Latest news with #SincereFineWatches
The Star
11-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
When eritage meets orological innovationWhen eritage meets orological innovation
Dimitri Aubert has been entrusted with the unique role of international sales director of two exceptional watch brands. Since taking on the position last year, Aubert has had to strike the balance between preserving the legacy of watch brands Arnold & Son and Angelus while driving innovation. 'This is a new role for me. The interesting part is that there are two brands, instead of managing just one. 'You have to be deeply involved in both brands and give both the same attention, despite them having very different strategies and developments,' says Aubert. 'Each is distinct with their own DNA and rich history. The Arnold & Son space at Sincere Fine Watches boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. 'You have to consider carefully what works for each brand,' he says. Arnold & Son and Angelus are sister brands, but each has very individual personalities, aesthetics, values and priorities. This keeps Aubert on his toes as he juggles a balancing act of constantly switching between the two brands, while keeping a firm hand on the respective brand's objectives. In terms of structure, the brands are independent with a smaller team. Aubert showing off the intricate back of one of the watches. Inevitably, Aubert draws inspiration from each of the brand's storied past while keeping an eye on the horizon and what's to come. Arnold & Son is a brand with English origins, tracing its roots all the way back to 1764. The brand was founded by English watchmaker John Arnold. Arnold made significant contributions to the world of horology, especially in the development of marine chronometers, which were of vital importance in navigating the seas. The brand celebrated its 260th anniversary not too long ago and continues to integrate their legacy of precision, craftsmanship and innovation into their modern timepieces through traditional techniques. Meanwhile, Angelus was founded in 1891 in Switzerland and has been one of the most influential horological manufactures of the last century. Arnold & Son Ultrathin Tourbillon Skeleton Platinum. Watchmaking connoisseurs have universally praised Angelus' pioneering, in-house developed movements and timepieces, which continue to be coveted by collectors all over the world. Over the past century, Angelus has forged a fine reputation for creating exceptional chronograph and multi-complication wristwatches, multi-display travel clocks with long power reserves, and alarm watches. Today, the Angelus collection blends the very best of vintage high watchmaking with contemporary design and materials. Aubert is quick to point out that one of the things that both brands have in common is a long history of innovation, from Arnold's marine chronometry firsts to the groundbreaking Angelus mid-century chronographs. The goal is to leverage these splendid legacies and build on them to introduce new complications and exciting new designs. Inspired by the past Aubert is very much aware that watch collectors these days are well-informed when it comes to what's going on in the watchmaking world. Arnold & Son Luna Magna White Gold 'Ultimate II'. 'This is largely due to the digital world we live in today. 'The Internet contains all the information which customers can easily access from around the world. 'Customers are reading up more, asking a lot of interesting questions about the watches and the brands.' But he admits that watch trends can happen differently in certain parts of the world. 'Now in Europe, there is a stronger trend for vintage watches and smaller sized timepieces. 'In other countries such as those in South-East Asia, including Malaysia, these trends have yet to pick up,' he says. During his recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Aubert had the opportunity to curate a presentation of the latest novelties, including signature complications and recent releases from both brands. Special guests of the brands were introduced to the rich heritage, technical savoir-faire and horological artistry of Arnold & Son and Angelus – highlighting the mechanical mastery and visionary innovation that define each brand. Angelus Flying Tourbillon Titanium. 'What we wanted to show in this anniversary was the introduction of the Longitude model, which celebrates the quest for precision in calculating longitude using marine chronometers that John Arnold had during his lifetime. 'At Watches and Wonders this year, we continued this legacy by introducing a piece that comes from a watch in the British museum.' According to Aubert, this watch was a gift from Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1808 (after the death of Arnold) in memory of the friendship between the two great watchmakers of their time. The timepiece was presented to John Roger Arnold, the son of John Arnold. 'The Constant Force Tourbillon 11 watch (fitted with the constant force mechanism) is limited to 11 pieces. 'We translated the design of the movement from a pocket watch to a wristwatch, but with a modern movement with a dead-beat second,' says Aubert. Having been in the watch industry for 30 years and managing different brands, he has come to appreciate over time what can be done and the intricate techniques behind each watch movement. A watch is an important part of one's outfit – be it for men or women, he opines. He says his passion for watches is constantly ignited when he sees a new watch and how it looks. 'It's also the use of the watches and how it was made that keeps me going. 'This is something that you build over the years, and know more about over time. 'All these keep me going so nothing is boring; there is always something new to learn and find out,' Aubert declares.
