Hublot, Montblanc and MASA Horlogerie pay homage to Malaysia’s 60th Independence Day with pieces that immortalise the spirit of freedom.
A good watch holds memories, and this is one occasion worth remembering.
As we approach August 31 and September 16 – historic days in our nation’s identity – these three Swiss watch brands immortalise the spirit of freedom (and the momentous occasion) with timekeeping finesse.
Let’s take a look at the pieces worth having on your wrist this Merdeka.
Hublot Big Bang ‘Merdeka’
Hublot‘s popular Big Bang gets a Malaysian touch for this limited 60-piece collection, available exclusively in Malaysia at Hublot Boutique Suria KLCC and The Hour Glass boutiques nationwide. Each runs on a 42-hour power reserve thanks to the self-winding HUB4100 calibre, and is cased in blue micro-blasted ceramic.
Where’s the Malaysian spirit? Look close and you’ll find elements of the Jalur Gemilang in the gold-stitched blue alligator strap, inspired by the blue canton with yellow crescent and 14-point Federal Star. Behind every case, you’ll find engravings solidifying its identity as a special edition Merdeka piece – but perhaps the most visible celebration is in the dial’s gold number 60 at 12 o’clock.
Montblanc 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim Malaysia 60 Edition
Montblanc‘s 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim is a classic with a memorable dial, so Malaysia is given a fitting tribute with this update. This piece’s tourbillion cage contains a large balance wheel, which contains a red arrow working with the crown as a stop-start mechanism. It’s a true exclusive with only six pieces made, each powered by MB 29.23 calibre and cased in rose gold.
The Montblanc Malaysia 60 Commemorative Collection made its appearance in Montblanc Pavilion and Suria KLCC boutiques this month.
Where’s the Malaysian spirit? The top half of its hand-painted dial is an intricately beautiful map of both peninsular – a throwback to the golden age of trade travel, which formed a large part of Malaysia’s founding identity.
MASA Horlogerie Merdeka60 King Street Edition
MASA Horlogerie‘s stylishly minimal piece celebrates the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad clock – which will ring in its 120th year this Merdeka – with a tastefully inspired, classic dial aesthetic. We love the sparse structure in the white dial, set off by the simple black strap for a piece that many young Malaysians would be proud to sport.
Where’s the Malaysian spirit? As the first Swiss watch with a truly Malaysian DNA, Merdeka is central to MASA’s identity – in fact, the brand came into existence on 31 August 2015. This watch is part of MASA’s Merdeka60 King Street collection, which prominently features its standout, sell-out Merdeka Regatta.
Images courtesy of respective brands.