Davison

Lifestyle & exotic machinery magazine

Davison

Top Flight

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The idea of flying was a daunting concept in the 20th century. It was only in 1903 when Orville and Wilbur Wright invented the world’s first motor-operated airplane, therefore suggesting that prior flight methods were comparatively rudimentary. Case in point, the hang gliders, hot air balloons, and airships of old operated on buoyancy, whose speeds were a far cry from the jet-setting planes, which are a product of today’s aviation technology.

However, the men who materialized and evolved the concept of flying started off with the same idea, which was to turn that dream into reality. The sky then, was unchartered territory, which meant that the starting point was free for those who dared. The early decades saw bold aviation explorers pioneering long distance journeys, namely Richard Byrd who became the first man to fly over the South Pole.

Byrd, an American aviator and US Naval officer, had to travel almost 1,290 km (800 miles) with the help of a solar compass and Longines watches for navigation. In 1928, Byrd became the first man to reach Antarctica of this nature, after a perilous flight of almost 19 hours. It was reported that Longines received the following radiogram: “The Longines instruments and chronometer watches supplied by Wittnauer Company New York have given the most satisfactory service. With hearty appreciation. Byrd Antarctic expedition.”

 

Spreading His Wings

Today, and much closer to home, Ng Yeow Meng always dreamt of taking to the skies. The eldest child of a fishmonger and garment factory worker, Ng described his young self as a fervent dreamer of outdoor adventures and had a strong desire for flying. The path towards his goal was ambitious and always in focus.

“I graduated with an electrical engineering degree and progressed rapidly through the dot-com boom of the 2000s as a software engineer,” he revealed. “I then coded my own private aviation social networking portal which transformed into what is WingsOverAsia today, an integrated private aviation services provider servicing clients around the world.”

The self-made entrepreneur is also a licensed pilot, who actively serves as a flight instructor, as well as supplementing jet charter clients’ operations as their freelance charter jet pilot.

 

Flight Time

Timing flight stages was a crucial component in the experiential age of flying – one that Longines recognized all too well. In 1925, the Swiss manufacture equipped one of its early wristwatch chronographs with the flyback function, a complication that allows an ongoing time measurement to be interrupted and a new one to be started instantaneously by merely pressing a button, i.e. operating the stop, reset, and restart functions all at once.

The flyback function became an important, if not, an integral part of pilot watches as it meant an increased precision in time measurement. “As a pilot, being precise and on time allows operations to go exactly as planned,” said Ng. “It’s a very complementary skillset, and I’ve applied that into the running of my business – we’re in the business of saving time. Our services facilitate our clients to use their time wisely, where ultimately, we’re an enabler in their quest for efficiency.”

 

Spirit of Flying

Within a century, Longines has evolved the flyback mechanism for its watches through numerous caliber developments and improved features (it equipped its flyback chronographs with increased water resistance), as well as including its use in their dive watches.

This history is immortalized in its Spirit collection that continues the tradition of precision instruments to accompany the greatest explorers in their conquest of the air, sea, and land. The new Longines Spirit Flyback (available in a black or blue sunray dial) is equipped with a new exclusive Longines caliber L791 that’s housed in a 42mm case. Its refined aesthetics are emblematic of the iconic flyback pilot’s wristwatches that came before it, where each one has contributed significantly to Longines’ aviation history.

Meanwhile, for Ng, WingsOverAsia holds a significant amount of history as well, having been a pioneer in the private aviation industry for the last 15 years. His advice? “I need to love what I do everyday,” he said. “Time is absolutely the most precious commodity in the world that once lost, no amount of money can buy back, regardless of your net worth. The only way to treasure time is to use it wisely, and productively. Hence, in everything that I do, I use my own time as efficiently as possible and prioritize time on the people that matter.”

