If you’ve been reading the news lately, you will realise that Singaporeans are spending on watches and jewellery in a big way post-circuit breaker. According to the Department of Statistics, watch and jewellery retail recorded a percentage increase in sales by about 1,211 per cent between May and June this year.
While that’s not quite at the level of revenge spending recorded in China after the quarantine period, the fact that Singaporeans are spending five times more on timepieces and fine jewellery compared to clothing, shows just how timepieces are truly a valuable and attractive proposition in times like these.
When it comes to what exactly watch buyers are buying, then perennials rank on the top of the list according to some watch retailers we spoke to. And this is where the new generation of Oyster Perpetual 36 models from Rolex, which have received a facelift for its dial and outfitted with a new mechanism come in.
For starters, this new generation of the maison’s most pocket-friendly and unfussy offering (read: timeless) will speak to watch fans who prefer a true horology piece that is still fun and can be worn on the daily. The brand has splashed five new colours on the lacquer dials ranging from a pastel pink to a pop yellow hue for the right amount of quirk. The dial design has also been cleaned up, with the typical numerical five-minute markers given a minimalist update in the form of squares instead.
If movements are your thing when it comes to watches, then the new calibre 3230 which powers the timepiece, will make this series of Oyster Perpetual a worthwhile buy. This souped-up automatic movement is not only robust and efficient, it also boasts an extended 70-hour power reserve from 48 hours.
An entry-level Rolex model with smart design, practicality and mechanical credentials sorted out? Consider us sold.
