
orangedial's post offers a vibrant look into a Singaporean watch collector meetup, highlighting the camaraderie and shared passion among Audemars Piguet enthusiasts. This gathering, marking the third for the group, coincided with the opening of a new AP boutique at Marina Bay Sands, providing a perfect backdrop for showcasing diverse and impressive timepieces. The article captures the essence of community and the joy of experiencing haute horlogerie together.

Since our first GTG six months ago in March 2014, it was the third time this small group of like-minded AP enthusiasts get together for yet another fun day. This time round, we chose the famed Marina Bay Sands (MBS) as our outing location for an obvious reason: a new AP boutique had just been opened for business a week earlier! An appointment was made with AP to visit the new playground!

Before the boutique visit, the group settled at a cozy corner of a local coffee joint called Toast Box to catch up with each other. It was a gathering of not only AP watches, but a few other interesting and respectable collections from buddies who are self-proclaimed watch nuts! A galore of nice timepieces were there for generous sharing and admiration. Even a mini digital weighing scale was making its presence to add more fun!
IWC Portuguese 7-Day Perpetual Calendar in WG

AP ROO FC Grand Prix LE

Beautiful display case back showcasing the exquisite winding rotor


Wonderful ALS Datograph in Platinum


One of the most beautiful movement display in haute horlogerie

The venerable PP Nautilus 5712/1A

My favorite micro-rotor powered Cal.240


Pam 289 in RG. Limited production of 6 pcs


Neo-vintage RG DD with Bark finishing

One of the very first Sub LV with Mk1 dial & flat 4 olive green bezel

Neo-vintage Sea-Dweller 16660 with Mk1 Tritium dial

Grand Seiko "Self-Dater" Limited Edition

Top-notch polishing of Grand Seiko

A vintage Seiko Bullhead from the 70s

A customary group shot

To spice up the gathering, the organizer, one of our most generous members, had so kindly offered a rare AP watch stand for lucky draw! Guess who had won the draw? Ahem… Yours Truly was the lucky star of the day :P


After an hour of chatting, photo-taking and watch-tasting, we adjourned to the new AP boutique at MBS. We were warmly greeted by Mr Antonio Seward, the new General Manager for AP Southeast Asia since 1 Sep 2014, and the ever gracious Bindy. The MBS boutique bears the new design concept similar to some other recently refreshed boutiques worldwide, including Bal Harbour, Tokyo and Hong Kong. With extensive use of geometric lines and combination of earth tone colors, the new boutique looks avant-garde and luxury from the outside, and warm and welcoming once stepped inside.






The high ceiling gives the boutique a sense of spaciousness. The interior deco boasts a nice and huge multi-panel display screen which brings Vallée de Joux to life! A tall counter with Royal Oak inspired table top and counter base which located in front of the large screen, as well as a long table placed right inside the boutique provide ample space for customers to view and discuss the exquisite AP timepieces cozily. There is even a VIP room "hidden" behind the black shelf which is used for closing deals!

Mr. Antonio Seward (left)

AP Royal Oak Skeleton 15305 in RG

AP ROC "Leo Messi" LE in RG

AP RO 15400 in RG

AP ROO 26470 "2014 Novelty" in RG

Bindy (left)

Several important and top-end AP timepieces were displayed in the VIP room waiting for their suitors! I had the privilege to snap a few photos of two of the ultra high-end models, a Millenary Minute Repeater with AP escapement in Titanium case and a Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP escapement in Platinum case, which add up to more than SGD 1.1 million (MSRP). Hope these photos do the watches justice...
Millenary Minute Repeater with AP Escapement in Titanium Case





Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP Escapement in Platinum Case






Our third GTG ended on a high note with AP's hospitality during the boutique visit. What a blast! Lastly, how can there be a GTG without a customary group wrist shot?

Thanks for making this far and hope you have enjoyed reading!
Have a great week ahead!
Wayne
The Patek Philippe Complications Reference 5712 is a notable offering within the brand's Complications collection, distinguished by its asymmetrical dial layout and a suite of practical indications. It presents a sophisticated blend of functionality and design, offering a moon phase, power reserve indicator, and an analog date display, all arranged to create a distinctive visual identity that sets it apart from more traditional Patek Philippe designs.
This particular reference features a stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter, housing the self-winding caliber 240 PS IRM C LU. This movement is known for its slim profile, achieved through the integration of a micro-rotor, contributing to the watch's comfortable wearability. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters, with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
For collectors, the 5712 represents an accessible entry into Patek Philippe's complicated timepieces, offering a range of functions without the complexity of a perpetual calendar or chronograph. Its stainless steel construction and integrated bracelet provide a robust and versatile option, appealing to those seeking a daily wearable complicated watch. The reference has been in production since 2006, with the 5712/1A denoting the stainless steel bracelet variant.
Looks like a great group of collectors. The AP Boutique is fantastic, and is executed in the new AP design theme. Nice to see that consistency working its way around the world. I also spot some masthead worthy shots :-) You know I am smitten over that titanium Millenary Minute Repeater. And a platinum ChronAP... not bad!
Thanks for the report and snaps guys, wonderful pieces and looks like all had a really good time! Best M.
Thanks a lot for the report Wayne and your pictures are fantastic too and bring a lot here. I love this RO and especially the 15305 :) Cheers, Mark
Thanks for sharing this cool thread!! I guess by looking at the pictures that you had a lot of fun. Excellent pics btw. Best! Ernesto
Super nice pics! Wonderful mix of AP with other brands too. Very happy to see you guys enjoy this GTG and share your watches and passion. Bravo! I have not visited the AP boutique at MBS yet... very afraid I will fall for an APRO... :) Will do so next time I visit MBS cheers robin
I was there 2 months ago, and it was still not open!! too bad:!! Thanks for sharing and for these great photos!!
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