Dieser Uhrmachermeister begann mit der kaputten Swatch seiner Schwester
Er war 16 Jahre lang bei Audemars Piguet. Jetzt erklärt er Einsteiger:innen, wie eine Uhr funktioniert.
Seek Sophie host Michael became fascinated with watchmaking as a teenager for a very simple reason. His sister had a Swatch that didn't work, and he wanted to know what was inside. So he pried it open using his father's handyman vise.
Tiny components came spilling out, and instead of being put off by something he didn't understand, Michael wanted to know what every piece did. That broken Swatch led him into a watchmaking apprenticeship in Switzerland, then a 30-year career working with some of the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking.
By his early twenties, Michael had gone from pulling apart his sister's watch to doing something rather extraordinary himself. For his graduation project, he took an IWC pocket-watch movement, added a tourbillon mechanism and fitted it into a Portugieser wristwatch case. It became the first pure tourbillon wristwatch IWC had ever made.
He would go on to spend 16 years with Audemars Piguet, working on some of the most complicated watches in the world.
But more than 30 years after that first Swatch, Michael has ended up doing something surprisingly close to where he began: opening watches up so ordinary people can finally see what's inside.
His mentor changed his life with one phone call
Michael learnt watchmaking through a formal apprenticeship in Switzerland, eventually becoming a Swiss Master Watchmaker and an expert in high complications: the intricate mechanisms behind things like tourbillons, perpetual calendars and minute repeaters.
One of the most important people along the way was master watchmaker Paul Gerber.
Gerber became Michael's mentor and, at a crucial point in his early career, made a phone call that helped him get his start with Audemars Piguet. Michael would eventually spend 16 years there, including at Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, where he managed watchmaking, prototyping and training. Later, in Singapore, he set up a training department and repaired high-complication watches from across Asia-Pacific.
The work requires an almost ridiculous level of precision. A speck of dust can affect the tiny components inside a mechanical watch. Michael can spend an hour polishing a single steel bridge, rubbing it, checking it, then going back and polishing it again until it's right.
After three decades, he still works that way.
But something about the watch world bothered him
Michael loved the craft, but over the years something started to bother him.
People could spend enormous amounts of money on a mechanical watch without really understanding what had gone into making it.
He first began thinking about this more than 20 years ago, during an earlier stint working in Singapore. He saw sales staff using discounts to persuade collectors to buy high-end watches, and felt the craftsmanship behind them was getting lost in conversations about price.
“If clients understood the craft and dedication it took to create a high complication, they would not be as driven by pricing.”
Michael began imagining an independent atelier where people could learn how watches actually worked, meet watchmakers and understand the skill behind what they were buying. He also wanted to repair and restore watches for smaller brands that weren't big enough to run their own service centres in Asia.
But he didn't yet have the experience, resources or reputation to make it happen. So the idea waited.
It took more than 20 years for the atelier to happen
Michael carried that idea with him as his career grew.
He worked with IWC, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maurice Lacroix, Carl F. Bucherer and Parmigiani, doing everything from prototyping and product development to restoration and training. The teenager who had once wondered what was inside a Swatch eventually became the person training other professional watchmakers.
His wife Phyllis was always meant to be part of the atelier too. She had spent years homeschooling their two sons, and Michael wanted them to build the business together when the timing was right.
Then in 2023, an opportunity appeared. A watch brand was preparing to enter Singapore, and Michael thought working with them could give the new business a stable start.
He ran the numbers and planned around it. Then the deal fell through. Michael and Phyllis decided to go ahead anyway.
Leaving a salary frightened him more than he expected
After 30 years of employment, Michael resigned.
Those first few months were brutal. Michael was deeply fearful and anxious, and barely slept for two and a half months. At one point, with renovations on the atelier already underway, he and Phyllis even discussed whether they should stop.
Losing his monthly salary also forced Michael to confront something uncomfortable. He'd always thought his Christian faith was where he found his security, but he realised how much of it had actually come from his job, position and predictable income.
That faith is also behind the name IHT: In His Time.
Michael and Phyllis believe that things happen in God's time, and the atelier is a pretty literal example of that. Michael carried the idea for more than 20 years before it finally happened.
By then, though, he had something he couldn't have had when he first dreamed it up: decades of experience working on extraordinarily complicated watches and teaching other watchmakers how to do the same.
Now he lets complete beginners take a watch apart
Today, their watchmaking studio sits in Ubi, but step inside and it looks much more like the kind of watchmaking workshop you'd expect to find in Switzerland.
Michael built it as a place for learning, not simply somewhere expensive watches disappear behind a door to be repaired.
Most of us only ever encounter fine watches from the other side of a glass display case. At Michael's bench, you actually pick up the tools and work on a mechanical movement yourself. And you don't need to know anything about watches.
