Alexander Loh is the man behind Arcturus watches, which has been turning a lot of heads since the successful funding of the Arcturus LC-1. We have one on order, so will be reviewing it in due course. First, we asked a few questions of the man himself.

The WRUK Interview – Alexander Loh of Arcturus Watches

Wristwatch Review UK – How did you first get into the watchmaking hobby?

Alexander Loh – It all began in the army for me where I was a weapons technician and was familiar with all the inner workings of at least 9 different weapons. After completing my service, it was pretty natural for me to find fascination with mechanical watches. Started with some eBay sourced parts and got into Seiko modding at the same time. Eventually I felt ready and confident enough to design my own – Arcturus.

WRUKWhat was your first watch?

AL – It was a digital Power Ranger watch that my parents got for me when I was a child. Loved Power Rangers so much (especially the White Ranger).

WRUKWhat was the first watch you made?

AL – It was a 6497-based watch with eBay bought parts and a Parnis dial!

WRUKWhat is your favourite watch design?

AL – I’ve got 2 favourites! The first is the A.Lange & Sohne Lange 1 and the second is the A.Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk. Absolutely beautiful watches in my opinion.

WRUKThe LC-1 has a very distinctive design. What inspired you?

AL – Singapore – my home, the Art-deco era and Gerald Genta. These three played a huge role in designing the LC-1.

WRUKYou took a risk with the design of the LC-1 – which has paid off. But why not just make a “black bezel dive watch” or a “three hand dress watch with a large face”?

AL – Diver watches aren’t really my thing to be honest. The other brands from Singapore like Gruppo Gamma, Boldr and Zelos do such fantastic jobs with diver watches, so I’d leave it to them! I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to be too different for the sake of being different. I just wanted it to be good ol’ design built well.

Arcturus LC-1

The Arcturus LC-1

WRUKThe materials you have used are interesting – for example, Mother of Pearl. Is there a story behind the choice of materials?

AL – Actually, yes there is! The Mother of Pearl material was actually a suggestion by members of the Microbrands Group on Facebook. They played a big role in helping shape the LC-1.

WRUKWhat are your plans for the future? Do you have other models in the pipeline?

AL – Oh, I’m in this for the long run. I know there are nay-sayers out there, I know there are people who do not like my designs, but I will continue to do me. I will continue to design with passion and fervour.

Arcturus Watches: Find out more

We have had a first glimpse at the next design from Arcturus and we have to say, if you loved the LC-1 you will love what is coming next. In the meantime, you can follow the progress of the Arcturus LC-1 at the Arcturus Watches Facebook page.

By Mike Richmond

Mike spends what little spare time he has writing for WRUK; and what little money he makes building up his collection of timepieces.