Tatler friend, Dr Bernard Cheong, is the founder of Lifeline Medical Group and one of Singapore’s most prominent watch collectors. We step inside his home, which is a treasure trove of collectables, vintage oddities, artwork and timepieces
Some say hoarder, others say purveyor of precious collectables. Dr Bernard Cheong, who owns well over 3,000 luxury timepieces, is happy to be called both. “I’ve always been an extremist. I would save up, take up a part-time job, moonlight, do anything to buy the watch I want. I’m going to be the guy who makes sure that these watches don’t disappear from history,” he attested.
The founder of Lifeline Medical Group—the fifth largest medical group in Singapore—Bernard is the nation’s most prolific watch purveyor, known internationally for his extensive and rare collection. They range from luxury staples to uniquely crafted timepieces by independent artisans and boutique brands.
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His first collectible timepiece was a Seiko Flyback Chronograph purchased at 15. After graduating from medical school, he bought an Omega Seamaster Titanium. Later on, as his medical business expanded, so did his watch collection, to include marine chronometers, military clocks and pocket watches.
He explained his keen interest and deep appreciation for timepieces. “I first realised that a watch has an extremely long lifespan. We can always fix it. It doesn’t require fuel. It only requires the law of physics. In fact, watches have what we call immortality,” he enthused.
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