In the heart of Old Dhaka, where history converges with the vibrant rhythms of daily life, exists a place where time appears to both stand still and race forward. Welcome to Patuatuli's watch market, a hidden gem nestled along Islampur Road, offering a captivating journey through the evolution of timekeeping.
Long gone are the days when watches were mere accessories; they were an integral part of one's attire. However, amidst the digital age and the omnipresence of smartphones, the significance of these intricate timekeepers has somewhat waned. Nevertheless, Patuatuli remains a testament to the everlasting charm of these timeless treasures.
A Hub of Horological Wonders
Step into Patuatuli, home to Bangladesh's largest wholesale and retail watch market. The front shops cater to retail customers, while those tucked away inside focus primarily on wholesale trade. In a bustling marketplace where every inch of space is invaluable, every nook and cranny is adorned with a mesmerising array of timepieces.
Here, you'll find wristwatches with price tags as humble as Tk 50 and as extravagant as Tk 5,00,000. Wholesale wall clocks start at a minimum price of Tk 100. For those seeking the extraordinary, select shops offer exquisite watches designed to cater to even the most discerning tastes.
Alamgir Watch Co: A Stalwart in Horology
One of the esteemed names in this horological haven is Alamgir Watch Co, guided by Nizam Uddin. The roots of his journey trace back to the 1970s when his elder brother initiated the business. Nizam Uddin joined the enterprise in 1987 and eventually assumed the mantle of sole proprietor.
He recollects, "Initially, this business was founded by Biharis, but as many of them left the country after independence, it transitioned into the hands of Bengalis."
The world of watches offers an extensive spectrum of choices, ranging from affordable to high-end. Brands such as Seiko, Citizen, Titan, Naviforce, Sekmi, Casio, and many more grace the display shelves. While there were various types of clocks, including automatic, key clocks, and pendulum timepieces, the contemporary demand predominantly centers around battery-powered watches.
Nizam elaborates, "In earlier times, watches were imported from countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, and India. However, the winds of change have favored China, as its products now appeal to consumers due to their attractive pricing and quality. Nevertheless, Japanese watches maintain their reputation for durability and superior craftsmanship."
Despite twists and turns in its journey, the Patuatuli watch market remains a testimony to the enduring legacy of horology. In 2011-2012, as mobile phones became ubiquitous, the demand for wristwatches waned. Smartphones provided a convenient alternative for timekeeping, impacting business for watch traders. Nizam adds, "Yet, time has a way of circling back. With mobile phones saturating the market, wristwatches are once again in demand. People now showcase pictures of their favorite models, and the watch vendors are there to meet their needs."
AK Trading Co: A Family's Timekeeping Legacy
In the bustling heart of Patuatuli's watch market, a family legacy thrives, dating back to 1960 when Haji Abdul Khalek laid the foundation of AK Trading Co. His vision transcended generations, and under the guidance of his son, Mohammad Salamat, the business flourished.
Today, the capable hands of the third generation, Md Shah Alam, carry forward the family legacy with pride and determination. According to Md Shah Alam, "In Bangladesh, all clocks are imported, with only a handful of wall clocks being assembled domestically. In fact, everything, from wristwatches to table clocks, is reliant on imports. While there was a time when watches trickled in from Japan and Korea, today, the market is predominantly China-based."
Despite the challenges posed by the import-dependent market, characterized by volatility and unpredictable pricing, AK Trading Co perseveres. Md Shah Alam notes, "In the past, we could absorb losses when prices fluctuated due to high demand. However, the landscape has shifted. Today, absorbing those losses is a more daunting task, and the market has become increasingly challenging."
As AK Trading Co continues to navigate the ever-evolving world of horology, it reflects the broader narrative of Patuatuli's watch market—a place where tradition and innovation coexist, and where family legacies continue to mark the passage of time.
RAMSO: A Unique Evolution
Among the myriad tales that adorn Patuatuli's watch market, one unique story stands out: RAMSO. This establishment, founded by five friends, including Ranjit Singh, Arefin Khan Shumi, Md Mohiuddin, Subhas Chandra Das, and Obaidul Haque, embarked on a journey of adaptation. It began as an audio cassette store in 1986, intent on creating lasting memories.
However, as the digital age gained momentum, the business evolved, catering to the changing tastes of modern times. CDs, DVDs, and VCRs once reigned supreme, but the era of digital watches, wall clocks, and wristwatches emerged. Subhas Chandra Das explains, "I began by selling a few wall clocks on a small scale. The CD and DVD era had come to an end, with only occasional sales. As I encountered health issues, it became clear that we couldn't keep up with the changing technology. After the puja, I plan to introduce new items, including digital watches, wristwatches, and calculators."
Amit Time Center: Navigating the Watch Market
Amit Time Center, managed by Ratan Barman, is another testament to the watch market's resilience. With 33 years of experience in the business, Ratan operates from a modest shop.
He recalls, "In the early days of my business, a diverse array of watches was available. Brands like Casio, Seiko, and Titan were incredibly popular. While analog watches have somewhat fallen out of favor, digital watches are currently in high demand." His shop caters to a diverse customer base, offering wristwatches with prices ranging from Tk 60 to Tk 20,000.
The influx of Chinese watch manufacturers has transformed the market by making quality products available at affordable prices. Customers can choose from watches with fittings or without—essential components often sourced from China and India, where a balance between quality and affordability is found.
Mohammad Asaduzzaman Ripon, President of the Bangladesh Watch Merchant Association (BWMA), sheds light on the current landscape. "The current situation of our business is challenging, with many traders teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. We have products to sell, but the market is shrinking. Our businesses were severely impacted by an eight-month shutdown, leaving midsize and small businesses, as well as their employees, struggling."
He further explains, "The majority of Bangladeshis cannot afford expensive watches. Our business thrives on watches priced within the range of Tk 200–400, with students being one of our primary customer groups."
In the ever-evolving world of horology, Patuatuli's watch market stands as a testament to time's enduring resilience and the timeless appeal of these accessories. This marketplace mirrors the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of watchmaking, where past, present, and future coexist harmoniously. As time marches forward, Patuatuli remains an enduring symbol of the timeless legacy of timepieces.
