This young dad finds meaning in a watch house synonymous with traditional values.
This young dad finds meaning in a watch house synonymous with traditional values.
HOW I FIRST GOT INTO WATCHES:
“When I got married in 2013, my dad gave me two watches: A two-tone Rolex Daytona with a blue Arabic dial and the Patek Philippe Ref. 5712 Nautilus with a moon phase. Those two models had caught my eye due to their sportiness and were the perfect size for my relatively small wrist. My dad knew I liked them and got them for me. It was probably also a subtle hint for me to have kids soon so that I would have someone to pass them on to – and it worked.”
FAMILY VALUES:
“I used to be clueless about watches but I started reading up about them because I was intrigued as to why certain brands and models were priced higher than others. I soon realised that the values that Patek stands for resonate with me – heritage and tradition are very important now that I am the father of two kids. The Ref. 5960/1A Annual Calendar Chronograph is my favourite Patek; I like it as it is sportier than the usual Pateks. I bought it to commemorate the birth of my daughter in 2016, and I was fortunate to get my hands on one before it was discontinued a few years after.”
LOOKS MATTER:
“Aesthetics are the most important aspect of a watch to me. I like chronographs because they look sportier and younger. That said, I like watches in yellow gold, although some people feel that yellow gold is apek [Hokkien for uncle]. I like it because it’s closer to the natural colour of gold.”
MARKING MILESTONES:
“The Ref. 5976/1G Nautilus was a purchase to mark the birth of my son last year. It was made for the 40th anniversary of the Nautilus, and it’s the biggest Nautilus with its huge 44mm size. I slept poorly the night before due to my excitement; I was waking up every hour and checking if it was time to wake up so I could go and collect the watch. I brought my son – who was about four months old then – along for the collection; it was a truly memorable day.”
BIRDS ON THE BRAIN:
“Recently, I’ve become interested in watches with enamelled dials, because of the amount of work that goes into them and how difficult they are to produce. I would love a Patek enamelled watch with a brightly coloured motif that shows off the vibrancy of the enamel, such as a peacock. I love birds – we have several peacocks and pheasants at home.”
THREE WATCHES THAT REPRESENT ME AS A COLLECTOR
“Understated”
Patek Philippe Ref. 5170G Chronograph in white gold
“Energetic”
Patek Philippe Ref. 5960/1A Annual Calendar Chronograph in steel
“Imperious”
Patek Philippe Ref. 5976/1G Nautilus Chronograph 40th Anniversary edition in white gold
PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY
ART DIRECTION ASHRUDDIN SANI
