Dispatch From Singapore
Since Haute Time has gone global, we´re bringing you a snapshot from our worldwide markets. Here, our local Singapore-based editor Pooja Agarwal recaps the Singapore´s hottest watch news
Patek Celebrated Its 175th Anniversary In Singapore
One of the six markets selectively chosen worldwide to showcase the 175th Anniversary Exhibition, Singapore had the chance to immerse itself in the world of the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer from Geneva. The 4th generation of the Stern family, Thierry Stern, President of the prestigious watch brand, and Jerome Pernici, Head of Commercial & Marketing of Patek Philippe, hosted a memorable evening at the Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris. Guests were at once transported back in time through the brand’s significant historic milestones and pioneering timepieces, and invite to view its latest models launched earlier this year during Baselworld 2015. If one wondered about the mechanism of Chiming Jump Hour Ref. 5275 and the World Time Moon Ref. 5575/7175, now was the time to approach the watch-maker’s bench which sat in the middle of the exhibition area, where Aaron Taylor, Technical Supervisor from GMT Singapore, provided valuable insights with live demonstrations.
Audemars Piguet Opens Second Boutique in SIngapore
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands plays home to Audemars Piguet’s second boutique in Singapore, where the elegant 110-squaremeter boutique is located on Basement 2. The interior design captures the brand’s core values. Artistry, origins and extraordinary relationships are the evident theme of both the 140-year-old brand and its new boutique. The intermix of stones, oak, metal and idyllic landscapes reflect the birthplace of Audemars Piguet, village of Le Brassus. A magnificent chandelier design reminds one of the clouds and fog that often hover above Vallée de Joux, while the extra-large screen draws the clients’ attention to the beauty of the actual area, where the watches are made in Switzerland. Within the shop, there are two separate areas: “The Manufacture” with a watchmaker’s bench and product displays, and “The Audemars Piguet House,” which features a bar and lounge. Statement pieces displayed all around the new boutique celebrate the brand’s tribute to fine watchmaking.
Reuge Creates A Singing Bird Cage For The Hour Glass
Commissioned by The Hour Glass and conceived by mechanical music manufacturer Reuge, the “Singapore Singing Bird Cage” celebrates Singapore’s golden jubilee year. Two singing crimson sunbird —Singapore’s national bird— take centre stage in this mechanical masterpiece, which measures 202mm in diameter and stands 342mm tall. Assembled by hand, each of the movement’s 250 mechanical parts and 20 various parts of the bird showcases Reuge’s art of fine craftsmanship, created in Sainte-Croix in Switzerland. Both birds—with 90 percent real feathers—pivot and have head, beak and tail movements, along with the ability to sing an enchanted song. With the virtue of exclusivity in mind, the Singapore Singing Bird Cage is limited to five pieces worldwide. Retailing at $16,000 each, The Singapore Singing Bird Cage can be purchased at three boutiques in Singapore by The Hour Glass—L’Atelier at ION Orchard mall, Malmaison at Knightsbridge and More Passion at The Paragon.
Piaget And Cortina Launch The New Altiplano Gold Bracelet In Asia
“We are very proud of launching the Altiplano Gold Bracelet for the first time in Southeast Asia with Jeremy Lim of Cortina Watch and his team,” said Eduardo Tartalo, managing director of Piaget Southeast Asia and Australia. The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill was the venue of the joint launch of the new Altiplano Gold Bracelet collection by Piaget together, created in collaboration with its longtime partner Cortina Watch, which took place on July 9. Guests enjoyed drinks and seafood in an exclusive setting against a backdrop of Singapore’s iconic skyline, including The Marina Bay Sands. Though the famous Piaget Altiplano ultra-thin watch collection was initially launched in 1998, it is the first time in Piaget’s history that the brand has created its ultra-thin masterpiece with a gold bracelet.The latest version for men and women comes in pink and white gold with two dial sizes (34mm and 38mm), with a bezel that is either polished or set with diamonds. Singapore jazz talent Dawn Ho mesmerized Piaget collectors and connoisseurs with her soulful vocals, while they viewed and tried on the new ultra-thin timepieces. It was an elegant evening of enjoyment and admiration for Piaget’s rich history of watchmaking.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents The Grande Reverso Night & Day Singapore Special Edition
On June 23rd, 2015, Jaeger-LeCoultre Singapore launched the Grande Reverso Night & Day Singapore Edition at an event held at its flagship store at ION Orchard. VIP clients and watch collectors were invited to preview the boutique edition, limited to 50 pieces. Alexis de Laporte, managing director of SEA and Australia, hosted the clients and unveiled the piece. The showcased timepiece was specially created to swivel like the Reverso, and features a watch case that comes in steel. When flipped over, the most visually compelling feature of the iconic Reverso case reveals the map of Singapore, inside of which is the red-and-white-colored Singapore flag, filled
by lacquer. Seen below, the dates 1965-2015 represent the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence. The Grande Reverso Night & Day is powered by the in-house mechanical automatic winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 967/B, which is hand-decorated and has a 42-hour power reserve. Considered a national treasure in Singapore, singer and actress Kit Chan was chosen as the brand’s ambassador.
