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!

Keyaki, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore

On our recent trip to Singapore, Vikki and I stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel. I stayed there last year when I presented at a conference and found it to be a great location with easy access. I also discovered a gem of a Japanese restaurant called Keyaki.

Seeing as Vikki and I are rather fond of Japan and Japanese food we decided to head there for lunch on our first day in Singapore.

Located on the 4th floor, Keyaki is situated within a traditional Japanese styled garden. Think raked pebbles, ponds of koi and bonsai. Of course there is also the obligatory Tanuki statue, placed here and there in the garden. We were fortunate enough to spot a little tortoise in the pond on our second visit.


The interior is simple and elegant with lots of dark wood, large expanses of glass overlooking the gardens, a tea room in the gardens and several private rooms. A sushi and sashimi bar allows for a more casual dining.

Keyaki offers a la carte menu, set brunches/lunches and seasonal kaiseki dinners. The set brunches are around SGD$60 (plus taxes and surcharges) and we opted for this on our two visits. Starting with 3 appetisers, the courses include, sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, tempura, Chawan mushi, Japanese style fried rice and dessert of green tea ice cream.








It felt like we were having a lunch in Tokyo or Kyoto rather than Singapore.
Stay tuned for my next post on some of the horological beauties we saw, including the DB28.

Dinner at Tetsuya’s: showing off the Sydney dining scene

After a great weekend away at Hamilton Island for P-Day 2011, I was able to organize to catch up with a couple of other Paneristi’s for dinner while they were visiting Sydney. So I set Vikki a mission of getting us in to Tetsuya’s. A quick phone call and we were in.

Our little group consisted of 5 and we were in for a great night of dining.
The evening started with a torrential down pour around five, which meant that Vikki had to wade through a stream (otherwise known as our street) to get to the bus stop. Thankfully it settled down to a drizzle by the time she got in to the city
We met our first dining companion Asi at Zeta Bar for a pre dinner drink. We discussed the great time we had at Hamilton Island and of course watches. Asi even popped the back of his vintage Panerai for a few quick shots. I wore my Patek Philippe 3971 on it's first outing since coming back from being serviced. Nothing like a bit of vintage.


We made our way over to Tetsuya’s and were joined by our other two dining companions Luke and Alex from New York.
Our waiter bought us over a complementary glass of Larmandier-Bernier Champagne to get the night rolling and explained the extras we might have if we so desired. The guys ordered the oysters as Asi and Luke hadn’t tried Pacific oysters which on this night happened to be from South Australia. Tetsuya’s serves a 9 course degustation menu which you can have with your own choice of wines or you can opt for the matched wines, which is what we decided to do.
The bread with truffle butter was so good we all had seconds:


Our courses were:
Corn soup with soy cream
Pacific Oysters with rice vinegar and ginger
Savoury custard with sea urchin
Sashimi of king fish with blackbean and orange
Confit of Petuna ocean trout with shaved fennel and unpasteurised ocean trout caviar


Steamed Queensland spanner crab with bean curd, foie gras and junsai
Braised veal shank with broad beans and smoked bone marrow
(Alternative: Olive oil poached Bonito with onion petals)
Breast of quail with paleta iberico and garlic puree
Seared fillet of Cape Grim beef with wasabi and braised mustard seeds
(Alternative: De-boned rack of lamb with eggplant, white miso and blue cheese)
Hay infused ice cream with sorrel granita and bread and butter pudding
Chocolate pave with cream cheese ice cream and cinnamon twigs

The wines we had were a great selection and included one sake:
Tamano Hikari Tokusen Junmai Ginjo Sake, Kyoto, Japan
2009 Grosset Springvale Riesling, Clare Valley, SA
2008 Pierro Chardonnay for Tetsuya’s, Margaret River, WA
2008 Felton Road Pinot Noir for Tetsuya’s, Central Otago, NZ
2006 Torbreck Mataro for Tetsuya’s, Barossa Valley, SA
2010 Heggies Botrytis Riesling, Eden Valley, SA
Seppeltsfield Cellar No. 6 Tokay, Rutherglen, Vic

Having two New Yorkers at dinner gave us the chance to grill them on where to eat in New York in preparation for our trip next year. Great to quiz the locals on what restaurants to go to, which to avoid and things to do and see, that we might not have thought of. After a fabulous dinner with great company we headed home as I unfortunately had a 6am flight to Perth.

