Extraordinary times
As we approach an endemic Covid-19, we can't help but feel a little over the moon
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
THE Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is a special watch.
For one, you definitely can't just walk into a boutique and expect to purchase it.
The wait list for this highly coveted timepiece is astronomical, to put it mildly. But that is not the most out-of-the-world thing about this watch. The gold versions of this iconic chronograph now has a new meteorite dial.
It comes from the heart of an asteroid or planet that has exploded millions of years ago.
The fragments travel across the Solar System before it comes into our planet's orbit and gravity pulls it to Earth.
Suffice to say, this natural extraterrestrial material - composed primarily of iron and nickel - is rare stuff.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
It is being cooled by a few degrees Celsius every million years and the crystallisation is not something that can be replicated on Earth. Even when in the skillful hands of the Rolex experts, metallic meteorite can be difficult to work with.
It is cut into thin sections and then chemically treated to reveal the Widmanstatten patterns that you see on the final product.
Even then, only those areas with well-formed surface rich in different shapes and reflections pass Rolex's strict quality control check. You'd be over the moon quite literally should the opportunity to own this special Daytona with a meteorite dial comes around.
That feeling can also be used to describe how we're feeling after almost 2 years of living with a pandemic.
As Singapore and the rest of the world moves towards an endemic Covid-19, a sense of normalcy is creeping its way back to our lives.
Border restrictions, for instance, are slowly being eased so we can leave cabin fever behind and explore the world again.
It hasn't been the easiest of times for many businesses as they had to cope with the pandemic causing supply chain issues that have disrupted their operations.
Thankfully, that hasn't stopped watch makers from still being on top of their game.
The Rolex Daytona with meteorite dial is not the only extraordinary watch that the Swiss luxury timepiece brand unveiled earlier this year at the annual watch industry fair, Watches & Wonders. And along with its peers, it has dazzled haute horology connoisseurs with new offerings - each one innovative and groundbreaking in their own ways.
Turn the page to discover them all.
Supplement editor: Dylan Tan Sub-editors: Vivien Ang, Chan Wai Peng Contributor: Chuang Peck Ming Cover design: Gareth Chung Advertising sales: Irene Tan itan@sph.com.sg, Rachel Chin rachchin@sph.com.sg, Rouxi Tan tanrouxi@sph.com.sg, Michelle Sim michsim@sph.com.sg, Kevin Tan kevintan@sph.com.sg
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
