Met Michael Tay of The Hour Glass for lunch today, and we started talking about his #2
Batman Forever Reverso. A limited edition watch where only 35 pieces were produced (30
Stainless Steel and 5 Yellow Gold).
Michael cannot remember how much it costs but knows it has turned into a worthwhile
investment. He last heard that a used JLC Batman Reverso was once transacted for more than
US$20K in Japan.
(Michael Tay and his Batman Forever Reverso, Serial Number 2)
The Batman Forever Reverso was given to him by his mother, Jannie Tay, for his 21st birthday.
It was his first limited edition watch and it started his love affair for Jaeger-LeCoultre. He
remembers his mother bought the watch at a Singapore charity auction.
Michael claimed that he read the JLC catalogue from cover to cover for 4 to 5 times after that.
He likes to travel with this watch as it is understated. He can turn the case to look at the
Batman logo when he is alone, to reminisce and to enjoy.
According to Michael, The Hour Glass has always been a strong partner of JLC and that their
shop in Ngee Ann City was the first Singapore retailer to allocate a special display corner to the
brand in the year 2000.
(Batman Forever Reverso, this one won't turn into a TV, but perhaps more valuable)
Michael told me that to date, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains a manufacturer whose top management
always appreciate and constantly in close contact with its retailers. The personal attention
from J.M. Keller and CEO Jerome Lambert for example, has always been appreciated by Michael
and his team.
Michael finds Jerome technically impressive. He knows all about his products and always has the
important details at hand. Jerome also know each event planned by retailers and their individual
JLC turnover.
When Michael met Jerome on February this year at the AIHH Delegate Conference, Jerome
actually told Michael the number of JLC watches sold by The Hour Glass in their December 2002
JLC promotion event. If in the unlikely event that Michael forgets that particular sales figure, he
won't need to find out from his own staff
And this is the reason Michael is so sentimental about his Batman Forever Reverso.
Jaw
