrough in Ankur’s journey came in 2020, when Grand Seiko, a brand synonymous with precision, craftsmanship, and elegance, joined his portfolio. This milestone elevated Swiss Timepieces from a growing boutique to a destination synonymous with world-class horology.

The momentum continued: Graham joined in 2020, Sinn in late 2021, Oris in 2022, Ernest Borel in 2023,  followed by Ciga Design and Nomos in 2024. From a small triangular showroom, Swiss Timepieces had evolved into a hub for fine watchmaking, providing Nepali collectors and enthusiasts access to some of the most prestigious names in the industry.

Apart from the above brands Swiss Timepieces also represent brands nicher like Atiliter Wen, Speake Marin, Hercules, etc which are on order basis.

Sharing Knowledge and Building a Community

Ankur lives and breathes watches. His knowledge extends far beyond the brands he represents, reaching across the global watch industry. Many of his clients regularly seek his advice before making purchases—sometimes calling him from airports or boutiques abroad to confirm whether a piece is worth buying and if the price is fair. “I’ve received calls from friends and clients while they’re traveling, asking if a watch is worth it,” he says. “It’s always a pleasure to guide them. Even if they don’t buy from me, I’m happy as long as they appreciate the craft and end up with a beautiful timepiece.”

He also encourages collectors to explore the pre-owned market. “Many collectors eventually part ways with watches they once loved. For buyers, this can be an excellent way to save money and still enjoy high-quality pieces,” he explains.

Beyond retail, Ankur writes in-depth articles on watch collecting for the Swiss Timepieces website: www.swisstimepiecesnepal.com . Choosing to publish locally rather than for international outlets, his goal is to enrich Nepal’s growing community with accessible, honest insights into global horology.

He also organizes watch meetups and events that bring collectors together. Cocktail evenings, showcases, and networking sessions allow enthusiasts to see rare pieces up close, build friendships, and deepen their knowledge. “These gatherings are about celebrating watches, but also about giving back and thanking clients for their trust,” he says.

Ankur is an active member of international watch collector groups, through which he has developed deep industry knowledge and relationships. In Nepal, he founded the Nepali Watch Enthusiast Community, which has grown steadily for over five years and now includes many active members. “A lot of collectors jokingly blame me for introducing them to this hobby and getting them hooked,” he says with a smile.

The community thrives on shared passion: some members are drawn to microbrands, others to independent watchmakers, and many to mainstream luxury names. Regular meet-ups allow enthusiasts to network, exchange knowledge, and experience a diverse range of timepieces firsthand.

 A Personal Philosophy in Collecting

Ankur’s own collection reflects a clear philosophy—he values exceptional finishing and hand-decorated movements, areas where small independent brands often excel. Unlike large Swiss houses, which struggle to justify the extensive man-hours required for such detail, independents often devote extraordinary effort to movement finishing. Ankur has studied this craft deeply, to the point where he can distinguish between hand and machine finishing at a glance.

Among his prized pieces is the Sinn U50 DS, a tool watch forged from submarine steel and protected by Sinn’s proprietary tegiment coating. “I’m a clumsy wearer, and the U50 DS is perfect for me,” he says. Despite years of heavy use, the watch remains almost pristine. He also admires its monochromatic grey case and bracelet paired with a stark black-and-white dial.

Another favorite is the Christopher Ward Bel Canto, a watch that democratized the rare chiming complication once reserved for haute horology houses like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. The Bel Canto chimes at the top of every hour, an audible reminder of time’s passage. “That chime makes you pause, smile, and take a moment to appreciate the watch,” Ankur explains.

For him, microbrands and independent makers embody true creativity. Microbrands, often using third-party movements, distinguish themselves through bold case and dial designs. “Look at what Studio Underdog is doing—it’s incredibly fresh and unlike anything else in the industry,” he notes. Independent brands, on the other hand, push technical and artistic boundaries at the highest level, often rivaling or surpassing Switzerland’s most established maisons in both complications and finishing.

Nepal’s First GPHG Academy Member

Ankur’s dedication to horology was formally recognized when he became Nepal’s first and only member of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Academy—the “Oscars of the watch industry.” This prestigious role grants him early insights into global trends and a vote in selecting annual award winners. “It’s an honor not only for me but for Nepal’s watch community,” he says.

The Road Ahead

Ankur is steadily becoming known as “the watch guy of Nepal”—not just for selling timepieces, but for educating, inspiring, and connecting people through horology. His work blends personal passion with a mission to foster a culture of collecting in a young but growing market.

His vision is clear: to establish a thriving pre-owned market in Nepal and to build a collectors’ community recognized internationally for its knowledge, passion, and sophistication. “At the end of the day,” he says, “it’s not just about watches—it’s about people, relationships, and the appreciation of craftsmanship.”