Watch GTG - BurgerLabo Part 2

The unique thing about our watch gatherings is around some theme - everyone tries to come double wristed around some theme. In this GTG, the two themes were (1) non-round case timepiece and (2) timepieces below SGD5,000.

In our Part 1, we featured the first theme - timepieces with non-round cases. And what a range there was. I think the most jaw-dropping of the lot had to be the white ceramic AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. Uber rare... And then there was the Urwerk UR-110, another stunning piece with their orbiting satellite system. And when you think rectangular cases, the JLC Reverso is always on our minds.

For the second theme, I had asked the group to bring a timepiece below SGD5,000. Allow me to qualify - while some timepieces are now above 5k, some of the featured timepieces were 5k when the owner first bought it.

One such timepiece is the original Grand Seiko Chronometer Diashock. Encased in a gold case and automatic winding, this Chronometer is in pretty good condition and the owner said he paid less than 5k for it. Beating within the Diashock movement is the Grand Seiko manufacture caliber 3180. What a catch!

In today's watch collecting journey, most brands hardly have a timepiece below SGD5,000 (USD3,600). So it was challenging for many but we had such a great range of timepieces in this GTG.

Grand Seiko below SGD5k? Yes, that was then possible when we bought it in the early to mid 2000s. One example is this SBGM003 with a solid case back.

What about pocket watches? Well, this IWC pocket watch can be had even for now, below 5k

Surprise, surprise in this category is that all popular MB&F MAD2

You wouldn't normally associate MB&F in this category but that's what makes the brand interesting.

Then there is a local home-grown brand Vilhelm Watches. A very interesting bronze version of an earlier release.

I brought along the Union Glashütte 1893 Johannes Durrstein Edition.

Featuring an exclusive movement from ETA, Union Glashütte got this one right. Love the dial and the silicium hairspring and all for under SGD5k. I'll be featuring this in another blogpost later on.

It was good to see the Hamilton Pan-Europ. This piece is a tribute to the original Pan-Europ released in 1971. But at the price point, this Hamilton should be a hit.

What I like about such GTG is the fact that you get to see some timepieces you never knew existed. Take for example this Citizen Hisonic Tuning Fork timepiece.

First impression... Retro vibes!

Notice the front sapphire glass?

Originally made in Nov 1973, this Accutron movement was licensed by Bulova to Citizen.

The front sapphire glass gives that an added charm.

Next up is the Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TR

Titanium cased, this G-Shock is ultra-light and for those not familiar, the GMW-B500TR can be connected to an app via Bluetooth connection. The titanium alloy is a joint development between Casio and Nippon Steel.

Another timepiece that is worthy of any collection is the MIH Annual Calendar. Not only is this an annual calendar, it is also a chronograph.

Developed by Mr. Ludwig Oechslin utilizing the ETA7750 movement with an annual calendar module, the MIH Annual Calendar is perhaps one of the most reasonably priced annual calendar even to this day.

And then there are those guys who "did not get the memo"...

Since when does this retail for SGD5k?

Then there is someone who tried to sneak this one in...

The La Semaine Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein Blanche ... I'll give it to you. It's "slightly" above SGD5k :-)

The highlight of the evening must have been the Moritz Grossmann Hamatic. Didn't fall into any of the theme for tonight but was a special request to see the timepiece first hand as the owner had just picked it up a few days earlier.

The opaline dial with Roman numerals gives it that vintage feel. Plus the ultra thin purple hands... it's a winner!

And the reverse is the highlight...

Instead of the traditional automatic rotor, the Hamatic used a pendulum-style hammer to wind the movement. Quite a large timepiece, this Hamatic comes in rose gold case of 41mm.

The Moritz Grossmann Hamatic was surely the highlight of the evening and thanks to our friend, we got to see and feel the timepiece up close and personal. Thanks to Mr. W for bringing it along.

And the mandatory table shot of what was on display that night.

It is always fun to have such gatherings. As I have said before time and time again, the diversity of collection is mind boggling. If we only open ourselves to other brands.

Another successful gathering and happy ending for everyone. Looking forward to the next one.

A Farewell For A Friend

Our good friend and fellow watch enthusiast Professor Massi Landi is leaving our shores for a break in South Korea. So we thought it was a good idea to gather for a farewell dinner at the Peach Blossoms Restaurant at the Marina Mandarin Hotel.

And no, there was no color theme for pants this time around as many of use were coming from work - colorful pants a no-no for those working in the office. As usual, no short of spectacular timepieces on wrists. For starters, Massi's MIH.

For those who know not, the MIH is an Annual Calendar. Perhaps the most affordable Annual Calendar. But take a look at this MIH - can you tell me what is wrong with the display?

A similar MIH was also worn by Jim. Now you can compare the display on both MIH.

Then there is the Tudor Heritage Blue Chrono on a Nato strap.

Almost always, you will find an IWC. And this time, the Regulateur.

And of course the Jaeger LeCoultre. This example is a vintage full calendar.

Then there is the Parmigiani Hebdomadaire - the 8 days power reserve in blue dial.

Another P Brand watch - not one of my favorite brands. But I shall feature it here as it is worn by my friend Lionel.

Lionel came double wristed. Here is the Seiko Blue Monster - the 100th Anniversary piece. On his mesh bracelet.

Another vintage - The Rolex GMT Pepsi…

In a gathering like this, I am always certain I will find a watch I have not seen before. And in this case, a customized Mark II Pilot. A manual winding watch that looks like a regular Pilot.

A Patek Calendario ref 5135

And another friend came double wristed. First the Breguet.

Then the Lange 1 Tourbillon. I failed as a photographer - the photos I took that night of this watch did not turn out well. But the watch is so beautiful that I cannot not post it here. So I am using an archived picture from my previous shots.

Probably one of the most beautiful watches for the night. And now the table shot.

Notice how they all turned into a one-handed watch? Perfect timing. And now for the food. First Up was the Peking duck which was carved and presented. Then came the wasabe prawns.

Next up the pork neck asparagus - a stir fry dish with very tender pork collar.

The Kungpao chicken was excellent too. The chicken is lightly floured and then fried before the sauce coats the meat. Nicely crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The spinach and shark's cartilage broth is another winner. The broth is slightly thicken by the shark cartilage and is silky smooth. The wolf berries add a nice sweet touch to the broth.

The clay pot seafood tofu was also braised to perfection.

The bitter gourd with spare ribs and also a few other dishes like the ostrich meat, eggplant with minced pork.

And finally the Ee Fu Noodles with duck meat.

And all too soon it was end of the night. We wish you safe journey Massi, Francesca and Ginevra. Enjoy Korea and we shall see you in one year's time. And who knows, we may come visit you there. Ciao!