For more information, click here

Ahead Of The Pack

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A world-renowned name that is synonymous with style and speed, McLaren was founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, a knowledgeable driver and motorsport technician who won his first motor race at the tender age of 16. A charismatic gent who had grown up helping out in his parent’s service station and workshop, McLaren became the youngest Grand Prix winner of his time when he finished first in the 1959 US Grand Prix, at age 22 years and 80 days. McLaren would go on to race for esteemed motorsport names like Aston Martin, Cooper, Ford and Jaguar where he continued to enjoy momentous wins.

A Stellar History

His eponymous brand, McLaren, enjoyed even greater triumphs. The first McLaren F1 car, the M2B, made its debut at the 1965 Monaco GP, and McLaren won 37 out of the 43 races it competed in from 1967 to 1971. Since then, the vaunted supercar marque has amassed countless championships and persists as one of the most revered names in motorsport. Most notably, McLaren has clinched ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’, which comprises race victories in the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 Hours, and has attracted luminaries like Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Kimi Räikkönen and Lewis Hamilton to compete under the prestigious McLaren banner.

An inspiring leader and an ambitious visionary, the late Bruce McLaren’s forward-thinking nature and passion for innovation live on in McLaren’s technologically advanced high-performance sports cars.

McLaren icons that made waves around the world include the super lightweight carbon-fibre MP4/1 of 1981, the first McLaren F1 road car released in 1993, the hybrid hyper-GT of 2016, the 600LT Spider and the track-only McLaren Senna GTR of 2019, the 765LT of 2020, and the McLaren Artura of 2022.

The Next-Generation Supercar

The culmination of six decades of engineering experience, the McLaren Artura is McLaren’s first-ever series-production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar. It is the first McLaren to utilise McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which has been optimised in tandem with its HPH powertrains. Its lightweight body of superformed aluminium has been streamlined for peak supercar performance and cutting-edge engineering has helped it achieve a lithe curb weight of just 1,498kg. It boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 488PS/tonne, while its purpose-engineered twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an E-motor and energy dense battery park, produce combined outputs of 680PS and 720Nm.

These ahead-of-their-time innovations reflect Bruce McLaren’s enthusiasm for futuristic lightweight engineering, and help the McLaren Artura achieve an efficiency of 39 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent, making it the most efficient McLaren ever.

Furthermore, the McLaren Artura has a new multi-link rear suspension concept, uprated electro-hydraulic steering and Proactive Damping Control, Pirelli P ZERO™ CORSA tires with innovative Pirelli Cyber Tyre® technology, new high-tech and user-oriented controls, and can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds. The McLaren Artura is also capable of accelerating from 0 to 200km/h in 8.3 seconds, and 0 to 300km/h in 21.5 seconds.

60 Years of Cutting-Edge Innovation

McLaren’s 60 years of history have been full of seemingly insurmountable challenges and exuberant triumphs – you might remember the Formula 1 victories of Daniel Ricciardo in 2021 and of Lewis Hamilton in 2008, along with the dramatic feud between teammates Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, who won a total of six championships.

In fact, since McLaren’s first Formula 1 victory in 1966, the marque has clinched a total of 183 race wins, 12 Drivers’ Championships and eight Constructors’ Championships. In homage to the invaluable contributions of Bruce and other McLaren stalwarts to the field of motorsport, McLaren has launched a year-long campaign called McLaren 60, which will take enthusiasts through the highest highs and lowest lows of McLaren’s emphatic history.

McLaren Singapore Celebrates 60 Years

In Singapore, McLaren’s 60th anniversary was commemorated by an unprecedented gathering – over 40 McLaren supercars, ranging from the Ultimate Series McLaren to the McLaren Artura, gathered at Gillman Barracks in Southern Singapore to form the number ‘60’. This set the record for the most number of McLaren cars ever congregated in Singapore, and this jovial gathering reflected the brand’s spirit of camaraderie and McLaren owners’ shared passion for unmatched automotive performance.

Coming Soon: The McLaren 750S

Unveiled in April 2023, the new 750S is the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren. This new offering is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 750PS and 800Nm. New specially engineered components like its lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque, carbon-fibre-shelled racing seats, carbon-fibre upper structure and the lightest wheels ever fitted on a series-production McLaren, make this sprinter one of the most agile supercars in the market.

