A diver’s tale of innovation
Blancpain marks the 70th anniversary of its Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch with a limited-edition reinterpretation, featuring the signature moisture indicator
Supposedly the world’s first true diver’s watch, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms resulted from a true lightbulb moment by its late CEO JeanJacques Fiechter, inspired by one of his deep-sea adventures in Cannes. Almost running out of air during a dive, he realised the importance of having a time-measuring instrument tailored to the needs of scuba divers.
The Fifty Fathoms, named after the maximum depth to which it was safely possible to dive, was launched in 1953. The pioneer MIL-SPEC model introduced several important features: it wound itself automatically, reducing wear on the crown gaskets compared to hand-wound watches. It was resistant to magnetism, which is crucial for divers. It could stay watertight up to a depth of at least 10 bar. Plus, it had large, glow-in-the-dark hour markers on a dark dial for better visibility.
Innovations like the double watertight crown seal, a caseback sealing system to protect the O-ring, and a lockable rotating bezel were patented. These qualities made it the go-to choice for combat divers of the armed forces, including those of France, Germany, the US and Norway.
To further enhance the performance of the MIL-SPEC, Jean-Jacques Fiechter added a moisture indicator to the watch, confirming its condition after dives. This feature was especially prized by collectors and met the strict criteria of the US Navy for underwater missions.
These defining features made the Fifty Fathoms an iconic diver’s watch and continue influencing the entire watch industry. Today’s models, inspired by tradition and looking to the future, incorporate modern, reliable movements and technical innovations from Blancpain’s diving expertise.
This year, to mark its 70-year legacy, Blancpain presents the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 watch, which pays tribute to the original MIL-SPEC model used by the armed forces. This special edition 41.30mm watch honours its heritage with a matte black dial featuring vintage SuperLumiNova markers and a moisture indicator. The unidirectional rotating bezel showcases a black ceramic insert with a vintage Super-LumiNova diving scale. The two-tone NATO strap, made from reclaimed fishing nets, nods to the original design.
Each of these elements connects the past and present, but the case material sets them apart. The original MIL-SPEC was crafted from German silver, while the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 boasts a 9K Bronze Gold case. This unique alloy, enriched with 37.5% gold, copper (50%), silver, palladium and gallium, gives it a distinctive pink hue and durability. Unlike traditional bronze, it can be worn directly against the skin without oxidising to a greenish colour, thanks to the gold content.
Inside the 9K Bronze Gold case, the 1154.P2 movement offers a substantial 100-hour power reserve, thanks to twin barrels. A silicon balance spring ensures resistance to magnetism. The watch also features a 1,000-gauss version of the movement, thanks to exclusive alloys used in the escapement.
Unlike the original version, where the movement was hidden within a soft iron cage for magnetic resistance, the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 displays its movement through a sapphire crystal caseback that reveals vintage-inspired details and an 18K gold-engraved logo.
Limited to 555 pieces, this watch comes in a box inspired by historic camera housing, reflecting Blancpain’s commitment to ocean protection. As underwater photography evolved alongside diver’s watches, this commemorative timepiece bridges two eras, continuing the legacy of the world’s first true diver’s watch.
Ally is combining two of the hottest workouts — indoor cycling and reformer Pilates — in one convenient space
At just 25, Tan Jenn Bin has achieved more than most. For one, he owns his own business — Ally, a boutique fitness studio in Singapore. Founded to enhance customer experience and service, Ally has rapidly become a standout in Singapore’s competitive landscape of fitness studios.
Ally’s birth resulted from a vision to redefine boutique fitness in Singapore. Tan aspired to merge fitness with hospitality, creating an inviting space beyond the typical workout environment. The driving force behind Ally was the desire to place people at the centre, ensuring that every stage of the customer journey, from entry to exit, was designed to uplift and rejuvenate.
At the start, Ally only offered indoor cycling or spin classes. But in July this year, the fitness studio started to offer reformer Pilates classes, which has garnered tremendous response from fitness enthusiasts. Apart from its classes that promise a great workout, Ally is also well-loved for its luxurious facilities and amenities, including a coffee and smoothie bar, large waiting area, Aesop products, and spacious changing and shower spaces.
