Y K Wong

Founder

Vesuviate Watches

What first inspired the creation of VESUVIATE Watches? Could you take us back to how the vision for a high-performance tool-watch brand first began?

After more than 30 years in the upstream Oil & Gas sector across Asia and the Middle East, I returned to Singapore in 2019 seeking a new challenge that would keep me active and connected to my lifelong passion -  mechanical watches.  My vision was to build a brand that combines engineering precision, real-world durability, and timeless, functional design.

The name VESUVIATE carries a powerful story. What does it symbolize, and how does it reflect your brand’s philosophy and design approach?

The name VESUVIATE is inspired by Mount Vesuvius, whose eruption in 79 A.D. buried Pompeii under volcanic ash. Though tragic, the event preserved the city until its rediscovery in 1748 - a lasting reminder that renewal can rise from destruction.  Vesuvius’s power and unpredictability perfectly capture the brand’s spirit of strength, endurance, and reinvention through innovation.  Our logo was originally a flame, symbolizing the eruption’s intensity, but it later evolved into a fireball - representing creativity, passion, and controlled energy.  Its circular form allows it to serve as a 360-degree emblem on our crowns and clasps, uniting every watch under the same enduring spark that defines VESUVIATE.

Tell us about the early journey - what were those first steps like, from concept to the launch of your debut model in 2021?

Microbrands focus on creating distinctive designs — cases, bracelets, and dials that stand out - while sourcing reliable movements from renowned makers like Seiko, Miyota, or Sellita.  My background in precision manufacturing and supply chain management gave me a solid foundation, but I quickly realized that success in the watch industry also depends heavily on branding, marketing, and storytelling.  Building awareness through social media and authentic communication was a major learning curve.  My first prototypes were completed in early 2020, with a second design later that year.  The debut model, Attivo, was finally launched in August 2021 - right in the middle of the pandemic. It was a tough time to start a new brand, but the experience taught me resilience and reinforced my belief that persistence and passion always find their audience.

What motivated you to take this advanced engineering route using thermochemical surface treatment?

Most watches rely on coatings like PVD or DLC, which apply a thin film over the metal.  While these look great, the layer can eventually wear off.  In contrast, thermochemical surface treatment transforms the metal itself through ion diffusion, creating a case-hardened layer that becomes part of the material - not just a coating.  It eliminates the risk of flaking or peeling, and the hardness and scratch resistance last a lifetime.  I chose this method because it offers a permanent, engineering-grade enhancement, true to our philosophy of building watches engineered to endure.                                                                                                                                              

For readers who may not be familiar with material science, how does this treatment make a noticeable difference in real-world use compared to traditional coatings?

In simple terms, coatings sit on the surface, while surface treatment changes the surface itself. Through ion diffusion, the steel’s outer layer hardens to about 1,200 Vickers, compared to 200–250 for standard 316L stainless steel.  The result is a watch that resists scratches far better and keeps its finish looking new, even after years of daily wear.  It is a difference you can feel and see over time.

What were some of the key obstacles you encountered along the way?

The process, dating back to the early 1900s and revived in the 1980s for marine and oil & gas applications, requires meticulous preparation.  Each component must be perfectly cleaned, size-matched, and suspended in a vacuum furnace for precision results.  It’s time-consuming and costly, but the outcome is worth it. The challenge is that most people can’t see the difference immediately, yet it is what makes a VESUVIATE watch truly built to last.

How do you balance technical durability with the aesthetic elegance expected from a luxury timepiece?

That balance is deliberate.  My design philosophy is “function first, refinement after.”  Every VESUVIATE begins with robustness - excellent water resistance, solid case construction, and mechanical reliability.  Once the fundamentals are perfected, I focus on visual harmony: symmetry, dial texture, and color gradients.  The result is a watch that performs like a tool yet wears like a dress piece.

How do you decide the creative direction for each line?

Each collection starts with purpose.  The Attivo series is inspired by motorsports - active, precise, and performance-driven.  The Volare GMT was designed for travelers who navigate multiple time zones.  I always begin by asking, “Who is this watch for, and what conditions will it face?”  Once that’s defined, design follows naturally.  Aesthetics always serve function.

How do you personally define affordable luxury in today’s competitive microbrand market?

Affordable luxury means honesty in pricing and integrity in craftsmanship.  It is about offering the highest build quality and durability for the price.  I personally oversee every detail - from case finishing to movement selection - so every dollar goes into material and engineering quality.  A true affordable luxury watch should be robust enough to wear anywhere, without fear of damaging something too precious.

 How have you earned the trust and confidence of collectors and watch enthusiasts around the world?

Through transparency and consistency.  I never exaggerate specifications and am always open about how and where our watches are made.  Every piece that leaves my hands must meet the same standard I would expect for myself.  That builds credibility over time.  Word of mouth from satisfied owners has proven far more valuable than paid promotions.

 What unique advantages and challenges come with being based there?

Singapore’s strength lies in its passionate community of watch enthusiasts who genuinely value craftsmanship. However, the challenge is that the local microbrand scene is highly saturated - many microbrands are launched here each year.  To stand out, you need more than good design - you need a strong story, consistent quality, and patience to build trust over time.

What lessons from your previous work have most influenced your philosophy in watchmaking?

In engineering, every component has a purpose, and precision is everything.  That mindset defines how I design watches.  I focus on material integrity, structural reliability, and mechanical simplicity - principles that ensure every VESUVIATE isn’t just for today, but for decades to come.

 In your own words, what does “the ultimate tool-watch” represent to you?

It is a watch you can rely on anywhere - from a black-tie event to a weekend adventure.  It must be mechanically robust, truly water-resistant, and scratch-resistant enough for daily wear, yet carry the elegance and restraint of classic watchmaking.  Strength, precision, and timeless design - that’s the ultimate tool-watch.

Are there any exciting innovations, upcoming models, or collaborations that your followers should look forward to?

Yes, our next release - the Volare Digi -  will debut in December 2025. It is a bold reinterpretation of our aviation-inspired GMT, featuring a hybrid analog-digital dial.  It cptures modern travel, precision, and versatility while staying true to our DNA of robustness and value.  Beyond that, a completely new model is planned for late 2026.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the global community of watch lovers and supporters of microbrands?

Microbrands exist because of collectors who value authenticity over heritage or hype.  Every purchase supports creativity and craftsmanship.  My message is simple: support those who build from passion, not profit.  Your belief in microbrands like VESUVIATE gives purpose to what we do - one timepiece at a time.