In a significant leap forward for gender representation in the artisanal sector, Saira Akram has become Pakistan’s first professional woman watchmaker, an achievement she accomplished through her training at Collectibles by Sonraj in Karachi.
This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Akram but also signals a transformative moment for the country’s watchmaking industry, long dominated by men.
This historic achievement took place at the brand’s service center in Karachi and serves to inspire the youth to explore non-traditional career paths that promise both personal satisfaction and professional success.
Saira Akram’s induction as the first female professional watchmaker has been met with widespread acclaim. “I am thrilled to have joined Sonraj Service Center and become the first professional female watchmaker in Pakistan. Watchmaking is a field renowned for its intricacy and prestige and therefore is quite challenging, however, I am happy to break barriers and set new precedents in the industry,” she said.
As she steps into this intricate world of gears and craftsmanship, Akram emerges as a beacon of possibility for young women in Pakistan, encouraging them to pursue careers in fields where they have historically been underrepresented.
The significance of this milestone was acknowledged by renowned banker and Chairman of HBL, Sultan Ali Allana who hails from a watchmaking family. “I am delighted to learn of Saira Akram’s remarkable achievement as Pakistan’s first professional female watchmaker. I commend Collectibles for providing a platform to encourage artisanal watchmaking, which will open doors for other women who wish to follow in this rich tradition,” Allana said.
Sonraj legacy in watchmaking
Collectibles by Sonraj boasts a rich legacy in the watch sector, having served as an exclusive dealer of luxury watch brands such as Omega, Hublot, and Chopard for over 50 years. The company’s commitment to watchmaking is further highlighted by its foundational role in establishing the Pak-Swiss Horological Training Center in 1967, which provided a world-class education in watchmaking for many years until its closure in 2022 due to economic challenges.
Sonraj has had an illustrious legacy in Pakistan’s watch industry for over five decades. The company has been an exclusive purveyor of top global luxury brands such as Omega, Hublot, Chopard, Breitling, Gucci, Glashütte, Blancpain, and many more.
Under the leadership of CEO Rameez Sattar, Sonraj has made significant strides in revitalizing the watchmaking industry in Pakistan. “Watchmaking has always been my passion, but the industry in Pakistan has nearly disappeared due to the closure of professional institutions. We aim to create employment opportunities and revive the country’s proud heritage,” Sattar stated.
Collectibles currently operates in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, and Faisalabad, and is committed to expanding its training initiatives across the country. Sattar reminisced, “Pakistan, particularly Karachi, was once the hub of watchmaking in Asia. The country still has a lot of potential that needs to be harnessed to re-establish our place in the global watchmaking landscape.”
With the induction of Saira Akram, Collectibles by Sonraj not only celebrates a historic achievement but also sets the stage for a brighter future for watchmaking in Pakistan, especially for women aspiring to enter this prestigious field.