Time creeps during the 2WW

For those who have been following my posts, I'll like to apologize for not writing much over the last 2 months. October and November has been very trying for my wife and I, both physically and emotionally, as we prepare ourselves for the next phase of married life; having a kid, hopefully. I say hopeful because considering our medical conditions and age, we decided to seek medical assistance, a.k.a IVF. If you research into the literature of it, you'll probably discover that the chances of a successful procedure is not high statistically, and the probability drops lower if live birth is considered as success rate. For us, regardless of what statistics show, we just want to give it our best shot and have no regrets, no matter what the final outcome will be.

IVF is a procedure that demands absolutely everything from the woman. For a start, it requires her to stop any unhealthy dietary lifestyle; drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited. She is to be in a relaxed and calm state of mind for best treatment results. I mean, it maybe an excuse, but people do drink and smoke to manage the stress of work and life. Asking a smoker and/or drinker to quit smoking and/or drinking, and be relax and calm itself is contradicting, I think. And if this alone seems impossible enough, there are an array of hormonal drugs, waiting to be injected into her body at precise timing, several times a day!

After a series of tests and examination done on both my wife and I, our doctor gave us the go ahead to the process proper. Since early November, my wife was to administer a shot of 'growth' hormone into herself, every alternate day for a month; this is to 'prepare' her body for the actual IVF process. We were taught by the nurses, how to put the liquid into disposable syringes, and the proper way of injection. These drugs are expensive, it helps when we're taught the skill to extract every bit of it from the bottle without wastage, while a proper way of injecting the drug will minimize the pain and fear of the recipient.

For 3 weeks into the 'growth hormone' administration, I was around to help my wife with the injections. It wasn't easy for me to poke a loved one initially; especially with her look of anticipation, and the guilt I had whenever she exclaimed "ouch!". But as we both get more familiarized and accustomed to it, it becomes almost like a ritual; starting with finding a 'spot' that's not been poked before, and to avoid any veins. As I'll be out-of-town for business during the 4th week, we decided that she should at least try once injecting herself with me around. She stared at the needle for a good 15 minutes, could not bring herself to finish the routine; overcoming the psychology part of having to "hurt" oneself is really tough. And the time comes when I have to be away, in my absence, she managed to complete the entire routine herself for the very 1st time within a minute! I was so proud of her when she told me that over the phone.

2 weeks before the oocyte retrieval, the frequency of 'growth hormone' injections were up'ed to once everyday. Additionally, she is also to inject another hormone to mature eggs in her ovaries. This 2 shots a day routine continued for 10 days, before a 3 shots routine starts 4 days before oocyte retrieval. The 3rd shot is another hormone that prevents her body from ovulating the matured eggs; keeping them within her ovaries for artificial retrieval later. At precisely 35 hours before the retrieval procedure, she is to take a large dose of (another) hormone, to 'release' the eggs right at the time of the procedure. Due to the dosage amount and time sensitivity of this 'last' injection, we were advised to have it done by the nurse at the hospital, which we did.

Exactly 35 hours later, my wife was pushed into the operating theater for the oocyte retrieval procedure done under GA. The doctor skillfully retrieved 9 eggs from my wife which was a pleasant surprised to us, as we were told we'll be lucky if we can get 4 during 1 of the examination over the 2 weeks process. However, how many of these 9 can potentially be a baby depends on how well they grow after fertilization. Day-0, the embryologist found 7 that were good enough for fertilization. Day-1, all 7 seems to be moving well to 2/4 cells stages! Day-2, 2 of the 7 seems to be arrested at 2 cells stage, while the rest progressed to 4/8 cells stages. Day-3, 2 of the remaining 5 we 'slower' at 8 cells where the other 3 moved on to 10/12 cells stages.

Day-5, the day when we'll know how many embryos are mature and good enough to be put into the uterus; the embryologist declared only 2 were good, and non of them were good enough for freezing. The only logical option then was to put the 2 in as suggested. The entire procedure went smoothly; the doctor and nurses briefed us on the dos and don'ts over the 2WW (2 weeks wait), and wished us luck as my wife discharged from the hospital.

If you wonder if this is the end to the whole procedure, every couple who have been through it will concur that it is just the beginning of a dreadful 2 weeks LONG wait; making very sure that we do the dos and avoid the don'ts, trying to eat and live healthy. The occasional 'forgetful' misses on the dos and don'ts, or symptoms that might suggest pregnancy or early miscarriage, will send our emotion to either end of the spectrum. Going through this emotional roller coaster ride for 2 weeks without any help and information of what's going on in her body makes suffering from those injections pales way in comparison.

We're supposed to know the result today, though we're prepared for the worse, we do hope for the best. But regardless of the outcome, I want to dedicate this post to the bravest woman I've ever known, my wife Wendy Yeo; for going through these period of time so courageously. I love you Bebe! <3 

My sisters do love me

I am the youngest child in my family. Not only am I the youngest child, I am the only male descendent that carries the family name in my entire extended family. For readers who are not aware of the Chinese tradition, let me just say that to be the youngest male in the family itself is already a big thing. Amplify that effect 10 times will be how it is to be the only male descendent in the family; extremely privileged and doted on, especially by my grand parents.

