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Photo: The Hour Glass
The halls were jam-packed with visitors from near and far; over 40 independent watchmakers were busy fielding questions from connoisseurs and enthusiasts; many guests showed up in resort wear with watches on both wrists; two Japanese ladies were patiently getting their wrist-candies drawn by an illustrator, and of course, strangers made friends through their shared love of horology over free-flowing champagne and canapes.
Jean Arnault, LVMH’s watch division director and the youngest son of the conglomerate’s CEO Bernard Arnault, was spotted strolling around, taking candid photos with fans. Master watchmaker Jean-Claude Biver was fervently explaining his new creations at his booth, while celebrity auctioneer Aurel Bacs was seen warmly welcomed by his pals in the crowd. It was a riot, it was buzzing, and it was the scene at the opening “Private View” day of IAMWATCH 2024.
LVMH’s Jean Arnault mingling with visitors (Photo: The Hour Glass)
Held by The Hour Glass from October 17 to 20 within the unofficial “Singapore Watch Week“, this event also featured three public days replete with tours, gatherings, and masterclasses. Marking the retailer’s triumphant return to community-focused watch expositions, it paid homage to Tempus – The Great Watchscapade, The Hour Glass’ landmark event that pioneered enthusiast-facing watch fairs two decades ago.
Master watchmaker Jean-Claude Biver with Michael Tay, group managing director of The Hour Glass (Photo: The Hour Glass)
With its conclusion, it can be said that IAMWATCH has set a new benchmark in conceptualising a large-scale horology fair boasting a truly Singaporean flavour — with a lively and relaxed atmosphere within an open layout surrounded by the lush tropical greenery of the Singapore EDITION Hotel.
Although the fair emphasised in-person engagement with prominent watchmakers and an immersive education in watch culture and the world of luxury independent horology, which are rare experiences for the casual hobbyist, there was more. Excitement among the attendees was heightened with the release of four significant watches.
MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement x Eddy Jacquet
The MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement decorated by master engraver Eddy Jacquet (Photo: The Hour Glass)
In a breathtaking tribute to classic literature, MB&F revealed a new series within its Legacy Machine Split Escapement collection, designed in collaboration with master engraver Eddy Jacquet. The series of eight unique pieces feature intricate engravings inspired by scenes from literary masterpieces, including Moby Dick and Robinson Crusoe. Jacquet’s artistry shone through in each meticulously crafted stainless steel case, each piece telling a story as vivid and timeless as the novels themselves.
URWERK UR-150 Scorpion
URWERK UR-150 Scorpion with aesthetics evoking the sting of a scorpion’s tail (Photos: The Hour Glass)
URWERK made waves with the launch of its UR-150 Scorpion, a stunning new take on the brand’s signature satellite hours complication. The watch features a retrograde minutes hand that traces a sweeping 240-degree arc, designed to evoke the powerful sting of a scorpion’s tail. Housed in a titanium case, the UR-150 seamlessly balances avant-garde mechanics with cutting-edge design. It comes in two variants — Titan and Dark.
Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE Navy Blue
The newest iteration of Ulysse Nardin’s iconic Freak — the Freak ONE Navy Blue (Photos: The Hour Glass)
The latest addition to the singular Freak collection, the Freak ONE Navy Blue comes encased in a 44mm titanium case with a captivating deep blue dial and Carbonium bezel. The Freak ONE eschews a traditional crown, instead using its signature flying carousel to display the minutes with a rotating disc for the hours. It is powered by the UN-240 Manufacture movement with a 90-hour power reserve.
Krayon Anywhere Arborea
Technical innovation meets refined artistry in the Krayon Anywhere Arborea (Photo: The Hour Glass)
A standout in artisanal horology, Krayon’s Anywhere Arborea flaunts an inspired design that merges art and technical ingenuity. Limited to just 15 pieces, it showcases an intricate, hand-painted dial inspired by Henri Rousseau’s painting The Virgin Forest at Sunset. The creation also boasts brand founder Remi Maillat’s unique ephemeris complication, which allows the wearer to track sunrise and sunset times from any location worldwide.
