Vintage watches, coffee and cake: Meet the couple behind Singapore’s Reference Room

In the heart of Singapore's bustling Tras Street, Julian Chen and Claire Lim have crafted a unique haven where watch enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike can converge. The duo's brainchild, Reference Room, is a vintage watch retailer that doubles as a cozy cafe, serving up Common Man coffee, TWG tea, and freshly baked cakes. Nestled among fine-dining restaurants and trendy cafes, Reference Room stands out as a rare gem in the city-state's social scene.

Chen, 31, and Lim, 28, are not only partners in business but also life-long friends. Their shared passions for watch collecting and baking have culminated in the creation of this one-of-a-kind establishment. Since opening its doors in mid-September, Reference Room has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors, from watch enthusiasts to casual cafe-goers seeking a taste of something different.

The menu boasts an impressive selection of seven cakes, each crafted by Lim's expert hands. From the classic tiramisu and carrot cake to more adventurous options like lychee rose tea cake and coffee walnut loaf, there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Alongside the delectable desserts, customers can indulge in a variety of coffees, teas, alcoholic drinks, and savory bar snacks.

Chen's success in the watch-collecting world has been instrumental in the growth of Reference Room. Through his Instagram account, he has built a community of like-minded enthusiasts, with some of his posts garnering thousands of likes. His particular affinity for Piaget watches has earned him a loyal following, even among those who might not typically be interested in vintage timepieces.

The business has attracted a diverse range of customers, from overseas visitors seeking out watch retailers to local families who stumble upon the establishment while exploring the neighborhood. One memorable tale involves a father bringing his two children in for dessert, only to be captivated by a yellow gold Audemars Piguet watch from the 1990s and a rose gold Patek Philippe Calatrava from the same decade.

These lucky finds were soon purchased by the family, with the watch and its rich history becoming a treasured family heirloom.

Before launching Reference Room, Chen had a background in the food packaging industry, while Lim had spent nine years working in Australia's F&B and hospitality industry. Together, they searched for the perfect location, ultimately falling in love with a shophouse on Tras Street with its high ceilings and charming skylight. The challenges of securing insurance were significant, as Reference Room operated as both a watch retailer and a cafe, requiring premiums three times higher than those for a standalone watch shop.

Through perseverance and determination, Chen and Lim transformed their vision into a reality, creating a space that combines the best of both worlds.