Guests who have attended Michael's Seek Sophie workshop repeatedly mention how patient he is. Even people who describe themselves as clumsy or not mechanically inclined say he made them feel confident working with the tiny components.
Michael had to pry open his sister's Swatch to discover what was inside. Now he's built a place where the rest of us can just ask him.
He wants watchmaking to be about more than luxury
Michael is now both a Swiss Master Watchmaker and an accredited trainer with the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Academy. He trains professionals and serious enthusiasts, and has spent much of his career working on watches most of us would be terrified to touch.
But he doesn't want watchmaking to belong only to people who can afford expensive watches. He wants people to see the craft itself: the patience, skill and human hands behind something small enough to sit on your wrist.
Once you open the case, a watch becomes much more interesting. There's the steel bridge someone spent an hour polishing even though almost nobody will see it. A component so tiny that a speck of dust can stop it working properly. Hundreds of pieces moving together simply to tell you the time.
More than 30 years after Michael opened his sister's broken Swatch, that's still the part that fascinates him.
Try watchmaking with Michael in Singapore
We love experiences where you get to learn from someone you'd ordinarily never have access to, and Michael is a pretty extraordinary example.
On this Seek Sophie watchmaking experience with Michael, you'll sit at the bench of someone who has spent more than 30 years in Swiss watchmaking, including 16 years with Audemars Piguet, and actually work on a mechanical watch movement yourself.
You don't need to own a luxury watch or know the first thing about horology. Michael will show you how the tiny pieces work, let you use real watchmaking tools and give you a glimpse into a craft that usually happens completely out of sight.
Michael spent more than 20 years dreaming of a place where people could understand what goes into a great watch, instead of only looking at the name and price on the dial. Now you can sit at his bench and see for yourself.
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FAQ zu Singapore
What are the best experiences that aren’t touristy?
To skip the crowds and experience Singapore differently, try this!
✅ Instead of Marina Bay Sands SkyPark → Secret Rooftop at Funan Mall (Free, stunning skyline views without the price tag)
Most people head to Marina Bay Sands for panoramic views, but did you know you can get an amazing skyline view for free? Funan Mall’s hidden rooftop garden offers an incredible perspective of Marina Bay Sands, the Supreme Court, and the Singapore Flyer—without the crowds. Take the lift at Lobby B, and you’ll find a peaceful space perfect for photos, a quiet break, or even a picnic.
✅ Instead of touristy Sentosa → enter Sentosa’s Hidden Rainforest (Spot rare wildlife with a naturalist guide)
Sentosa is beautiful but artificial. If you want to see something real, head into Sentosa’s hidden rainforest. Most visitors don’t realise that Sentosa has patches of untouched jungle, home to rare wildlife like colugos (flying lemurs), pangolins, and exotic birds. A guided walk will take you deep into the forest, where you’ll experience the wild side of Singapore that most people miss.
✅ Instead of Chinatown → Explore Joo Chiat & Katong (Colourful shophouses, rich Peranakan heritage, and amazing local food)
Chinatown is always buzzing with tourists, but for a deeper dive into Singapore’s heritage, Joo Chiat and Katong are the places to go. These neighbourhoods are filled with beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses, quirky boutique stores, and some of the best local eats in Singapore. Try traditional Nonya kueh, pop into a century-old coffee shop, or just wander through the colourful streets soaking in the old-meets-new charm.
✅ Instead of a River Cruise → Kayak in Mangroves (A quiet, immersive way to explore Singapore’s waters)
Singapore’s river cruises show you the city skyline, but if you want a more intimate experience on the water, go mangrove kayaking. Paddle through hidden waterways in Pulau Ubin or Khatib Bongsu, where you’ll be surrounded by lush mangroves, spot otters, and maybe even an eagle flying overhead. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and shows a completely different side of Singapore—without the boat engine noise.
✅ Instead of Clarke Quay Bars → Go on a Speakeasy Bar Hunt (Uncover hidden cocktail gems with secret entrances)
Clarke Quay is fun but predictable. If you want a more unique night out, hunt down Singapore’s hidden speakeasies. These bars are tucked away behind unmarked doors, disguised as tailor shops, or even hidden inside old Chinese medicine halls. Whether it’s a cocktail bar with a 1920s Shanghai vibe or a jazz lounge behind a fridge door, discovering these secret spots is half the fun.
✅ Instead of the Singapore Zoo → Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (See wildlife in their natural habitat, not in enclosures)
The Singapore Zoo is world-famous, but if you want to see animals in the wild, head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This sprawling mangrove forest is home to wild crocodiles, giant monitor lizards, otters, and migratory birds. Walk along raised boardwalks and keep an eye out for a massive estuarine crocodile sunbathing in the mud—it’s Singapore’s own version of a wildlife safari, and our favourite spot!
