For most people, a kitchen timer is a simple tool of convenience. For Lennard Yeong, it became an unexpected gateway into the world of mechanical beauty. His journey began in 2018, when he set out to buy an Apple Watch to help manage the daily chaos of cooking — setting timers, keeping track of prep, and juggling oven calls with voice commands. In a twist of irony, he never actually bought one. Instead, that search led him down a rabbit hole that sparked a lasting fascination with mechanical watchmaking.

Best known as a MasterChef Asia finalist and one of Singapore’s most recognisable culinary creators, Lennard has built a loyal following through his sharp wit, technical skill, and honest approach to food. He brings that same sincerity and curiosity to his appreciation of watches. In conversation, he speaks not as a collector chasing trends, but as a craftsman drawn to process — to objects made with intent, patience, and personality.

Here, Lennard reflects on the parallels between cooking and collecting, the watch that reminds him of his father, and why the most meaningful pieces are those that have truly lived — much like the meals he creates.

TC: How did you first get into watches?

LY: It started around 2018, when I felt the need to get an Apple Watch. I often cook alone in the kitchen, and there’s always a hundred things happening at once. Something in the oven, something on the stove, a dozen ingredients waiting to be prepped. I’d frequently move on to the next task and completely forget about the previous. I thought an Apple Watch would make my life easier as I could set timers or alarms hands-free, just by speaking to it, and it would help me manage the chaos.

But that very practical decision somehow sent me spiralling down a rabbit hole. I started reading about watches in general, which led to mechanical watches, which led to understanding the artistry and engineering behind them. What began as a quest for convenience turned into genuine appreciation for craftsmanship. The idea that a tiny machine, built without electronics, could keep perfect time purely through human ingenuity. It seemed unbelievable at first!

And no, I didn't get the Apple watch in the end, haha. The mechanical urge was too strong to resist.

Lennard's collection consists of a good variety of modern and vintage classics, in both steel and precious metals.

TC: Did your engineering background influence your appreciation of watches?

LY: Definitely. I can’t claim to have been a particularly good engineer, but that background shapes the way I see things. We live in a digital world now, where everything runs on code and microchips, and it’s easy to take precision for granted. So the fact that watchmakers centuries ago managed to track time, moonphases, and even calendars — all through the interplay of gears, pinions, and springs — blows my mind.

There’s a kind of beauty in that logic and restraint. It’s mechanical, yes, but also poetic. Every component has a purpose, and yet the end result feels so alive. That’s something engineering school teaches you to respect: elegance through precision.

Patek Philippe Nautilus in steel, ref. 5711/1A — "I didn’t appreciate the Nautilus at first. It’s often mentioned alongside the Royal Oak and the Overseas, but it plays a very different role — curved rather than angular, slim and graceful instead of assertive. Where the Royal Oak is bold, the Nautilus is quietly refined. Both are beautiful, but they wear worlds apart. I wore this for my wedding in Singapore."

TC: Are there lessons or philosophies from the kitchen that you’ve carried into watch collecting?

LY: Maybe not a grand philosophy, but definitely a mindset. In cooking, no matter how good you get, there’s always something new to learn. A different cuisine, a technique you’ve never mastered, or a flavour combination you’ve never considered. Even the best French chefs might know very little about Korean food, and vice versa.

I think collecting watches is kind of the same.

"You can know a lot, but never everything. There’s always a deeper layer, a historical nuance, a technical quirk someone else can teach you."

I’m still fairly early in my horological journey, so I prefer to listen more than I speak. Every conversation with another collector is a chance to discover something new. That humility, knowing how much you don’t know, keeps both hobbies exciting for me.

TC: When you first started collecting, what drew you in, and how has your taste evolved over time?

LY: When I first started, I was very quick to judge. I’d see a photo online and immediately decide if I liked a watch or not, often based purely on aesthetics. But as I spent more time with watches, I realised that opinions and tastes constantly evolve. How you feel about a piece changes when you see it in person, when you wear it, when you live with it. It's all about context.

I’ve learnt to slow down my judgment and let things breathe. A watch that didn’t appeal to me two years ago might fascinate me today once I understand its context or the story behind its creation. Collecting, for me now, is less about what’s visually striking and more about what’s conceptually interesting. I’ve come to appreciate subtlety and intent, watches that reveal their character slowly rather than shout for attention.

"Refining your taste is also learning about yourself, its a journey of self-discovery and often you will be surprised at new perspectives."

TC: Do you have a sentimental watch, one you’d never sell?

LY: Yes, my dad’s Omega Chronostop from the late 60s. My father is a very practical man. He’s never been interested in material possessions or luxury, but that watch was the one thing he wore every day for as long as I can remember. It became part of his identity. Slightly scratched, the strap was worn out from years of use, but still ticking perfectly.

