Raffles Hotel Singapore does what very few iconic hotels pull off - the Raffles symbolizes Singapore in its entirety, thanks to the property's rich history and central location. Immortalized by visiting writers like Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling and Noel Coward, the Raffles Hotel's Long Bar, Palm Court, and Billiard Room (stuffed tiger and all) live on as timeless elements of literature and folklore.
How appropriate, then, that Raffles Hotel Singapore chooses to commemorate its upcoming 125th anniversary in partnership with an equally historic and stylish legend in horology - Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch firm has released two editions of its classic Reverso double-sided watch in time for the Raffles Hotel's birthday.
The Gents' Reverso Grand Taille (pictured above) and the Ladies' Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin owe their origins to Jaeger-LeCoultre's big idea in 1931: a reversible timepiece for polo players, who could flip the watch face inward to protect it from damage on the playing field. The reverse could also be tastefully personalized with a customized engraving.
For the Raffles' 125th, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers the two aforementioned Reverso watches with "Raffles Hotel 1887-2012 Singapore" engraved on the reverse.
"Like Raffles, Jaeger-LeCoultre never stands still - it continues to inspire and surprise," says Pierre Jochem, General Manager of the Raffles Hotel. "Whether it's staying in Raffles or wearing a Reverso, style and magic has nothing to do with age. Timelessness is about moving with the times and adapting to the world around us - but never forgetting our heritage, which is priceless."
For enquiries on the watches or on staying in the Raffles Hotel, email raffles@raffles.com. You can also read our review of the Raffles Hotel Singapore, or check out our lists of other Marina Bay, Singapore hotels and hotels all around Singapore.