It’s always nice to read an interview with the CEO of your favourite watch brand, but sometimes talk of “developing product ranges”, “exploring new markets” and “expanding our customer base” can leave you a bit cold.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to know more about the person leading that brand – to discover the human being behind the professional persona? What, exactly, makes them tick outside of watchmaking? What’s their favourite book, movie or album? A hidden skill we didn’t know they had? Or a famous person they would give anything to have lunch with?
To that end, in our new column “Downtime”, we chat to brand leaders about their interests and passions when not at work. It’s a breezy, quick-fire format, and on the menu is virtually everything other than watches – well, almost everything, and it is hard to escape talking a little about timepieces.
So, sit back and enjoy our first Q&A with Vice President of Corum, Boon Chong Soon.
Hi Boon. So, tell us: What is your favourite book?
‘Make Your Bed’ by Admiral William H. McRaven because it not only taught me about discipline, but that no man is an island and the importance of teamwork is immeasurable.
Your favourite movie?
‘Better Tomorrow’, a Hong Kong film that basically ticks all the brackets of a classic.
Your favourite album?
Technically not an album, but ‘Streets of Philadelphia’ within the movie soundtrack. Just because I am a sucker for Bruce Springsteen.
Your favourite food?
Japanese. Nothing fancy, just the natural taste of the ingredients.
Your favourite drink?
Espresso Tonic. Earthy, sweet and bubbly – what is there to dislike?
Your favourite holiday destination?
Florence, the first place I ever went with my best friend.
Your favourite TV show?
‘The Big Bang Theory’, for no particular reason but I just love the cast.
Your favourite piece of clothing or sartorial accessory?
For obvious sentimental reasons, the gold coin given to me by my father in 2020, which Corum converted into a Coin Watch.
Your favourite activity that you do in your free time?
Cooking, it takes my mind away and lets my imagination flow.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us.
I am actually a pretty good cook. I did a few years of culinary studies in Singapore.
What’s one item (not a watch) that you can’t live without? Or that you can’t go anywhere without?
Does my daily video call with my son count? 😉
What is on your ‘bucket list’ (an activity, accomplishment or destination that you hope to do or visit before you exit this world)?
To visit Machu Picchu, because of its significance in spiritual healing.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your life and/or career. How did they inspire you?
Ian Skellern. Without him helping me to get my first chance at Greubel Forsey, I would never be where I am in the industry.
Name a famous person or historical figure, dead or alive, that you would like to have lunch with. Why?
Lee Kuan Yew. I really want to know what went through his thoughts when he decided to separate Singapore from Malaysia, and the challenges of transforming Singapore into what it is today.
What was the first watch you remember owning? What was special about it?
An Alba (Seiko) Calculator watch in primary school. Special because it was the first ever birthday gift given to me by my parents!
And finally, a wrist check: What watch are you currently wearing? And what do you like about it?
The Corum Admiral Tourbillon Openworked Carbon & Gold, as it represents the past and the future of Corum with the fusion of two materials into one. The three founders are represented on the 3-minute counter at 9 o’clock, and the use of the carbon and gold represents the overall concept of the Admiral collection.
For more information about Boon’s company Corum, please visit the Corum website.
