Cover Blending time and purpose with Philip Stein. L-R: Angelique Songco, Emerson Yao, Will Stein, Heart Evangelista, Ivan Yao, Paul Birkett (COO of Ayala Malls), Nathan Clark (Leasing Head of Ayala Malls) (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
Blending time and purpose with Philip Stein. L-R: Angelique Songco, Emerson Yao, Will Stein, Heart Evangelista, Ivan Yao, Paul Birkett (COO of Ayala Malls), Nathan Clark (Leasing Head of Ayala Malls) (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
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In an inspired collaboration, Philip Stein underscores how time is precious, and so is what we choose to do with it
The Tubbataha Reefs, a Unesco World Heritage Site in the Sulu sea and a Philippine treasure, have found a felicitous partner in Philip Stein and the Lucerne Group. A recently concluded exhibit at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5, marked the launch of Philip Stein’s first professional diver’s watch collection and an exclusive coffee table book for the benefit of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, gathering watch enthusiasts and the diving community for a special evening last September 2.
It’s not that surprising that the watch brand, given its long-held focus on well-being, now extends its mission and reach in providing “responsible luxury”. Philip Stein is perhaps best known for its proprietary Natural Frequency Technology, a system embedded in their watches and bracelets that aims to reduce the wearer’s stress and improve their sleep. Beyond its products, however, it also carries a legacy of global stewardship, as evidenced in a wide range of initiatives, from reforestation efforts with the One Tree Planted Foundation to breast cancer research through Play for PINK.
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Brand co-founder and president, Will Stein, was in Manila for the launch event and spoke about his personal connection to the ocean and to this project. “At age 18, I experienced for the first time the beauty and vastness of the world underwater. The Philip Stein Tubbataha is our way of honouring the ocean, protecting a reef that reminds us of the beauty worth preserving,” he remarked.
Echoing this was Lucerne Group managing director, Emerson Yao, who shared: “With the Philip Stein Tubbataha watch, we proudly support conservation efforts to protect the beauty beneath our seas.”
Above Will Stein and Emerson Yao (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
Will Stein and Emerson Yao (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
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Dive into the collection
The new series introduces two stylish and reliable models for deep-sea exploring. Both the Tubbataha Titanium Professional 200M Limited Edition and the Tubbataha Professional 200M are water resistant to 200 metres, wth luminous markers, a unidirectional bezel and a robust 44mm case. Each is powered by an automatic movement with a power reserve of approximately 30 hours, and incorporates Philip Stein’s signature Natural Frequency Technology.
Above The limited-edition Philip Stein Tubbataha Titanium Professional in coral orange rubber strap (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
Above The limited-edition Philip Stein Tubbataha Titanium Professional in ocean blue rubber strap (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
The limited-edition Philip Stein Tubbataha Titanium Professional in coral orange rubber strap (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
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Made for the discerning diver, the limited-edition model presents three captivating variations. Offered with a choice of a lightweight titanium bracelet or a vividly coloured rubber strap in either coral orange or ocean blue, these exclusive timepieces are each limited to just 200 pieces. At their heart lies a dark and mesmerising mother-of-pearl dial, evoking the iridescence and depth of tropical waters.
See also: Where to surf and dive around the Philippines
In parallel, the Tubbataha Professional 200M makes a bold statement in stainless steel. Paired with either a matching steel bracelet or a sleek black rubber strap, this model is distinguished by its sophisticated mother-of-pearl dial, designed to accompany the modern diver with effortless refinement.
Above Philip Stein Tubbataha Professional in stainless steel strap (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
Philip Stein Tubbataha Professional in stainless steel strap (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
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Surpassing the standard dive
In partnership with the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philip Stein and Lucerne Group also supported the Watch Tubbataha Expedition, a seven-day liveaboard experience that brought together divers, conservationists, photographers and videographers to document the reef’s beauty and amplify the call for conservation.
Available for viewing online, the documentary is accompanied by a limited-edition hardbound book entitled WatchTubbataha: Time in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which will come with every purchase of the new models.
Not only will proceeds from the watch sales directly go towards this lush marine ecosystem; Stein also personally presented a check donation of PhP 2 million to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco at the exhibit’s launch.
Above The ‘WatchTubbataha: Time in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park’ coffee table book (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
Above Will Stein and Angelique Songco (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
The ‘WatchTubbataha: Time in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park’ coffee table book (Photo: courtesy of Lucerne Group)
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For those looking to explore the collection firsthand, the Philip Stein Tubbataha line is available at select boutiques and online via Lucerne Luxe.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