Options had a chat with Tan, and here’s what the young entrepreneur has to say about starting his own business and standing out in the ever-competitive fitness industry.
What was the inspiration behind you starting this up?
We wanted to shake up the boutique fitness scene here in Singapore, elevating the standards by marrying fitness and hospitality. We want to create a space where members enjoy being in, where they feel taken care of, and where it’s inviting enough for them to come and simply be.
People are our core focus, which has always been and always will be, and it is why I decided to create a studio of this size and this concept that is so different from many other studios.
The Ally experience and lifestyle begins right from when a member enters our studio, right from the first greeting, to the pre-workout conversations at the spacious community area, to the workout itself in a semi-circular room, to the post-workout refuel at our in-studio bar, neighbourhood, and lastly to freshening up at our well-appointed bathrooms with Aesop amenities. Every stage of this customer journey is designed to ensure each member walks out of our studio feeling uplifted and ready for the rest of the day.
How did you fund this new venture?
Together with a couple of very supportive friends who believed in the vision, we pulled together enough capital to start Ally.
What support did you receive to build this business?
Nothing beats having my founding team with me from the beginning, a passionate and extremely talented bunch, to build and grow the studio together to where we are today.
I learned how to run a business from my father, who brought me along on business trips when I was six years old. Through these moments with my father, I learned business organisation and strategising skills. He uses this opportunity to share life lessons and his thought process on the business with me. Often, he would love for me to share my thoughts, too.
I would say that my entrepreneurial drive and willingness to take risks came from these experiences with my father.
What were you doing before this? Did any of your experience help with your venture into this business?
I graduated from the UK with a degree in aircraft engineering. After graduation, I went to work in the family business. My dad started his business from a humble beginning by running a hardware shop and then moving on to mining. Now, the business has a significant footprint in mining and trading alongside port operations and shipping businesses.
Ever since I was young, my dad has brought me along on his business trip whenever I am on a school holiday.
What were some challenges you faced at the start of your business?
Ally opened during the Covid-19 period. It was definitely a challenge working with the government restrictions with all our grand plans in mind to engage our members and create new experiences. Eventually, we made the best of what we had and continued to push for excellence in member experience. We are thankful for all our loyal members from the beginning for believing in us.
Also, when we started, we were the new kid on the block. We knew we had to be different by elevating our customers’ fitness journey in the
pre- and post-workout experience. And that is why I ensured that my front desk crew were trained to be warm and hospitable, as customers would first interact with them upon entering the studio. As for the post-workout experience, we have a coffee and smoothie bar and amazing shower facilities with luxurious Aesop products for them to use.
Why did you decide to open your studio when the competition was strong in Singapore? What makes you stand out from other studios around?
We are confident that what we offer vastly differs from our competitors. People are our core focus, which has always been and always will be, and it is why I decided to create a studio of this size and this concept that is so different from many other studios.
As a people-centric rhythm cycling boutique studio, we aim to focus more on customer experience and customer service, which we don’t usually experience in other studios. We wanted to marry fitness and hospitality.
At Ally, we are building a community here and believe in providing our customers value for money. We may not be the cheapest, but we truly believe we provide the best.
Tell us more about your collaboration with Aesop and providing customers with a more luxurious experience.
Aesop is our sole amenity partner. We are the first fitness studio in Singapore to partner with Aesop. During our longstanding partnership with them, we have co-hosted unique events, such as a skincare workshop for our loyal members.
Ally has expanded into the reformer Pilates space. Why so?
Reformer Pilates complements indoor cycling by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, decreasing stress levels, and helping with posture.
We see a growing demand for classes in this fitness modality, and we are confident that we can provide an elevated class experience at Ally Reformer. This is an up-and-coming trend, and we want to offer another complementary workout that is not too high-intensity, like spin.
We aspire to be the best, so we sent our instructors to Australia to train and explore the scene to bring their experience back to Singapore.
