The Evolution and Rivalry of "Hengdali" and "Hengdeli": A Chapter in Chinese Horological History
The Evolution and Rivalry of "Hengdali" and "Hengdeli": A Chapter in Chinese Horological History.
For decades, these two names were synonymous with Shanghai’s rise as a global commercial hub, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s horological culture.
From the dawn of the 20th century to modern heritage status, this is the story of prestige, innovation, and an epic commercial rivalry.
THE CHINESE HOROLOGICAL GIANTS
LEGACY OF HENGDALI & HENGDELI
The history of old Shanghai’s retail landscape is defined by the rivalry between Hengdali and Hengdeli. With phonetically similar names in the Shanghai dialect, these giants dominated Nanjing Road, shaping the development of the national watch industry.
GENESIS IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Hengdali’s roots trace back to 1864, established by L. Vrard. By 1891, it became the primary importer of Swiss timepieces, eventually collaborating on bespoke designs for the Qing Imperial Court and the Palace Museum.
The Era of Advertising Wars
In the 1920s, Hengdeli emerged as a formidable challenger. The ensuing "Advertising War" saw both brands leverage newspapers and cinema to champion their values—Hengdali for legacy, and Hengdeli for "Credit First." This rivalry elevated both brands to national prominence.
The "Liang Heng" Legacy
In 1985, the establishment of the "Liang Heng" Trade Association united watch enterprises across six major regions to standardize practices. By 1993, these institutions were designated as "Time-Honored Brands" (Zhonghua Laozihao).
Preserving the Art of Precision
Just as these historic names stood the test of time, our modern skeleton collections seek to honor that same tradition of precision.
EXPLORE OUR COLLECTIONSSWISS WATCH CULTURE • HOROLOGICAL HERITAGE • MODERN LUXURY