Two very different timepiece enthusiasts speak to SARA WEE about their favourite pieces, what they look for in a watch, and collecting tips.
Two very different timepiece enthusiasts speak to SARA WEE about their favourite pieces, what they look for in a watch, and collecting tips.
Brenda Kang
Owner of Revival Jewels
What first got you into collecting vintage watches?
During my 15 years spent working as a jewellery specialist with Christie’s auction house in the US and Europe, I handled many notable jewellery collections, and they would always include at least a couple of wonderful vintage jewelled watches. That experience really opened my eyes to the beauty and rarity of antique timepieces.
What makes you decide to buy a watch?
Aesthetics is the first thing I look at. Most collectors focus on the mechanical or technical side of watches, but I look at it from a jewellery standpoint. There isn’t a particular type of design I am partial to – I like anything that is a beautiful representation of a certain period. I also look at the condition of the piece. I make sure the dial is original and hasn’t been over-cleaned, the strap and buckle are original, and the watch still works, as some old mechanical movements are difficult to repair or replace.
Tell us about your first vintage watch.
My collections often mark milestones in my life. The 18K yellow gold Cartier Tortue (pictured below) with mechanical movement from the ’80s was my first vintage and first Cartier purchase. I was moving from Paris to Milan in 2004 to start a new life, and it was all I could afford. Cartier started producing the Tortue model in 1912 and they still produce a variation the original model today. like the classic look, clean lines and reliability of this watch. By the way, its name translates to tortoise!
Tell us about the watch you are wearing.
The Bulgari Tubogas “Monte Carlo” in bi-colour 18K gold – is from the ’90s. I purchased this recently in Miami while on a sourcing trip, and love how I can transform the look of outfit with just this one watch.
Any tips for women interested in starting a vintage watch collection?
I recommend sticking to more basic models rather than choosing complicated ones when buying vintage. I also compare prices with other vendors and auctions. Lastly, make sure the shop gives you a guarantee of authenticity (so you can return it should there be any dispute) and free servicing for at least one year.
BRENDA’S COLLECTION
1. Antique Elephant pocket watch
2. Cartier watch in gold with matching bracelet
3. Cartier Art Deco watch with diamonds
4. Jaeger- LeCoultre Mystery watch
5. Cartier Tortue in 18K yellow gold
Lim-Chan Elaine
Managing director of Deutsche Bank Wealth Management
What got you into watch collecting?
My hubby! In our 17 years of marriage, we developed many common interests, and watch collecting is one of them. We are both intrigued by time. It’s probably the only equalising factor between a prince and a pauper. Everyone has exactly the same number of hours every day; the rich can’t buy more hours and scientists can’t invent new minutes.
What makes you decide to buy a watch?
A watch is more than a tool to tell the time – it is a statement of character, personality and style. I consider factors like heritage, design, complication and movements. I like to have watches in a variety of styles.
Tell us about the watch you are wearing.
I was first drawn to the sculptural shape of the MB&F Horological Machine No. 2, but its use of complex technology, like the flying buttresses and twin portholes, was what won me over. The jumping hour functions instantaneously when the retrograde minute flies back from 60 to zero; while the dual portholes give two perspectives of time – the right dial shows the jumping hour and concentric retrograde minutes, while the left dial has the retrograde date and bihemisphere moon phase.
Do you have a favourite watch boutique?
Malmaison by The Hour Glass. It is a very interesting concept store.
Any tips for women interested in starting a watch collection?
These are the three things I look out for: movement, outstanding craftsmanship, and brand. The movement is the heart of a watch, and I strongly encourage investing in mechanical watches. Outstanding craftsmanship means combining the technical wonder of mechanical engineering with the artistic design of the dial, case and movement. And trustworthy brand names, like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Hublot, are generally a safe bet. I also like to support independent brands like MB&F for their innovative designs. As long as it is a reputable name with a good movement, follow your heart. It does not have to be expensive to be good!
ELAINE’S COLLECTION
1. De Grisogono Instrumentino S1
2. Hublot FOCS Giubileo d’Oro Limited Edition
3. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5980R
4. Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Carbon Red Magic
