Celebrity Life
5 Takeaways from 5 Leading Ladies in the World of Luxury Watches
From Leica ambassadors to creatives working at the forefront of pop culture, we ask five female watch collectors to sound off on the world of watches in 2021 -- and what needs to be fine-tuned.
Characterised for much of the 20th century -- albeit, not unfairly -- as a 'boy's club', the luxury watch industry is now going through a tectonic culture shift. Once consigned to buying from the 'shrink it and pink it' catalogue of design, female watch collectors are now shirking convention (in record numbers) in favour of the same sporty steel stuff favoured by men that's come to dominate the landscape of haute horlogerie. That, coupled with wider social movements which have had an indelible impact on pop culture (and that seemed to reach critical mass these past two years), has made more intrepid elements in the industry sit up and take notice. About time we say.
Still, as anyone with even a passing comprehension of the luxury watch industry knows, progress can often come at a glacial pace. Here then, to help the industry-at-large along are timely wisdoms from five of the hobby's leading ladies; who spoke to us about grails, inclusivity, and what watch brands need to do better in 2021.
Lung Lung Thun
Occupation: Financier, Singapore
Handle: @lunglungthun
Q: Assuming no limit when it comes to time or money, tell us what your ultimate watch would look like.
A: In the case that there's only really one watch then I'd have to go with the Patek Philippe reference 5004 -- an extremely important split-second chronograph from the brand that integrates a perpetual calendar and is made in yellow gold.
Q: What can men in the watch community (whether they be collectors or industry people) do to make the hobby a more inclusive and inviting space?
A: The unimaginative answer would be something along the lines of "make more women's watches". Personally, I think a bigger effort should be made to invite female watch collectors to community events (e.g. get-togethers and workshops). It can be intimidating to reach out and get involved otherwise.
Q: Do you have a favourite watch within your collection? If not, talk us through the piece you've been wearing the most these past several months.
A: My all-time favourite would probably be the open-worked Royal Oak in frosted white gold made with double balance wheels (reference 15466 for short). It also happens to be the watch that's been getting the most time on-wrist -- recently, I flew back home to Singapore and I always bring this watch when I'm travelling.
Q: In your view, what are some of the trends watch brands should retire in order to attract a bigger, more diverse female audience?
A: KOL advertising. Speaking bluntly, a huge chunk of it doesn't speak to the segment who can actually afford the watches that are being marketed.
Q: Call out one other woman in the watch community -- this can be a watchmaker, brand executive, journalist et cetera -- who you think deserves a bigger platform. Tell us why.
A: Jaclyn Li, fellow watch collector and co-host of The Waiting List podcast. She's embodies everything I expect in an enthusiast: knowledge, humility, and a clear sense of direction from a very young age. She's always been confident about her own tastes and has an extremely discerning eye for vintage.
Hosanna Swee
Occupation: Photographer, Singapore
Handle: @hforhozzie
Q: Assuming no limit when it comes to time or money, tell us what your ultimate watch would look like.
A: In an ideal world, I'd want something from F.P. Journe's Vagabondage series, particularly the Vagabondage III. I've always been a fan of François-Paul's unique design sensibilities, as they strike a balance between traditional methods of craft and a contemporary edge. His designs are synonymous with asymmetry and customised typography -- the latter particularly demonstrates his attention to detail.
A: While most of the signature F.P. Journe watches consist of round designs, the Vagabondage series is distinctly shaped. Inside the tortue shape, the movement's complexities are mostly exposed: evoking a visually arresting, mechanically satisfying sentiment. I've always gravitated toward classic designs that have a hint of the unconventional -- so this really resonates with me.
Q: What can men in the watch community (whether they be collectors or industry people) do to make the hobby a more inclusive and inviting space?
A: Sometimes to discern what women want, all it takes is a shift in perspective -- just like understanding one's individual love language. It's common to be intimidated by watchmaking because it's such a theoretical, historically male-centric passion. Female watch collectors tend to be intuitive, so positioning watches in a narrative and stylised context would definitely lower the barrier to entry.
Q: Do you have a favourite watch within your collection? If not, talk us through the piece you've been wearing the most these past several months.
A: My favourite would be a pièce unique by Ulysse Nardin given to me as an engagement present -- mostly for sentimental reasons. Above all else, I believe time is the most precious gift you can give to someone. The dial in grand feu enamel symbolises the promise of a lifetime -- always brilliant, never fading. The hour markers spell out my name (albeit discretely enough to escape an unsuspecting eye).
