Wrist taker

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AHMAD REFAIE OTHMAN

Who: Ahmad Refaie Othman (above), 39, award-winning Singaporean chef of restaurants Play and The Experience in Dubai. He was recently ranked 12th in the inaugural 100 Most Influential People In Dubai list by Arabian Business.

What I'm wearing: Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

How much I paid for it: $26,000 in Dubai last year

Why I like it: It's not that common. At first glance, it doesn't even look like a Rolex. When people buy a Rolex, many would go for a Submariner, Explorer or GMT.

I like the hour markers - they make reading very easy. I also love the colours, which are subtle and not too bright.

I bought it to pamper myself. I've worked really hard for the last couple of years and the hard work has paid off.

I was with Zuma in Dubai for six years before I left to open Play two years ago. Within a year, the restaurant won Restaurant Of The Year and Best Asian Restaurant from Time Out magazine. I also won other awards, such as Chef Of The Year from What's On magazine and Innovative Chef Of The Year at The Pro Chef Middle East Awards last year. They are my biggest achievements to date.

One of my biggest dreams also finally came true last year: opening The Experience, which seats 12 people and has no menu.

I have other timepieces, including a Hublot and a Patek Philippe. When I wear a nice watch, I feel as though I'm seeing the fruits of my labour. Investing in watches is like investing in myself. It makes me happy when the value of the watches appreciates.

Wong Kim Hoh

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 15, 2017, with the headline Wrist taker. Subscribe