Business Times
07-08-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Under the same stars
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel Singapore Edition Audemars Piguet reimagines tradition with a bold, avant-garde flourish in its Code 11.59 Starwheel Singapore Edition. Created as a unique piece to mark the nation's diamond jubilee, the watch blends horological artistry with a heartfelt tribute to Singapore's spirit. Crafted in 18-carat white gold and white ceramic, the timepiece features a vivid red aventurine dial flecked with sparkling pigments – a striking homage to Singapore's national colour. At its core lies the poetic wandering hours complication. The 22-carat pink gold rotor is specially openworked with a 60th anniversary motif. PHOTO: AUDEMARS PIGUET Flip the watch over, and the open sapphire caseback reveals the meticulously finished movement, anchored by a 22-carat pink gold rotor specially openworked with a 60th anniversary motif. The watch is offered with two strap options – a black textured rubber-coated strap and a denim-effect strap with red stitching, injecting contemporary versatility into this singular piece. More than just a collector's gem, Audemars Piguet has pledged this unique piece to the National Museum of Singapore, to raise funds for the institution's upcoming gallery revamp. A timeless gesture – and a timepiece for the ages. The Bell & Ross BR 05 Sincere White Lum is a collaborative piece with Sincere Fine Watches. PHOTO: BELL & ROSS Bell & Ross BR 05 Sincere White Lum In celebration of Singapore's 60-year journey, Bell & Ross, in collaboration with Sincere Fine Watches, unveils a radiant tribute to heritage and horology: the BR 05 Sincere White Lum. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up This special edition marks the first appearance of a Full Lum dial in the brand's urban-chic BR 05 collection – and does so with a red-and-white palette that proudly salutes the Lion City. The commemorative piece draws its design language from the confidence of a modern metropolis. Its 40 mm case, sculpted from stainless steel and finished with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces, is a study in contrasts: strength and sophistication, structure and fluidity. At the heart of the watch lies its most compelling feature – a white Super-LumiNova X2 dial that glows with extraordinary intensity when night falls. Red indexes, including oversized Arabic numerals, echo Bell & Ross's aviation heritage while also mirroring the colours of Singapore's national flag. A white Super-LumiNova X2 dial glows with extraordinary intensity when night falls. PHOTO: BELL & ROSS The result is a watch that is equally at home in a cockpit or a skyline suite, radiating both precision and pride. Powered by the BR-CAL.321 automatic movement with a 54-hour power reserve, the BR 05 Sincere White Lum balances technical excellence with visual harmony. This timepiece is more than a celebration of timekeeping – it is a luminous symbol of unity, resilience and national spirit. By day, the watch is a model of modern minimalism; by night, it becomes a quiet beacon, casting a glow as enduring as the city it was created to honour. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 Edition is a sleek tribute to Singapore's audacious spirit. PHOTO: BVLGARI Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 Limited Edition To mark Singapore's 60th year of independence, Bvlgari unveils the Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 Edition, a sleek tribute to the city-state's audacious spirit. Limited, refined and rooted in heritage, the watch is both celebration and contemplation – of past journeys, present momentum and future horizons. Singapore's global vision mirrors Sotirio Bulgari's journey from Greece to Rome, which shaped a legacy of exploration and elegance for the maison; the Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 honours that spirit, linking it to Singapore's dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Housed in a bold 41 mm sandblasted steel case with black DLC coating, the timepiece balances sculptural strength with cosmopolitan elegance. The matte black dial, accented by luminous white indexes, black PVD hands and a red lacquered central seconds hand, encircles a dual 24-hour and world cities ring – with Singapore marked boldly in red to stand out. The BVL 257 calibre, an in-house automatic movement, boasts a 42-hour power reserve. PHOTO: BVLGARI At its heart beats the BVL 257 calibre, an in-house automatic movement known for its intuitive world time functionality. Slim at just 6.03 mm, the movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve and is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Complemented by interchangeable red and black rubber straps, the SG60 is more than a luxury accessory; it's a timekeeping companion for the global citizen. This limited edition reflects not just Bvlgari's craftsmanship, but Singapore's ongoing story of transformation – told in time. View the Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 Edition and other exquisite Bvlgari timepieces at the Beyond Time pop-up exhibition running at Paragon Mall Atrium until Aug 10. The Omega x Swatch Mission to Earthphase gets both the Moonshine Gold and Peanuts treatment. PHOTO: SWATCH Omega x Swatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold Just when you thought the MoonSwatch couldn't get more whimsical, Swatch returns with another cosmic twist. And unlike previous editions where Moonshine Gold – Omega's proprietary gold alloy – was limited to the seconds hand, it makes its very first appearance on this timepiece's moonphase display. Moonshine Gold is used for the two full moons in the moonphase display. PHOTO: SWATCH The new MoonSwatch also gets a Peanuts spin, with both Snoopy and Woodstock gracing the dial, and the former's paw prints adorning one of the full moons. The beagle's quote 'I beat everybody…' appears not just on the case back, but also as a UV-activated Easter egg on the dial – a playful wink at the joy of discovery that has defined the MoonSwatch line. UV light will unveil Easter Eggs on the dial. PHOTO: SWATCH Dressed in a new navy blue hue, the Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold comes with a matching rubber strap, previously only available online. The aventurine finish on the dial's blue sections adds a sparkly, starry texture – a fitting detail for a watch inspired by the cosmos. While not officially a tribute to Singapore's 60th anniversary, the stars-and-moon symbolism – paired with a launch date coinciding with National Day on Aug 9 – makes this edition a timely and thematically aligned nod to Singapore. Like its predecessors, this Moonshine Gold MoonSwatch will be available only on full moon day this Saturday.