How is your reformer Pilates different?
We have a phenomenal head coach to lead our reformer team. Together with her, we pinpoint areas of improvement in Singapore’s current pilates reformer scene and brainstorm ways we can offer a one-of-a-kind experience just like we did for our Ride space.
It’s more than just an “in and out” situation; we feel that members want a space they can hang out in, and the environment needs to be perfect and suitable for them to feel inviting, warm, and at ease.
People nowadays know what they want and need and want it better. While we created an aesthetically pleasing studio, we still focus on hospitality - making every member feel special and taken care of.
At Ally, we focus on the tiny details, upholding crafted luxury design and great hospitality. We always go one step further to anticipate what our members need and aim to provide it. Ultimately, who doesn’t like returning to a studio that cares for them well?
What plans do you have for the future of Ally?
We are exploring opportunities to open up another space in central Singapore and expand to other countries in Southeast Asia. We plan to open another studio in Singapore next year, so stay tuned!
As a lifestyle business, we must constantly evolve and brainstorm innovative ideas and concepts to offer our loyal members. Our goal is to have multiple concepts that meet the needs of the different clients or even have a space with multiple concepts.
Tell me more about yourself. What do you do when you’re not working?
I engage in self-meditation frequently and take yoga and Pilates classes over the weekend to balance out my daily spin classes. I will travel out of the country as much as possible to find quiet time and new inspiration for my business.
What advice do you have for those looking to start a business in the fitness industry?
Don’t be afraid to fall when young; be bold and adventurous.
1 Hermès’
La Source de Pegase ashtray is made using porcelain and has a velvet goatskin base. The piece is painstakingly hand-painted with loud illustrations in a muted platinum shade
2 3 4 5 6 Cartier BoConcept (kare.my). (hermes.com).
The Osaka armchair from is all about style. Classic and clean, it offers slim proportions, making it ideal for small homes without compromising on comfort
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Crafted from pure silk, this soft cushion features a crystal-embellished motif and fringed edges
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A nice scent will get you in the mood for a pleasant binge-reading experience. Encased in a nickel hand-spun vessel,
Royalty diffuser is infused with subtle notes of floral and citrus
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This table lamp from constructed using coloured glass, offers an industrial accent to your interior. Place it on your work desk to give the area a quick update
If you’re the type to annotate thoughts on paper, you’d want to keep the Santos de pen holder close by. It boasts an elegant palladium-finish stainless steel body with a golden-finish screw motif
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Swiss excellence
You can now view Geberit’s full spectrum of luxury sanitary products at its new flagship showroom at Marina Square — the first and only Southeast Asian outpost for the Swiss brand.
Divided into four zones, the showroom’s innovative concept revolves around presenting Geberit’s dual product arms — the technology behind the wall and the products in front of the wall — creating a harmonious bathroom experience that seamlessly combines efficient water management with visually appealing bathroom décor. Here, you’ll be able to witness live demonstrations of Geberit’s cutting-edge technologies, including the full range of behind-the-wall and in-front-of-the-wall cisterns, washbasins, and more.
In a strategic partnership, Econflo Systems, a family business turned corporate entity specialised in supplying large private residential and government projects in Singapore, joins forces with Geberit as its local partner. The partnership leverages Econflo’s extensive expertise in the retail segment and Geberit’s strong reputation to enhance awareness and desirability for Geberit’s products.
Kitchen confidential
Samsung has introduced four new customised kitchen appliances to make your kitchen look great and work even better: the Bespoke Built-in Oven, Bespoke Wall-mount Hood, Bespoke Induction Hob, and Bespoke Dishwasher.
With Samsung Bespoke, you can now personalise your kitchen by mixing and matching these stylish and smart appliances. This not only adds a unique touch to your kitchen but also makes your cooking experience more efficient and convenient, whether you’re a busy home cook or want to impress your guests with delicious meals.
These new additions to the Samsung Bespoke line-up allow you to personalise your kitchen to match your home’s interior design. You can choose appliances that not only look sleek and reflect your personal style but are also easy to use and maintain.
