Swiss Master Watchmaker
in Singapore
Incorporated on 1 August 2023, Switzerland's National Day, IHT is a dream come true for Michael Dubs, a true blue Swiss Master Watchmaker certified by the Swiss federal government. Michael's dream is to perpetuate the fine craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking by sharing his passion and savoir faire with enthusiasts and collectors.
A specialist in high complications, Michael’s interest in watches was ignited when out of curiousity he pressed open a watch with his father’s handiman vise. The watch parts that sprang out intrigued him and thus begun his career in watchmaking 30 years ago. Since his watchmaking apprenticeship with IWC, Michael has gained experience with brands including Audemars Piguet, Gerard Perregaux, Parmigiani, Jaegar Le Coutre, Carl F Bucherer, Maurice Lacroix and Porsche Design.
In 2014, Michael left Audemars Piguet Le Locle as Head of Production to relocate to Singapore where he had met and married his wife, now also his business partner. As a federally certified Master Watchmaker, Michael was instrumental in setting up Audemars Piguet’s training division in Singapore and training its first 2 batches of watchmakers locally. His innate passion for watchmaking eventually led him to head the brand’s local after-sales service division for complications, and it is with fond memories that Michael left that position to start IHT.
Having worked in capacities ranging from conception of ideas, to product definition & development, prototyping & manufacturing, sales & after-sales service, training of watchmakers & retail staff, and conducting masterclasses, Michael is well versed with the life cycle of watches. IHT is where Michael applies this experience and knowledge by providing Swiss quality servicing of timepieces and watchmaking experiences.
Michael’s final year project for his apprenticeship was a pocket watch that he modified and fitted a Tourbillon into (top). Subsequently he built a small series of wristwatches, including one (bottom) that is exhibited at IWC’s museum in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
Masterclasses
Step Into the World of a Swiss Watchmaker
Visit the watchmaking studio of Michael Dubs, a Swiss Master Watchmaker who has 16 years’ experience with Audemars Piguet. Be introduced to the tools of the trade and take home your own perlage souvenir.
Duration 2h for 6-10 pax.
Price: SGD80/pax
Induction to Watchmaking
Be guided by Swiss master watchmaker, Michael Dubs who has 16 years’ experience with Audemars Piguet, to assemble a mechanical watch movement and experience the joy of making it come alive! Relive this sense of achievement at home where you can ‘resuscitate it’ time and time again or bring it back to IHT and build your own watch with it. Perfect for family or team bonding!
Duration 2h for 4-6 pax.
Price: SGD290/pax
Build Your Own IHT Watch: An Artisanal Experience
Perfect for enthusiasts and beginners alike, you will leave this hands-on Masterclass with a functional manual winding mechanical watch and a deeper appreciation for the timeless craft of horology. Come learn from Michael Dubs, a Swiss Master Watchmaker who has 16 years’ experience with Audemars Piguet.
Duration 8h for 4-6 pax.
Price: SGD750 for participants of 'Induction to Watchmaking' (regular price: SGD850).
Decorate Your Own Movement: The Artisanal Experience Continued
Personalise your watch further by decorating parts of your IHT movement. Learn hands-on traditional watchmaking skills like bevelling and blueing of screws. from Michael Dubs, a Swiss Master Watchmaker who has 16 years’ experience with Audemars Piguet.
NOTE: Past participant of “Build Your Own IHT Watch: An Artisanal Experience” is a pre-requisite.
Duration 16h for 3-4 pax.
Price: SGD1,200/pax
Tailored Journey into Watchmaking
Create your own personalized watchmaking experience with, Michael Dubs, a Swiss Master Watchmaker who was formerly Audemars Piguet Singapore’s Regional Technical and Training Manager. This unique masterclass is designed around your specific interests and goals. Whether you seek theoretical knowledge or hands-on practice, you define the journey and we will craft a custom masterclass to meet your precise needs.
Price: Price on Demand
Build Your Own Paul Gerber-IHT Watch
The first and only outside Switzerland!
This Masterclass exposes Mr Paul Gerber’s unique methods and techniques, which are not commonly taught outside of haute horology. Be prepared for an enriching experience that combines expert instruction, practical skills, and a deep appreciation for the craft of watchmaking as you learn from Michael Dubs, a Swiss Master Watchmaker who was formerly Audemars Piguet Singapore’s Regional Technical and Training Manager.
Duration 3 days, with a rest day in between days 2 and 3 for 2-3 pax.
Introductory Price: SGD8,800/pax
Services
Restoration of Vintage Timepieces
Desire to restore your family heirloom to its former glory? After a comprehensive assessment, we will clean, repair or replace damaged components and refinish surfaces to restore their original appearance. Restoration comes with a complete servicing of the movement and testing for its functionality. Documentation to track the restoration journey will also be provided.
Complete Servicing
This includes the disassembly, cleaning, inspection, replacement of worn parts, lubrication, reassembly, regulation, and testing of timepieces, which is recommended every 3-5 years for complications. Whilst we specialize in high complications such as Tourbillons and Minute Repeaters, we are glad to receive any mechanical watch for servicing.
Polishing
IHT works together with a professional polisher who is equipped with the lates equipment. Factory standard finishing is achieved and for big impacts and laser welding fills up material before polishing.
Authentication and Quality Rating
IHT analyses not only the genuity of your timepiece but also its technical and esthetical qualities. Each piece will receive a quality rating to assure you of its authenticity and quality.
Concierge
Representing a handful of trusted independent watch brands whom we know personally, it is our goal to promote their timepieces through sharing each brand’s background and technical knowhow in ways that give credit to their contribution to the world of watchmaking.
Masterclasses
IHT's curriculum is committed to sharing watchmaking knowledge whilst respecting trade ethics and the high standard of Swiss craftsmanship. It is not meant to qualify you as a watchmaker but will provide you with the basic watchmaking knowledge and practical skills for watchmaking to provide a better understanding of the different aspects of the trade
The Team
Michael Dubs
Founder and Master Watchmaker
Michael boasts a federal Swiss Master Watchmaker Diploma and three decades of watch industry experience. Having worked with brands like Audemars Piguet (15 years), IWC, Jaeger Le Coultre, Maurice La Croix, Carl F Bucherer and Parmigiani, he specialises in high complications such as Perpetual Calendars, Tourbillon, and Minute Repeaters. A skilled artisan, Michael is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience of watchmaking with others.
Phyllis Dubs
Founder and CFO
Phyllis trained as a Chartered Accountant in London. On her return to Singapore, she worked as a corporate banker with OCBC before joining Price Waterhouse as a corporate tax consultant. Her tenure with PwC Singapore included a 2-year stint in Cambodia to help establish its tax department in Phnom Penh. For the past 17 years, Phyllis has dedicated her skills to home management and home-educating two sons. Her passion is to mentor and empower the next generation.
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