When Stephanie Soh and Deborah Wong launched TickTockBelles in 2022, they weren’t simply creating another watch club. They were building a community where women could learn, connect and celebrate a shared passion for horology—without needing to justify their place within it. Today, that community stretches far beyond Singapore, bringing together collectors across Asia and beyond.
Here, they speak to us about the watches that marked life’s milestones, the friendships forged through collecting, and why the future of horology is more inclusive than ever.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): What are the watches tied to the pivotal chapters of your life?
Deborah Wong (DW): The special-order Trilobe Une Folle Journée marks the turning of the wheel into the 50th chapter of my life. The design concept was proposed by Gautier Massonneau, CEO and founder of the independent watch brand Trilobe, following discussions with me. It took about 12 months to be delivered, but the wait was definitely worth it.
GS: Can you remember the very first watch you bought?
Stephanie Soh (SS): The first watch I bought with my first bonus was a Rolex Datejust Big White Roman in a boy’s size. At the time, I felt a sense of accomplishment after completing my education and starting work. Though it was a splurge, I felt it was completely worth it to mark such a milestone.
GS: Do you think living in Singapore has shaped your experience as a collector?
DW: Most certainly. There are many subject matter experts in Singapore whom I can learn from, whether through watch communities or private collectors. There is also a budding watchmaking scene here that I hope to see featured more prominently at international watch fairs.
GS: Is there a watch in your collection that surprises people most?
SS: The MB&F HM3 is one watch that stands apart from most of my collection. It’s large on the wrist, quirky-looking—almost frog-like, which is actually what I love about it—and it tells time differently. It was also one of the first watches from an independent brand that I owned, at a time when independent watchmakers were not yet popular. It stood out from the more conservative designs in my collection then.
GS: What are some of the highlights since TickTockBelles was founded?
DW: Building the first female-centric watch community in Asia is definitely the highlight. Since TickTockBelles was founded, I have observed more active female participation in the watch scene. With TickTockBelles serving as a platform to advocate for greater gender inclusivity at watch gatherings and events, brands are increasingly recognising that female clientele should not be viewed as a secondary customer base.
SS: Our community has grown over the last three-and-a-half years. One of the best things to come from it has been the friendships built among female watch collectors across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the rest of the world.
GS: What has surprised you most about building this community?
SS: The support we have received from other watch communities—many of which are largely male-dominated, both in Singapore and overseas—has been incredibly encouraging. Several watch brands have also been supportive of our efforts to grow the female watch community. We even have a large group of male collectors who want to be part of the TickTockBelles community, despite its female-centric focus.
GS: Looking ahead, how do you envision TickTockBelles evolving?
DW: We are humbled that, as we shape the community, our voices are being heard and respected. It is definitely part of our vision to empower the next generation to cultivate their own perspective on why they engage in watch collecting as a passion—and to collect pieces that truly speak to them rather than simply following hype. It is also important to recognise that, as collectors mature, their tastes in watch styles and brands will naturally evolve. The watchmaking scene is evolving rapidly. Switzerland is no longer the sole centre of the craft; there are also emerging watchmaking talents from our region that are worth embracing.
Photography Sherman See-Tho
Art Direction Marisa Xin
Styling Joan Tai
Hair and Makeup Zhou Aiyi, using Shu Uemura and Revlon Professional
Styling Assistant Shiro Kuan
READ MORE