This impressive supercar is a milestone release for McLaren and is the icing on McLaren’s 60th anniversary celebrations. To discover how the automotive innovations and lightweight technology of McLaren’s hand-built supercars are charting the future of motorsport, follow the hashtag #McLaren60 and #ForeverForward on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit the McLaren Singapore Showroom
5 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159089
+65 6251 6888
singapore.mclaren.com

Design From Varied Perspectives

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Since it was founded in 2020, Formal Informal Practice has been strengthening its offerings in interior architecture and design consultancy, along with the provision of D&B (design & build), FF&E (furniture, fixture & equipment), and styling services.

Throughout this phase of growth, the practice continuously “explores the opposite ends of the spectrum in design, both formal and informal, with the objective of finding a balance between the polar opposites”, says company director Aden Amos Seow.

Working mostly with owners of landed homes and exclusive condominiums in prime districts, the practice built a reputation for its ability to design distinctive spaces with a tasteful curation of materials, lighting, furnishing, and decor.

An Established Procedure

Formal Informal employs what Aden calls a “50/50 approach” to every project, where 50 per cent of input comes from the homeowner’s brief in terms of form and function, while the other 50 per cent comes from the practice’s design DNA.

It adopts a strict visual hierarchy guide akin to what branding firms incorporate into their briefs: establishing base colour, secondary/accent color, textures/materials, decorative items/design motifs. “We use visual hierarchy as a guide to help us define the identity of our design narrative that goes into every project.”

Formal Informal also goes by a more holistic approach to interior design by incorporating styling services, which most other firms overlook. He recognizes its importance: “We utilize a narrative-driven approach,” he says, “by incorporating design cues that reflect the homeowners’ personalities and experiences while retaining all the practical aspects.”

A Refined Edge

Formal Informal’s competitive edge rests on the design aesthetics it has developed and deploys through its highly qualified team. Aden ensures that this remains so by conducting weekly or bi-weekly ‘coffee catch-ups’ with clients to ensure that every concern is addressed in every step of the way.

This was in full play at a project they completed at Cape Royale, a luxury condominium on Sentosa Island. The brief specified a design that resonated with the surroundings of the development. Formal Informal created a space enveloped with mostly mild-textured beige backdrop, and furnished it with organic-shaped pieces that echo the seaside vibes surrounding the apartment.

They then layered it with biophilic elements and decorative objects. “It’s often the small little details that make every house a home,” he remarks. “Looking at the design coming to fruition and seeing the homeowners enjoying it is the best aspect of completing a design,” he adds.

As with every project it completes, the practice turns to three important factors: its design and aesthetic sensibilities, its team of highly skilled craftsmen, and its strong project management.

Distant Horizons

Formal Informal is on track with the planned launch of its branded commercial and residential developments. Meanwhile, a range of merchandise, including branded home fragrances, furniture, and decorative objects, will also be released to support the brand expansion.

On the manpower front, he is eyeing to build a strong team of in-house craftsmen and support staff to tackle more ambitious projects. “This will eventually aid us in achieving our objectives,” he shares.”

Although it continues to draw international attention especially on social media, Formal Informal is currently active only within Singapore, but Aden is optimistic that the practice’s horizon ultimately lies beyond local shores. His big dream is “to put the design scene in Singapore on a global pedestal.”

A Range of Interests

On top of his creative pursuit, Aden is also involved in other business ventures. In 2022, he founded Daejim Korean BBQ with three other partners. Famous for premium meat and traditional Korean soul food, Daejim marries the pocha dining experience in a cozy, intimate restaurant setting.

He is also involved in his family owned Ccult Investment Holding which has its roots in agriculture, property development, and construction in Thailand, Indonesia, China, and South Korea.

“My family intends to expand its existing portfolio to explore the digital space and help young and ambitious start-ups for the long haul. We plan to give our young partners thorough guidance from the very first stages, and provide them with necessary resources and advice needed to aid their growth.”

Click here for more information on Formal Informal Practice and @formalinformalpractice

Gentlemen, Treat Yourself to Something Functional this Father’s Day!

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Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT Sky Blue

There’s no undermining simplicity and legibility. Case in point, the Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT which benefits from said qualities. Take the model’s fourth hand with a conspicuous white arrowhead to indicate the time at the country of origin in consonance with the 24-hour graduated inner bezel whose flange has a two-tone treatment to indicate daytime and night-time hours. Another simple, readable function is the date which appears in an aperture at o’clock position. The metal outline makes the window instantly noticeable. In the dark, the hands and hour markers stand out with a coating of SuperLumiNova®.

 

Norqain Independence DLC Skeleton

Stay the course through strenuous outdoor activity with a sturdy watch. Norqain Independence Skeleton is a COSC-certified chronometer powered by a mechanical automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve. Its 42mm DLC-coated stainless steel case is water resistant to 100m. It has an open-worked dial, and indexes and hands plated in red gold and filled with X1 SuperLuminova – a photoluminescent pigment that is 60% brighter than standard SuperLuminova. The model fitted with the new micro-adjustable bracelet that you can tighten or loosen easily from the clasp.

Ferrari 499P Wins On Debut At 24 Hours of Le Mans

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Ferrari won the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 499P driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, who shared the number 51 car with James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi, covering 342 laps of the French track. The Maranello manufacturer claimed an historic result on its return to the top class after half a century, with the Ferrari – AF Corse team triumphing in the world’s most famous endurance race.

At the chequered flag Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen finished fifth in the 499P number 50, delayed during the night by repairs that knocked the crew out of contention for the podium, despite an excellent performance that saw them climb several places back up the standings.

The Ferrari 499Ps started from the top two positions on the grid with Hypercar numbers 50 and 51, respectively, thanks to the times posted during the Hyperpole when Fuoco took pole.

This was the Prancing Horse’s tenth overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to go with those collected in 1949, 1954, 1958, and 1960-1965. Ferrari’s history at Le Mans now comprises 39 victories, including 29 class wins.

 

With this result in round four of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship, Ferrari remains second in the Manufacturers’ standings, narrowing the gap to Toyota to 19 points.

Pure Platinum

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To say that Porsche has always been a victim of its own success doesn’t stretch the imagination unreasonably. The overwhelming response to the 911 design has been a double-edged sword of sorts. No matter how much Porsche tries to reinvent the genre – and to the chagrin of its fans – it finds itself back in the same place again.

The shortcoming of this success, if you will and if there is ever one, is that if the German brand continues to stay with this unmistakable silhouette, there are just so many more cars it can sell – and often to the same people.

This all changed when Porsche introduced the Cayenne two decades ago.

In one fell swoop, it not only opened up the range of cars it could offer, but also expanded its market exponentially. Suddenly, people who wouldn’t take a second look at a two-door 911 started to turn their heads. And it didn’t come at a more opportune time.

In the early to middle of the 1990s, Porsche found itself in a precarious financial position. During a significant global economic crisis, the company was wading in the red, delivering only slightly over 23,000 cars in the 1991/92 financial year. There was some success when the Boxster came out in 1996, but it wasn’t until 2002 when the first Cayenne rolled out the door of the secret Hemmingen site that Porsche witnessed a turnaround that has only grown from strength to strength.

Given that the very first Cayenne was a result of a suggestion by the US sales team at Porsche, the E1 bordered on the mundane, starting life as an off-road-capable people-carrier or MPV. Its somewhat utilitarian original boxy shape was a far departure from the sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that Porsche has always been associated with. But its success hinted that Porsche had hit on something, and something big.

Today, the Porsche Cayenne is arguably one of the best-selling models from the company. But the latest rendition, the E3, is a marked departure from the E1, both in performance and design, and most everything in between.

Despite being introduced in 2017, the current E3 Cayenne has gone through several rounds of upgrades in the last five years. Hans-Jurgen Wohler, the head of the Porsche SUV series (2013 to 2020) claims that, “The objective of the E3 was to heighten the range of capabilities further. It was all about making [the Cayenne] sportier with greater ride comfort while maintaining off-road capabilities.”

A new aluminium body saved weight. The three-chamber air suspension and rear-axle steering was specially developed for better handling, while a wide range of driver support features were added through various driver assistance systems. The advent of technology continued to add smartphone integration, WiFi, Bluetooth, all of which seems almost indispensable for today’s drivers.

The evolution of the Porsche Cayenne continues with the new Platinum Edition. Characterized by the trademark Platinum paint finish, the new series is available in the Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, and Cayenne S, as well as the corresponding Coupe variants.

With the upgraded Platinum elements, the Cayenne stretches the gap between its status as Porsche’s premier SUV with its younger brethren, the increasingly ubiquitous Macan. Certainly, the visual strength of the latest enhancements will not get lost in translation.

The satin-finish of the Platinum models are immediately noticeable as the inlays in the front air-intakes, the “Porsche” lettering in the LED rear light strip, rear model designation, and the 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels – all exclusively standard in the Platinum Edition – are painted in the chosen colors. Sport tailpipes and window trims come in black to emphasize the special Platinum finishes that come in Jet Black, Carrara White, Mahogany, Moonlight Blue, and Crayon.

The Platinum Edition is not just about cosmetic upgrades. An extended equipment range includes LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System, a panoramic roof that seems to extend forever, privacy glass, a 14-speaker, 710-watt Bose surround-sound system with seamless integration with Apple Music and Podcasts, ambient lighting, eight-way leather sports seats, and an analogue clock on the dashboard. Refinement options for the interior and exterior are further available from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for extended modifications.

Behind the wheel, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is a dream to drive. The three-litre turbocharged V6 engine is a monster off the mark and cruising the highways, with the 250kW (340PS) of power more than enough to match most any non-sports car on the road. The 450Nm of Herculean torque will pull you out of almost anything if called for. This, remember, is car that is as comfortably driven off the road as it is on.

The car is surprisingly nimble, and devoid of excessive roll around corners, despite its near-1.7m height. Speed humps are hardly noticeable when driven over at reasonable speeds, and the eight-speed Triptronic S transmission, Porsche Traction Management, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus all work together seamlessly to ensure maximum road holding when tackling winding roads. And if you want a little added fun, there are four driving modes to choose from. The 918 Spyder-inspired driving mode button, ergonomically located next to the steering wheel, allows you toggle among modes like Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual without needing to rifle through the menu on the infotainment display.

In many ways, the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition takes some of the guess work out of driving with its advanced driving assistance features. The Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus manages the headlights so that segments of the main-beam cone can be mitigated to prevent on-coming vehicles from being dazzled. Four in-built cameras provide a 360-degree view when parking, and Remote ParkAssist lets you use your smartphone from outside the car to enter and exit parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. On the road, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Change Assist should help you with lane integrity when driving, while Collision and Brake Assist can detect objects in front of the car and apply the brakes in emergency situations.

The popularity of the Porsche Cayenne will always be steeped in the flexible practicality and comfort of an SUV that belongs to a brand known for its performance capabilities. The Platinum Edition continues to extend this proposition with stylish aplomb.

The Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is now available in Singapore with prices starting from S$407,388 without COE, but includes five-year free maintenance and warranty, registration fee, estimated ARF, 12-month road tax, estimated VES fee/rebate, and GST.

For more information, click here

Expect the Unexpected with Moroso’s Pebble Rubble

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Furniture design, when executed by visionary designers, has the ability to alter perceptions through visual cues and tactile signals. Such is the case with Moroso’s Pebble Rubble range by Swedish design duo Sofia Lagerkvist and Anna Lindgren of Front Design. More than just a modular seating system, it is a sensory experience.

According to the designers, “Our new system of furniture for Moroso took its forms from found shapes in nature. As children in our native Sweden, our playground was the forest, and we imagined rocks, moss, fallen trees to be furniture and places for the body to rest and occupy. For this seating group, we 3D scanned rocks we saw on our many forest walks, and composed these organic shapes together into furniture pieces.”

