Maximum Style, Maximum Huat!

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The Chinese New Year is fast approaching and we have once again reached that time of the year where every supermarket has “恭喜恭喜” on a perpetual loop. You can feel a sense of energy pulsating in the air, as retail outlets throw promotion after promotion at you. Safe to say, the Chinese New Year is one of the major peak seasons for the retail world (especially here in Singapore), and everyone is trying to cash in on the Dragon year – watch brands included.

While you can definitely have one too many pineapple tarts, watches are thankfully calorie free and you can’t have too much of a good thing. The dragon motif makes an excellent outlet for creative design expression, and the releases thus far have not disappointed. At first glance, Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon looks totally rad while IWC’s Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon features an intricate golden rotor in the shape of a dragon. Dragons are awesome. Watches are awesome. Together, dragon watches are awesome awesome.

And while there’s nothing like showing up at that reunion dinner with wrist candy worth 28,000 Swiss Francs (SGD $43,500, mind you), we all know that’s probably not going to happen unless you win the Chinese New Year lottery

Well, fret not – in the spirit of all things “8” (an auspicious number in Chinese belief as it sounds like another word for luck/wealth) and for maximum “huat” (that’s Singaporean colloquial for aforementioned word that sounds like 8, translating to good luck), here are 8 great watches below the budget of S$888 guaranteed to distract that aunty or uncle when they ask you for the 24th time about whether you’re seeing anyone.

The Retro One – Casio A168

Starting off with the Casio A168, this classic gem may be the most affordable of the list, but it’s definitely the most recognisable. Having stayed pretty much the same ever since its release in the 80s, this watch is guaranteed to make Ah Gong (Grandpa) swoon about the good old days while adding a pop of retro style to your outfit.

Damage: SGD $31.50 / USD $23.50

The Weekend Diver – Orient Kamasu RA-AA0814R

If reliability is the name of your game, the trusty Kamasu is your answer. With a robust build and sporty look, the Kamasu will survive everything the festivities will throw at it – from washing the entire family’s dishes post reunion dinner, to screaming nieces and nephews clawing at your timepiece. This particular reference also comes in red, a fitting nod to the colour of the season.

Damage: SGD $368 / USD $275

The Jetsetter – Seiko 5 SSK001K1 GMT

2023 was pretty much the year of revenge-travel for everyone, and what better watch to lead into travel topics over dinner conversations, than the 5KX GMT? Go ahead and fiddle with the caller style GMT hand as you listen to classic family tales repeated for the umpteenth time – you know you want to.

Damage: SGD $523.20 / USD $390

The Corporate Warrior – Citizen NJ0150-81Z

Integrated sports bracelets had their year in 2023 and if you want in on the style, the Citizen NJ0150-81Z could be a worthy contender with a clean look, fun colours and budget friendly price. This one features a warm yellow dial (another favourite Chinese New Year colour), and will see you through from the office to the reunion dinner table.

Damage: SGD $404.70 / USD $302

The Subtle One – Seiko Alpinist SPB243J1

The most expensive watch on today’s list, the Alpinist SPB243J1 is one for those in the know. The watch balances a sharp clean aesthetic with a subtle grey-black dial and is sure to earn you a nod of acknowledgement from fellow enthusiasts at the family reunion.

Damage: SGD $764.36 / USD $571

The NDP Supporter – Boldr Field Medic II

If you’re all about supporting local, this one’s for you. The Boldr Field Medic II (or any reference using the Venture case) is a handsome piece in a light, robust package, and is a piece that I personally own. Why complain about GST and politics when you can talk about the local microbrand scene instead?

Damage: SGD $402 / USD $300

The Bling-Bling – Tissot PRX Gold Quartz 35mm

Some say, go hard or go home – if you’re going to show up at the party, show up like you mean it. Nothing says bling bling like a full gold watch, and this one is sure to help you manifest at the mahjong/blackjack/in-between table. Heng, Ong Huat ah!

Damage: SGD $680 / USD $508

If I had to pick one…

I’d go for the Tissot. I’ve always wanted to try a full gold watch, and there’s nothing like being loud during the festivities. Besides, that aunty/uncle is going to judge you anyway – you might as well go with it.

Happy Chinese New Year and have fun watch spotting this season!