Cover Dr Jack Wong (Photo: Fady Younis)
Dr Jack Wong (Photo: Fady Younis)
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This watch enthusiast has surrendered to the allure of independent watch brands and their creative craftsmanship
Dr Jack Wong tends to steer clear of the familiar as a watch collector. While he has nothing against the major watch brands, his taste veers towards the more unusual. Words like “unique” and “rare” crop up often during our conversation. “I like watches that have a creative way of telling time. Watches with a unique design are more interesting,” he says.
Wong’s interest in watches was piqued when he chanced upon a watch exhibition in a mall in Penang. Two watches, in particular, caught his attention: the Maurice Lacroix Skeleton Masterpiece and a skeletonised Tissot watch.
“I remember being amazed that a watch could be so beautifully decorated. I went home and started to do some research on mechanical watches. The next day, I returned to the mall and purchased the Tissot. It was the first watch I ever bought for myself since starting work.”
Read more: Watch collector Lim Ee Chiat recounts his trip to France for Blanpain's Fifty Fathoms Act 3 launch
Above Dr Jack Wong and his collection of independent watches (Videography: Kwee Jin Goh)
His collection has grown considerably more eclectic since. Obscure names like Nord Zeitmaschine, Azimuth, Magellan 1521, and Lang & Heyne are among the most prized in his collection. Of the watches he brought to the photoshoot, Audemars Piguet was the most mainstream in the group. Even then, it wasn’t a Royal Oak, as one might have expected, but a Millenary distinguished by its elliptical case shape and off-centre time display.
The healthcare entrepreneur has amassed about 40 independent watches throughout his collecting journey. “My decision to buy a watch is entirely based on what I like. I’m not swayed at all by hype,” he stresses.
See also: How a watch strap from homegrown brand Delugs found its way onto Ed Sheeran’s Patek Philippe
Above Nord Zeitmaschine CrossNRoll, Variocurve and Quickindicator (Photo: Fady Younis)
Nord Zeitmaschine CrossNRoll, Variocurve and Quickindicator (Photo: Fady Younis)
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How would you describe your collection?
I would say that it’s made up of non-mainstream brands.
What drew you to them?
Their unique way of telling time. And their “rareness”; I like watches that are not common in the market. When I attend a conference or a seminar, I like having a watch on my wrist that no one else has.
What was your first independent watch?
It was the Azimuth Predator 2.0. I love the unique case design based on the shape of a spacecraft. The time display was unusual too, complete with a mysterious jumping hour.
Above Magellan 1521 Northern Hemisphere (Photo: Fady Younis)
Magellan 1521 Northern Hemisphere (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Why do you enjoy collecting watches?
I love learning about mechanical watchmaking. I also love that I get to meet people from various backgrounds and make friends in different circles.
One of the perks of collecting independent watches is the access to the watchmakers themselves. Do you agree?
Yes, you get to meet the watchmakers and make friends with them. You get to hear them talk about their ideas, their history, and how they approach watchmaking. I really appreciate the opportunity to interact with the watchmakers. And sometimes, they even do bespoke pieces based on your requests.
What is the most prized watch in your collection?
I have three models of Nord Zeitmaschine (CrossNRoll, Quickindicator, and Variocurve), and each has a unique way of telling time that you don’t see in other watches. I love the creativity of their watchmaker Daniel Nebel, who has since passed away. There is a fourth, and final, model (Freesdial) that I’m still trying to get my hands on to complete my collection.
You love mechanical watchmaking, but you don’t seem to have a lot of complicated watches.
Complications are not important to me. I’m more into watch design.
What are some of the brands or watchmakers that are always on your radar?
I would say MB&F, Kari Voutilainen and Grönefeld, because their waiting lists are quite long. That said, I’m quite happy that I will be getting a Simon Brette this year. I discovered Simon Brette a few years ago and I love his finishing of mechanical parts. I’m also happy to receive news that I will be getting the De Bethune DB28 Starry Sky later this year.
Would you say the waiting period is one of the downsides of watch collecting?
Sometimes, because your interest in that particular watch may fade over time. The watchmaker may also produce something even more spectacular than the last watch.
Above Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans
Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans
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What are some of your most memorable moments in your collecting journey?
Meeting the watchmakers and visiting their workshops. I get to see how a watch is made, how it is polished, and how challenging that is. It all contributes to the larger appreciation of fine watchmaking.
Which watchmaker were you most excited to meet?
We were walking along a street in Geneva and saw a poster of a Philippe Dufour Simplicity up for auction. That got us talking about how hard it is to get his watch and how amazing it would be to meet the legend himself, when he suddenly appeared before us! We got to talk to him and take pictures as well. This happened during Watches and Wonders this year.
Can you share your most recent discovery?
I recently discovered Boyu Tang, an 18-year-old watchmaker from China, on social media. He taught himself to polish and assemble a watch. As a collector, I think it is good to be able to support young talents like Boyu.
Above Boyu Watch (Photo: Fady Younis)
Boyu Watch (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Credits
Location: The Writers' Room, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Topics
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