Without me even demanding or simply asking, I'll be given the things, toys and food my cousins can only wish to have. The act of munching on special treats alone will invite stares of jealousy, envy and anger from any and everyone in the family, adults and children alike. Maybe because of these special treatments I got from my grand parents, nobody likes me, not even my sisters. I don't consider myself a spoilt brat honestly, I don't demand a lot and never put on a bad behavior if I don't get what I wanted. I was taught young to work for the things I want; spending less than what I'm given for food to get the toy I was eyeing on, and later, saving on bus fares to school by walking 10km daily for months to buy the Nike shoes my schoolmates were already wearing.

I do admit that I was a naughty boy, playing pranks on my sisters, always. My sisters, especially my 2nd sis, didn't like me when I was young (I think). Being the strongest academically, my 2nd sis was always asked by my parents to teach me school work, but she profoundly refused. We seldom talked, we lived in our own world for most of my childhood, literally.

Things changed only when I was enlisted into the Army. Perhaps it was my absence from home, or perhaps, I've really grown up to be a better person since; Her attitude towards me changed. She would listen attentively whenever I shared my enthusiasm, my frustrations and my experiences in camp. Communication progressed to another level when I was reading Engineering in the University; exchanging ideas and concepts of technical and analytical topics in depth, it was the first time I experienced her regarding me as equal!

It might be perceived that she was nonchalant to my existence when I was young, but things happened has proven me wrong. She actually noticed all along that I am a big fan of watches, especially G-shocks and those classic vintage styled watches with analogue display. She bought me an antique looking Swatch that looks exactly like what I am fond of, and a rare titanium 'Mr.G' during one of her exchange program trip to Japan. Even though they are no longer in working condition, I still keep them fondly to date.

Swatch Croccante

1994 Fall Winter Collection

1996 G-Shock MGR-1B-1
in Titanium case
with titanium nitride coated 'gold' pushers and buckle

She has been paying attention to her brother all along, knowing my likes and dislikes exactly. Perhaps, it was her deliberate act of refuse to feed my desires, over and on top of the attention I've already been receiving. Or perhaps, just like many Asians, she just doesn't know how to express her love for her siblings. Right here right now, I just want to say, "Thank you for your love sister(s), I know you'all do, and I love you'all too!"

A tribute to Michael Schumacher

On 28th September 2008, Singapore held her 1st Formula 1 Grand Prix. Conceptualized since early 2007, it was the first ever Formula 1 race at night. After much track and lighting design considerations, the circuit was approved in May. Construction of the 5.065km race track with 23 turns began in August that year at Marina Bay Street, in the Marina Bay area.

Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore

Just two Sundays ago, on 20th September 2015,  Singapore held the 8th Formula 1 night race. However, the most memorable one to me must be the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, where Michael Schumacher raced with Mercedes before his 2nd retirement in the same year.

Michael Schumacher during his qualifying lap
2012 Singapore Grand Prix

Began with go-karting, the young Schumacher won German drivers championships in Formula Konig and Formula 3 before joining Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship. He was signed as a driver for the Benetton F1 team in 1991, and very quickly established himself as a top driver; finishing 3rd in 1992 and 4th in 1993. He became the first German to win the F1 World Drivers' Champion in 1994 by 1-point over Damon Hill. He repeated the feat in 1995 with a greater margin! Schumacher moved to Ferrari in 1996, where he came close to winning the 1997 and 1998 titles, before breaking his leg in an accident at the British Grand Prix in 1999. Schumacher's best runs were from 2000 to 2004, where he won another five consecutive driver's titles. He almost clinched an eighth title in 2006, but fell short to Fernando Alonso, due to technical problems in the final two races. He retired from Formula 1 driving after the 2006 season, but continued to stay with Ferrari as an advisor. Schumacher agreed to return for Ferrari mid-way through the 2009 season, as a cover for the badly injured Felipe Massa, but was hindered by a neck injury. Schumacher returned to Formula 1 on a permanent basis from 2010 with the Mercedes team, paying homage to where he started early in his career, before retiring for a second time at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

What impresses me most is not Schumacher's lustrous career of winning a record 7 driver's championship in F1, but his smooth and elegant driving style. It is also because of his finesse that he excels in the wet; slicing technical corners over drenched circuits like a hot knife through butter.

See how young Michael Schumacher control his go-kart
at 0:25min of this video

There are many great drivers, but what Schumacher has achieved in and out of F1 circuits is truly phenomenal. Extremely humble by nature, he revealed during an interview with Top Gear host, Jeremy Clarkson, that his regular cars are Fiat 500 and Fiat Croma (his family car). He is also active in numerous humanitarian efforts throughout his life; donated tens of millions of dollars to charity, surpassing any other sports person, most sports leagues, many worldwide corporations and even some countries.

