Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

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Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by thomcat00 »

Singapore has been stepping up in the watch world thanks to a rising local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit of its local community. Vario, one of the brands mentioned, impresses me and has a place among my watches, soon a D12 on preorder will join my Empire model from them. Nice to see Ivan Chua gain recognition.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/23/fash ... ticleShare
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

They're on the map already with Gnomon and Zelos, surely? :-k :-k

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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by Noush »

I have a bunch of Vario straps. Ivan's a good 'un.
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by robert75 »

Article is behind a paywall.

Funny enough I thought Ming were from Singapore (Turns out Malaysia) but guess which newspaper has also ran an article on them?
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by thomcat00 »

Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: Sat Jul 29, 2023 11:30 pm They're on the map already with Gnomon and Zelos, surely? :-k :-k

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The article noted how far Singapore has come economically in half a century, from massive unemployment and poor infrastructure to among the highest levels of human capital in the world today, such that LVMH has hosted 4-5 watch shows there in recent years, and while Rolex (42%), Omega (12%), and Patek (7%) dominate sales, several upstart local brands are making inroads. But the locals are finding a majority of their sales are outside Singapore, in some cases 80% to Europe and N America.

I was also pleased to see that Ivan Chua of Vario got quoted as I support his efforts and like him personally.

@robert75, apologies, I thought I’d used the “gift article” link to share here.

Ming is another brand that has done so much in a short time. I like their designs and style. They scream “cool” to me even as they don’t shout. The 17.03 I have is much treasured.
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by sxg »

Interesting. I have a NYTimes subscription and I haven't figured out how to customize the account to send me just articles on watches. They tend to be pretty good and informative. I find it odd that they don't mention Zelos...

I'm a new member to the CW forum. My introduction:
viewtopic.php/member-introduction/new-m ... c75f59864c

I'm still hunting for my first CW. I intend it to be a C1 Malvern Jumping Hour, 40mm, white dial.

In the meantime I'll be sharing pix of my collection as I figure out how to create worthy images with my limited equipment (iPhone 13).
Here's my Vario Versa Blue/Silver, on a Vario German leather strap (these straps are very nice). This is a reversible dial watch that is powered by two separate Ronda quartz movements.
IMG_E8839.jpg
IMG_8910.jpg
IMG_8911.jpg
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by gannet »

RZE are also in Singapore
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by robert75 »

Etien also from Singapore

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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by Chris GB »

I've dealt with Vario, superb service and products and I'm sure I'll be buying more of their watches soon. I was sorry I wasn't able to get to Birmingham watch fair to meet Ivan in person.

Being a small business, the service has that personal touch that companies lose when they scale. I value this level of service, so these companies will see business from me!
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Re: Singapore on the horology map, Vario gets nod

Post by sxg »

Vario has great service and attention for sure. I own a few of their watches and have also purchased a ton of their straps. I'll be posting pix of them in this thread in the days ahead.

Ivan and Judy at Vario are amazing. And I met Ivan at the 'District Time' show in Washington DC this past March. Really nice guy. I also met the Nodus founders at that same show (and I own a few of those watches as well).
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