Well folks, it took over seventy years, but Marvin is back in China with a vengeance! Our CEO Cécile Maye has just returned from our Hong Kong road show, signaling our official market launch in China where new collections, a unique shop-in-shop concept, and a new “Fight, Love, Win!” rallying cry were all the rage. How and why would a tiny re-emerging brand tackle China so early on? Especially when even some of the largest, wealthiest, most popular brands are still struggling over there? Well mix 50% foresight with 50% history, add a pinch of luck, then shake and serve hot.

You see, as it turns out, Marvin first jumped the Great Wall in the 1940s. When WWII started, Marvin’s Sales Manager bailed out on the Nazis and setup shop in Shanghai. He managed to get an import license there. At the time, it appears only Rolex and Marvin had managed to do that! Later in the years, there are records of Marvin attending trade shows in China (1952 in Beijing) and you can find old Marvin Chinese print ads from the 1960s.

To understand the implication of this early Chinese implantation, one must realize that Chinese culture is significantly influenced by history and heritage. This means that typically, only very old and venerable brands – the likes of Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin – have a chance at gaining the interest and respect essential to success in the exploding Chinese watch market. A relatively new, unknown brand penetrating the Chinese market in this day and age is virtually unheard of. Until now that is.

As it turns out, retailers in China (and Hong Kong) have a long memory. And they remember Marvin. That in itself is a major foot in the door. We have history on our side! Some of them recall Marvin being the very first brand they ever sold in China in the 1950s! Needless to say, with this kind of heritage and track record, Marvin has a unique advantage in China.

But enough about the past. Let’s fast-forward to 2011. Cécile’s recent roadshow had a simple goal: to announce Marvin’s return on the Chinese scene. And to reiterate the brand’s commitment to its life long values of strength, resilience, audacity, and a winning spirit! All values traditionally cherished in Chinese culture. To echo these traits, we dig once again deep into our heritage (and celebrity Marvin owners) – the fighting spirit embodied by Che Guevara, the love epitomized by Marilyn Monroe, and the winning power streak behind Marvin ambassador Sebastien Loeb, a seven time world rally champion with his own Marvin collection!

And so we ask in China: “What will you do with your Marvin watch?” – A challenge to pursue your dreams and reach new heights of achievement.