There's a world of difference between big-brand Made in China products and Chinese-owned brands. I have no problems with the former and no doubt the benefit of QC of a big brand is at work here but I can't say the same about the latter. Chinese smartphones, car spare parts, tyres, are a hit-and-miss affair - they are bought with low expectation when an immediate solution is needed at the lowest cost.
For e.g. German VW manufactures most of their VW-badge car range in India but that is quite different from Indian Tata making a car.
Nonetheless we are in no position to laugh at Chinese products - as low quality as they are - till the day our own manufacturing becomes better.
HMT stopped making watches in Jan 2016, and for quite a few years before that were barely available in the Indian market - just one sales counter at their head office in Bangalore. So your friend probably bought a fake
Absolutely right.