The Bespoke Built-in Oven, in particular, combines style and functionality for aspiring chefs. It offers various cooking modes and precise temperature control, making it easy to enhance the flavours and textures of your favourite dishes without constantly watching over them.
View the bespoke collection on Samsung.com. Purchase before Nov 6 and enjoy savings up to $400 with bundle deals and free installation of the Bespoke oven, hood, and hob.
Table for tea
Saporiti Italia, a design service provider offering tailor-made interior design solutions worldwide, participated in Find: Design Fair Asia to celebrate 75 years of product innovation and 15 years of cutting-edge projects in Singapore.
The showcase provided visitors with a glimpse into its prestigious history, work, and continuous commitment to research, unveiling the future of its design through its new East Meets West Collection. The centrepiece of this collection was the Gong Fu Cha Table by the world-famous architectural firm, Fuksas Architects.
This table is designed for the delicate practice of preparing and serving tea, offering clever and stylish organisation combined with modern technology, including an LED screen for presenting images and videos to guests. It also features functional elements such as two integrated induction cooking units, water storage, and a water waste basin. The elegant design includes a series of integrated chairs and serving trolleys, creating a beautiful monolithic display when stored. It is available in two high-gloss finish options: China Red or Imperial Blue.
To complement the table, there is a Wine, Liqueur & Cocktail Cabinet that represents the drinking culture of the West. For inquiries, email info@saporiti.com.
Oven intelligence
Bosch’s new Series 8 Ovens promise a new era in cooking, where you can do so much more with just one oven, such as steam, bake, roast, and air fry your food.
Enjoy healthy steam cooking up to 120°C and healthier frying thanks to the Air Fry function. Steaming at up to 120°C means that food is ready up to 50% faster. Additionally, up to 54% more nutrients and up to 25% more vitamin C are retained.
You also get moist and fluffy baked goods with the PerfectBake Baking Sensor Plus, which measures the moisture content in the oven thanks to highly sensitive sensors. Lastly, you’ll have perfectly cooked meats every time with the PerfectRoast Plus feature, which uses a three-point meat probe to constantly measure the core temperature of the meat. Now guided by artificial intelligence, users can connect the Series 8 Oven to the Home Connect app for smart assistance or via Alexa voice control. The associated settings on the oven can be started directly from the diverse recipes in the app with one click.
Purchase your Series 8 from the UnserHaus Experience Centre and enjoy an $888 cash rebate and a free home demonstration (worth $125). Promotion ends on Dec 31.
Nestled amidst the wild and windswept landscapes of Scotland’s northernmost reaches lies the enchanting Orkney Islands, a place where history and nature converge in a mesmerising tapestry of rugged beauty. But beyond its stunning scenery, the Orkney Islands boast a rich legacy in whisky-making and Viking history dating back to the 8th century. The region’s unique terroir, characterised by bracing sea breezes, heathery moorlands, and pristine waters, imparts a distinct character to the amber elixirs that often include a combination of sweet, smoky, maritime, and fruity notes.
While not as heavily peated as some other Scotch regions, Orkney whiskies typically feature a delicate smokiness. This is because the islands’ peat (treeless but heather-rich peat) is different from that found on the mainland, offering a nuanced, earthy, and slightly briny smokiness.
The region is home to some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries, such as Highland Park, which has been crafting award-winning elixirs at its distillery in Kirkwall since 1798, making it one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Highland Park whiskies are celebrated for their remarkable equilibrium and complexity. They seamlessly marry sweet, floral notes with subtle traces of spice, delicate hints of smoke, and the briny coastal influences unique to the islands. A heathery honey sweetness often interplays with luscious fruits and a comforting warmth of spices, defining the inimitable style cherished by whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
A sense of place
Highland Park’s whisky-making journey starts with locally sourced barley malted using traditional peat kilns, imparting a subtle smoky essence to the grains. The art of distillation occurs in direct-fired copper pot stills, which encourage a slow and deliberate process that releases more carbohydrates and thus yielding a spirit of exceptional richness and flavour.
