Samantha and Hosan have been members of the Singapore Watch Club for many years now. They are also family to me, and watches have brought us all even closer together. I’ve witnessed their taste and preference in watches evolve over the years as their passion for horology deepened. What never changed is their dedication to explore the hobby together, and to have a joint collection that reflects their shared values and journey. We speak with this unique couple on their interests in watches, and what it represents for them as young parents.
Tom: Who was the first to develop a love for watches and how did it happen?
Hosan: Probably me, as mine can be traced back to my childhood. Dad was always wearing a watch, particularly a two-tone Rolex Datejust that left a lasting impression. The pivotal moment came in primary school when he gifted me my first automatic watch – a Seiko military timepiece. Dad always wore a dress watch that was simple and timeless, even up till his twilight years, he also was a man of style. He instilled the idea that ‘a gentleman should always be wearing a mechanical watch.’ This early exposure and family connection sparked a lifelong passion for horology in me.
Today we share our passion for watches with family and the watch club. We collect pieces we both admire and also maintain a watch-focused joint instagram account dedicated to sharing our humble collection. The opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, exchange knowledge, and appreciate the craftsmanship together is what we enjoy the most about it. It’s a wonderful way to build relationships around a shared interest.
Tom: How do you share your watches?
Samantha: Our wrist sizes are quite different but we both like timeless designs and classially stlyed watches so it helps that they are generally quite conservatively sized between 33mm and 37mm. I have a really small wrist so I much prefer compact watches, and Hosan pulls them off handsomely. The ones on straps are easy to share between us. Hosan does the heavy lifting when it comes to the bracelet pieces, adding and removing the links as we rotate. Not a responsibility I’d like to take on so I’m happy to leave that to him, haha.
Tom: Does having a young child prohibit you from enjoying your watches?
Hosan: Our daughter is turning 2 this August, and while she hasn’t significantly changed our watch-wearing habits, we’ve become more mindful, especially when she was younger and required more carrying. During that phase, I still wore and enjoyed all our watches but Sam was more careful and only wore watches when we had our helper around to handle our baby. It’s about adapting rather than prohibiting – we still get to enjoy our timepieces, just with a bit more caution when necessary.
Tom: Which of your watches are your favourites?
Samantha: We’re drawn to timeless watch styles with subtle unique characteristics and historical importance. The Cartier Crash is a prime example – its elusive shape and exclusivity was a grail piece of ours for quite a long while.
I also fell in love with the minute repeater complication during our SWC Swiss Tour last September which sparked our jouney to aquire the 1990s AP John Shaeffer Jump Hour Minute Repeater. It was a significant moment in my own watch collecting journey. The passage of time conveyed in music, I find so poetic and romantic. Complemented with a jumping hour indication on the dial side to complete the tribute to AP’s watchmaking of 1920s.
Hosan: For daily wear, the yellow gold Vacheron Constantin 222 Historiques is a personal favorite. Its warm tones, silky-smooth bracelet, and under-the-radar appeal makes it perfect for different occasions from casual meetings to formal meals.
I have a soft spot for complications as well, and this Harry Winston Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is something I’m obsessed with at the moment. Even though they only begin their watchmaking venture in 1989, they started really strongly with a focus on high complications right out of the gate. Competing with the biggest heritage brands, they collaborated with renowned workshops and up-and-coming independent watchmakers to reinvent traditional horology in creative new ways. I am also a fan of their unique case and lug designs, which injects a refreshed language of design in complication pair that is so deeply intertwined with the top names of Swiss watchmaking.
Tom: What is it about the Crash that appeals to you?
Samantha: The Cartier Crash appeals to us on multiple levels. Its unconventional shape makes it a true conversation piece, defying traditional watch design. That was what Cartier stood for during the Swinging Sixties. Today the Crash is one of the most iconic watches of all time, and relatable to both novice and seasoned watch aficionados. It has recently even become a pop culture symbol, having been spotted on the wrists of mainstream celebrities.
The exclusivity is a major draw – this particular white gold gem-set London Crash is especially rare, with only 15 pieces made. Being a London exclusive Crash is a key detail, a tribute to its birth in the English capital in 1967. Its rarity, combined with unique aesthetic and prestige of the Cartier name and expertise in watchmaking & fine jewellery, makes it the treasured crown jewel in our humble collection. To us, it represents both artistic expression and design excellence.
Tom: What do you think mechanical watches mean for a new generation growing up in the age of AI?
Hosan: We view mechanical watches as wearable art that has stood the test of time. In the age of AI and digital technology, these timepieces represent a tangible connection to craftsmanship and tradition. For the younger generation, including our daughter, we see mechanical watches as potential heirloom pieces – not just timekeepers, but carriers of family history. They offer a unique blend of engineering, artistry, and heritage that we believe will continue to be appreciated, perhaps even more so, in an increasingly digital world.
Tom: How do you see yourself curating the collection for the family?
Samantha: Our approach to curating the family collection focuses on pieces that hold both personal and historical significance. We’re particularly drawn to watches that tell a story or represent milestones in horological innovation. As our daughter grows, we hope to build a collection that not only reflects our passion but also serves as a legacy of craftsmanship and artistry. We’re mindful of selecting pieces that can be appreciated and potentially passed down through generations, balancing rarity, quality, and emotional value. It’s about creating a horological heritage that our family can cherish and learn from for years to come.
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