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.