What’s worth doing in Singapore if I’ve already been before?
If you’ve visited Singapore before and feel like you’ve ticked off all the major sights, there’s still a lot more to uncover. Beyond the futuristic skyline and famous attractions, Singapore has an incredible amount of heart—driven by passionate locals who are dedicated to preserving its nature, wildlife, and disappearing traditions.
Whether it’s learning from artisans keeping old trades alive, exploring untamed pockets of wilderness, or stepping into forgotten history, these experiences will show you a side of Singapore that most visitors never get to see!
Visit a Rooftop Bee Farm and Taste Fresh Honey – A hidden green oasis in the city
Most people don’t think of Singapore as a place for beekeeping, but high above the city, a rooftop bee sanctuary is home to rescued bees that would otherwise have been exterminated. Learn about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem, taste different varieties of raw honey, and see how urban farming is thriving in unexpected places. It’s a peaceful, eye-opening experience in the middle of the city.
Explore Pulau Ubin – Singapore’s Last Wild Island
Pulau Ubin feels like stepping into another world. There are no skyscrapers, no highways—just dirt paths, mangrove forests, and a slow village pace that’s rare in modern Singapore. Rent a bike and cycle past wooden kampong houses, kayak through tunnels of mangrove trees, and visit the Chek Jawa wetlands, where you can see horseshoe crabs and other rare marine life. If you think you know Singapore, Pulau Ubin will make you rethink everything.
Hike to a Secret WW2 Bunker – A Forgotten Chapter of History
Singapore’s World War II history is well-documented, but some of its most fascinating remnants are hidden deep in the jungle. Scattered across the island are abandoned underground bunkers that once stored ammunition and housed soldiers. Unlike Fort Canning, these bunkers are completely off-the-grid, requiring off-trail hiking, ducking through narrow tunnels, and crawling into underground rooms. If you’re looking for an adventure with real historical significance, this is one of the most intriguing places to explore.
Sightseeing Through Puzzles – Explore Singapore Like a Detective
If you’ve walked through Chinatown, Little India, or Marina Bay Sands before, you probably think you’ve seen everything these areas have to offer. But instead of just strolling through the streets, try exploring them through an interactive puzzle hunt. These games challenge you to solve mysteries while uncovering hidden details about Singapore’s history and culture. Whether you’re cracking a code at a temple, following a trail of clues through back alleys, or discovering a forgotten legend, this turns sightseeing into an adventure.
Learn a Disappearing Trade from a Traditional Baker
As Singapore modernises, many traditional trades are vanishing. One of them is the art of making old-school pastries by hand, using techniques passed down for generations. At this workshop, you’ll not only learn how to make traditional pastries, but you’ll also hear stories about how these treats were once an essential part of weddings, festivals, and daily life. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore’s past before it disappears entirely.
Cycle Through Little-Known Neighbourhoods
Most visitors explore Singapore by MRT or taxi, but one of the best ways to see the city is on two wheels. Join a cycling tour through lesser-known neighbourhoods like Little India, Kampong Glam, and Jalan Besar, where you’ll find colourful street art, hidden alleys, and family-run eateries that have been around for generations. A guide will point out details you’d never notice on your own, from secret WWII bomb shelters to the backstories of old shophouses.
Even if you’ve been to Singapore before, these experiences will give you a completely new appreciation for the city’s hidden side.
Are there any off-the-beaten-path places to explore?
Yes! Despite Singapore’s reputation for being ultra-modern, there are still hidden pockets of history, nature, and forgotten places that most locals don’t even know about.
Singapore’s Last Kampong (Village) – A Window into the Past
- Most people think Singapore is all skyscrapers, but in a tiny corner of the island, Kampong Lorong Buangkok still exists. This is Singapore’s last remaining traditional village, where you’ll find wooden houses, chickens roaming freely, and a glimpse of life before the city became a global financial hub.
- Unlike heritage museums, this is a living piece of history—but it may not be around much longer as the government has plans to redevelop the land.
Marsiling WW2 Bunkers – Secret Underground Tunnels
- Deep in a forest near the Malaysian border lie abandoned World War II bunkers built by the British. These vast underground tunnels stored ammunition during the war but have since been forgotten, swallowed by the jungle.
- Exploring these bunkers feels like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, complete with secret passageways and dark, moss-covered walls.
Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages That Time Forgot
- Kelongs are traditional stilted fishing villages built over water, once common across Southeast Asia.
- While they were once a vital part of Singapore’s economy, only a handful remain today as the city modernizes. Visiting a kelong lets you see how old and new Singapore exist side by side, with traditional fish farms floating next to high-tech aquaculture facilities.