A: Aside from that, the timepieces which have gotten the most wear over the past few weeks have been my Roger Dubuis Sympathie chronographs. These outstanding watches from the 90s champion the essence of early independent watchmaking. The cases feature interesting curves and sharp angles, deploy alternating brushed-and-polished finishing, generally resulting in a bold yet elegant look. It's as though you're wearing artwork on your wrist: complete with a gorgeous dial and elaborate movement.
Q: In your view, what are some of the trends watch brands should retire in order to attract a bigger, more diverse female audience?
A: Most of the timepieces catering to female collectors are still distinguished by their aesthetic aspect, as opposed to qualities of a mechanical nature (e.g. movement/complications). Fortunately, the landscape appears to be gradually shifting. I think brands need to start paying more attention to the performance and finishing of calibres found in ladies' watches -- to cater to the needs of 'serious' female collectors. Additionally, it's apparent that a large number of female collectors have an inclination toward men's timepieces: hence, smaller unisex options with a universal design language could be a great initiative.
Q: Call out one other woman in the watch community -- this can be a watchmaker, brand executive, journalist et cetera -- who you think deservers a bigger platform. Tell us why.
A: I'd pick Julie Kraulis, a much revered watch portraitist: perhaps it's her pursuit of the road less-travelled, or the focused intricacy toward her craft that inspires me. In photography, capturing a meaningful image requires patience, but I can only imagine how much more focus is required for the sketched medium. Julia's work is more than mere sketching: rather, it's a backstory depicting using layers of overlapping narrative. It's something you appreciate in layers -- shifting your perspective on how you see a watch.
Zoe Abelson
Occupation: Watchbox Senior Client Advisor, Hong Kong
Social handle: @watchgirloffduty
Q: Assuming no limit when it comes to time or money, tell us what your ultimate watch would look like.
A: It's honestly pretty difficult to pick one watch that would be my 'ultimate' piece. Your 'grail' is constantly changing: as taste and appreciation for the various types of brands and complications evolves. One thing that's always been the case is that my ideal collection would be built around rare vintage Day-Dates -- think dials of Stella, stone, and wood. Some of my favourites include those models made with onyx, ferrite, coral, lapis lazuli and green jasper.
Q: What can men in the watch community (whether they be collectors or industry people) do to make the hobby a more inclusive and inviting space?
A: Recently, we're seeing more support and encouragement on social media -- for both female collectors and women working in the industry. In this regard, platforms like Instagram and Clubhouse have been pivotal; as have programmes like OT: The Podcast. In future, I also hope to start seeing existing collectors' clubs invite women to join.
Q: Do you have a favourite watch within your collection? If not, talk us through the piece you've been wearing the most these past several months.
A: I don't have a 'favourite' per se, but one watch I've been wearing constantly is my Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 in 'Tiffany' blue. The remainder of my collection consists of vintage stuff that's higher value, so I find that this OP can be worn more carefreely. Plus, it's just a super-fun watch -- the riff on eggshell blue is definitely a contrast to the black and silver-dialled pieces I own.
Q: In your view, what are some of the trends watch brands should retire in order to attract a bigger, more diverse female audience?
A: We ought to stop splitting watches into 'men's' and 'ladies' categories and offer further consideration to designs that work as unisex. Personally, I prefer wearing timepieces that are 36mm-40mm, and at the moment those are all labeled as 'men's watches'. That perception might influence women new in the hobby to only consider a narrow assortment of pieces. Brands should spend more time helping consumers figure out what size is right for them personally; and, by extension, focus on investing in mechanical movements tailormade for smaller sized pieces.
Q: Call out one other woman in the watch community -- this can be a watchmaker, brand executive, journalist et cetera -- who you think deservers a bigger platform. Tell us why.
A: At the moment, I'm very excited about Dimepiece: a website and Instagram account that's dedicated to celebrating the watches worn by women in pop culture. Brynn Wallner (who runs the account) is bringing a much-needed dose of cool to the community, that will hopefully inspire more women to embrace watch collecting.
Ming Liu
Occupation: Journalist, London
Social handle: @mingliuwrites
Q: Assuming no limit when it comes to time or money, tell us what your ultimate watch would look like.
A: My 'wishlist' has gotten somewhat out of hand, but realistically, I could see myself wearing the Royal Oak in frosted yellow gold (with a mirrored dial) on the daily. It's an iconic watch and an iconic design -- I keep trying to nick my husband's Jumbo -- and I love how it harmonises with jeweller Carolina Bucci's hammered gold finish. Fabulous, disco, and yet super-wearable.
Q: What can men in the watch community (whether they be collectors or industry people) do to make the hobby a more inclusive and inviting space?
A: I’d like to see more male executives/designers joining in on the recent conversations surrounding women's watches. We've been endeavouring to have our voices heard for a while; and I think having men partake in that discourse as well will be crucial to its resonance. What really is the male response to female collectors? How would they design for female watch collectors today? Do they feel the need to design for women separately at all? I think the more that male industry leaders partake in this conversation, the more the industry is likely to change as a whole.
Q: Do you have a favourite watch within your collection? If not, talk us through the piece you've been wearing the most these past several months.
A: I do have my favourites -- a Rolex Datejust, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso -- many of which are linked to my family in some way, but the watch I’ve been wearing the most mid-pandemic is my Bamford x G-Shock. It’s become my ultimate tool watch for lockdown: fit for purpose whether I’m on mum duty; #WFH; cooking; or just checking the time at 4am while trying to settle my toddler. It’s bulletproof and multifunctional (and as a plus, brings me right back to my teenage days of wearing G-Shock).
Q: In your view, what are some of the trends watch brands should retire in order to attract a bigger, more diverse female audience?
A: My biggest bugbear is that the majority of the advertising that's levelled at women depicts the 'male gaze': it's outmoded, tone-deaf, and quite frankly desperate. I want to see the kinds of real women who are wearing watches right now -- not the imaginary creations of male fantasy for whom they'd ultimately buy timepieces.
Q: Call out one other woman in the watch community -- this can be a watchmaker, brand executive, journalist et cetera -- who you think deservers a bigger platform. Tell us why.
A: A big shout out to Watch Femme, a community founded by two watch world veterans actually -- Laetitia Hirschy and Suzanne Wong. The community is quite new but expect great and interesting things!
Brynn Wallner
Occupation: Creative Director, New York
Social handle: @brynntrill
Q: Assuming no limit when it comes to time or money, tell us what your ultimate watch would look like.
A: My friend has a 33mm two-tone Nautilus that I'm absolutely obsessed with. It looks perfect on her -- and I think it'd look perfect on me too.
Q: What can men in the watch community (whether they be collectors or industry people) do to make the hobby a more inclusive and inviting space?
A: It's just a matter of asking people (in this case, men) to be more patient with anyone who's new to the watch world. There's so much to take in: from the different brands to reference numbers and the various types of movements. That all contributed to why I was so intimidated in the first place: because I didn't grow up with a watch collecting dad, or come up with a lot of the preset knowledge that men like that are raised with, I thought I didn't deserve a seat at the table. But the support I've gotten from men and women in the industry (excited to have a newcomer in the hobby with such bright eyes) helped me to get over that relatively quickly.
A: I will also say that there is no shame at coming into the watch world from a fashion-oriented or pop-culture perspective. At the end of the day, watches are just one aspect of an overall lifestyle. I've gotten guys in the comments section of my Dimepiece posts correcting me on things like reference numbers. Although I'm grateful for the honesty (and I'm dying to get to that Rain Man level of numerical memorization), the specific reference numbers are besides the point. I started this project to help the watch world become more accessible to beginners interested in it, and you have to start somewhere – even if that means screwing up the exact ref. number on a Rolex Submariner. It's a process! Be patient with us newbies or we'll get scared away!
Q: Do you have a favourite watch within your collection? If not, talk us through the piece you've been wearing the most these past several months.
A: I actually don't own a luxury watch! This is a completely new passion for me. That said, I'm already looking forward to purchasing a small two-tone Cartier Tank Française for my 31st birthday.
Q: In your view, what are some of the trends watch brands should retire in order to attract a bigger, more diverse female audience?
A: I'm certain I won't be alone here when I reference the piece Cara Barrett recently wrote for her Hodinkee column Second Opinions. Gender labels (in general) are so "2000 and late" -- that certainly applies to the way watches are still being marketed.
I'd also suggest that the more luxurious heritage brands could loosen up when it comes to how they approach marketing. Not everything has to look so premium and so high-end: sometimes these watch campaigns are so slick that they feel borderline corny. The high-end stuff exists in this 'safe space' where everybody knows they're luxury -- we all know they're expensive. In that regard, they can take more risks when it comes to the style of advertising: switching up the current aesthetic to make things seem more inclusive and accessible (all the while maintaining that baked-in level of aspiration). That's a balance that fashion brands like Gucci have been striking extremely well.
Q: Call out one other woman in the watch community -- this can be a watchmaker, brand executive, journalist et cetera -- who you think deservers a bigger platform. Tell us why.
A: Ever since starting Dimepiece, I've made lots of internet friends in the watch community! One of them is Zoe Abelson (also featured in this column). She's currently a senior client advisor at Watchbox, and I'm excited to see how her career develops and expands. I'm actually interviewing in the not-too-distant future, so you can expect to see more of her when that article drops in April!
The post 5 Takeaways from 5 Leading Ladies in the World of Luxury Watches appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019
We reveal our favourite beauty discoveries of the past year — find out what our go-to skincare brands are, make-up we never leave home without, where you’ll find us when we’re in need of a luxurious spa treatment, and what 2020 launches we’re excited about.
Favourite treatment
View this post on Instagram
This one is a toss-up between a two-part treatment at W Hotel’s Bliss Spa – it included one of the best facials I’ve ever had, using Carol Joy London products, and a Saltability body massage using warm Himalayan salt stones – and the Bastien Pedicure at The Oriental Spa, which left my soles and toenails looking better than ever. If I could combine them all into one, it would be my dream treatment.
Favourite make-up brand
View this post on Instagram
While most people can’t get enough of its award-winning Concealer, I’m a loyal fan of Clé de Peau Beauté for its powders, highlighters and always-on-point lipstick shades. The best is its limited-edition holiday collection, which this year includes my favourite radiance enhancing Refining Pressed Powder (HK$800) and a special Lipstick Cashmere (HK$480) in the bold shade of Red Passion.
Make-up item I can't live without
View this post on Instagram
I’m all about “less is more” when it comes to make-up, so I rarely apply a full face of foundation, powder, blush and so on. I prefer some strategically placed concealer, and this year my favourite was the new-to-Hong Kong brand Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer (HK$225). A little bit goes a long way, and the buildable formula blends seamlessly.
The one beauty product I'm always hoarding
View this post on Instagram
I can never seem to have enough lip balms, eyelash curlers and hand creams. I’m not loyal to any lip balms in particular but have been liking Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm (HK$145) since the brand arrived along with Sephora. Eyelash curlers are always the classic shu uemura (HK$150) or the travel ones from Sephora. And for my mitts, Sisley’s newly launched Restorative Hand Cream (HK$860) is my current fave for its rich-but-not-greasy texture.
Favourite beauty hack I learned
View this post on Instagram
I think I was late to the game on this one, but I have Tata Harper to thank for introducing me to multi-masking. It makes perfect sense using dierent masks – at the same time – for dierent areas of the face. Now I use a clay mask on my T-zone, a hydrating mask on my cheeks and sheet masks under my eyes. Three masks in one, and I’m done in 15 minutes.
Favourite overall beauty discovery
View this post on Instagram
I’m not sure if it was the fact that I stumbled upon it unexpectedly or that it ended up being so simple yet so good, but my favourite discovery this year was Royal Fern. Founder Dr Tim Golueke’s visit to Hong Kong popped up in my Instagram feed and a few hours later I was introduced to one of the hottest – but still under-the-radar – skincare brands from Germany. Even now I use the cream and ampoules on a regular basis.
The brand I'll always be loyal to
View this post on Instagram
I can always count on La Prairie to come out with effective and divinely luxurious products season after season. Its in caviar was one of the first luxury skincare collections I really fell in love with and this year it introduced the Skin Caviar Eye Lift (HK$3,990). Even the loose powder (HK$1,800) and make-up brushes (HK$1,080) it recently released are among my must-haves.
Favourite skincare product
View this post on Instagram
It’s so hard to choose just one, but at least with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% (HK$80) I know I’m in good company. I was told the brand sells one of these serums every 30 seconds, thanks to its ability to balance sebum, fight blemishes and brighten skin tone. Add to that the quickly absorbed formula and affordable price point, and I’m sold.
Favourite haircare product
View this post on Instagram
This is another one that was introduced by a brand representative during their visit to Hong Kong. Oribe makes ultra-luxurious beauty and haircare products and devices. Its Gold Lust collection — comprising a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and hair oil — not only smells divine but hydrate and smooth like no other.
