Independents Day in Singapore

During our recent trip to Singapore, I had plenty of new places to show Vikki that I had discovered while I was in Singapore last year for a conference. Number one on the list being L’Atelier by The Hourglass in ION Orchard.

Our first few days in Singapore coincided with Lunar New Year celebrations and during this time most shops are closed for the first few days. This meant Vikki and I could have a couple of days of relaxation before hitting the shops in earnest. It also gave me the chance to call fellow watch collector Bernard and arrange to meet him at L'Atelier by the Hourglass when it reopened.

We met Bernard at L’Atelier by The Hourglass and watched the lion dance that was performed for the store. Having only seen the lion dances here in Sydney, it was a bit more exciting to see it performed in an Asian city. We were however a bit worried that the dancers could have gone over the railing with one little mis-step.




After the lion dance we settled down for a chat with Bernard and a look at some independent watch brands. Laurent Ferrier, De Bethune, Urwerk, Romain Gautier, Vianney Halter, MB&F all came out of the displays for a look.

Then Bernard mentioned his recent purchase of a DB 28(long lugs). So that came out from the safe, along with another DB28 (short lugs). The DB28s are quite amazing pieces. The blue/purple colour they managed to get on the titanium case is eye popping and the level of polish applied to the titanium was mind blowing. This watch is light! Even Vikki was impressed (I secretly think she will be buying some titanium wire for her jewellery making).


The dial while being only time with AM/PM indication is decorated with cote de Geneve striping, which gives a nice play of light both on the light dial and the dark dial. The spring loaded lugs mean that no matter what size wrist you have, the watch will always sit comfortably. Slight variations in colour application (bezel, dial, hands) make it a hard choice as to which I prefer.

The strap is very supple and has no padding between the two layers, the upper and lower leather pieces of the strap are the same leather (no normal lining leather here) and it feels really comfortable on. It is also good to know that each watch comes with a spare strap at time of purchase.



The two DB28’s with a DB15 and DBS:


We also had a look at a Romain Gauthier:



Two MB&F’s: HM4 Thunderbolt Double Trouble:



HM3 Frog and Starcruiser: Vikki and I had different opinions about the HM3’s. She preferred the Frog while I preferred the Starcruiser. We had a look at the Starcruiser, but I forgot to take a photo.


Still at the top of my wish list, Laurent Ferrier:




Vikki and I both really liked the decor of L’Atelier By The Hourglass, which features many antique watchmaking tools, benches, bits and pieces. The whole layout and styling is very elegant and relaxed, with lots of light to fully enjoy looking at the watches.


Our visit to L’Atelier by the Hourglass was great. Being able to see and handle all those independents that we don’t have access to here in Australia was a real pleasure. The difference between a photo and seeing a watch up close is huge often a photo will not capture the ‘soul’ and true beauty of a piece.

Thanks for dropping by!