To commemorate this remarkable gentleman and his achievements, Audemars Piguet and Omega came out with Michael Schumacher editions of their renowned Royal Oak Offshore and Speedmaster models respectively. Though there are many versions of them, but all Schumi editions have two things in common; chronograph movement and checkered-flag / grid inspired dial designs.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Michael Schumacher limited edition chronograph in titanium

Omega Speedmaster Racing

Michael Schumacher World Champion 2000 edition

On 29 December 2013, when Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year old son Mick in the French Alps, a tragic accident happened. While crossing an unsecured area between Piste Chamois and Piste Mauduit, he fell and hit his head on a rock, sustaining head injury despite wearing a ski helmet. Schumacher was put into a medically induced coma for the traumatic brain injury. On 4th April 2014, Schumacher's agent reported that he was showing "moments of consciousness" as he was gradually withdrawn from the medically induced coma. In mid-June, he was moved from intensive care into rehabilitation ward, and by 6th June the same year, Schumacher had regained consciousness and left for further rehabilitation. On 9th September 2014, he was brought back to his home. In a video interview released in May 2015, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said that his condition is slowly improving " considering the severeness of the injury".

Due to family privacy that Schumacher's wife tirelessly maintained, as he faces a long road to recovery, mystery still surrounds the condition of the racing legend till today. I can only wish and hope that Schumi will emerge triumphant over his current circumstance one day, like how he always do on the race track.

Apple watch anyone?

I am a big fan of Apple products; iMac, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Macbook, I have and love them all. Naturally as you may think, being a watch lover, I would jump at the 1st opportunity to own an Apple watch. No I didn't, and a 'column' by John Mayer that I read over the weekend resonants perfectly with me...

Robb Report (Singapore Issue 33, August 2015, Page 94)

There are many reviews and articles written on the Apple watch long before it was officially launched. From design, materials, functions and innovation perspectives, there are more media coverage than all of haute horlogerie products combined in recent years. So, is it really a watch? Which is how many of the reviews started off with. If the definition of a watch is to tell time, hell yeah, and it does so much more!

When connected to your iPhone, it can show text messages, allow you to pick up a call, monitor your daily physical activities, listen to your favorite music, etc. You can even have a chat with Siri whenever you're feeling bored! It is no surprise that the Apple watch is seen on so many wrists soon after its launch, but it didn't stay there for long. I've seen people, lots of them whom I know personally or don't, ditch it after a few weeks. Why?

Let me begin my analysis from the definition of a watch. While it's primary function is to tell time, it's never something that is acquired solely for that purpose. Since its invention in the 16th century, popularized as pocket watches in the 17th century, it is regarded as a social status to own one. For a good 400 years of evolution, invention in design and materials to mechanical movement, particularly the balance wheel/spring and escapement, brings accuracy to where it is today; deviation of seconds a day. Through the industrial revolution and quartz crisis, a (mechanical) watch has become more an 'art' than a piece of equipment that tells time. Owning a mechanical time piece connects the wearer to a rich history of human evolution and artifact perfection. This I believe, is the 'emotional' lure of a fine mechanical watch that many of us pursue, till today.

From a usage perspective, advancement has made watch cases impermeable by the harshest of environments. Deep waters, dust and magnetic fields are no longer reliability concerns of a watch, while synthetic rubies, advanced materials and lubricants alleviate issues on longevity. In fact, with proper care and maintenance routine every 3 to 5 years, most mechanical watches can survive for generations.

As far as 'power reserve' is concerned, it is almost de facto to have a minimum of 40-hrs in current context; which means, wearer could let a self winding watch rest for more than 1.5 days without it stopping, or would require to make a few turns on the crown every 1.5 days to keep the manual winder working. That said, power reserve in excess of 3 to 7 days is not uncommon; and in the case of self winding watches, it should tick forever as long as it is worn on the wrist, at least theoretically.

Smart watches, even if we consider the 1st quartz watch to be one, made its debut in 1972. The lack of historic literature and significance in comparison, would definitely not evoke the same emotion a fine mechanical watch do. I hate to say this, but the fact that electronic watches meant for the masses, didn't set out to convey any social standing to began with. They just serve as trustworthy, minimum fuss time keeping equipments, that are accessible to all.

The latest incarnation of electronic watch, though bring connectivity and functionality to the level of your smart phone, is actually in reverse evolution in many aspects; A sports watch that is not waterproof? A battery life that can barely last your flight from Singapore to Cupertino, requires a charger and 2.5hrs to charge?! Would I ever buy an Apple watch? Maybe if it's called a wrist phone; associating everything of it to the smart phone usage model that we're so used-to right from the start, but not when it is meant to replace a watch. It can't, and it might never will.

What am I made of

Our experience today, shape the choices we make tomorrow... And the things (and people) we associate ourselves with tomorrow, depends on the choices we make today...

How many of us are in a profession that follows someone whom we respected in our early years? How many of us pursue things that are 'approved' or 'owned' by someone whom we esteemed? And then, how many of us actually feel some form of connection to those who own something or is in a trade similar to ourselves?

In this world where individuals want to be differentiated with character and style that is uniquely ours, may not like to admit that we're constantly being influenced. I'm no exception; I do have my fair share of struggles to that point, but as I dig deeper into my past, especially when I look back upon my life as I write this blog, I have to admit that things and people whom crossed my life influenced the person I am today, to a very large extend.

It is when we are pushed to our mental, physical and emotional limits that we reveal our truest self; I witnessed the ugliest side of human nature during my 2.5 years of national service in the Army. Selfishness that cares only for one's well being, even if it is at the expense of risking another person's life. Paradoxically, it is also through harsh circumstances that bring the best out of mankind; selflessness that resembles what parents will do for their child. 1 such person that I've encountered is my platoon commander during my BMT (Basic Military Training), LTA Samad.

