‘I'm jealous my boyfriend still loves his fiancée even after she died 2 years ago' — Woman says she feels hurt her BF is not ‘over it'
Here's a love triangle, party of three — just that one of them is a ghost from the past. 'My boyfriend's fiancée died two years ago,' she wrote in the subreddit. 'She was hit by a car the same day he proposed [to her].'
The two have only been dating for two months, and while he told her he was 'over it' and ready to move on, a confession from him while he was drunk has been haunting her. 'He said, 'I wish I could have you both if I were dead or after death.'' Not exactly your standard 'I love you,' your partner would like to hear.
AIO My boyfriend said somethinf last night while drunk and I'm struggling with it.
byu/justasmallrini inAmIOverreacting
Her post has gone viral after sharing her complicated feelings about dating a man whose late fiancée died two years ago, on the same day he proposed to her, and as you might expect, the emotional baggage didn't come with a zipper. When grief and romance collide…
Grief is messy, and dating someone who's still grieving? That's a full-contact emotional sport.
The girlfriend says she didn't respond at the moment, but the comment has been living rent-free in her head ever since.
It's a vulnerable confession, but not an uncommon one. Grief doesn't disappear after the funeral; it evolves, and when it's a romantic partner who died — someone you planned a future with — that grief doesn't just sit quietly in the background.
'Sometimes I cannot shake the thought that if he could pick, it would be her and not me. That really hurts,' she said.
And really, can anyone blame her for feeling this way? Redditors react: Between ghosts and growth
Redditors, as they tend to do, lit up the comments section with surprising compassion, nuance, and the occasional reality check.
One user shared a haunting but enlightening perspective from a friend who married a widow:
'Even after almost 15 years of marriage to him, she still grieves and misses her husband… He told me that for their marriage to work, he simply had to accept that she had two husbands.'
Yes, you read that right. Two husbands. One alive, one remembered, and a partner who had to make peace with the past instead of competing with it.
Another commenter — who lost her own fiancé 15 years ago — echoed this theme:
'Jamie is able to understand that I can still love and miss Shanon without it diminishing my love for him even a little bit.'
For many, grief doesn't have a finish line, and love doesn't always come with an expiration date — not even in death. But is it fair to the new partner?
That's the million-dollar (or at least S$1.3 million) question. Is it fair to be with someone who still holds a candle for their late partner?
Some Redditors sympathised with the girlfriend's emotional conflict.
'Your feelings are also valid. It's not easy on you, either. Just try to keep in mind it's not a competition. It is possible for him to love her and you.'
Still, not everyone was on Team 'Stay and Be Sad.'
'Step away from him. Not just a break, but walk away… He may never get past this… Do you want to have questions in your mind for years and years?'
That escalated fast, but the point stands — not everyone is equipped to handle being the 'second love,' especially when the first never had the chance to end.
Others were more critical of the girlfriend's response, pointing out that the relationship is still very new.
'You're overstepping… This is a red flag on your end, not his… If he is not bringing this up regularly, and it was something he said when he was drunk, I'm sure he could have used some support.'
Basically, maybe don't make someone feel guilty for still loving the person they lost. Especially when that love didn't get closure — just a cruel twist of fate. To grieve or not to grieve — Is that even the question?
Another Redditor offered this gentle reminder: 'He never 'broke up' with her. Even though she's gone, it still feels like he's in a relationship with her.'
That sentiment may sound strange, but it's real for many who've lost a romantic partner.
It's not that they don't want to move forward. It's that part of their emotional heartstrings are still tangled up in what was — or what could've been.
So yes, it's possible to love two people. Yes, it's possible to feel jealous of someone no longer alive, and yes, the drunk brain may have spoken out of impulse, but that doesn't mean there isn't truth buried in it. Growth through honesty
After sitting with her thoughts (and thousands of internet comments), the girlfriend returned with an update — and it was refreshingly honest.
'I realised this is still really new and I have no idea what I'm doing, but I really like this guy enough to try and make it work, no matter what that entails.'
She admitted that she tends to spiral and overthink, and that the Reddit community helped her get out of her own head.
'I like how he makes me feel. Like I'm special, and I want to give that back to him.'
It's a beautiful pivot from jealousy to empathy — a reminder that relationships aren't just about getting picked. Sometimes they're about choosing to stay. What can we learn from them?
This story isn't just about a woman struggling with her boyfriend's grief. It's about how messy — and strangely beautiful — love can be after loss.
