Brexit and British watches

　　The recent uproar surrounding Brexit and Prime Minister David Cameron's resignation left many wondering why the UK wanted to leave the EU. The UK knew full well that after Brexit, the pound would plummet, London could lose its crown as the world's leading financial centre (data over the past two years showed London's financial influence exceeding New York's), trade with the EU would shrink, and British social strata could easily become fractured and divided.

　　Yet, they still voted to leave, leading Prime Minister Cameron to announce his resignation. Why this result? Some say it was an impulse, to whom I would say: read more history... Looking back at British history, this is not the first time the British have stunned everyone via a referendum, nor is it the first time the UK voted on EU membership.

　　Affected by the falling exchange rate, a large influx of tourists is bound to head to the UK in the short term. While Cameron resigned despondently, Chinese tourists will likely head over to shop with enthusiasm. Especially as visa policies for visiting the UK relax further, trips to the UK have swiftly become a hot route for Chinese tour groups in recent months.

　　As an established European watch market, the UK boasts numerous brands and vintage clocks and watches, long serving as a hub for watch hunters. Furthermore, with a tax refund of around 15% on luxury watches, combined with the current exchange rate advantage, savvy shoppers will naturally want to visit the UK. Of course, China's new customs policies are not favourable for importing foreign luxury watches, but this is unlikely to stem consumers' urge to shop in the UK.

　　The vast impact of this referendum reflects the stubbornness of the British. However, over a century ago, British watchmaking was just as stubborn. Being an island nation separated from continental Europe, British horology maintained its unique characteristics: heavy designs and complex mechanisms. Even as French and Swiss watchmakers adopted various new technologies, British watchmaking insisted on its own ways, eventually stepping down from its throne as a horological superpower.

Replica Rolex Submariner series watch 116613LN

　　British watchmakers hold a prominent place in history, with many watch mechanisms first invented in the UK. The Qianlong Emperor's instruction, "Henceforth, be sure to purchase fine Western clocks and watches... buy and present them dutifully, without trying to save funds," specifically referred to British horology. British timepieces were naturally precious, yet the fondness of Chinese emperors for them never wavered. Thus, Chinese appreciation for British watches has deep historical roots.

　　Reflecting on the past,Rolex watchesachieved success starting from the UK. Today, British watches are once again making major inroads into the Chinese market, suggesting that the keyword "British watch" is set to re-emerge in the history of Chinese watch consumption.