Depth Of Focus

From horological significance to movement intricacies, the collectors on the following pages tell us about their favourite timepieces beyond the surface.

- Lynette Koh

STORY TRACKER

FOCUSING ON PIECES THAT HELP TO CHRONICLE MODERN HOROLOGY.

i) PERSONAL HISTORY

“When I was a kid, my uncle worked in the watch industry, so he used to give me watches, like Casios. The first watch I got from my parents was a Carven, when I finished my A levels. Subsequently, at important stages of my life, I would buy a watch to reward myself. I got my first mechanical watch – a Glashutte Original Sixties Senator Square Chronograph – when I qualified as a specialist in 2006.”

ii) WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A TIMEPIECE

“There’s usually history involved in what I buy. It has to have horological significance. For example, the F.P. Journe Tourbillon Remontoir d’Egalite was among the first watches made by (independent watchmaker) F.P. Journe. Aesthetics are also important. I tend towards classical styles, although I have some avantgarde ones, such as the Urwerk UR-105. I also look at the technicality and finishing of the movement.”

iii) BUYING GUIDE

“The Datograph movement by A. Lange & Sohne is considered one of the most important chronograph movements of the modern era. It’s a beautiful movement with a lot of depth. This version, in rose gold with a black dial, is commonly termed the Dufourgraph, because it’s the same as the one owned by (independent watchmaker) Philippe Dufour, who said that the Datograph is the best chronograph. I can’t afford to buy a Dufour, but I can buy what he owns. (Laughs.)”

iv) THE TIME I FREAK-ED OUT