Whether you're dating someone grieving a late partner or you're the one grieving, here are three lessons worth carrying: Grief is not a rival. It's not something you defeat, replace, or compete with. It's something you walk alongside, gently. Jealousy is normal, but so is growth. You can feel insecure and still grow through it. The key is communication, not competition. Love can coexist. The heart isn't a zero-sum game. Just because someone loved deeply before doesn't mean they can't love again, differently, but still fully.
If love can survive death, maybe it can survive a little emotional turbulence, too.
After all, the girlfriend isn't jealous because she doesn't love her boyfriend — she's jealous because she wants to be the one he gives his whole heart to in return.
However, the bravest kind of love is learning to accept that he already did — and still has enough left to give her, as well.
In other news, one Singaporean woman, in a delightful twist of online matchmaking gone rogue, made a whimsical wishlist for the perfect husband.
Her heartfelt (and highly specific) plea began with a wistful sigh: 'Wouldn't it be nice if we could create our ideal husbands?'
You can read her full build-a-bae blueprint and the hilarious responses from Redditors over here: SG woman who describes her ideal hubby as having 'facial hair, fiercely loyal, responsive at first call, and cute' gets advice to 'visit SPCA as they have one available'
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Independent Singapore
10 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
‘My HDB neighbour keeps complaining we're making stomping noises in the bedroom every night… but no one is in that room' — Resident asks for advice
SINGAPORE: If there's one thing scarier than ghosts in an HDB flat, it's the accusation that you are the ghost. A Singapore resident turned to Reddit in exasperation after their downstairs neighbours knocked on their door—again—to complain about mysterious stomping sounds coming from their upstairs neighbour's master bedroom between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. every night. Except for one small problem: No one was in that room at the time. Neighbours thinks noise is coming from my unit byu/Hot_Construction3722 inaskSingapore 'I went down to speak to them a few times, and the sound has never stopped even since they came up to complain,' the resident wrote on Reddit. 'So I told them, 'Wouldn't it make more sense for the sound to stop after you complain to us?' But they were so adamant that it's from my unit.' All of a sudden, this everyday Singaporean family was living in what might be the world's quietest haunted house—or the loudest wrongly-accused one. 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'HDB walls are full of pipes and beams…' Commenters were quick to back the resident up, many having experienced the acoustic tricks of HDB life themselves. 'HDB walls are full of pipes and beams,' one wrote. 'It's very easy for sound to travel through those and make it seem like it's coming from somewhere it's not.' Another said they once chased a mysterious drilling sound for hours, only to discover it was coming from a unit diagonally below them, and in a delightfully bizarre twist, one resident's mystery noises turned out to be from a malfunctioning lift. 'Town council fixed it for us,' they said. 'It sounded exactly as if our upstairs neighbour were dragging furniture the entire day.' 'Tough to talk sense to illogical people…' The resident noted that the complaints were starting to affect their elderly parents, who were understandably distressed by the constant accusations. Many Redditors advised a more direct approach—one that's surprisingly Singaporean in its logic: WhatsApp (WA) and video calls. 'I solved this issue by going down to my neighbour's and exchanging WA numbers,' one shared. 'I told him to message me when he heard the loud noises. When he did, I just video-called him and showed him how quiet my house was.' See also Punggol HDB loft unit sold for record S$1.22 million The community also suggested reaching out to the Residents' Committee (RC) or grassroots leaders for mediation. 'Only mediation by a 3rd party will work,' one commenter noted. 'Tough to talk sense to illogical people.' You can also find guidance on neighbourly etiquette on the HDB website. 'Neighbour disputes are rarely one-sided and straightforward…' One insightful Redditor dropped a stat that made everyone pause: Singapore sees about 85 noise complaints a day, based on data from 2023 to 2024. That's more than three complaints every hour—and those are just the reported ones. 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Independent Singapore
10 hours ago
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‘I'm jealous my boyfriend still loves his fiancée even after she died 2 years ago' — Woman says she feels hurt her BF is not ‘over it'
