Early History and first AWI watches

Beginning of 21st century was memorable for Armenian industry with a new branch of production: Armenia began to produce its own watches AWI(Armenian Watch International).

One may think: “Why should I wear an AWI watch?” Of course there are several answers to this question. That’s why we decided to introduce the history and future development of the product, so that everyone will get the answer. Let’s begin from the early history. In 2001 american-armenian businessmen Hrach Gabrielyan with support of well-known watch company Franck Muller established AWI. Three other famous companies Freelook, Q&Q and Shivas Watches Inc. signed contract with Franck Muller to develop AWI production. This contract lasted from 2001 to 2003 during which first AWI watches were introduced to the public. AWI did not have a separated design department, so these companies made the design as well. Since AWI plant was located in Yerevan, all components were sent to Armenia, where Armenian watchmakers assemble the watches. 

In 2001 first AWI watch entered to the market. The founders were astonished with the results of Armenian watchmakers. The cost of the first watches did not exceed 12000 AMD. They were simple, chromium-plated with short warrantee. You can still find some of these models in the store. As you see, even first watches have warrantees, which no doubt talks about the quality of AWI.   

Future development: Franck Muller was so fascinated with the success of first watches that in 2003 it gifted one of its models to AWI. That model was shift away from FM’s production and AWI received a patent on this model, i.e. only AWI can produce it. So we can separate two time periods for AWI: till 2003 and after 2003, establishment and development periods respectively. These new watches are more expensive as they are made of stainless steel, decorated with precious stones and are much more reliable than first products. Consequently they have longer warrantees. So you get high quality mechanisms, stainless steel frame and French design from AWI.   

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