by Yanni Tan
Watches of Switzerland (Photo: The Hour Glass)
Every Singaporean is probably no stranger to Watches of Switzerland, a heritage watch retailer that is a household name in our local shopping scene. Whether you (or your parent) have been a loyal patron or keen window-browser over the decades, it’s heartening to know that this home-grown company, founded in 1964, is today celebrating its 60th anniversary.
What began as a single boutique at John Little’s Arcade in Raffles Place has grown into one of the most respected specialist watch retailers across the Asia-Pacific region. Its story is one of continuous growth and transformation, especially after its acquisition by The Hour Glass in 2014, which rebranded the chain with a new logo and swiftly expanded its presence to New Zealand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Not only does the retailer boast an impressive portfolio of luxury brands like Breitling, Grand Seiko, Longines, Omega, Tag Heuer, and Tudor, it has also secured partnerships with other popular independent manufactures such as Doxa, Frederique Constant, Junghans, Louis Erard, Nomos Glashutte, and Sinn.
1. Le Diptyque Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein
Le Diptyque Louis Erard x Alain Silberstein (Photo: The Hour Glass)
Swiss watchmaker Louis Erard partnered with renowned designer Alain Silberstein to create Le Diptyque, a two-piece limited edition set. The duo consists of a manual-winding timepiece with an impressive 100-hour power reserve and a tourbillon, paired with an automatic watch showcasing a day-date display. Housed in sleek 40mm sapphire crystal cases, both watches feature minimalist, glossy grey dials and are complemented by matching grey nylon straps. Limited to just 18 sets, these elegant watches are a celebration of precision and artistry.
2. Behrens Orion One
Behrens Orion One in fluorescent green (Photo: The Hour Glass)
Behrens, a Chinese watchmaker known for pushing the boundaries of horology, contributes to the 60 Revolutions collection with its micro-mechanical art piece Orion One. Clad in fluorescent green, this futuristic timepiece features a “time-shifting mechanism” that displays hours and minutes through twin rollers. The watch’s unique design draws inspiration from a “Mothership” concept, evoking an extraterrestrial aesthetic. Powered by the Cal.SWB18-200 self-winding movement, with a 38-hour power reserve, this exclusive Orion One model is limited to 60 pieces.
3. Baltic Tricompax
Baltic Tricompax with a jungle-green dial (Photo: The Hour Glass)
Enthusiasts of 1960s motorsport culture will appreciate the Baltic Tricompax, which revisits the French brand’s iconic chronograph with a new jungle-green dial designed specifically for 60 Revolutions. The 39.5mm stainless steel case houses the Sellita SW510-M manual movement, providing a 63-hour power reserve. Red accents on the tachymeter bezel and seconds hand complement the green dial, while beige sub-dials complete the look. Only 60 pieces are available.
4. Nomos Glashutte Metro
Nomos Glashutte Metro with a jungle-green dial (Photo: The Hour Glass)
German watchmaker Nomos Glashutte‘s Metro joins the anniversary club with a limited edition of just 60 pieces. This version features a lush jungle-green dial that symbolises Singapore’s tropical heritage. Encased in a 37mm stainless steel case, the watch showcases a hand-wound DUW 4401 movement with a power reserve indicator and date display. Its clean, minimalist design, paired with a cowhide leather strap in a sandy hue, blends nature with urban sophistication — a perfect reflection of the Lion City’s landscape.
5. Sinn Pilot 104
Sinn Pilot 104 in a blue palette (Photo: The Hour Glass)
German precision meets aviation heritage in the Sinn Pilot 104, a timepiece that has become synonymous with reliability and functionality. This unique edition boasts a stunning bright blue gradient dial with luminescent markers and hands for easy readability. The day-date complication at 3 o’clock remains a staple feature, while the polished stainless steel case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal add to its durability. A 200-piece series, this model is powered by the Sellita SW220-1 movement and fitted with a light blue cowhide strap.
