Hun Sen’s Time‑Traveling Souvenir: Cambodian‑Made Watches for Global Leaders
Stephies elbows out in the 3‑am morning hours, the Prime Minister of Cambodia— Hun Sen—has re‑invented the idea of a welcome gift for leaders visiting Phnom Pheng. It’s not a bouquet of orchids or a bag of chocolate; it’s an entire line of high‑end watches purporting to be made in Cambodia itself.
Why the Watches Matter…—And Why They’re a Bit Odd
- Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia for 37 years, and recently his wristwatch choices have caught the public’s eye.
- He’s been photographed with big‑money timepieces – think Patek Philippe and Richard Mille – each costing more than a million dollars.
- Now, he’s offering a limited edition series: 25 watches labeled “Asean Cambodia 2022” and “Made in Cambodia.”
- The watches feature a glittering, transparent case, gold hands, and a brown leather strap.
- Inside, a hidden tourbillon mechanism (apparently part of the “complicated” feature set) and a set of twenty‑five jewels move around the gears.
- They’re supposedly crafted and assembled by Cambodian technicians, part of a burgeoning national tech industry.
While an image of a polished watch surface could make your grandma smile, the price tags remain hush‑hush. “The cost has not been made public,” wrote the Prime Minister’s office. Investments go idle at the threshold of “six‑figure” numbers and above—so guess what? They’re likely playable by any billionaire.
High‑Pressure Reactions: Populace vs. Press
- Some Cambodians feel a sting of irony – big luxury watches amid widespread poverty. “It feels like a flashy reminder of what we’re missing,” an on‑street protestor said.
- Others cheer the initiative. Businessman Ramaneth Heur said, “These gifts … showcase that Khmer folks can produce world‑class craftsmanship.”
- Spokesperson Sok Eysan for Hun Sen’s CPP said there was “nothing political or strange” about the gifts. “It’s a host‑country gesture—kinda like a friendly party favor.”
- Some observers draw a parallel with the 2019 ASEAN goodie bag that featured a silver “lei” garland from Thailand—but this is real engineering, not a decorative mask.
Behind the Buzz: A Sprouting Watch School
In 2019, the country launched its first watch‑making school staffed by Swiss experts, promising a bright future in horology. Prince Horology, a watchmaker tied to the Prince Group (owned by Chinese‑Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi), announced the watches. Their discreet or high‑profile status? Undisclosed. But the fact that Cambodia has moved from “sugar cane” to “sedželé” has sparked curiosity.
Bottom Line for the Leaders
While the American president, Joe Biden, is expected to see the gear mechanics, the rest of the ASEAN summit hopes the watches serve as a symbol of cultural pride rather than extravagance. If anything, it’s one of those gifts that say, “We’re going to spin the world in our own way.”