CNA
07-08-2025
- General
- CNA
SG60 and the story of time: Reflections from Singapore's watch enthusiasts
What does time mean to you? To mark Singapore's 60th birthday, we posed this deceptively simple question to some of the nation's most influential voices in horology – retailers, makers, and thought leaders who live and breathe precision, craft, and meaning. From Kate Lim of Sincere Fine Watches to Sugiharto Kusumadi of Red Army Watches, creators like Christopher Long of Azimuth Watch, Hughes Low of Hughes Handcrafted, and Kenneth Kuan of Delugs, as well as journalists Celine Yap and Su Jia Xian of their answers reveal how time is at once intimate, universal, and inextricably tied to Singapore's own evolving story. KATE LIM, REGIONAL GENERAL MANAGER, SINCERE FINE WATCHES What does time mean to you? Time's the one thing we all have, like a currency we spend – how we use it says a lot about what matters to us and shapes who we are in the end. How has your relationship with time evolved, personally or professionally? 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. What's your hope for Singapore's watch culture in the next 60 years? As a Singaporean, I hope to see homegrown luxury watch brands emerge and gain global recognition. I'd also love for Singapore to grow further as a key hub for the watch industry in the region – a place where major events like Watches and Wonders can be held, bringing collectors, brands, and enthusiasts together. SUGIHARTO KUSUMADI, FOUNDER, RED ARMY WATCHES (RAW) What does time mean to you? Time is a journey – a continuous thread that weaves together life's milestones, achievements, setbacks, and growth. How do you see watches? As tools, art, memory-keepers, status symbols, or something else? To me, a watch is an artistic, soulful companion – it tells more than time; it tells stories. What's the most meaningful watch you own or have encountered, and why? 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.
Hypebeast
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Jacob & Co. and G-DRAGON Unveil the PEACEMINUSONE Pendant Collection
Summary Following their successful2025 limited timepiece, Jacob & Co. and global iconG-DRAGONintroduce their latest collaboration: thePEACEMINUSONEPendant. This exclusive jewelry release embodies the essence of G-DRAGON's PEACEMINUSONE universe, where peace and rebellion converge, transforming it into a striking wearable art piece. At the heart of the design is the daisy, reinterpreted as a potent symbol of bloom and transformation, reflecting the artist's legacy of reinvention. Each pendant is meticulously crafted in polished 18K gold or sterling silver, adorned with vibrant yellow sapphires and pavé-set stones that balance elegance with an edgy appeal. More than mere accessories, these pieces are cultural statements, limited in quantity, individually detailed, and presented in custom packaging with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. This release signifies a rare fusion of high jewelry and pop culture, designed for collectors. The PEACEMINUSONE Pendant is available in two variations: 925 sterling silver with colored gemstones, or 18K white gold with full pavé diamonds. Both designs come with a 20-inch paperclip chain, featuring an additional loop at 18 inches for versatile styling. The sterling silver version includes 4 Tsavorites (0.08ct) and 8 Yellow Sapphires (0.11ct), with a retail price of $1,800 SGD (approximately $1,400 USD). Meanwhile, the 18K white gold option features 110 White Diamonds (0.47ct) and 1 Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond (0.30ct), retailing at $16,800 SGD ($13,100 USD). Check out the collection above. Jacob & Co. is exclusively available at selected Sincere Fine Watches and SHH boutiques.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Laurent Ferrier's Basile Monnin is obsessed with the finer details of his craft
Laurent Ferrier is a relatively new kid on the watchmaking block that has gotten everyone's undivided attention lately. The Swiss-based manufacturer was only founded in 2009 in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. Named after its founder, the brand takes pride in showcasing timeless elegance evident in its designs, combined with avant garde manufacturing technique. This has allowed Laurent Ferrier to become − in just over 15 years − a stalwart brand in the world of watchmaking, and certainly a noted one among horological fans all over the world. Son and grandson of master watchmakers himself, Ferrier has been immersed in the world of complications and movements since he was a child. In 1968, for instance, as a 16-year-old he designed a pocket watch during his apprenticeship, one that he now fondly recalls as the Montre d'École or the 'School Piece'. Then, for the next 37 years, he worked in Patek Philippe as its technical director. Robert Bailey, head of sales at Laurent Ferrier, presenting the finer details of the brand to media members in Kuala Lumpur. This was when his passion for cars – also developed from a young age – led him to compete in local races before moving on to car endurance competitions. He experienced firsthand the many similarities between racing and watches: it was essential to seek perfection in execution and precision in results for both worlds. In racing, just like in the measurement of time, details are everything and even a millimeter's margin of error is big enough of a mistake to cause failure. So, it's really no surprise that Basile Monnin, the brand's head of watchmaking, is also a keen devotee in the art of infinitely detailed finishings as well. Monnin oversees all the work dedicated to the production, assembly and decoration of the brand's timepieces. 