My good friend Rajo Laurel launched his shoe collection the other day, citing inspiration and influence from Japan. This made me curious since I’ve always been fascinated with the place, and I also knew that one could trust Rajo to come out with something well made, presentable and at the same time unique and with a good amount of quirk and twist. These are a number of pieces that I really liked (especially the Toshi, refer to photos above and below) I expect to acquire a few more pairs from this range, as a collaboration like this doesn’t come everyday.

Toshi

Koji

Kyoto

Daimos

One other great thing about every pair is that a small shoehorn is included, as well as a fabric cover. I believe that these small, considerate and detailed attention helps this line standout and give one the sense that each shoe will last a while when taken care of properly.

Unbelievable value, most shoes are in the 1200-1500 bracket! Great selection, congratulations Rajo! 

Available at select SM Department stores.

A gem of a watch store, tucked away on the top floor of Makati Cinema Square is a veritable haven for vintage watch enthusiasts looking for new old stock, drawer aged mint pieces, and rare peculiar examples that will impress even the more accomplished watch connoisseur.

Seikos

This piece really sung to me, just look how great those square sub-dials are! I also really like the baton hour markers, and of course the day function. Hopefully next time I visit their shop it’ll still be there!

Another interesting piece was this one below, it has a qibla compass which tells the wearer where mecca is.

Alarm function anyone? Looks great on that NATO strap.

Panda dials look great and somehow always remind me of the “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona (another grail)

Seiko on an “Olongapo” bracelet, popular with military personnel during the Vietnam war. Lets the wearer decorate it with emblems of any sort, crests, rank, masonic symbols?

Great specimen of a Bulova Accutron (world time function)

A “giveaway” for a supposed party that Imelda Marcos threw, and allegedly gave these trinkets away. Not sure if it’s actually a good watch or just memento quality.

Here’s the watch I was talking about that “sung” to me. I need an everyday watch, really I do.

Mang Andy’s workspace, with a Seiko(?) on a NATO strap

Interesting iron curtain piece.

Mickey Mouse homage dial?

A lot of PWC (Philippine Watch Club) members frequent the store as well, and it’s conveniently located right next to their trusted watchmaker, Mang Andy’s shop that takes care of most of Unique Bisyo’s repairs and can make your acquisition look as good as new (or make it run smoothly as restoration is generally frowned upon and thought to reduce value when done too drastically )

Mang Andy has put all of his children through school through his craft, and may have been servicing watches even before you were in kindergarten so I would trust him with even more complicated and delicate repairs.

You may even find a watch with your birth year. Making your purchase even more special. 

Besides being the place to go to for information about different calibres, and where to find your “grails” the owners also give very reasonable prices for their selection which I found refreshing. You’ll definitely find a piece to fit your style and budget.

They also sell brand new, modern watches but still with an expert’s eye to selection (no bling bling here, just great timepieces)

A ploprof homage.

Unique Bisyo is located at the 3rd floor of Makati Cinema Square.