Now that all the DORSCON orange dust has settled, and normalcy has (more or less) returned to supermarkets in Singapore, there’s just a few things left that we think you’ve yet to get your hands on. Aside from face masks and hand sanitisers—forget the alcohol wipes, there’s plenty of vodka at home—think about non-food items and other things we’re going to need when the apocalypse hits.
We’re talking about watches.
Yes, we’re serious.
Look at us. If Code Orange is all it took to trigger panic buying and hoarding, then you can definitely count on things to get real ugly when the MOH decides to dial things one notch up. Oh yes. When (or if, depending on how optimistic you are) Code Red strikes, we’ll take all the extra leverage we can get.
You laugh. But it’s true.
Don’t waste that precious real estate on your wrist. Arm yourself with a watch that you can absolutely count on when the proverbial shit hits the fan. Some of these are far more prepared for doomsday than you will ever be.
Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM 961
If you’re one of the 33 Panerai fanatics who bought this watch, then congratulations, because you’re probably fitter and more well trained than the average Joe (or Jane) to handle this crisis. Together with the Italian Navy, this watch was delivered with a two-day military experience where you train like an elite commando frogman. You are able to scuba dive, you know your way around a submarine, and you definitely know how to handle a weapon. The army-green strap also helps you stay camouflaged, the lume is fantastic, and the black Carbotech case is as light and hard-wearing as you can expect of any kind of combat gear.
Richard Mille RM25-01 Tourbillon Adventure Sylvester Stallone
It’s got everything but the kitchen sink. The RM-25-01 is a formidable watch. There is a detachable compass bezel with a lid made of grade 5 titanium and equipped with a bayonet mount. Then there’s the spirit level—useful when you need to build your own shelter. And then there’s a hermetic compartment containing five water purification tablets, each capable of rendering a litre of any water safe to drink in just 30 to 120 minutes (depending on the level of pollution). A-mazing.
Breitling Emergency
What you’re looking at is the world’s first wristwatch equipped with a true dual frequency distress beacon. Fully compliant with the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite alert system, it is literally a lifesaver and has helped extract people from all corners of the globe. If you’re ever lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean or the Sahara Desert or the Amazon Rainforest, just pop open the safety cap and release the antenna. The watch sends distress signals to the nearest land, sea or air carrier, who will pick it up, and then dispatch rescue in the shortest time possible.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner
The Rolex Submariner, or any Rolex for that matter, doesn’t have any particular hidden skills or features that might fend off feral zombies or help you build a raft. But it still is a great choice of watch because Rolex = currency. Everywhere in the world, people recognise the brand and understand its value. It’s like gold. You’re definitely going to be able to trade this in for anything if the need arises—a plane ticket, a car, a pardon…
Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TCM-1
Watches don’t get trustier than the Casio G-Shock. Powered by solar and always accurate, we like this specific model because its titanium case and bracelet are lightweight and comfortable. The laser camo print also helps us blend in with the surroundings and look super cool while at it. And in spite of all the swash-buckling action it’s designed to endure, you’ll never lay any hairline scratches thanks to the diamond-like carbon coating. Heck you can even use it as a knuckleduster and it wouldn't be worse for wear.
Luminox X Bear Grylls
The name says it all. Bear Grylls is the godfather of outdoor survival and adventure, and he’s recently collaborated with Luminox on a selection of models fit for use across land, sea and air. This piece is cased in lightweight yet extremely durable Carbonox, equipped with a built-in compass, and of course, the brand’s signature Luminox Light Technology. Staying luminous for up to 25 years, you could even use it as a night light of sorts. Zombies are afraid of light, you know 😉 And quite frankly, if it’s good enough for Bear, it’s good enough for us.
