Ikigai

Ikigai Watches is an independent Singaporean microbrand founded in 2020 by watch enthusiast Auscar Tan. True to its name—the Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being”—the brand focuses on design-forward mechanical sports watches that deliberately lean away from generic catalog looks to offer something distinctly original and detail-heavy.

Ikigai is defined by striking geometry, extreme attention to 3D depth, and a massive love for heavy lume applications. The brand’s signature identity lies in its highly structured dials—often featuring shifting hexagonal patterns—and sculptural cases that frequently pull organic design inspiration from nature. They are highly competitive “spec beasts” that prioritize no-date symmetry, clean typography, and tight crystal-to-hand integration to enhance dial legibility.