Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran
For Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran, time is more than a measure — it’s a philosophy. As Executive Chairman of the Hong Kong-headquartered QI Group, he has built a global business empire with a diverse portfolio spanning education, travel, wellness lifestyle, direct selling, luxury goods, retail and more.
Among his strategic moves is the acquisition of Cimier, a historic Swiss watch brand he has quietly nurtured for almost 20 years — a rare feat that likely makes him the only Malaysian to lead such a storied marque in the world of fine watchmaking.
True to his nature, Eswaran prefers to let actions speak louder than accolades. After all, this is a man who once spent 33 days in silence at a Franciscan monastery in Asisi, Italy — a journey that shaped his lifelong belief in introspection, a theme he later explored in his first of many books, In the Sphere of Silence.
In this exclusive interview with The Peak, the multinational conglomerate magnate to uncover the story behind Cimier — and the philosophies that keeps him ticking.
Turning Back Time
“My journey into Swiss watchmaking began out of necessity, not ambition. Our direct selling business had, early on, introduced a line of unique coin watches that incorporated commemorative gold coins into their design,” Eswaran explains.
The group’s entry into the luxury space began with its venture into numismatics in 1998, laying the foundation for high-value collectibles and timepieces.
“As demand for these watches grew, so did the complexities. Relying on external suppliers for critical components like watch movements had become increasingly risky. We realised that backward integration was essential,” he recalls.
That turning point came in 2006 at the Basel Watch Fair, where he discovered Cimier — a fully operational Swiss brand with its own production facility and seasoned craftsmen. “The heritage, the operational readiness, and the opportunity to step into production from day one made Cimier the perfect fit.”
Brand Story
Founded in 1924 by Joseph Lapanouse in Hölstein, Cimier was built on the belief that quality timekeeping should be accessible to all. From its early days producing robust, affordable pin-pallet escapement watches inspired by Roskopf’s Prolétaire, to pioneering the industrial production of chronographs in the 1960s, it carved a place in horological history through innovation, craftsmanship, and democratic design.
By 1970, the company had grown into a major manufacturer, producing 1.5 million watches annually and employing over 500 people. Although the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s temporarily dimmed the brand’s momentum, Cimier was revived in 2003 with renewed purpose.
“Heritage is a compass — it guides, but does not restrict. When we acquired the brand, our first priority was to reconnect it with its original DNA. Under previous ownership, it had drifted. Producing over 200 SKUs had diluted its identity. We took a deliberate step back and asked: what made Cimier special in the first place?”
From there began a process of distillation — preserving the traditional Swiss artistry that defines Cimier while reimagining it for a new generation of collectors and connoisseurs. “We’re embracing innovation without compromising soul. Whether it’s experimenting with modern materials, embracing inclusive design thinking, or focusing on sustainability and customer experience, the goal is clear: to ensure the brand evolves gracefully and deliberately, remaining timeless in both craftsmanship and relevance.”
The Watch Academy by Cimier
Today, the brand upholds its legacy of accessible Swiss excellence through a standout initiative — the Watch Academy by Cimier. Held at its headquarters in Biel/Bienne, this immersive programme offers what may be a unique experience: a rare, hands-on opportunity for enthusiasts to assemble their own Swiss timepiece under the guidance of master craftsmen.
Adding to its exclusivity, guests are sometimes personally welcomed by the CEO himself, making the experience as exceptional and lasting as the watch they create.
“This experience is about more than aesthetics — it’s about giving people ownership of their story,” Eswaran continues.
“Every dial, strap or movement they choose becomes a chapter in that story. A watch should be as unique as the life it measures, reflecting the wearer’s milestones, dreams and values.
“When someone crafts a watch with us, it transforms from an accessory into a memory. It’s not just about connecting with the brand — it’s about forming a bond with time itself. That deeply personal philosophy mirrors how I’ve built businesses: with intention, individuality and a respect for what truly endures.”
Celebrating Excellence
To mark its 100th anniversary last year, the brand reached into its rich archives to reimagine one of its most iconic models — the Cimier Sport of the 1960s. The result is the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph, a modern take that retains the spirit of the original while introducing full functionality and fresh pops of colour in lime green, pink, tangerine and aqua blue.
What sets it apart is its distinctive dial layout, with chronograph counters placed at the 11 and 7 o’clock positions — a nod to the original design. Inside, it’s powered by the CIM 100 automatic movement, based on the trusted Valjoux 7750, enhanced with a bespoke module and finished with a vintage logo engraved on the rotor.
“In the spirit of continuing our partnership with Manchester City FC, we recently soft-launched the limited-edition QNETCity Conquer Series. The flagship QNETCity Conquer Automatic Watch features a striking square stainless-steel case, Super-LumiNova details, and the club’s iconic sky-blue emblem,” Eswaran adds.
Limited to just 1,894 pieces — in tribute to the football club’s founding year — this collector’s item is a fitting homage to excellence, craftsmanship and the unstoppable spirit of champions.
Upwards And Onwards
Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran has nurtured Cimier for two decades since its acquisition.
Having built businesses across diverse industries in over 20 countries, Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran has developed a keen understanding of the nuances that shape global markets. From Asia to Africa and the Middle East, each region has offered lessons in humility, patience, and the value of listening.
He believes that success must begin at the local level, even for brands with global ambitions. With Cimier, this philosophy is reflected in a shift from traditional retail to a digital-first approach, alongside a strong commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability — all while maintaining the heritage and craftsmanship the brand is known for.
Steering Cimier with quiet conviction, he has allowed the brand to evolve at its own rhythm — a reflection of his belief that clarity comes not from constant action, but from stillness.
“The entrepreneurial path is full of noise, both external and internal. Over the years, I’ve learned the power of stepping back, being still and letting intuition guide me when logic alone isn’t enough. At its core, entrepreneurship isn’t just about ideas or execution — it’s about energy. And energy requires clarity,” he reflects.
Crafting A Legacy
One moment that crystallised this for him took place at a Malaysian luncheon on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos in 2016. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, then Minister of International Trade and Industry, posed a question: how many Malaysians had invested in businesses in Switzerland?
He slowly raised his hand, scanning the room for others. “At that point, I felt like I was saving face for the country,” Eswaran recalls. “Not many of us have dared to do this. I’ve always done things differently.”
The moment was both deeply humbling and empowering. Standing there with his hand as the only one raised, he felt the weight not just of personal achievement, but of national pride.
“It reminded me that sometimes, leadership means choosing paths where few — or none — have ventured before. For a Malaysian company to invest in Switzerland, especially in a legacy industry like Swiss watchmaking, was unconventional. But in that silence, I realised — that’s precisely what makes the journey meaningful.”
(Story originally written by Dian Pasquinal Kaur in The Peak October 2025 Issue) Photos credit: QI Group
