Tiancheng International and the Seeds of Love

Hydrangeas by Lin Fengmian (1900 to 1991), valued at between HK$1 and HK$1.2 million. Sold for HK$1.18 million (US$137,000 or 105,000 euros) at Tiancheng International’s April 2013 auction. Photo: © Tiancheng International

When it comes to art, the depiction of flowers in bloom is a favourite recurring theme. For instance, flower power was evident when art auction house Tiancheng International held their “Spring Fine Chinese Paintings” and “Modern and Contemporary Art” sale which was held in April 2013. The paintings of flowers by two Chinese artists, Lin Fengmian (1900 to 1991) and … More

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe: depth issues?

Blancpain’s 2013 novelty, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe as seen on the 19th storey of OUE Bayfront at ME@OUE in Singapore on 20 June 2013 at 3.10pm. At 3pm, the PSI (pollution standard index) reading was 312. In the background, one can briefly make out Marina Bay Sands even in the haze. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

One look will not allow you to totally figure out how the understated elegance of Blancpain’s sporty Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe was created. The watch is named after the bathyscaphe which is a deep-sea submersible. The military feel is understandable because of the triple-loop NATO strap. Observe carefully once more and take note of the refined hour markers which are made … More

Zenith Pilot: Type 20 – the 6 C-type?

Zenith’s Pilot: Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 with full pavé dial and bezel. Diameter: 60mm. Priced at around US$200,000 or 150,000 euros or slightly above S$250,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Seen at BaselWorld 2013

If you enjoy huge aviator-type wristwatches, then Zenith’s Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 from the brand’s Pilot collection is worth consideration. With its diameter of 57.5mm, you simply cannot miss it. Though large in size, one thing is for sure, you will not spot many because the Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aéronef Type 20, launched in 2012, is a limited edition model; … More

Azimuth: Jade-d?

Azimuth’s Round-1 White Jade. Printed on the dial: the hour numeral eight, “fabrique en Suisse” meaning “Swiss Made” and “Azimuth pour Jade Culture” or “Azimuth for Jade Culture”. The dark stain between the nine and ten o’clock positions is a natural blemish on the stone. Estimated pricing at around US$5,600 or S$7,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

It is relatively easy for watch collectors to suffer from “dial fatigue” especially when visually “dulled” by models that seem to undergo only slight modifications to their dials year after year. Well, for “jaded” souls, how about a full jade dial? That is exactly what Azimuth will be launching in July 2013. The entire dial is cut and produced by … More