In the right setting, the Pebble Rubble range is almost like an illusion that lures and captivates, with forms that call to mind cool, smooth stones found on a rocky path or by a cool, windy coastline. It celebrates nature’s slow and boundless rhythm – a counterpoint to our frenetic daily routines.

More than just couches and stools, Pebble Rubble’s design transcends the functions and qualities associated with a common seat. At first glance, it’s as if you’re looking at rocks smoothened over time by rain and wind, covered in an organic plant layer that softens rough edges further. What results is a comfortable and welcoming aesthetic.

Made up of 15 modules (seats and backrests) and complemented by three (foot) stools, Pebble Rubble allows for a free, flexible, and creative compositions – whether it’s in a hospitality or corporate setting. Look beyond its utilitarian nature and unlock infinite arrangement possibilities: From a single armchair to a sophisticated panorama that celebrates the design’s organic forms.

Pebble Rubble is available at Xtra Designs’ Retail Showroom; located at 6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-48, Marina Square, Singapore 039594. For more information, click here

Making Dream Holidays Come True

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Special feature by Intriq Journey

Planning the trip of a lifetime can be stressful. But entrusting the process to a travel agency, even an experienced one, can be a roll of the dice. After all, what constitutes a good travel itinerary can be highly subjective.

Saudi Arabia

For bespoke travel agency Intriq Journey, cracking the code to a great holiday lies in a combination of personalization, an offer of exclusive experiences, and attentive service that anticipates the guest’s needs and wants before they are even aware of them.

“Travel should be something magical. It should take you beyond visiting places to discover parts of them you’ve never seen before,” says the company.

“It should draw you to off the beaten path destinations to reveal hidden gems, uncover local secrets and make genuine connections with new cultures and communities. At Intriq Journey, we take those ‘shoulds’ and turn them into certainties.”

This means itinerary highlights like VIP access to monuments and alternative tour options that take guests off the regular tourist routes. Guests can ensure their itineraries are to their exacting standards by working with a travel designer, who has deep insights and connections within the cities and are able to personalize the itinerary further.

Egypt
Cambodia

In Luxor, Egypt, for example, guests explore tombs not usually visited by tourists at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and have the option of a night tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

In Cambodia, they immerse themselves in the great outdoors by glamping at the Cardamom National Park and channel their inner Indiana Jones on an exclusive sunrise exploration of Angkor Wat. Naturally, stays at luxurious hotels and lodges and meals at gourmet restaurants are a given.

Travel should be something magical. It should take you beyond visiting places to discover parts of them you’ve never seen before.”

Want to be truly off the beaten path? Intriq Journey, an expert in curating bespoke trips, also offers polar expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctica. Here, guests get to explore spectacular icebergs and fjords, meet with local communities in traditional villages, and encounter iconic Arctic wildlife such as emperor penguins.

For those who prefer an even more exclusive way of travelling, Intriq Journey offers a luxury iteration of its travel journeys by way of Intriq Finesse. Just 16 guests, accompanied by a Travel Concierge, are on each of the itinerary in the portfolio of luxury small group journeys to exotic locations like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and more.

Madagascar

True to its promise of an all-inclusive experience for guests, Intriq Finesse also takes care of all tipping to local guides, porters and other local service staff. Where needed, exclusive modes of transportation are offered – like in Madagascar, where a private plane charters guests to remote corners of the island to explore magnificent landscapes and national parks. Also available: VIP access to the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids in Cairo, which allows guests to have the entire place to themselves, so that they can explore these sacred realms to their hearts’ content.

“Combined, we have over 100 years of experience in the travel industry to curate truly exclusive experiences, unlock new destinations, and set the benchmark for sustainable, innovative luxury travel,” says Intriq Journey.

Leave the heavy lifting to their travel experts and simply show up, ready to be surprised and delighted.

For more information on Intriq Journey and the itineraries the company offers, click here