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