Entrepreneur Shaun Djie's Timeless Treasure Trove: Classic Watches Across Eras

Thanks, dad:

A Birthday Moment That Sparked a Passion for Timepieces

It all started ten years ago, when my dad handed me the first automatic watch I ever owned. It was my 21st birthday—a milestone worth celebrating with something that told time in a stylish way.

The Omega Catalogue Surprise

My dad is a devoted Omega enthusiast, so he had a full catalogue tucked in his pocket. At the time, he simply asked, “Anything in this book that gets your eye?” I was a little hesitant, but the idea of putting a watch on my wrist felt exciting.

Choosing the Seamaster Aqua Terra

Grey Dial: The matte charcoal hue looked understated yet sophisticated.
Automatic Movement: No need to wind it—just let it keep ticking with motion.
Durability: Built to move, not to crumble.
Vibrant Design: A subtle splash of personality that suited my style.

Why That Watch Became My First

From that moment I realized a watch is more than a tool; it’s a companion that silently records our day-to-day journeys. The Seamaster Aqua Terra did exactly that—an unassuming but earnest reminder that every second matters.

Humor Corner

If you’re wondering whether my dad gave me a “time‑piece” or a “time‑piece” of gifts, the answer is: both. He didn’t just give me a watch; he gave me a reason to brag, a statement to make, and a way to feel like a kid again whenever I glance at the clock.

Fine vintages:

From Thrifty Finds to Cartier Treasures: My Watch‑Collecting Journey

Early Days: Thrifting The Timepieces

When I first dipped my toe into the watch world, I was all about hunting bargains—scouring online auction sites and chatting with fellow collectors. The price and the odds of finding a particular model were my main focus. It was a golden era of stealth and savings.

2017: The Vintage Shift

That year, I cracked open my curiosity and started chasing vintage gems. I strolled into Heirloom Gallery. The place was slick, the vibe was right, and the owner—now a buddy—had a pile of pre‑owned masterpieces.

Unexpected Surprise: The Cartier Moment

Picture this: October, a scheduled flight to Germany to visit my girlfriend back in the UK, all set. Suddenly, a call from the gallery owner—“Drop by, kid. I’ve got something.” I popped into the shop, and there it was.

The 2004 Cartier Tank Cintrée from the CPCP Collection

Model: 2004 Cartier Tank Cintrée
Series: CPCP (Cartier Paris Collection Privée)
First impression: “Whoa! I’d have snatched that if you’d just sent a pic.”

It was that moment—real connection, genuine craftsmanship, and a ticket into the rarefied world of Cartier. The journey that began with budget biddings now led me to very high‑end timepieces, with a buddy who flip‑sawed the best from the private Cartier vault.

Fine vintages:

My Watch Journey: From Classics to Cutting‑Edge

Friends often say my collection feels “classic” – a mix of vintage vibes and modern snazz. Lately, though, I’ve been chasing those indie gems, like De Bethune and MB&F. The first time I snagged a De Bethune DB27 (back in August), it was a big step into the independent world.

Why De Bethune Wins My Heart

Timeless yet modern: Their floating lugs and signature blue titanium dial feel like a future‑backed understatement.
Science‑fiction feels too flashy: Some models go full‑on sci‑fi, which is fun but a tad much for me.
Comfortable screw‑in strap: No more dabbling with mysterious screws – it’s just set‑and‑go.

Going Outdoors: The Easy‑Track K10

Thanks to the symphonic Apple AirPods™, and the unsung hero – the iPhone, I can finally enjoy anoying corporate seasons and other crazy distractions without getting trapped in mundane issues! It’s the best for those who hail from the same community.

Drawing It Like a Pro

When you’re looking to create an amazing Ò! Testing other methods? Start DRG drawings with flies. That does work. After using it, whenever it’s bare, you’ll want to put a bottle of olives on,
careful or the plant keeps trying to attack. The method works the same. Fashion Release.

‘Distinctive’

‘Unorthodox’

‘Timeless’

Tech and treks:

My Audemars Piguet Love Story

Why the Royal Oak Struck a Chord

Back in 2017, I snagged my very first Audemars Piguet – the Royal Oak 15400. I paid half in Bitcoin and the other half in Singapore dollars. Being a finance whiz, my boss even let me split the payment like that. Fast forward, Bitcoin’s price shot up—so now, my watch is practically a small-time musician in a crypto concert. (Haha)

Treking and Time‑keeping Together

Besides the Royal Oak, I’ve got a collection of the Time for the Trees Foundation limited‑edition watches. One standout piece is a bright yellow gold 2000‑model (shown in the picture). Because I love hiking, owning a timepiece that marries nature with craftsmanship means the world to me. It’s like a compass and a clock had a stylish baby.

Royal Oak 15400 – first crypto purchase
Time for the Trees Foundation – yellow gold, 2000
Love for trekking & the great outdoors
Combining horology with a passion for nature

Work of art (and love):

The Tale of a Sweepingly Stunning Gift

Last year I celebrated my 30th birthday in a way that would have a grown‑up watch connoisseur swooning: my girlfriend gave me a hand‑drawn Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase Ref. 5712/1A. She isn’t a professional artist—just a love of detail—but her rendition turned out to be super‑good.

How It All Began

I had already bought the watch in steel before, and told my girlfriend how much I adored it.
Only months after, she pulled out a sketchpad and started capturing every curve, every tick.
It took her a couple of months to produce an A3‑size masterpiece.

Her Final Thought

When she finally handed me the drawing she said, “You can’t keep shifting your goals so often—if I keep drawing new watches, I’ll never be done!”

So there you have it: a quirky, heartfelt gift that blends the art of love with the luxury of high‑timewatches.

Entrepreneur Shaun Djie\’s Timeless Treasure Trove: Classic Watches Across Eras

Thanks, dad: