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...