Omega Chronostop in steel, ref. 145.010 — "My dad bought it because he loved cars, even though he never had the chance to own or drive a sports car. This was his driver’s watch, with its dial rotated for easy reading behind the wheel."

He recently passed it down to me, and I sent it in for a full service. When it came back, seeing it restored yet still familiar felt incredibly emotional. Regardless of its market value, to me it’s priceless. It’s a reminder of my dad’s quiet discipline and simplicity — qualities I’ve always admired. Every time I glance at that watch, I feel a connection to him, and to the idea that the things we use every day can hold immense meaning over time.

"It also reminds me that time and love are both things that can't be bought."

TC: Do you have a grail watch?

LY: Yes — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance for the longest time, which I recently added to the collection! It’s been a dream piece for me for so many years. I’ve always been drawn to watches that reveal their mechanics, that sense of transparency where you can see the heartbeat of the watch. The skeletonised AP embodies that perfectly.

For me, it represents both an appreciation of engineering and artistry. It’s the perfect intersection of both worlds. I like to think of it as my “one and done”, the watch that anchors my collection. It reminds me that collecting isn’t about quantity, but connection.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in pink gold, ref. 15467OR — “From early on, I knew my collecting journey would eventually lead to an openworked AP. Many skeletonised watches can look a little overdesigned, but there’s something about this one that feels just right. It might be my latest — and perhaps my last — acquisition. Whenever I glance at it to check the time, I often get distracted and end up just admiring the movement instead.”

TC: What’s your timepiece of choice when you’re in the kitchen?

LY: Honestly, I’ll wear any of my watches in the kitchen. Most of them are sports models, so they can handle a bit of water and heat. Cooking is what I do daily, so I want my watches to live that same life and to develop their own character through wear.

Of course I also try to be mindful. If I’m wearing something on a leather strap, I’ll be extra careful when washing my hands or working over the sink. But in general, I believe watches are meant to be worn, not hidden away. They’re tools and companions, not museum pieces.

Omega De Ville Prestige Jumping Hour in steel, ref. 4853.61 — “I don’t own many vintage watches, but this is easily one of my favourites. The jumping hour display paired with the salmon dial gives it such charm and character. It’s one of my most worn pieces whenever I travel.”

TC: Any words of advice for budding content creators?

LY: I’d say focus on building something sustainable. It’s easy to chase trends, but lasting growth comes from doing something you genuinely enjoy, over a long period of time. Unless you’re extremely lucky with the algorithm, social media is a marathon, not a sprint.

For me, I try to create content that reflects who I am, not just what performs well. You’ll burn out quickly if you create purely for numbers. But if it’s something you truly love, you’ll keep improving naturally, and your audience will feel that authenticity.

TC: How do you think SWC can impact or influence the glocal watch culture?

LY: SWC has always been incredibly welcoming to anyone with a genuine curiosity about watches. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m still learning, but I’ve never felt out of place. The members are generous with their knowledge, and the variety of events — from the Holy Trinity to independent and even microbrands — shows how inclusive the community is.

I think SWC represents what modern collecting should be: open-minded, curious, and grounded in passion rather than status. It’s a place where anyone can feel at home, whether they’re just starting out or have been collecting for decades.

TC: If you could invite three people — alive or dead — to a dinner party, who would they be, and what would you serve?

LY: I’d start with Gérald Genta, because I’d love to hear what he thinks about the enormous legacy of his designs and how they've shaped the industry since. Then Ed Sheeran — he could provide the music for the evening, and he also happens to have an incredible watch collection that I’d love to take a closer look at. Lastly maybe Peter Henlein, who’s often regarded as the father of portable timekeeping. I think it would be fascinating to show someone from so far back in history how far watches have evolved, though I suspect he’d be more amazed by today's digital timekeepers than the mechanical pieces.

As for the meal, I’d keep it close to home. I’d probably cook up local classics and let them experience the flavours we enjoy here in Singapore. Maybe start with rojak and satay for starters, move on to chicken rice and laksa for the mains, and finish with chendol for dessert. I imagine I’d spend most of the evening just soaking in their conversation, while contributing on what I know best — food.

Now wouldn't that be a memorable evening.

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase in pink gold, ref. 384.032 — “I’d been eyeing a Lange as my first dress watch for a long time. While the Lange 1 is often seen as the star of the collection, I was drawn to the Saxonia for its simplicity and symmetry. The moon-phase detail is, to me, best in class. A veteran watchmaker once told me that Lange has the finest finishing of any brand he’s handled — that sealed the decision. I wore this for my wedding in New Zealand.”

-FIN-