The Collectors: Alvin Chong On His Most Treasured Watches, Including The Cartier Crash

It’s a dream come true when Cartier bestows a custom—New Special Order (NSO)—timepiece to any collector who appreciates the legacy of the Maison. For Alvin Chong, he got to experience that dream four times, starting with a platinum Tank Cintree in 2021 to his most recent addition, the highly exclusive Cartier Crash. The 28-year-old finance professional spent an evening with Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore breaking down his most treasured watches, the first watch that ignited his passion and how his collection is an extension of his personal style.

What is your most treasured timepiece?

The Tank Cintree from three years ago because it was my first NSO watch so, of course, it is special. Also, I had just started getting interested in the brand and it was a challenging thing to be offered but it shows how much Cartier valued my taste and passion.

For the design, I wanted the ruby cabochon, which is exclusive to platinum Cartier models in modern times. I chose red numerals because they used to be reserved for references with a ruby, unlike today. This is sort of my way of harking back to the past.

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What started this passion for watch collecting?

I wasn’t interested in watches until I was in the army. Everyone was encouraged to get a watch because of time management, discipline, strict regimentation, and all that. I’m also a huge history buff and I like to research before buying anything.

In my research on watches, I chanced upon an article on the Rolex Submariner and I was intrigued by how such a watch, which I found mundane back then, had such an impact on popular culture. The more I read, the more hooked I got because the history behind watches is very interesting as well.

What was your first watch and do you still have it?

I was drawn to dive watches and I bought a Seiko SKX007, which is a very entry-level watch but a legendary watch that many people know of. The bezel was dipped in bleach to give it a faded appearance and the markers were treated with coffee for that vintage brown aesthetic. I also had “007” printed on the dial as a nod to the reference number and James Bond.

I still have the watch because it reminds me of the time when I first started my journey and it serves as a reflection of how my taste has evolved since then.

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How does your collection complement your style?

I think my style has changed a lot since I was in the army 10 years ago. I tend to wear suits because of work and I love Ralph Lauren because of the brand’s sense of timelessness and elegance, which are principles central to Cartier as well. I haven’t found another watch brand that I truly identify with.

For budding collectors, I suggest not to be too hung up about what to get at first because your tastes will change over time as well. Just get a piece that is literally love at first sight, something that speaks to your heart as soon as you see it, instead of following the trends, the opinions of others or the value game.

If you really want to curate a meaningful collection, I think it should match what’s in your heart, your sense of taste and aesthetic. I think that’s very important.

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What do you look for when shopping for watches?

One thing I look for is the size of the watch, the diameter and thickness in particular because proportion plays a lot in how it looks on your wrist. No matter how good the watch may be technically, it won’t look proportionate on your wrist if it is too oversized. Based on personal experience, I find bigger watches too chunky so I gravitate to slimmer, dressier pieces.

I am also into the incorporation of jewellery and watches, which I think brands such as Cartier, Piaget and Bulgari are doing very well; and I am really interested in Piaget’s Limelight Gala. I find these watches fascinating because they feel like an artistic expression different from traditional brands like Rolex, Seiko or OMEGA.

What is your holy grail timepiece?

It has to be the Cartier Crash. When everyone speaks about Cartier, the Crash is the most “grail-worthy” because it is rarely allocated. Personally, it took me five to six years to get it and I think that’s very fortunate already. The Crash exemplifies everything I love about the Maison; the plate, the eccentric shape and the story behind the watch, which form a very intriguing package when weaved together.

Photographer: Lawrence Teo
Videography: Clement Goh
Creative Direction: Daphne Tso
Content Producer: Brandon Chia