'Yes, every bit of detail means the world to me! 'Each one of our LF270.01 calibre requires more than 139 manual finishing operations, and a key element that makes a Laurent Ferrier watch so attractive to collectors,' he says proudly. Checking the dimensions of a watch's raw main plate. The concept of 'finissage' Recently in Kuala Lumpur as a guest of Sincere Fine Watches, Monnin was keen to talk about the concept of finishing – derived from the French word finissage –which represents the pride of the Laurent Ferrier design team of 15 watchmakers and eight decorators whom he leads. 'What we call anglage in French, is what you may know as chamfering. This is the act of creating an edge between two faces of an object,' he explains. 'It's actually one of the most prized techniques in fine watchmaking. 'If you look at the bridges of a Laurent Ferrier movement, you'll notice this 45-degree angle that uniquely captures the light.' Monnin emphasises that this detail is not merely aesthetic. In technical terms, the angulation on the plates and bridges helps prevent stress concentrations in the watch material. 'The process begins with the removal of scratches and imperfections from the upper edges of the bridges. 'The edges are then smoothed and contoured using a file, forming a uniform angle with perfectly defined parallel lines. 'There's also the curved outer bevels, visible on the balance bridge of each watch's micro-rotor movement. 'This actually represent one of the greatest challenges for us as it cannot be executed by machinery, but must be worked on exclusively by hand,' says Monnin. Looking into the process of black polishing a watch's balance cock. Geneva Stripes The conversation then shifts to the Côtes de Genève or 'Geneva Stripes'. This is a decorative finish comprising a series of parallel, wavy lines that are applied to the bridges and plates of a watch movement. 'Originally, their function was to prevent the accumulation of dust and particles in the gears,' Monnin elaborates. 'But since many of the contemporary watch cases feature advanced seals, the Côtes de Genève have become more of an emblematic decorative technique of fine watchmaking.' Monnin explains that the pattern is applied mechanically using a steel cylinder with an abrasive belt moved over the bridges to create straight or circular lines. 'The lines should be uniform in width, but slight imperfections may be seen as a sign of hand finishing.' He draws attention to the satin finish on each Laurent Ferrier watch case. 'This sort of finish is common on many watch cases, but for us at Laurent Ferrier, it is used on a much smaller and more precise scale. 'A fine example is our Calibre LF270.01, in which the bridges feature an anthracite (dark greyish) satin finish, providing an elegant contrast with the micro-rotor bridge, and polished to black. 'We also use a circular finish, widely known in fine watchmaking as 'cerclage'. 'This finish creates fine lines by circular sanding on the metal surface. 'For round components, the lines are concentric and generate a characteristic light reflection, enhancing the aesthetics of the watch movement. 'Then, there's also the sandblasting technique – a type of finish that gives surfaces a smooth, matte appearance to further highlight the polished details of the movement.' Monnin adds that the last process involves projecting a volume of compressed air and fine sand onto the watch surface, creating thousands of micro-craters that are invisible to the naked eye. Brushing and polishing of surfaces set a hand-built and in-house movement apart from mass-produced calibres. —SAMUEL ONG/The Star Art of mirroring He then takes everyone through the ubiquitous watchmaking art of mirroring, or black polishing. This is the act of creating a perfectly smooth, nearly mirror-like surface on a watch. The technique's name comes from its ability to reflect light so that when viewed at a certain angle, the surface appears completely black. 'The process is extremely delicate,' says Monnin. 'The piece in question is first polished on a zinc plate with abrasive diamond paste. 'Then, controlled circular movements are made, gradually reducing the size of the abrasive grains. 'This is done until a perfectly flat and mirror-like surface is created which is, again, impossible to achieve by machines. 'At the end of it all, this art of hand-finishing not only embellishes the fine watches from Laurent Ferrier, but is testimony to a commitment to tradition and watchmaking excellence. 'Completing each one of our masterpieces requires decades of experience, thousands of hours of work and meticulous attention to detail by everyone in our team. 'And for the collectors who celebrate fine watchmaking, these finishes not only represent luxury and exclusivity, but also the true essence of Swiss artisanal savoir-faire,' Monnin concludes, with more than just a hint of satisfaction.