The next crucial step is maturation, which takes place in a careful blend of ex-Sherry casks and American oak casks. This meticulous cask selection ensures that the whisky embodies a symphony of sweet, spicy, and smoky elements.
Age, experience and respect for tradition may define Highland Park whiskies, but it’s truly Orkney that differentiates it. Something magical happens here and the result is a wild harmony of contrasting flavours found in its single malt expressions.
Options had the privilege of sampling the label’s core expressions over a whisky lunch at Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, hosted by senior brand ambassador Martin Markvarsden, who has been with the brand for 17 years.
In his opinion, the best-performing one is the 18 Year Old Viking Pride, a single malt deemed the “Best Spirit in the World” by Spirit Journal. Infused with a sophisticated medley of overripe cherries, bitter dark chocolate, sweet marzipan, floral heather honey, and aromatic peat smoke, it was most recently honoured with both a Gold and an Ultimate Recommendation (with a score of 96) in the 2021 International Spirits Challenge.
Markvarsden shares how to best enjoy a Highland Park whisky: “Your nose is the most important tool as that will be your first impression of the whisky. When you taste it, keep it in your mouth for a few seconds to allow all the flavours to be released.”
Good on their own as sipping spirits, Highland Park whiskies also pair incredibly well with both seafood and grilled meats, as we discover during the tasting, and all manner of sweet desserts, especially chocolate!
Celebrating a milestone
To commemorate its 225th anniversary, the distillery has unveiled the absolute pinnacle of the Highland Park range: the Highland Park 54 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the oldest whisky ever produced by the distillery. With only a limited run of 225 bottles worldwide (and only 6 available in Singapore), this is an exclusive and highly coveted offering priced at $71,500.
The journey of this extraordinary whisky began in 1968 when it was first laid down for maturation. Over the years, it underwent a unique transformation, spending time in refill butts and hogsheads before being transferred to first-fill European sherry butts in 2008. The final 14 years of maturation in ex-sherry casks have infused the whisky with a deep, rich, and naturally vibrant colour, along with an unparalleled intensity of flavour. At the age of 54, it was deemed ready for bottling by master whisky maker Gordon Motion.
He shares: “This exceptionally rare 54 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been nurtured through careful maturation and harmonisation. Representing a quarter of Highland Park’s life, born and crafted in the heart of Orkney, it was a fitting way to mark our 225th anniversary.”
A magnificently aged libation with a deep autumnal russet hue, the Highland Park 54 Year Old is intensely rich, sweet and complex with aromas of exotic lychee and aromatic camphor, vintage oak and delicate peat on the nose. On the palate, it’s exquisitely layered with beautiful contrasts of warm spices, like crushed cumin and coriander seeds, ebbing away to reveal notes of summer rose and jasmine. Sweet and spicy at the end, woody notes give way to a lingering whisper of sweet fenugreek and heathery peat smoke. This is a whisky to sip and leave in your mouth to develop to allow its myriad flavours to unfurl and evolve.
The whisky is presented in a bespoke embossed bottle masterfully designed by Michael Rudak of glass manufacturer Stoelzle Flaconnage. Every aspect of the bottle’s design pays homage to Orkney, from the conical base reminiscent of the mash tuns at the distillery, to the textural patterns inspired by the ancient red sandstone of the Yesnaby Cliffs, as well as the molten lava that formed these rugged islands.
To further emphasise a sense of place, the bottle is housed in a stunning wooden box sculpted to represent the layered cliffs of Yesnaby. Designed by acclaimed craftsman and designer John Galvin, each box is crafted from the finest Scottish oak wood and hand-blasted to showcase variations in colour. No two are alike, making each box a unique masterpiece of its own.
Purchasing a bottle of the Highland Park 54 Year Old is not just acquiring a whisky; it’s an invitation to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Orkney, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this extraordinary place. This limited edition release is a true celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Highland Park. To find out more, visit www.highlandparkwhisky.com. Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly.