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Watch collector Shaye Chin values entities that have stood the test of time
The group CEO of Virtue Partners Management Group is a fan of heritage brands and classic movies.
By Lynette Koh /
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Deeper meaning
“Watches are very emotional for me. In my twenties, I was working in banking and doing quite well. The first watch I got as a present to myself was a two-tone Rolex Submariner. Around that time, I went into business with a relative who I trusted, but he left me and my family with a lot of debt. I was working very hard at the bank to repay some of these debts and thought about selling the Submariner, but my mum told me not to do so. Even though she knew nothing about watches, she knew that wearing it boosted my confidence when meeting my high-net-worth clients. I eventually managed to clear all those debts and turn things around. Until today, I have that watch.”
“A highlight of my collection is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 (Chronograph Date; pictured). I’ve always liked Patek Philippe because of its rich history, and the history of a brand is important to me. The 5980 is pretty difficult to get, so I appreciate the fact that my SA [sales assistant] allocated it to me. I like chronographs and I also like the shape and design of this watch. Its thickness wears just right. Also, I like gold. So when everything is put together, it’s very appealing to me.”
Related: Talking Time: This young collector has a penchant for all things with history
“I’m not that old, but I like old movies and music. My wife always asks me, ‘Why are you listening to this song?’ or ‘Why are you watching this movie?’ Top Gun — the original one, not the recent version — is one of my favourite shows. I like its themes of brotherhood, resilience and camaraderie. I got the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Edition ‘SFTI’ (pictured) because it’s the civilian version of the actual watch that is only available to graduates from the Top Gun course.”
“I bought the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph (pictured) in Switzerland during my first trip to meet my wife's extended family. It was a special experience because my wife's cousins were very sweet and brought us from store to store to shop. It was the first time we were meeting, and I was touched by how genuine and loving they are. In the end, because I had hit my credit limit on my card, they even had to lend us some money first to buy the watch before anyone else snapped it up. I guess you could call it a family effort!”
“For me, the problem when it comes to buying watches is that I like too many different kinds. With some of my friends, if they like a brand, they stay with that brand. But I want my collection to be well-rounded, and reflect my own adaptability. The watches I wear depend on where I’m going or who I’m meeting. For example, when I’m playing the role of a boss, I like to wear watches with metal bracelets because they give a more mature and steady impression.”