SINGAPORE: 'I am feeling jealous of someone who is gone, and I hate that I feel that way,' a woman on Reddit admitted. 'It makes me feel selfish, but I also do not want to feel like I am sharing my partner, even with someone who is not here anymore,' she added. Here's a love triangle, party of three — just that one of them is a ghost from the past. 'My boyfriend's fiancée died two years ago,' she wrote in the subreddit. 'She was hit by a car the same day he proposed [to her].' The two have only been dating for two months, and while he told her he was 'over it' and ready to move on, a confession from him while he was drunk has been haunting her. 'He said, 'I wish I could have you both if I were dead or after death.'' Not exactly your standard 'I love you,' your partner would like to hear. AIO My boyfriend said somethinf last night while drunk and I'm struggling with it. byu/justasmallrini inAmIOverreacting Her post has gone viral after sharing her complicated feelings about dating a man whose late fiancée died two years ago, on the same day he proposed to her, and as you might expect, the emotional baggage didn't come with a zipper. When grief and romance collide… Grief is messy, and dating someone who's still grieving? That's a full-contact emotional sport. The girlfriend says she didn't respond at the moment, but the comment has been living rent-free in her head ever since. It's a vulnerable confession, but not an uncommon one. Grief doesn't disappear after the funeral; it evolves, and when it's a romantic partner who died — someone you planned a future with — that grief doesn't just sit quietly in the background. 'Sometimes I cannot shake the thought that if he could pick, it would be her and not me. That really hurts,' she said. And really, can anyone blame her for feeling this way? Redditors react: Between ghosts and growth Redditors, as they tend to do, lit up the comments section with surprising compassion, nuance, and the occasional reality check. One user shared a haunting but enlightening perspective from a friend who married a widow: 'Even after almost 15 years of marriage to him, she still grieves and misses her husband… He told me that for their marriage to work, he simply had to accept that she had two husbands.' Yes, you read that right. Two husbands. One alive, one remembered, and a partner who had to make peace with the past instead of competing with it. Another commenter — who lost her own fiancé 15 years ago — echoed this theme: 'Jamie is able to understand that I can still love and miss Shanon without it diminishing my love for him even a little bit.' For many, grief doesn't have a finish line, and love doesn't always come with an expiration date — not even in death. But is it fair to the new partner? That's the million-dollar (or at least S$1.3 million) question. Is it fair to be with someone who still holds a candle for their late partner? Some Redditors sympathised with the girlfriend's emotional conflict. 'Your feelings are also valid. It's not easy on you, either. Just try to keep in mind it's not a competition. It is possible for him to love her and you.' Still, not everyone was on Team 'Stay and Be Sad.' 'Step away from him. Not just a break, but walk away… He may never get past this… Do you want to have questions in your mind for years and years?' That escalated fast, but the point stands — not everyone is equipped to handle being the 'second love,' especially when the first never had the chance to end. Others were more critical of the girlfriend's response, pointing out that the relationship is still very new. 'You're overstepping… This is a red flag on your end, not his… If he is not bringing this up regularly, and it was something he said when he was drunk, I'm sure he could have used some support.' Basically, maybe don't make someone feel guilty for still loving the person they lost. Especially when that love didn't get closure — just a cruel twist of fate. To grieve or not to grieve — Is that even the question? Another Redditor offered this gentle reminder: 'He never 'broke up' with her. Even though she's gone, it still feels like he's in a relationship with her.' That sentiment may sound strange, but it's real for many who've lost a romantic partner. It's not that they don't want to move forward. It's that part of their emotional heartstrings are still tangled up in what was — or what could've been. So yes, it's possible to love two people. Yes, it's possible to feel jealous of someone no longer alive, and yes, the drunk brain may have spoken out of impulse, but that doesn't mean there isn't truth buried in it. Growth through honesty After sitting with her thoughts (and thousands of internet comments), the girlfriend returned with an update — and it was refreshingly honest. 'I realised this is still really new and I have no idea what I'm doing, but I really like this guy enough to try and make it work, no matter what that entails.' She admitted that she tends to spiral and overthink, and that the Reddit community helped her get out of her own head. 'I like how he makes me feel. Like I'm special, and I want to give that back to him.' It's a beautiful pivot from jealousy to empathy — a reminder that relationships aren't just about getting picked. Sometimes they're about choosing to stay. What can we learn from them? This story isn't just about a woman struggling with her boyfriend's grief. It's about how messy — and strangely beautiful — love can be after loss. Whether you're dating someone grieving a late partner or you're the one grieving, here are three lessons worth carrying: Grief is not a rival. It's not something you defeat, replace, or compete with. It's something you walk alongside, gently. Jealousy is normal, but so is growth. You can feel insecure and still grow through it. The key is communication, not competition. Love can coexist. The heart isn't a zero-sum game. Just because someone loved deeply before doesn't mean they can't love again, differently, but still fully. If love can survive death, maybe it can survive a little emotional turbulence, too. After all, the girlfriend isn't jealous because she doesn't love her boyfriend — she's jealous because she wants to be the one he gives his whole heart to in return. However, the bravest kind of love is learning to accept that he already did — and still has enough left to give her, as well. In other news, one Singaporean woman, in a delightful twist of online matchmaking gone rogue, made a whimsical wishlist for the perfect husband. Her heartfelt (and highly specific) plea began with a wistful sigh: 'Wouldn't it be nice if we could create our ideal husbands?' You can read her full build-a-bae blueprint and the hilarious responses from Redditors over here: SG woman who describes her ideal hubby as having 'facial hair, fiercely loyal, responsive at first call, and cute' gets advice to 'visit SPCA as they have one available'