Favourite beauty personality I met this year
View this post on Instagram
So many amazing people visited Hong Kong this year – including Tata Harper, Priscilla Ono, Peter Philips and Barbara Sturm – but my favourite was Isamaya Ffrench. The London-based “beauty exec” made her debut as Christian Louboutin’s first-ever global make-up artist here in Hong Kong, and it was the first time I saw anyone use mascara in red, no less as eye shadow and fishnet stockings to apply make-up. No wonder she started out face painting at children’s parties.
Favourite beauty device
View this post on Instagram
Give me a gua sha and I’ll happily massage the day away. It can be rose quartz or jade, smooth or ridged, as long as it helps with lymphatic drainage. When I have time, I also love the Cha Ling Ba Guan (HK$320). The at-home cupping device is perfect for tackling stubborn fat and cellulite.
Favourite beauty-related social media to follow
View this post on Instagram
I think I’ve cycled through just about every make-up artist, #skincareaddict and wellness guru that’s out there. I’ll always be loyal to @intothegloss for its BFF approach, but lately I’m enjoying the somehow hypnotic nail art by Allure editor-in-chief @heymichellelee. I’ll probably never have the patience for nail art, so looking at her feed is the next best thing to getting a manicure myself.
Favourite Fragrance
View this post on Instagram
There seemed to be a new fragrance released every week, if not every day, this year. A number of brands also opened stores in the Fragrant Harbour, particularly at K11 MUSEA, including Miller Harris. After trying out its fragrance profiling, I settled on the Lost in the City (HK$1,440) and have been enjoying wearing it ever since. I also have to give a shout-out to Louis Vuitton, which had a few winners this year too — my favourite being the California-inspired Cactus Garden (HK$2,050).
Favourite Bodycare Product
View this post on Instagram
Bamford burst on to the Hong Kong beauty scene late in the year, and was an instant hit with its all-natural, wellness-focused approach. Its B Silent Organic Body Oil (HK$400) is my favourite of the entire line thanks to its relaxing scent (from chamomile, lavender and vetiver root oils) and healing properties.
The next product I can't wait to get my hands on
View this post on Instagram
Angela Caglia, of Rose Quartz Facial Goddess fame, recently released an Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil (which she teased during her visit in September). I love her less-is-more approach and can see this becoming a favourite alongside her Detox Serum (HK$625) and Soufflé Moisturizer (HK$547) – not to mention the Vibrating Rose Quartz Sculpting Roller (HK$1,530) I use with them. I might have to throw in a few of her sheet masks too (HK$455).
The post The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The 50th Anniversary of the El Primero Chronograph ushers Three Special Zenith Collaboration Editions
On this, the 50th anniversary of the famed Zenith El Primero Chronograph, the Le Locle manufacture has collaborated with three parties for three special limited editions
The post The 50th Anniversary of the El Primero Chronograph ushers Three Special Zenith Collaboration Editions appeared first on LUXUO.
50 years anniversary of the TAG Heuer Monaco at Baselworld 2019
Celebrating 50 years of the TAG Heuer Monaco, the La Chaux de Fonds manufacture launches a book that captures the history and spirit of the unlikely icon just before Baselworld 2019
The post 50 years anniversary of the TAG Heuer Monaco at Baselworld 2019 appeared first on LUXUO.
Inside this carbon fibre tube is how your expensive watches should travel
Bamford London's Watch Department has released a watch carrier that's equal parts sexy and durable.
The post Inside this carbon fibre tube is how your expensive watches should travel appeared first on The Peak Magazine.
Inside this carbon fibre tube is how your expensive watches should travel
Bamford London's Watch Department has released a watch carrier that's equal parts sexy and durable.
For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.
Rose Scents Beauty Products
Rose Scents Beauty Products Dating back from to the ancient Greek and Roman times when rose petals were used to perfume their baths, roses have been commended for their beauty boosting qualities ever since. These benefits include the easing of dry skin, burns and scarring. In the form of rose water, splash on the face […]
The post Rose Scents Beauty Products appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.
Best Of The Overnight Creams
Night Cream, Kahina Giving Beauty | Kahina Giving Beauty combines argan oil and red wine grapes to a rich, restorative moisturizer. With clinically proven concentrations of resveratrol and polyphenols derived from vitis vinifera (red wine grapes), Kahina Night Cream addresses all signs of aging, building collagen to firm and lift. “To me, Morocco and the Napa Valley are the […]
The post Best Of The Overnight Creams appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.