LTA Samad is kind, but never a pushover, he trained us hard, very hard. He often conducts extra lessons and seemingly unreasonable expectations that we'll curse in the process, but he never left us feeling alone. Whatever he asked from us, he'll do it with us, and twice as much; he'll complete a 100 push-ups, if he made us do 50. If he made us run in skeleton battle order, he'll run in full (battle order). He assumed the position of an elder, wiser brother, lending a pair of listening ears and dishing out advise whenever we run into issues, be it personal or with training. He epitomizes the officer's creed of leading by example and caring for 'soldiers', which still inspires me as the way to treat people today.

LTA Samad at one of the evening 'talks' with the our platoon

During one of the evening 'talks' that he often conducts with the whole platoon after our dinner, I noticed his watch in detail for the first time. In his Army-T and worn-out camouflage slacks, seated with folded arms and revealing the wrist watch he was wearing, a vintage looking military styled Heuer.

Classic Heuer Carrera worn by LTA Samad

That encounter sparked my first interest into serious timepieces, and began my journey into mechanical watch making. Heuer, founded in 1860 was bought over by Techniques d'Advant Garde in 1985, was named TAG Heuer to present. Though it has never been regarded as haute horology even with its illustrious history in fine watch making; introduced the 1st wrist chronograph in 1914, and many subsequent inventions especially in more recent years, a 'Heuer' will always remind me of the "war hero" I look up to.

Not sure if it is a Chinese culture or a family tradition, my parents would give my sisters and I something 'substantial' for our 21st birthday, as a mark of adulthood. My choice would naturally be a TAG Heuer.

My first "luxury" watch;
Discontinued TAG Heuer 1500-series

It has been more than 20 years since; besides the scruffs and scratches accumulated from wearing, I've kept it in excellent working condition. Even though it may seem too small (36mm) in present context and looks too tiny on my 'fatter' wrist now, I'm determined to keep it running "forever"; as a reminder of love and lessons from those who has made a significant impact to my life.

Of course, life experiences varies from people to people, and the permutation of these experiences yield infinite combination, which still result in an unique self of ours. Instead of focusing on our differences, why not begin with understanding each other and foster better relationships by asking, 'what are you made of?' today.

Jean Claude Biver & Hublot

Just 2 weeks ago, we celebrated 50 years of nation building, we celebrated Singapore's Golden Jubilee. Even though there are many other watch makers (e.g. Longines, Mont Blanc, Jaeger LeCoultre, Ball, etc.) whom made special editions for SG50, I chose to showcase Hublot's effort to commemorate this significant milestone of the country that I'm so proud of, solely because of 1 man, Jean Claude Biver.

Some of you who are more acquainted with his name might argue that he is just another marketing genius. I do not disagree with that and indeed, he turned around companies like Blancpain and now Hublot, in a marketing fashion seemingly; bragging about fusion of all things from design to materials, from art to technology, which is "nothing" more than combining rubber with precious metal, and skeleton watch designs with contemporary manufacturing techniques in Hublot's offerings. Well almost, but I see beyond that. I see in him, passion and drive for the watch industry, and more importantly, love for his people that resulted in innovation and entrepreneurship that is shown through their products. Unlike many companies putting out marketing spin to force fit their product into the image that they'll like to be perceived, Hublot under the leadership of Jean Claude Biver conveys those messages through their products.

Mr. Biver talks above Love, Passion and Watchmaking

'No Innovation, No Future'
Mr. Biver as Guest Lecturer at The Singapore Polytechnic

'No Innovation, No Future' is his favorite tagline in a lot of his talks and motivational speeches. Again, some may argue on the point, innovation or the lack of it in Hublot. But who says innovation has to be revolutionary? Innovation is strictly about doing something that nobody has tried, or thinking of something obvious yet no one has thought of. The courage in challenging the unconventional and the belief in that idea, is entrepreneurship. Mr. Biver has both.

How many of us, so called watch lovers, know that Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Offshore copied Hublot's original idea of cladding watches with rubber strap and not the other way round? How many of us thinks that AP ROO's chronograph 3126/3840 movement is superior to the UNICO? The sad truth is, many of us do. Just because of AP's longer history in watch making, and the price they command, many have the perception that they must be superior. I beg to differ...

Audemars Piguet 3126/3840 movement

Hublot manufacture UNICO movement

Cam vs. column wheel chronograph mechanism, 50 vs. 72hrs of power reserve, traditional jeweled vs. full silicon pallet fork and wheel, and the oh-so-beautiful skeleton date wheel on the UNICO! Both uses modular construction, where a based movement is coupled to the chronograph module, instead of an integrated design. Modular chronograph may not appeal to purist, but the ease of servicing it brings is undeniable, which we know can be very expensive for chronographs designed as integrated. As for movement decoration, AP chooses the more traditional way of Cotes de Geneva and Perlage, which requires high artisan skill and time to produce. Whereas Hublot uses the "easier" sand blast method to complete it's avant garde principle. In fact, besides their 'Port Hole' inspired bezel design, there isn't many similarity between the 2 range of watches that many choose to associate them closely with.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

44mm in stainless steel and ceramic

Hublot Big Bang Unico Chronograh

45mm in titanium and ceramic

So which one will I pick if I have to choose just 1 to own? It's really a tough call given both have merits in their own rights. At gun point, despite the luring 22k gold rotor waving warm welcome from the AP ROO, I believe I'll go for the Unico BIg Bang. Perhaps, just because Jean Claude Biver is at the helm of Hublot.

