Being invited to a rebellious cause will stir emotion in
most of us, as we all have dreams of lashing out our creative energy into our
passions. I suspect that the reason why
most of us fail in this endeavor is our inherent need to often seek the
approval of others.
En masse globalisation is standardising value systems and
the mega brands increasingly seem to have the same look and feel despite their
best efforts to instill the ‘disruptive mantra’. Maybe it’s a symptom of the fact that
corporate marketing departments like to play it safe by developing watches the
current trends suggest rather than taking a risk creating a potential object of
desire.
Now and then there are glimmers of hope, like this year’s Patek
Philippe Pilot Watch controversy which got the world talking, but more on that
later.
It was with particular joy to find out that I was invited to
join in the celebrations of three rising independent watch brands, namely, De
Bethune, MB&F and Urwerk.
I have to say that watch events in Singapore are of a
different league in terms of standard and level of sophistication not just from
the organiser but also the end collectors.
The knowledge base is astounding, as is the uncompromising
critique when a new piece is launched. The HM6 Space Pirate is one watch that
manages to spark in instant reaction from people, the initial reaction is
confronting which is then followed by fascination and a deep respect of the
craftsmanship and design complexity.
Ironically even Max thought that I would never buy a HM
given that my watch collection is very classic. Intriguingly I’m drawn more to
the Horological Machines now despite my earlier and most would think more
rational preference for the Legacy Machine particularly given Kari Voutilainen’s
input into the movement.
The HM2 is my personal favourite machine I just had to have
one.
A true mechanical sculpture unique, technically complex and
with strong elegant lines. I suspect that even H.G Wells and Leonardo Da Vinci
would approve.
A good friend of mine remarked on the fact that, “for a
watch to have true inherent value to the collector, it must be an object of the
highest quality, rare and relevant”. The last point is of particular interest
as the vintage pieces that achieve auction records are all historically
‘relevant’ icons.
A large number of these now considered ‘ classics’ were not
that popular when first produced as they were often ahead of their time. This
makes it even more exciting to be part of these pioneer’s journey and watch
them create the horological icons of the future.
