For a watch writer it is essential to gain access to a broad range of timepieces at all prices. That is why relationship building with reputable retailers is absolutely imperative. When I first established Total Watch Reviews about three years ago it was The Hour Glass in Sydney that allowed me access to an exclusive range of watches by Urwerk, MB & F and De Bethune. Ultimately this gave my website a solid foundation and some very interesting content. Subsequently I have visited the company’s other three boutiques in Melbourne, Brisbane and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
A few months ago I visited Singapore for the first time to meet brands, collectors and retailers. The Hour Glass kindly allowed me to visit their wonderful Malmaison flagship boutique situated on Orchard Road. The Château de Malmaison is Paris inspired with the high level of décor in this amazing store. Whilst I was there I also got to meet Executive Director Michael Tay. As well as selling many well-established brands he has also introduced many small independent watch brands to the Singapore market. Certainly when I spoke recently with Maximilian Büsser he said he would always be eternally grateful for the support of Michael Tay and The Hour Glass.
What impressed me most about Singapore was the diverse range of watches available on the market. As a place it is also synonymous with luxury and exudes an air of affluence. That is why it is fitting that Hublot created a special timepiece called the Big Bang Ferrari Singapore Edition exclusively for The Hour Glass. As a watch brand Hublot seems to have the Midas touch and their marketing ability is second to none. Virtually every week I get a press release from Hublot announcing collaboration with a new brand ambassador. Personally I can’t think of many watchmakers in the industry that are more proactive (in terms of communication) than them.
The Big Bang Ferrari Singapore Edition was originally unveiled in October 2013 at Singapore’s Private Ferrari Owner’s Club in the Sheraton Hotel. Dimensionally the timepiece has a generous 45.5mm diameter, which should appeal to discerning collectors. Generally I found the watch sat very comfortably on my wrist and I didn’t experience any friction from the lugs. Primarily this is down to the stylish case design and choice of high performance ceramic in production. Due to the scratch resistant properties of this material the watch will preserve its good looks for many years to come.
Visually the Big Bang Ferrari Singapore Edition has a bold and distinctive appearance. What makes this watch so impressive is the wonderful multi-layered dial. This phenomenal characteristic gives the recipient an intimate view of the sophisticated (in house developed) mechanical flyback chronograph UNICO movement. Other amazing features include a black ceramic bezel with six ‘H’ screws, Ferrari prancing horse logo, elongated pushers (replicating pedals in a car) and red sapphire crystal lens.
The Big Bang Ferrari Singapore Edition (as tested) was equipped with a beautiful Schedoni red leather strap and is limited to only 50 pieces worldwide. Priced at: SGD$49,000 (approximately $36,208).