Singapore - Golden Jubilee

I've learned from history in school that the Island of Temasek was founded by Sang Nila Utama in the 14th century during one of his hunting trips. He landed at the mouth of where Singapore River is in the present day, and went inland to hunt for animals. At one point, he saw a strange looking animal of orange body with a huge mane that moved quickly, disappearing into the jungle. He asked his chief minister what that animal was, and was told that it was a lion. Pleased with what he saw, believing that it's a good omen, decided to build his new city. He and his men stayed, and named the island, Singapura (Singa means 'lion' in Malay, and pura means 'town').

Fast forward to modern Singapore, the most significant event post-colonial and post-world wars era, is her independence 50 years ago today, on 9th August 1965. Led by the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, through a series of efforts in merger, (racial) tension resolution, and eventual separation from the Malaya Federation; The Republic of Singapore became a sovereign and independent nation.

Singapore separation from Malaysia

After gaining independence abruptly, Singapore faced a future full of uncertainties; the issues on sovereignty, pressing problems on unemployment, housing, hygiene, health care, national security and education are all but taxing on the lack of natural resources and land. But through the unity and transcendence of every race, every religion, every language and culture of all Singaporeans led by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his early cabinet ministers, that we raise this tiny red dot from 3rd world to 1st world country in a mere 50 years. These achievements are by no means a result of chance, but the drive and passion on our beliefs of what we can as one people, one nation, one Singapore.

Time nor Tide: Remembering Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (Part 1)

Building A Nation

Time nor Tide: Remembering Mr. Lee Kuan Yew (Part 2)

Putting Singapore On The Map

Founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, Hublot started of as a watch brand with a concept of 'fusion' in mind; created the first rubber strapped watch of precious metals. Despite spending 3 years in research to perfect the strap, Hublot did not really take the world by storm in the hands of Carlo. It was not until Jean Claude Biver took charge from late 2003 that Hublot sees a wave of success, particularly with his inception and launch of the 'Big Bang' series. Being in the position of retirement, Jean Claude did not have to make a comeback into the horology world if not of his passion and belief in the swiss watch making industry.

I am not trying to draw parallel between nation building and watch making, but I see a striking similarity of what is achievable from a driven passion; a belief of what can be, when everyone (in a country, or a company) is inspired to pursue a common course in unison. Being a Singaporean, I am happy and proud to learn that Hublot (a company of similar core values at heart), launched a very limited production of its flagship models to commemorate this significant milestone of my country. Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!!

Hublot 'Red Dot' Bang

50pcs in Hublonium, and 10pcs in Yellow Gold

Enduring Crush (Part II)

Time was not on my side, I had only 1 day to do what I needed to; to get the school to accept me as a repeat student, and apply for deferment from National Service at Central Manpower Base (CMPB) with the official acceptance document.

27th March 1993, it was a Saturday morning that I went back to Jurong Junior College to appeal for a chance to be taken in, a second time. The apprehension was overwhelming when I was asked to wait outside the vice-principal office that morning. Thoughts of how to convince my VP occupied my mind completely. And as the seconds jumped on my Citizen D120, my heart pounds harder. Because, even if I succeeded in getting the official documents from the school, I needed to rush to CMPB by noon before it closed. I only had 1 shot, 1 opportunity, to seize something that would be life changing.

The door opened, and I was asked to meet my vice-principal. I can still remember her stern look vividly, scrutinizing my pass academic records as she speak, "So you want me to take you back?" "Yes madam!" I replied spontaneously and continued, "I know I didn't fair well before, because I did not put in my fair share of..." Before I could finished my sentence, she interrupted, "But look at how badly you've done, how do you want me to believe that you'll not repeat history again? And you know what? If I do take you back, chances are you'll bring the ranking of my school down!!" My ego was pushed to rock bottom with those words from her, but I know ego is what I have to throw out of the window that day. After all, I don't deserve to be respected for what I've done, or rather, what I've not done for the school. More pleas from me followed, but were all responded with firm, no(s). At one point, I was prepared to go down on my knees to beg for a chance, and as I bend my knees at the verge of tears, she said, "I can see your sincerity today, but can you promise that you'll not let me down tomorrow if I say yes?" I replied with total conviction, "Definitely definitely! I will not let you and the school down ever again! Thank you madam thank you madam!"

It wasn't a relieve nor excitement when I held those documents dearly in my hand, because my passport to a second chance in life had to get to CMPB before noon to have my application completed. Failure of which will render all my previous efforts, useless. My watch says 11am, exactly an hour before the timeline. I spared no effort to get myself to CMPB as soon as I can, running whenever I wasn't on motorized transportation and, I made it.

Life wasn't smooth sailing from then on, I have to learn the new and re-learn the wrongs, but I was determined. And through it all, my BMT buddy's trust and encouragement has always been my tower of strength when the going gets tough. I earned a place at the National University on my 2nd take at the 'A' levels, and was posted to the Officer Cadet School after my 2nd enlistment to BMT.

People came people went, things stayed things changed. What accompanied me through the multiple school examinations, tormenting military trainings and tests was my Citizen Pro-master Windsurf D120 watch; never missing a beep of reminder nor a tick of time.

Rare photo taken during OCS training
(I am 2nd from left, with the shiny bezel on my wrist)

Overseas training in ROC

Commissioning Parade

Perhaps, just like any relationships, there is never right or wrong; some marriages last a life time from loving at first sight, while others divorce soon after marriage even when they've spent a lifetime knowing each other. Started of as a crush, I am grateful and indebted to my D120 for its faithfulness through some of the toughest days in my life, which I still keep (the watch and those memories) as remembrance till today...

Retired, but always remembered

Oozing passion... By love, for love, of watches

Thanks to industrialization, we can now enjoy quality goods at a fraction of the cost otherwise made the traditional way. The ever improving speed, efficiency and tolerance in manufacturing enable precision materials to be produced at large scale, maximizing the economies of scale in production, and benefiting end customers in cost and availability. The flip side of it is, everything looks like everything else, and everyone has what everyone else have. There is no problem to this in true honesty, and I think what it means is that the quality of life has improved in general through the industrial revolution.

However, I guess it is in human nature, there is a snob in all of us. As we climb the Maslow hierarchy of needs; as our physiological, security and loving needs are met, we long to be esteemed. I'm not saying that everyone is a show-off, but rather, everyone of us like the feeling of being appreciated, respected and honored for what we've done and contributed in our own unique way. Be it pampering ourselves for our achievements, or as a display of social status arrived, many at this level of needs choose material possessions that represent their uniqueness and personality, or so they thought.

It is precisely because marketing geniuses around the world recognize this human mentality, that's why the tsunami of limited editions of all things expensive, particularly watches. It is almost a social norm in many cultures to judge a person's success with what they wear on their wrist; what better way of demonstrating that than a luxury limited edition that conveys taste and high society standing? Except that these limited edition comes in hundreds, and in some cases, by the thousands. I have to admit, I am a sucker for these things of subtle variation with those words and numbering on their cases. The "saving grace" if I may, is my limited resources to these unlimited wants.

As I dig deeper into the quest for that ultimate grail watch, if I ever have the means to own one, I begin to see past the temptation of limited editions from big brand names. Independent watch making, where the watch is conceptualized, design, manufactured, assembled and tested by one person; Hand making each and every component from the most basic of materials, is watch making in its truest and finest form.

Phillipe Dufour's Grande et Petite Sonnerie

Every gear tooth, every chamfer, bevel and decoration was
hand crafted and polished to perfection with basic (traditional) tools
by Phillipe Dufour

Famed by his creation of the best sounding skeletonized Repetition Minutes Grande et Petite Sonnerie, Phillipe Dufour is one of the few grandmasters in world of horology. His creativity, skills, patience and passion in watch making is unparalleled. Taking anywhere from months to over a year to final completion, his creation can only be achieve by immense love for what his is doing; bringing metals to life with the first heartbeat of its balance wheel.

Masters of Time: Independent Watch Makers
featuring 'Phillipe Dufour' and 'Antoine Preziuso'
showcased their fine art of master watch making

Even when the hand polished to perfection cases does not bare the words and numbering of limited edition, each design is definitely limited to a few, if not one unique piece. Tote by a inconspicuous name on the dial, which only few would recognize, a masterpiece made by one of these grandmasters in the watch making fraternity is definitely the epitome of class and fine personal taste in my opinion. It is my hope that you'll take notice of some of these gems the next time you're considering an addition to your collection. Not only will you be acquiring a bragging right, but a heirloom that carries and hopefully, help preserves and extend the history and art of fine watch making for generations to come...

Enduring Crush (Part I)

It was love at first sight for the Citizen Pro-master Windsurf D120. Though another digital sports watch, it doesn't hint the toughness of G-Shock at all; it wasn't clad in shock dampening resin, neither did it claimed a higher water resistance. 2 major differences I can spot were the bi-directional rotatable bezel that allow windsurfing race course angle alignment, and a wind velocity conversion rule, which were of no use to me. Guess that's the miracle and fallacy of love sometimes.

360 degrees bi-directional rotatable bezel

Velocity conversion: meter per sec./wind knots

It may be a fallacy of how it was chosen, but how it survived along with me through the next 5 years is truly a miracle.

January 1993, I was enlisted for National Service. In Singapore, every male citizen who has completed high school (Junior College/ Polytechnic in Singapore's context) or reaches the age of 18, will need to serve 2.5 years (2 years now) in the military. Training begins with 3 to 5 months of basic military training (BMT) depending on the fitness of individual. After which, enlistees will be posted to various vocation/specialization within the military for further training to be a full fledged soldier, and be deployed to fulfill the remaining duration of service.

I wasn't gifted physically, and I went into National Service with a chronic cough. I had to push myself real hard just to keep up with the training. As one of the weaker trainee, I was given lots of extra sessions, which didn't help the recovery of my irritable lungs. My cough turned from bad to worse till I witnessed traces of blood in my phlegm during my morning wash-up one day. I braved the sickness and continued with training; field camps (where we were taught to dig trenches for defense and lived in basha tents), 16 & 32km road marches, live firing ranges, SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) and battle inoculation courses, I've completed them all.