Sentosa’s Hidden Fort – A Forgotten Military Site
- Sentosa is known for its resorts, but hidden in the jungle lies Fort Serapong, an abandoned British military fortress from the 1880s. It’s like Singapore’s Angkor Wat!
- Unlike Fort Siloso (which is well-preserved for tourists), this one is completely overgrown, giving it an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel. You’ll need a guide to find it—part of the adventure!
Where Can I Go Hiking in Singapore?
Although Singapore is a city-state, it has surprisingly lush and diverse hiking trails, from hidden jungles to old railway tracks.
1. Rail Corridor & Clementi Forest – A Hike Through Singapore’s Abandoned Railway
🚶 Why it's special: This trail follows an abandoned railway line that once connected Singapore to Malaysia. Since the tracks were removed in 2011, nature has taken over, creating a rare urban wilderness.
- Start from Bukit Timah Railway Station, where you’ll see an old station platform and railway bridge.
- Walk through the Clementi Forest section, a misty, overgrown jungle that feels nothing like modern Singapore.
- End at the famous green railway tunnel, one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore.
2. MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk – Singapore’s Most Famous Jungle Hike
🌳 Why it's special: This is the oldest nature reserve in Singapore, featuring a 250m-long suspension bridge that puts you above the rainforest canopy.
- Spot long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and flying lemurs along the way.
- Walk around the serene boardwalk along the reservoir, where you might see turtles and fish.
- The full hike is about 10km but can be shortened with alternative routes.
3. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Singapore’s Highest Peak
🏔 Why it's special: Bukit Timah Hill is the highest natural point in Singapore (163m), surrounded by one of the world’s most diverse rainforests.
- The trail is steep and challenging, making it a great workout.
- You’ll pass by huge dipterocarp trees that are hundreds of years old.
- Spot rare wildlife like pangolins, colugos (flying lemurs), and Malayan blue coral snakes.
4. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – The Wildest Side of Singapore
🦅 Why it's special: This mangrove forest and wetland reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to wild crocodiles.
- Walk along wooden boardwalks through the mangroves, where you’ll see giant monitor lizards and otters.
- If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a wild estuarine crocodile resting in the mud.
- Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active.
What are the most unique things to do in Singapore?
If you think Singapore is just skyscrapers and shopping malls, these experiences will completely change your mind.
1. Visit Singapore’s Last Kampong – A Time Capsule of Old Singapore
Instead of just visiting the National Museum to learn about Singapore’s history, actually step into it!
Singapore went from a fishing village to a global financial hub in just one generation. But Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last remaining traditional village, where families still live in wooden houses with tin roofs. Walking through the kampong is like stepping into the past—kids play in open fields, chickens roam freely, and neighbours chat outside their homes. It’s a glimpse of a Singapore that once was. Since it’s privately owned, it’s best visited with a guide who can introduce you to the residents.
2. Explore Disappearing Kelongs – Floating Fishing Villages from the Past
Instead of just eating seafood at a fancy restaurant, visit a traditional kelong and see how it’s caught!
Before modern fish farms, Singapore’s fishermen lived in kelongs—traditional wooden houses built on stilts over the sea. These floating villages are disappearing, but you can still visit one on a boat trip. See how fishermen use age-old techniques to catch fish, and contrast it with Singapore’s modern fish farms. It’s a rare chance to see Singapore’s past and future side by side.
3. Walk with Ex-Offenders – A Gritty Look at Singapore’s Hidden Past
Instead of hearing a polished version of history, experience the real, raw stories.
Singapore is known for being safe and orderly, but in the past, gangs controlled entire neighbourhoods. On this tour, a former gang member shares real-life stories of secret societies, crime, and how he turned his life around. It’s raw, eye-opening, and gives you a deeper understanding of how Singapore became the country it is today.
4. Haw Par Villa – A Quirky, Creepy Theme Park from the 1930s
Instead of Universal Studios, visit a theme park built around ancient Chinese superstitions.!
Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind cultural relic—a bizarre outdoor theme park that depicts traditional Chinese values in terrifyingly graphic ways. The “10 Courts of Hell” diorama shows what happens to people who misbehave (spoiler: it’s not pretty). It’s a weird, fun, and totally unexpected way to learn about traditional Chinese folklore.
5. Uncover Singapore’s Supernatural Side on a Ghost Tour
Instead of just walking through heritage districts, hear the spooky stories lurking behind them!
Singapore has a deep-rooted belief in spirits, and this ghost tour takes you to some of the most haunted spots in the city. You’ll hear eerie stories about restless spirits, urban legends, and the supernatural beliefs that still shape Singapore’s culture today.
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