Desmond Pang’s early experiences helping at his father’s coffee shop left a lasting impression on his approach to money and business. As a child, he noted that a simple cup of kopi cost just 60 cents, yet by the end of the day, the accumulated coins represented a sizable sum. This lesson in consistent accumulation has since informed his mindset as the owner of K.B. Luxury Watch and Jewellery in Jurong, which specialises in pre-owned luxury timepieces.

Pang, 33, joined the family business shortly after his father acquired it in 2014, initially balancing his studies in banking and finance at the Singapore Institute of Management alongside work at the shop. He eventually left school two years later to focus entirely on growing the enterprise. Beginning with more accessible Rolex models, Pang expanded over time into higher-end brands such as Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille. Under his stewardship, the business’s inventory value has risen from approximately S$400,000 to about S$2.5 million over the past 12 years.

Despite occasional six-figure transactions, Pang stresses that success in his field is built on steady progress rather than rapid gains. “I don’t believe in overnight success; it comes from consistent growth and building over time,” he said. He acknowledges the delicate nature of negotiations, where sellers seek premium prices and buyers look for discounts. Even when deals fall short of his ideal terms, he prefers to capitalise on opportunities rather than allow them to slip away, viewing accumulation as a long-term strategy.

Pang’s investment philosophy has evolved over the years. Early ventures into stock trading, forex, and cryptocurrency led him to conclude that the time and expertise required often outweighed the returns. He now entrusts a portion of his savings to fund managers while channeling most of his earnings back into his watch business, which requires significant capital to maintain inventory.

When asked about tangible assets beyond watches, Pang said his focus remains firmly on luxury timepieces, which he considers valuable physical assets. Reflecting on past mistakes, he describes his initial foray into forex trading as a costly learning experience that resembled gambling more than investing.

Pang’s personal life centres around his family, including his 35-year-old wife, an engineer at ST Engineering, and their two children, one of whom is a newborn. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work with health and family, noting past struggles with weight and well-being during the early years of building the business. The prospect of fatherhood prompted a shift toward prioritising health and establishing a sustainable work-life balance.

Living in a four-room Build-To-Order flat in the Kallang area, Pang finds convenience conducive to his regular running routine. He drives a Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7.5 and now avoids spending on depreciating assets, instead investing in fitness equipment, personal coaching, and health care to support his family’s well-being.

Looking ahead, Pang envisions reinvesting any substantial windfall into expanding his inventory and upgrading his store, with a potential home renovation thereafter. His measured approach to finances and business underscores a belief that patient, informed decisions and consistent effort are key to long-term success.