Cover Steven Tan wears Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
Steven Tan wears Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
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Business executive Steven Tan tells Tatler how far he would go for the watch of his dreams
The title of the Oscar winning movie, Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, fits the ultra-busy Steven Tan to a T. After all, he is the president of SM Supermalls, and there is a lot of ground to cover with his many responsibilities. Yet, he says, “I am forever a student of life–I like to observe, appreciate, learn and experience as many things as possible. I also have a natural affinity for design and creativity.”
This inquisitiveness extends to his personal watch collection. Being in the world of retail, he considers watches more than just fashion. His timepieces are mementos that mark milestones in his life, and have been purchased to celebrate special occasions. “I am not a watch connoisseur but I have a keen appreciation for beautiful, well-crafted designs. When I see a particular timepiece I admire, I tend to read the reviews to fully understand and appreciate the art of watchmaking,” he says. This appreciation applies to what watch he wears every day. “All my watches are on daily rotation. What’s the use of buying pieces when you’ll just keep them under lock and key?” His current favourite is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak jumbo extra thin; he values it for its versatility, as it can be dressy and casual at the same time.
Above Richard Mille RM 067
Richard Mille RM 067
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In this interview, Tan reveals his first timepiece, what watch was the most difficult to acquire and which in his collection is his most treasured one.
When did you begin to collect watches, and what was the first timepiece you really had to have? Why?
My first ever watch was a Tag Heuer. I was in high school back then. I remember being very frugal and saving my allowance to be able to afford it. When I started working, I saved up to acquire Cartier watches: Santos de Cartier, the Panthere and Pasha de Cartier.
Above From left: Cartier Pasha de Cartier by Gérald Genta, Patek Philippe Aquanaut, Richard Mille RM 067, Rolex Oyster Perpetual in Tiffany blue, Patek Philippe Nautilus in rose gold and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
From left: Cartier Pasha de Cartier by Gérald Genta, Patek Philippe Aquanaut, Richard Mille RM 067, Rolex Oyster Perpetual in Tiffany blue, Patek Philippe Nautilus in rose gold and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin
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What watch was the hardest to acquire for you? How did you get it?
Richard Mille. I was on the waitlist and had to seek connections to acquire the watch. I even flew to LA to pick it up. I guess you make the effort for perfection. I admire the discipline, design and technical innovation that comes with every Richard Mille watch.
What is your favourite watch and why?
A classic Rolex given to me by my father as a graduation gift. It carries so much meaning. Of all my watches, this is the one I treasure most.
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