IN AN AGE WHERE SCREENS DOMINATE OUR LIVES, the allure of analogue mediums has never been stronger. Sure, we love our gadgets, but who wouldn’t appreciate the warm touch of handmade artistry? This month’s analogue-themed issue is your ticket to a time machine, taking you through the world of six Malaysian artisans who are totally rocking their crafts.
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD
Lai Kim Hoong has been in the pen game for over 20 years now, and with that experience, he’s built the fountain pen empire that is PenGallery. What started as a pen store now includes a host of products and services, one of that being fountain pen customisation and repair.
“It was a natural progression,” Lai said. “When you have fountain pens, you’ll need inks. Then paper. Then you learn to customise and repair pens. And that’s how I got into the craft.”
As someone who’s cut his teeth in the fountain pen trade for this long, Lai has watched the interest wane over the decades, only to find a resurgence in recent years.
“Nowadays it’s the younger crowd that enjoys this hobby,” Lai says. “Fountain pens used to be the domain of the older demographic, but that’s changed today.” These younger customers can be pretty particular about how their instruments write too, which is where Lai comes in.
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The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
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The Story Of Luxury
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What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.