·        Premium lifestyle store has not just brought international watch brands to Nepal.

·        We realized a large segment of customers wanted to experience the watch try it on, feel it, see it up close

·        Nepali market with an estimated 99% of watches being fake, Hour Glass stands as a symbol of authenticity.

·        A mindset that original products were not available here. We wanted to change that.

·        Hour Glass houses six globally renowned brands: Fossil, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Armani Exchange, Skagen, and Casio, each with its own unique identity.

·        Fashion watches are more than accessories they’re deeply rooted in personal expression. “For women, it’s part of their jewellery

·   People still buy watches based on looks more than brand legacy, but the trend is changing

In the heart of Kathmandu, amidst a growing appetite for style and sophistication, Hour Glass has carved a niche as the go-to destination for fashion-forward watches and eyewear. Founded six years ago by Nikhil Agrawal, this premium lifestyle store has not just brought international watch brands to Nepal, but also redefined how people perceive timepieces from mere time-telling devices to powerful personal statements.

From Distribution to Experience

Before Hour Glass came to life as a showroom, Nikhil and his team were distributing watches and sunglasses across Nepal. But something felt missing. “We realized a large segment of customers wanted to experience the watch — try it on, feel it, see it up close. That physical interaction was lacking,” says Nikhil. Recognizing this gap in the market, he opened the first Hour Glass store in Durbarmarg, later expanding to Labim Mall.

At a time when counterfeits dominate the Nepali market with an estimated 99% of watches being fake, Hour Glass stands as a symbol of authenticity. “There were people selling watches before, but customers weren’t getting a premium experience,” he adds. “That created a mindset that original products were not available here. We wanted to change that.”

Today, Hour Glass houses six globally renowned brands: Fossil, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Armani Exchange, Skagen, and Casio, each with its own unique identity. Skagen brings minimalist Danish elegance; Fossil offers vintage-inspired craftsmanship; Armani Exchange and Diesel speak to modern youth with bold designs.

Fashion Watches: Serious Style, Serious Business

For Nikhil, fashion watches are more than accessories they’re deeply rooted in personal expression. “For women, it’s part of their jewellery. For men, it’s often the only thing they can play around with in their outfit,” he explains. While Swiss brands dominate the luxury narrative, fashion watches offer accessible elegance and innovation for everyday wearers.

“There’s no such thing as a non-serious brand. Even fashion brands like Fossil or Armani Exchange have dedicated design and manufacturing teams. They tell stories too — Fossil, for instance, is a cult brand in the U.S.”

He believes that even as Nepalese market matures, it’s important to appreciate both style and substance. “People still buy watches based on looks more than brand legacy, but the trend is changing. More customers are now asking, ‘Is it original?’ That curiosity is a good sign.”

Looking Ahead

With two flagship stores already thriving in Kathmandu, Hour Glass is ready to go beyond the valley. “We want people outside Kathmandu to also experience these products. If anyone’s looking to set up a showroom, we’re open to supporting them,” Nikhil shares. His vision is clear: to bring authentic, stylish timepieces to every corner of Nepal and nurture a community that values quality over imitation. As the market slowly shifts from knockoffs to knowledge, Hour Glass is poised to lead the evolution one timeless piece at a time.

Nikhil Agrawal

Managing Director

Hour Glass

If you had to choose just one watch from your collection, which would it be?

That’s an impossible choice for me! I love watches too much, and every brand we carry is dear to me. Choosing one would be unfair. Also I wouldn’t call myself a collector, but I’m certainly an enthusiast who enjoys the craft and design behind each piece.

What message would you give to aspiring watch enthusiasts in Nepal?

For those just starting out, remember that a watch reflects your personality. It tells a story about your style and how you carry yourself. Be mindful of what you wear and where you wear it. You don’t need to chase expensive pieces  even fashion watches can be powerful statements when chosen thoughtfully.