1946
A Humble Store in Manila’s Chinatown
In 1946, amidst the post-war rebuilding of Manila, Ariston Yao, an immigrant from Xiamen, China, founded the Washington Watch Group. What began as a modest restaurant and small retail apparel store, in the heart of Chinatown became a cornerstone of the local community. Rooted in resilience, hard work, and service, the store reflected the spirit of its founder and the neighborhood it served.
1986
Official Retailer of Rolex Watches
Four decades later, in 1986, Washington reached a defining milestone by becoming the official retailer of Rolex watches in the Philippines. This marked its transformation into the country’s premier luxury watch retailer – an ambassador not only for the Rolex brand, but also for the values of precision, excellence and timeless elegance.
TODAY
A Legacy of Timekeeping Excellence
Now in its third generation of family leadership, Washington watches remains proudly family-owned and operated. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into one of the largest and most trusted watch distributors and retailers in the Philippines. With over 10 branches in the country’s top shopping malls across Metro Manila, Washington has become a household name – synonymous with quality and trust. As the official distributor and retailer of more than 50 exclusive watch brands, the company continues to uphold a legacy built on craftsmanship, innovation, and enduring family values.
A LIFETIME OF RETAIL EXCELLENCE
Ariston Yao had a dream.
When he first set foot in Manila, Philippines—from his lowly hutong dwellings in the middle of one of the many rice fields outside of Xiamen, China—he dreamed of one day seeing the fruits of his hard work sprawled around the town plazas and city shopping centers of Manila. He dreamed that, one day, he would wake up and see his creations worn on the wrists of all the people who stepped into his store.
We are the official distributor and retailer of over 50 exclusive watch brands in the Philippines.
Ariston Yao loved watches – he was fascinated with them. And he dreamed of one day owning the largest watch retail store in the Philippines.
And his dream became a reality.
Washington Jewelry Emporium, one of the leading watch retailers in the Philippines, is under Aramro Enterprises, Incorporated. Since its humble beginnings as a restaurant and a small retail apparel store in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown in 1946, Washington Jewelry Emporium has since moved on to become one of the largest watch and jewelry retailers, dealers, and distributors in the country. Today,Washington Jewelry Emporium has over 15 branches located in 15 of the largest shopping malls in Metro Manila serving the entire nation, and is also the official distributor and retailer of over 50 exclusive watch brands in the country.