BMT Field Camp

Battle Inoculation Course

2.5 months into BMT, just when we're ready to take a slew of final tests to certify our competence as a soldier, I fell flat onto the tarmac during one of the passing-out-parade practice; literally, passed out. When I gained consciousness, I recall having my gears taken off me with surrounding medics. One of them declared my blood pressure was 70/50 with high fever, and I was taken to the medical center immediately. It was a Friday, and we were supposed to 'book-out' that evening to spend the weekend out of camp. The medical officer whom I consulted wasn't convinced that my illness was genuine and chronic, insisted that I should stay in the medical center till my fever subsides. He prescribed paracetamol along with some common cough syrup and sent me to an available bed.

Every hour, the medic on duty will take my temperature. It was a straight line 39 degrees Celsius ever since I was admitted, and there were no signs of improvement with rest and medication. As if things couldn't get worse, I was asked to perform toilet cleaning duties using antiseptic detergent. The fumes given out by the detergent's reaction with water choked me so badly; if not of me squatting down when I sensed that I was 'greying out', I would have lost my consciousness, again. I knew I had to find a way to get myself out for a proper treatment.

I timed the medic's visits, rinsed my mouth with cold water prior, in the hope to "lower" my temperature. It was a fine balance; too cold will give away my trick and risk punishment, and otherwise, will not get me what I wanted. I choose to err on the safe side. 1st try, 38.7 degrees C. 2nd try, 38.0. 3rd try, 37.6; all accomplished using my D120 to time the duration of cold water in my mouth, and the lapse time from that to each medic's visit. 5th try, 36.9! I nailed it! 3 subsequent measurements of 37, I was given the green light to discharge by the medical officer.

Just when I thought I'm on my way home that Saturday morning, I'm presented yet another challenge. It is mandatory to book out of camp in 'smart 4' (a full camouflage uniform with folded sleeves), but I was in 'PT kit' (T-shirt and shorts) during my stay in the medical center, I wasn't allowed to leave the camp. Bunks were locked and completely vacated.

I ran around looking for the officer on duty, hoping that he keeps the keys to our bunk, only to discover that he is only responsible for the general offices and common areas. Those keys to the bunk were under the safe keeping of our company's officers, whom by then, have all left the camp. I resorted to finding among those who are staying back on guard duties, someone who is of similar size as me, and beg for his spare uniform. One of them was kind enough to lend me his after hearing my story. He even gave me some coins in case I have to call my family when I'm out of camp. Yes, I did not have a single cent with me, and mobile phones (also known as 大哥大) back then were reserved for the privileged few. Public coin phones were still the main mode of "mobile" communication. I couldn't recall the name of this kind gentleman, but his grateful deeds will always be remembered.

Pulau Tekong, 2BTS (2nd Basic Training School) was where I did my BMT. It is an island North-East of Singapore, reserved primarily for military training. I was in Camp 1, approximately 3km from the only jetty anyone can be ferried back to mainland Singapore. Under the scorching sun, my fever must have peaked. I marched in quick steps and a heavy heart.

I can still recall so vividly, the scene of the island disappearing smaller and smaller as I was being ferried away from it on a bumboat. Uncontrollable tears dwelled in my eyes, a tinge of self pity from my struggles out of malignant.

Bumboat from Pulau Tekong to Changi Jetty

I told my dad what happened briefly over the phone, he appeared in person soon after, and rushed me straight to the hospital where I was diagnosed with pneumonia after a chest x-ray. I was admitted immediately, and spent the next 5 days in the ward, under antibiotic drips and phlegm extraction procedures.

When I got back to camp, I did the SOP (Standard Ops Procedure) to have my medical certificate endorsed. Seeing the medical officer (MO) again, he gave me that smirk look of disbelief followed by a slew of criticism. That was the Singapore Armed Forces then, and I do not resent the MO; because of their experience with many enlistees finding ways and means to get themselves medically excused from training and ultimately, excused from the Army altogether, that's why their behavior...

The physical state I was in after recovering from pneumonia.
On my wrist was the Citizen Pro-master D120,
which I used to time my 'escape' from the medical center.

And then, it was the time when 'A' level results will be released. Coming from neighborhood schools, I wasn't gifted academically as well. Yet strangely, I was posted to be with the scholar platoon in BMT! On the actual day of result release, my entire platoon was given the permission to return to our respective Junior Collages to collect our results. Upon return, I witnessed the full spectrum of emotions on my comrade's faces; joyful, relieved, nonchalant, sad, depressed. Having failed mine terribly, I was hoping to seek comfort by approaching the depressed. I asked 1 of them, "Why are you so sad? How did you fair?" He replied, "3 As and a B, no distinction for both special papers. I'm not going to make it to medicine faculty I've been working so hard for..." 

If 3 As and a B is something to weep for, I was really curious to find out what 'happiness' is; I approached one of the joyful ones, and he answered, "2 As and 2 Bs! Happy because it is good enough for medicine faculty." "Wait a minute." I asked, "Our friend over there who scored 3 As and a B believe he is not good enough to read medicine, yet you are sure you'll be accepted?" He explained, "Oh, I'm privileged to have my parents and grandparents as medical doctors themselves. With the affiliation, I'm pretty sure I'll be accepted."