Spring Watch Glamour

It’s been a very fortunate year, in terms of the number of watch events that I was lucky enough to be invited to. However the best was yet to come! The Inglis Family were kind enough to provide the setting for what, in my view, was one of the most tasteful and exclusive events held in Sydney to date.

Inside, the stables were transformed into boutiques where guests could indulge first hand in the finest watches, jewels and cars offered by: Rolex, Vacheron, Hublot, Jaeger le-Coultre, Chopard, Roberto Coin, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin.


My only regret is that I was too busy enjoying myself to capture more of the magical moments that the evening had to offer, including hip swing music and marvellous dancers.

One should not forget to mention the divine Menu put together by watch lover and Chef extraordinaire Matt Moran. I could have spent all night in the cheese and dessert rooms but unfortunately my stomach does have its limitations.

My thanks go to Krysten and Julian at J Farren-Price.

Sublime = Rolex + Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Recently we received and invitation from J Farren-Price to attend an evening with Rolex to see the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Of course we jumped at the chance.

On a wet and chilly Thursday we arrived at the Sydeny Opera House and made our way to the Utzon Room. Located on the eastern side of the Opera House it offers views across the Harbour, Fort Denison and the eastern suburbs. While mingling with the other guests and representatives from Rolex, the Orchestra and J Farren-Price, we enjoyed some Veuve Clicquot and delicious canapes.


Then it was time to head to the Concert Hall. The magnificent Concert Hall is designed for acoustic performances with its high vaulted ceiling and interior finishes of brush box and white birch timber. It seats 2,679 and is the largest interior venue at the Opera House. The Concert Hall is also home to Grand Organ, a technical wonder, it is the world’s largest known mechanical action organ. The instrument has 10,154 pipes, 200 pipe ranks and 131 speaking stops with electrical stop action. Unfortunately we got to see but not hear the organ.

The Vienna Philharmonia program for our evening consisted of Johannes Brahms Tragic Overture, Op.81, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No.34 in C, K338 Allegro vivace, Andante di molto and Finale (Allegro vivace), and to finish the evening Anton Bruckner Symphony No.4 in E flat, Romantic Bewegt, nicht zu schnell Andante quasi allegretto Scherzo(Bewegt) Trio(Gemachlich) and Finale(Bewegt,doch nicht zu schnell). For the encore we were treated to a performance of The Blue Danube by Strauss.

Thankyou to Rolex and J Farren-Price for inviting us to a wonderful evening!

Some things are worth waiting for!

We often read on the forums on how long collectors have to wait to get their beloved Patek Philippe back from service. Last year around this time, I too was somewhat anxious in sending my treasured 3971 on its long journey back to Geneva where it was conceived in 1990. What made it an even more difficult decision was the fact that I only had the watch in my possession for 8 months.

After a long wait, today I was going to find out if I made the right choice.


Even through the protective plastic I feel as if I’m looking at a completely new watch.

It has had a very light polish and the front crystal was replaced as there was an inclusion in the original. The lugs with all the hallmarks remain crisp. Well done Patek! I for one appreciate your no compromise approach even if that means a long wait.

After its long journey I’m glad my 3971 is back downunder. Its beauty is so enthralling that I’m yet to put it on my wrist.

Maybe tomorrow will be the day!

P.S. Steve Jobs thank you for the iPad and may your vision continue to inspire us all.

