Article by Matt Black; photography by Bob Allaby
Time, when made personal, becomes legacy
That’s the spirit behind Feynman Timekeepers, a Singaporean independent brand that began not as a business plan, but as a father’s desire to create something meaningful for his family.
In 2018, Lim Yong Keong, or YK as he’s known to most, transformed that intimate idea into reality, founding a watch company rooted in heritage, love, and the art of horology. With a name that serves as an homage to his elder son, Feynman Lin, the brand itself is a testament to the enduring bond between generations and the belief that a watch should be more heirloom than accessory.
While the deep personal motivations are clear, YK is quick to point out that Feynman isn’t about chasing trends or playing to the crowd. “Our brand is built on a deeper purpose – being different- which guides our design philosophy. We prioritize infusing our personal touch and unique DNA into every timepiece, like the lizard’s tail seconds hand and the golden ratio.” “Watches are subjective,” YK continues, “and there will always be someone who’ll appreciate our designs. We just need to find the right audience. While we value feedback, we don’t chase market trends. We make minor adjustments, like case thickness or size, but ultimately we’re driven by our vision and passion.”
From the very first model, the Feynman One, it was clear that YK’s vision stood apart. Instead of leaning on logos or loud branding, Feynman watches carry their identity through an elegant design language. Refined lines, whimsical details, and a balance shaped by the golden ratio. Every dial, marker, and silhouette reflects a philosophy: that watches are both instruments and works of art, built to endure the sharp passage of time while rewarding those who take the time to look closer.
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Key Features of the Feynman VI – Founder’s Edition
Slender profile
The VI marks a new chapter for Feynman: a timepiece that walks the line between bold design and wearable refinement. Released as a limited run of just 68 pieces, the Founder’s Edition is aimed at collectors by distilling the brand’s philosophy into something both distinct and enduring.
At just 8.64 mm thick (including both sapphire crystals), the VI is one of Feynman’s slimmest offerings to date.
We’re talking blink-and-you’ll-miss-it thin.
The watch offers an elegant profile that slides easily under a cuff while maintaining a presence on the wrist, thanks to its 38 mm × 40 mm case dimensions. It’s equal parts sophistication and presence. The case itself draws inspiration from vintage “TV” designs, with a subtle mix of curves, angles, and chamfered edges. Brushed surfaces dominate, accented by polished highlights that catch the light without being flashy.
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Dialed in
But it’s in the teal-green dial of the Founder’s Edition where the details truly shine. Straight vertical brushing creates depth, while Eastern Arabic numerals plated in rose gold offer both cultural nod and character. The brand’s playful DNA appears in the skeletonized hands and their signature lizard-tail seconds hand, a creative direction that adds a lot without being too much.
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For YK, the process wasn’t about strict design rules but about staying true to Feynman’s ethos. “As someone without a design background, I don’t have a rigid approach. Instead, we follow guiding principles that embody the Feynman DNA. This is why most of our timepieces don’t feature a logo—we want the design itself to be instantly recognizable. The goal is to create a distinct identity that transcends logos and speaks through the watch’s essence.”
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Manual wind
Inside, the watch runs on the ETA 7001, a manual-wind caliber prized for its thinness and reliability. With a 42-hour power reserve, it invites daily interaction: winding the crown becomes part of the ritual, connecting the wearer to the steady rhythm of mechanical timekeeping. The sapphire caseback provides a clear view of the movement, complete with blued screws and jewelled accents.
New bracelet
For the first time, Feynman delivers the VI on a stainless steel bracelet, giving the watch a more versatile, everyday character. Tapering from a wide 24 mm at the lugs, the bracelet balances sturdiness with comfort, secured by a folding clasp. Water resistance is a practical 50 meters, suitable for daily use, though not intended for your next scuba adventure.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 40mm Lug to Lug 8.64mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screwed Case Back 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Teal Dial Applied Indices Skeletonized Hands Lizard-tail Small Seconds |
| Movement | ETA 7001 17 Jewels 21 600bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet |
Feynman IV – Founder’s Edition
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Final Thoughts
In the VI, Feynman delivers something more than a new model: it encapsulates the brand’s core – heritage, thoughtful design, and quiet ambition. It’s slim yet substantial, playful yet grounded, and above all it feels like a deliberate act of tying time to meaning. Whether the Founder’s Edition becomes a cornerstone in a collector’s lineup or a touchstone for new admirers, it more than justifies a close look.
As for what YK hopes his watches mean in the long run, his answer speaks directly to the brand’s heart: “Our vision is centered around creating timeless designs that remain relevant and bring joy to our customers, no matter when they wear them. We’ve worked with Singaporean artisans from the start and will continue shining a spotlight on their craft.”
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The Feynman VI – Founder’s Edition is more than a technical milestone in thin watchmaking; it’s a quiet statement of legacy, born from YK’s vision to create something enduring for his family and the wider watch community. At just 8.6mm, it may melt into the wrist, but its significance runs deep – a reminder that the best watches aren’t just measured in millimetres, but in the stories they’re trying to tell.
Pricing & Availability
The Feynman IV – Founder’s Edition is available now from the brand website and retails for approximately $1336 USD ($1857 CAD).
About the author
Matt Black is a Toronto-based writer and photographer specializing in capturing the beauty of landscapes, the vibrancy of street scenes, and stunning views from the sky. With a camera and drone in hand, he aims to transform life’s everyday moments into memorable, cinematic shots. You can follow him on Instagram, Matt Black Ink, or Matt Black Travel Photography.
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