Life is not fair, but at least for myself, I know it is fair for the amount of effort (or rather the lack of it) I've put into my course work; I deserve failing. At that point in time, it suddenly hit me that I've wasted 2 years in Junior College without earning myself the certification; I set myself 2 years back as an overaged 'O' level graduate. There isn't many options opened to me, and my parents can't afford to send me to oversea colleges. The feeling of lost and fear was overwhelming. As I stared into the blank, tears started rolling down the corner of my eyes. My buddy, Kong Mun Wai noticed my expression and asked, "Are you ok? How's your results?" I whispered, "2 Ds and a E, I couldn't even get a full 'A' level certificate..." After some comforting words, he encouraged me to disrupt from National Service and go back to school, give myself a second chance and retake the examinations. As we studied the same subjects, he even offered to tutor me over the weekends whenever he is out of camp! Weekends are the most precious thing to a National Service man, they are priceless to the point that it's often used as a threat by trainers to put us on our toes, yet my buddy is willing to sacrifice his for me!

My BMT buddy, Kong Mun Wai (left).
Even though we've lost contact, and I
couldn't find him on any social media,
his name, kindness and encouragement
will always be remembered.

His gesture marks the 1st turning point of my life; the concept of selflessness and responsibility. I vouched, I'll never waste any (second) chance if I'm given one, because what I receive will always be at the expense of someone else's opportunity; a privilege that should never be sacrificed in vane.

Lives move on quickly for the rest of my platoon mates; all of them pass-out from BMT with promising futures ahead. Not able to 'graduate' from Junior College and BMT, as I could not complete the military tests while I was hospitalized, I was the only one left behind. Sad it might be, but it is also one of the most memorable time of my life; the experience of true friendship and brotherhood, Mun Wai taught me precious lessons and philosophy which I carry with me till today. Life is never about us and our achievements, it is what we can do to better someone else's life that brings true meaning to living...

Bowed to the Emperor, Tuna

3 months ago over lunch, a colleague and a good friend of mine mentioned out of the blue, "How do you find the Seiko Emperor Tuna?" Knowing I'm a watch enthusiast, he was half expecting me to give him my opinion of it, immediately. I'm pretty knowledgeable about the Seiko brand; how they thrived during the quartz crisis, invented the Kinetic movement, and in more recent years, the Spring Drive hybrid mechanical movement. 

I can wax lyrics about their ingenious Kinetic Versions 1 and 2; how physical wrist movement is used to generate and store electricity (much like winding spring of a mechanical movement) to power the quartz movement, and how Version 2 stopped the hands motion in power save mode to conserve battery charge for a longer "power reserve". Spring Drive is Seiko's answer to mechanical movements; it has all the components of a traditional mechanical movement except for the escapement. Instead of using pallet wheel and lever to regulate the discharge of spring force to power the balance wheel, Spring Drive uses a electro-magnetic system to regulate the 'speed' of the "balance wheel". The amount of "braking" applied to the balance wheel is regulated by electronics, which ensures greater accuracy without the conventional jittery second hands, compared to those (mechanical) even of high beat rates.

I can go on and on and on about Seiko movements (and some of their watches in the Grand series), but I've not heard of the Emperor Tuna! What the hack is that I thought, and humbly in true honesty, I admitted to him that I know nuts about it. He began to share his soft spot for dive watches, and his collection of the Seiko Orange Monster, but the one he values most is the Vostok 'Putin' that his wife bought him.

Seiko SKX781 'Orange Monster'
Dive Watch

Love, Pride & Joy... The Vostok 'Putin'
(picture taken 18th March 2015, at lunch)

It was very refreshing to hear from a hardcore cyclist talking about his love for watches. 3 months since, I've dug deep into the history of Seiko dive watches. Indeed, they stood the test of time from 1965, with proven reliability and precision endorsed by Japan Antarctic Research Expeditions. The Emperor Tuna is their latest incarnation of the Prospex sea series; double structured titanium case that withstand in excess of 4000m under water (tested) without the need for a helium escape valve!

Seiko Prospex 'Emperor Tuna' SBDX011
Marine Master

For a good 3 months, whenever I discover something worth mentioning about the Emperor Tuna, I'll share with him. The desire of getting one himself builds over the duration till 2 days back; it chanced upon him that it is available in Yodobashi Yokohama! With the strong Singapore dollar and tax free shopping, even with his favorite watch (the gift from his wife) on his wrist, his resistance to temptation is weaken further.

First encounter with the 'Emperor Tuna' in person

Decision decision, 24 hours later, he gave in to fate and bought the watch; a well earned and deserving gift for himself I would say. Incidentally, despite his new toy, he took a picture and sent me what meant to him the most; the watch from his wife. As he took it off, getting ready for bed, the buckle pin broke! Even without him saying explicitly, I can tell the sadness from his tone of whatsapp messages.

Officially a new toy

Same pose, same love, just a different toy

(picture taken 30th Jun 2015)

Still the most beloved

Heart breaks

Heart broken

Material things, no matter how sturdy they are, will leave us one day. What matter most is the memories of it and all the love packed within... Love your new watch, but love your wife more, was what resonates with him as I speak...