Hong Kong Rendezvous

We decided in June to book our annual "Escape Winter" holiday. Destination: Hong Kong and Macau. This was to be our longest time in Hong Kong as usually we are there for 4 or 5 nights, this time however we were there for 11 nights.

Just after making our booking we realised we needed to confirm if friends who live in Hong Kong would be there while we were on holiday. As luck would have it they would be there and we received an invitation to a birthday party as well.

We arrived in Hong Kong glad to leave the Sydney cold behind and welcomed the pleasant 30C heat. Having used the private car for the hotel before, we had pre-booked it for this trip as well. Vikki enjoyed the trip from the airport to the hotel in the Mercedes S500. Nothing like a little bit of luxury to start your holiday.

On our first Monday in Hong Kong we were invited to attend a Greubel Forsey collectors dinner, with the hint of something exciting being announced, but that was for Thursday so a few days of shopping, looking around and a trip to Macau.

On Wednesday we headed off for our first visit to Macau. We caught the jet cat from HK and arrived in Macau an hour later. Customs was hectic and took a while to get through. For our first visit to Macau we decided to stay at The Venetian. Wow, massive. Our room was impressive, the bathroom being larger than out bedroom at home.


After settling in, we decided to head down to the main “canal” where the gondoliers were in full voice. We wandered for a bit and then decided to get out and go across to City of Dreams for a look.

Had to go to the Hard Rock shop of course (HRC wasn’t open when we were there) to pick up a shot glass. Had a look at the gaming floor which was huge and surprisingly not very busy. The House of Dancing Water show was not on the day we were there, so we missed out. All the usual big name luxury brands had boutiques, so we had to have a look, just in case there was something special we haven’t seen before.




Then back across to the Venetian for a sit down and relax before contemplating dinner. So many places to choose from for something to eat. We ended up choosing Italian and both had lobster with a bottle of Prosecco. After dinner more boutique browsing, and then back to the room for a goodnight’s sleep.




Thursday saw us up early for some reason, so we got to have another look around before checking out and heading back to Hong Kong. We were a bit nervous about timing for our trip back to HK as we had to get to the Greubel Forsey dinner. But we need not have worried, thanks to being able to get on a standby line for an earlier ferry and left an hour earlier than originally planned.

Getting back to HK we decided to take a cab to our hotel. In peak hour and it still only cost us A$15. Imagine getting a cab from Central Station in Sydney to the airport in peak hour, similar distance 10 times the price. Got back to our hotel freshened up and caught the Star Ferry back to Central on HK Island and headed to the Four Seasons Hotel to meet up with the Swiss Prestige team and Stephen Forsey.

Wonderful food served with great French wines. Somehow we forgot to take photos of the food except for dessert.


Some shots of the video going throughout dinner.Great video with wonderful shots of the movements.


It was great to catch up with Stephen Forsey again having met him at the Sydney Greubel Forsey event organised by J Farren Price.

So what was the special announcement from Greubel Forsey? Well you are just going to have to wait for the official release but and believe me it will be worth the wait.

We were also able to get to the Hong Kong Watch and Coin Fair at the Holiday Inn. Amazing to see so many watches and coins/banknotes for sale under one roof. Not an event to go to if you don’t like crowds.

Our other event was a friends 60th birthday, held at the members only The China Club. Decorated as a touch of old China from the 30’ and 40’s, the club has a wonderful old school ambience. Vikki remembered to get photos this time.



No, this is not a man jumping rope, he’s jumping noodles, not sure if it will catch on as a fitness routine LOL. It was interesting to watch how fast the noodles are formed.


We were also astounded by the speed, flexibility and agility of the tea pourer.


And of course no great birthday party could end without having cigars and whisky on the balcony.


The rest of our holiday gave us a chance to relax. We did lots of window shopping, saw some watch models and brands that we haven’t seen here in Australia and did a little bit of shopping(John Lobb shoes for me and a Vivienne Tam dress for Vikki). It is always good to be away on holiday but it is just as good to get home and remember all the wonderful times you had while away.