CNA
16 hours ago
- CNA
SG60 and the story of time: Reflections from Singapore's watch enthusiasts
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Early on, I used to think time was all about squeezing productivity out of every minute. Since then, I've learned that some things need quick decisions, while others require patience and long-term thinking. Finding that balance has really shaped how I lead today. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered? An Omega Seamaster Diver James Bond 50th Anniversary Limited Edition. Back in 2012, my father thoughtfully purchased a couple set for me and my future husband – who wasn't even in the picture yet. He carefully held onto the watches all these years, and finally passed them to my husband and I on our wedding day. My father also bought different James Bond edition Omega couple watches for both my brothers over the years. These watches have become heirlooms. How has Sincere Fine Watch's role evolved in shaping Singapore's watch culture? Sincere Fine Watches has been at the forefront of Singapore's watch culture from the very beginning. We've proudly introduced pioneering brands to the region, supported independent watchmakers well before they gained widespread recognition, and helped cultivate a passionate, knowledgeable community of collectors. We've never seen ourselves as just retailers – rather, as educators, storytellers, and champions of the deep emotional connection people have with their watches. Do Singapore customers approach timepieces differently compared to other markets in the region? Singapore collectors are notably sophisticated and come with high expectations for inherent qualities in a watch – things like anti-magnetism, a long power reserve, and overall technical reliability are often seen as baseline requirements rather than luxuries. This level of discernment means they're very knowledgeable and appreciative of genuine horological value. What would a truly 'Singaporean' watch look like to you, visually or philosophically? A truly 'Singaporean' watch would be incredibly versatile – easily transitioning from business meetings to casual outings, and even to sports or outdoor activities. The design would be clean and elegant but practical enough to withstand everyday wear in our tropical climate. Aesthetically, it might subtly incorporate local elements or inspirations – perhaps a nod to our cultural heritage or state colours. On the technical side, features like long power reserve, water resistance, anti-magnetism, shock resistance, and precise timekeeping are essential, as Singaporeans value efficiency and products that perform well over the long term. Practical complications like dual time or world time also make sense, reflecting how well-travelled many here are. And because Singapore collectors are quite mature and knowledgeable, the watch should carry some novel innovation – something that sets it apart and offers genuine horological interest. 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A Poljot International alarm watch gifted to me by my parents-in-law on my wedding day – it marked not just a personal milestone but also deepened my connection with the world of watches. How do you feel the local watch scene has matured or changed in the last 60 years? The learning curve has flattened – with so many resources now available, anyone can become an expert quickly. Yet, the spirit of adventure in watch collecting is still very much alive. How has RAW's role evolved in shaping Singapore's watch culture over the decades? RAW has always been about offering something different – we've given access to a wider range of unique, affordable timepieces that have helped turn young hobbyists into serious collectors. What's a memory from the early days of your retail journey that still stays with you? That being different – even if it means going against the grain – will make people take notice. How do milestone celebrations (like SG60) influence watch buying or special releases? Milestones like SG60 mark once-in-a-lifetime moments. Because time only moves forward, these occasions become history – and as collectors, we naturally want to hold on to pieces of that history. You created an SG60 Limited Edition watch (388 pieces). Tell us more. With the SG60 watch, we took inspiration from Singapore's founding years, using a wedge-shaped, side-read aluminium case reminiscent of digital watches from that era – like the Girard-Perregaux Casquette or Bulova Computron. We programmed 'Majulah Singapura' to display before the screen sleeps, and added Gen Z-inspired lingo on the caseback to bridge generations. It's a tribute that respects the past and speaks to the future. The red travel storage pod that comes with the watch represents the Little Red Dot. What's your hope for Singapore's watch culture in the next 60 years? That it becomes less snobbish, more inclusive, and continues to celebrate individuality and creativity. If you could preserve one moment in time forever, what would it be? The birth of my two daughters – nothing comes close. CHRISTOPHER LONG, FOUNDER/CHIEF PRODUCT VISIONARY, AZIMUTH WATCH What does time mean to you? Time is but a fleeting moment. How has your relationship with time evolved, personally or professionally? Personally, time seems to outpace me more and more. Professionally, Azimuth is 22 years old in 2025. In human terms she is already an adult, ready for the world; however my feeling is that she has just turned into a teenager, oblivious to the elements encompassing her. Azimuth is still a baby in my eyes. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered, and why? Mr Roboto. It marks my happy times. As a creator, how do you interpret 'time' when designing a piece? How not to lose time and power when you are designing a complication! What is one technical or artistic breakthrough you're most proud of? I'm going to keep it under wraps for the moment. However, what I can reveal is that Azimuth is currently working with a veteran in the independent watch scene to develop some interesting complications. In your opinion, what role do local brands/microbrands play in shaping the future of the watch industry? I believe microbrands will continue to bring more alternatives and price options to the market. And in time, it will alter how the consumers perceive value. The Swiss brands will soon have to rethink what value means to the consumers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Azimuth Watch (@azimuthwatch) How do you see the next generation of Singaporean watchmakers and watch brand founders carrying the baton forward? I foresee Singaporeans will bring watchmaking to the next level by developing bespoke watches/movements in Singapore. There has been strong interest among the younger generation across the globe. I see that in Switzerland too, where many young watch apprentices aspire to be independent watchmakers, not just an employee for the big groups. They see watchmaking as a form of art, a passion, an expression. And I can see that starting in Singapore. HUGHES LOW, FOUNDER, BESPOKE LEATHER WATCH STRAP LABEL HUGHES HANDCRAFTED What does time mean to you? Time is the currency I spend without knowing my balance. How has your relationship with time evolved, personally or professionally? With the arrival of my first kid, time for work took a backseat as I prioritised moments with my family. I wished I had seen the importance of time earlier in my youth and treasured/documented different moments more. How do you see watches? As tools, art, memory-keepers, status symbols, or something else? In my present stage of life, watches to me are these wondrous mechanical beauties that I would love to buy for a specific occasion and hopefully pass them on to my kids. They are memory keepers for sure and a physical token to remind myself of a particular phase in my journey. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered? It has to be the Singapore Watch Club (SWC) X Cartier's collaboration piece (I got the Asymetrique). I got it the year my first kid was born and it was a piece I was chasing for a long time. Design speaks to me more over finishing or complications and who else does case design better than Cartier? Definitely the morning when my wife told me she's pregnant. It really is a moment of profound joy unlike any I have ever experienced. As a creator, how do you interpret 'time' when designing a strap? I have this tagline on my page 'the timeless character of fine craftsmanship'. As a creator, I want each Hughes Handcrafted piece to last through as many seasons and stories so it'll age and pass gracefully after serving its purpose. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hughes Handcrafted (@hughes_handcrafted) What's a memory from your early days that defined your journey? It would be learning from my Japanese mentor. He spent a good amount of time touching up a filler for a bag handle (it's a hidden part to give shape and profile to the handle which will not be seen by the client). He taught me that I should place integrity before profit, to strive and deliver more than the best I can do and to never cut corners. This applies even for parts unseen by end-users. You never know who will end up seeing your work, and your work is the best calling card that speaks for the business. What's your hope for Singapore's watch culture in the next 60 years? I hope for more youths to start workshops making high-end independent watches. Why shouldn't we have the next [Philippe] Dufour or Kari [Voutilainen] of Singapore! KENNETH KUAN, CO-FOUNDER, BESPOKE WATCH STRAP LABEL DELUGS What does time mean to you? Time is the one thing you can never buy back, so how you choose to spend it says everything. How do you see watches? As tools, art, memory-keepers, status symbols, or something else? Personally, I see watches as a form of art – a canvas for storytelling, for memories, and for self-expression. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered, and why? The Seiko Presage Starlight. It's the first mechanical watch I owned, and the watch that I used to pair straps with, in the very first product photos for Delugs. As a creator, how do you interpret 'time' when designing a strap? I think of it as designing for the moments people will live through while wearing it – whether it's daily routines, big milestones, or quiet reflections. What is one technical or artistic breakthrough you're most proud of? Our Cut-to-Size rubber strap. It solved a very real pain point in a simple, elegant way, and it's something that didn't exist until we built it. I believe it'll be the go-to standard for all rubber straps over the next decade. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delugs (@delugs) What uniquely Singaporean values or influences are embedded in your brand? We're pragmatic but precise, detail-obsessed but customer-first. There's a very Singaporean balance of efficiency, quality, and hospitality in how we do things. What's a memory from your early days that defined your journey? Packing orders by hand at 2am and replying to customers one at a time. That direct connection with our customers taught me everything about what the brand needed to stand for. In your opinion, what role do local brands/microbrands play in shaping the future of the watch industry? We keep things fresh. We push boundaries, try new ideas, and speak to the next generation of collectors in ways that big brands often can't or won't. How do you see the next generation of Singaporean watch industry brands carrying the baton forward? I think they'll be even bolder – less focused on validation from outside and more confident in their voice, their design language, and their community. If you could preserve one moment in time forever, what would it be? Apr 19, 2025, the day we opened our first boutique in Singapore. To be surrounded by family, friends, customers and supporters, all rooting for Delugs – it was a special moment. CELINE YAP, WATCH JOURNALIST What does time mean to you? Time is opportunity. Has your perspective on time changed through your years of writing about watches? Time is not just measuring the hours, minutes and seconds; time and timekeeping is ingrained into human culture in more ways that people think. If you could preserve one moment in time forever, what would it be? One night there was a lovely supermoon visible from the front door of my in-laws' place. I hastened my kids to come to admire it together. My younger boy stepped right next to me, took one look at the moon, turned to me and said, 'Mommy, the moon belongs to us.' I wept. How do you see watches? As tools, art, memory-keepers, status symbols, or something else? A good, well-made mechanical watch is a gift that keeps on giving. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered, and why? My father-in-law's Rolex Ref. 6694 Oyster Date he bought in the early 1980s was completely wrecked when I first saw it. The crystal was cracked, the dial and hands badly oxidised, and the crown was missing. Yet the movement continued to function perfectly as shown to me by the Rolex Service Centre when I brought it in for repair. After a week in the workshop, the watch came out looking absolutely perfect. What was a pivotal moment in Singapore's horological journey over the past 60 years? One major pivotal moment for us occurred between the 1960s and 1970s, when luxury watch retail officially became a thing. Before then, watches were mainly sold in optician's or trinket shops. From your vantage point, how has the identity of the Singapore watch collector evolved? The Singapore watch collector is deeply curious about horology and all its facets, with a profound appetite for luxury and finesse. They have an eclectic taste in watches, appreciating everything from the classic to the ostentatious, from top brands as well as mid- or even entry-level brands as long as the product has a clear value proposition. Do you believe the local industry has reached a point of global relevance or still has ground to cover? Singapore is most definitely one of the most important watch markets in the world, regularly ranking fifth or sixth in terms of volume and value of Swiss watch exports. We have our world class retailers here to thank for this. What's your dream for the future of Singapore's watch scene, and how do we get there? I would like to see greater appreciation for artisan brands. The big brands are fantastic, of course, but really there is a lot of talent and ingenuity throughout the industry. One way to broaden our perspectives on horology would be to see and hold watches more often. Luckily there are many events, exhibitions and previews these days, so there are plenty of opportunities. SU JIA XIAN, FOUNDER, WATCHESBYSJX What does time mean to you? Time is relative and it is also what you make of it. How has your relationship with time evolved, personally or professionally? I utilise it better, yet there seems to be less of it than ever before. How do you see watches? As tools, art, memory-keepers, status symbols, or something else? Watches can be all of the above and more, depending on the watch, but they are usually not, ironically, employed as timekeeping instruments. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered, and why A watch from an independent watchmaker I respect, which was customised in a modest way for me. How do you feel the local watch scene has matured or changed in the last 60 years? It has developed into a sophisticated and dense community, similar to the way that Singapore as a country has evolved. What was a pivotal moment in Singapore's horological journey over the past 60 years? When the first Business Times watch supplement was published, because it arguably marked the point where high-end mechanical watches became mainstream enough to merit a newspaper insert. From your vantage point, how has the identity of the Singapore watch collector evolved? It has grown more diverse culturally and thematically, reflecting a broadening of tastes, driven perhaps by the increasingly cosmopolitan nature of the country and the high levels of connectivity to the wider world. Do you believe the local industry has reached a point of global relevance or still has ground to cover? The industry does have global relevance by virtue of its position as a hub for Southeast Asia, and its prominent industry voices. For it to evolve into a culturally and intellectually unique place that stands out despite the international nature of Singapore and increasing convergence of taste globally.
