Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll be covering my experience at Delugs’ recent Golden Hour: Independent Series event.
Wah So Shiok began as a microbrand watch review platform, and while such coverage now features far less prominently, my enthusiasm for horology—particularly within the independent watch space—remains undiminished. When Ken from Delugs reached out to share that the brand would be hosting an exhibition spotlighting some of today’s most compelling independent watchmakers, it was an invitation I simply could not pass up.
The first brand that caught my attention was Dennison Watch, a recent recipient of the GPHG Challenge Watch Prize. Originally founded in 1874 by Aaron Lufkin Dennison as a watch case manufacturer, the brand was revived in 2023 by Tony Sutton. Staying true to its heritage, Sutton retained Dennison’s signature case design, pairing it with a contemporary aesthetic penned by Emmanuel Gueit—the celebrated designer behind icons such as the Rolex Cellini and the Royal Oak Offshore.
The debut time-only collection showcases an array of striking stone dials, including tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, malachite, aventurine, jasper, and more. Paired with a distinctly retro aesthetic, the watches were a genuine pleasure to take in. Thanks to their quartz movements, they are impressively slim, making them particularly well-suited as distinctive dress watches. I was more than a little tempted to purchase one on the spot, and even mentioned to Sutton that should a manual-winding mechanical version ever materialise, I would not hesitate to add one to my own collection.
Dennison Watches’ sophomore collection introduces dual-time displays—again powered by quartz movements—while preserving the distinctive case architecture and arresting stone dials that turned its debut collection into an award-winning success. As it stands, Dennison has delivered two compelling collections, and it will be fascinating to see how the brand evolves from here. A future mechanical chronograph rendered with stone dials would undoubtedly be something truly special.
I then made my way to Baltic Watches’ booth, where founder Étienne Malec was deep in animated conversation with a fellow enthusiast. Established in 2016, Baltic has now spent nearly a decade within the microbrand watch scene, steadily building a portfolio of well-received collections along the way. That momentum has continued to gather pace, most recently culminating in the opening of the brand’s own dedicated boutique in Paris earlier this year.
Baltic arrived at the exhibition with an extensive selection of its catalogue, the most recognisable of which was the much-lauded MR01—a model I myself purchased. Arguably the watch that cemented Baltic’s reputation among collectors, the MR01 delivers a refined, Patek-inspired aesthetic paired with a microrotor movement, all at a notably accessible price point.
Also on display was the Scalegraph Classic, a model that channels unmistakable vintage chronograph sensibilities, complete with a distinctly Paul Newman–esque aesthetic.
Rounding out the lineup was the new Hermétique, a modestly sized, time-only model distinguished by its vibrant dial options—easily the most playful and light-hearted offering of the bunch.
Third on my tour was Spaceone Watches, a brand that has also earned a GPHG nomination. I was familiar with them from one of Nico Leonard’s videos and was eager to see their Urwerk-inspired models up close.
My favourite by far was the Tellerium, with its bold, avant-garde design inspired by cosmology. Sadly, both the Tellerium and the debut Jumping Hour model have long since sold out. The only piece still available was the new Worldtimer (pictured above), which, regrettably, didn’t quite capture my interest.
Last, but by no means least, was London-based watchmaker Christopher Ward, who not only showcased the largest number of timepieces but also attracted the biggest crowd.
Firstly, a variety of their sports watches were displayed, including the popular Twelve.
This includes the new C12 Loco, which features the free-sprung balance wheel on a selection of brightly coloured dials.
Then there’s the C1 Moonphase – one of the most unique-looking moonphase watches at its price point.
However, the brand’s standout model is undoubtedly the Bel Canto, the timepiece that propelled Christopher Ward into the horological spotlight. Offering a chiming mechanism—the hallmark of minute repeaters—at an astonishingly accessible price of around US$4,000 is virtually unprecedented. This bold push beyond conventional boundaries is what sets Christopher Ward apart from its peers and probably explains why they drew the biggest crowd.
In particular, the Bel Canto Classic with the Gold dial immediately caught my eye. Up close, it’s a striking piece, evoking the elegance of classics like the Breguet Tradition 7027. The Christopher Ward team graciously demonstrated the chime in person—it’s surprisingly subtle, with a melodic quality that exceeded my expectations. Paired with the golden guilloché dial, the watch truly resonated with me. At over S$6,000 (including GST), it wasn’t a purchase I could make on the spot, but it’s undoubtedly the timepiece that lingered in my mind long after the exhibition—an impression that speaks volumes.
As expected at a watch exhibition, many attendees sported impressive haute horology pieces on their wrists. A few truly stood out, including a stunning A. Lange & Söhne 1815.
Yet the real highlight was spotting a Cartier Crash on one of the participants’ wrists. To me, it perfectly encapsulated the charm of this independent watch exhibition—showing that even collectors of high horology pieces can appreciate and take an interest in more accessible, independent offerings.
Above all, it was inspiring to see the local watch community come together in full force to support these overseas independent brands. There’s an unmistakable energy and genuine curiosity, something often less evident at exhibitions dominated by mainstream names. Having the founders themselves present, explaining and showcasing their creations, adds a personal touch—no corporate PR scripts or pre-approved talking points. What unfolds here is intimate and authentic, the truest form of community building.
Of course, it would be remiss not to acknowledge Ken, the driving force behind the entire exhibition. His vision is clear: the Delugs showroom isn’t merely a point of sale, but a space where the watch community—both brands and collectors—can come together. I’ve noted before that Ken is a genuine watch enthusiast, and it’s evident in how he curates these community events. Unlike other local exhibitions, he doesn’t charge brands to participate, yet still leverages Delugs’ substantial social media presence and mailing list to promote the event. Through this, Ken shows that Delugs is far more than a watch strap retailer—it’s an active, integral part of the global watch community.
That said, if you’re in the market for watch straps, Delugs is running a boutique-exclusive holiday sale through the end of the year. Customers can enjoy 15% off accessories and 15% off when purchasing two or more ready-stock leather or rubber straps. If you’re hunting for the perfect Christmas gift for a watch enthusiast, do drop by Delugs’ Raffles Hotel boutique – now open daily till 8pm.
Visit the Delugs Flagship Boutique: Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, #02-35, SG 188719
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11AM to 8PM
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
