I recently attended the opening of a Patek Philippe mono-boutique at Marina Bay Sands. It's the brand's second boutique in Singapore, the first being the luxurious store at ION Orchard and in between the speech, ribbon cutting and yet another speech by Mr. Thierry Stern; my mind wandered into stuff of dreams territory. How could I ever afford a Patek Philippe?

Many of you are probably familiar with the Swiss pecking order when it comes to haute horlogerie- there's your Omegas and then somewhere in the clouds where Audemars Piguet and IWC float, we have Alpha watchmaker- Patek Philippe. As a watch manufacture, they pretty much own the distinction of being the world's most expensive, most exclusive and most complicated luxury watch makers on earth. Let's face it, they're priced an arm and a leg because people WILL pay arms and legs just to own one.

Luxe Investment: Patek Philippe Calatrava 5116

Let me be upfront about it. It costs around SGD19,000 to SGD20,000 for a brand new one or SGD15,000 if you shop carefully on ebay and if you put together all the money you could have saved buying a Subby (extra points if you know what I'm talking about) or some other mid ranged luxury timepiece, you could actually own a very decent slice of horological heritage in about 5 years. Most importantly, as a watch collector, the very name Patek Philippe across the watch dial is the stuff of dreams for a watch enthusiast.

Why is it a luxe investment?

In terms of horological heritage, it's iconic Patek Philippe. The Calatrava was first introduced in 1932 and it has remained a flagship for the luxury watchmaker ever since. In fact, one lucky ebayer happened to buy a vintage Calatrava 3919 recently. Though the 5116 is slightly larger now, as a dress watch and essential component to corporate attire, the Calatrava is the one mens luxe timepiece that doesn't scream "look at me". It speaks on whispered wind of the wearer's classic elegance.

Where can I get my hands on a Patek Philippe?

Well, I suppose if you're desperately looking to own a slice of heaven, you could get this and this (be sure to make sure that they came with watch documents or "papers"). Or you could just head down to the Patek Philippe boutique at Marina Bay Sands Singapore-  B2-239 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, tel: + 65 6688 7008

Patek Philippe Men's Calatrava 5116 Technical Specs

• Handwound movement Caliber 215 PS
• Vibrations per hour: 28'800
• Power reserve: 44 h
• Hobnail-patterned bezel with Authentic enamel dial with black roman numerals
• Sapphire-crystal case back
• Water resistant to 30 m.