Cover Portrait of watch collector Jackie Ho (Photo: courtesy of @iakgraphy)
Portrait of watch collector Jackie Ho (Photo: courtesy of @iakgraphy)
1 / 1
Hong Kong-based watch collector Jackie Ho is known for his love for Daniel Roth watches. He tells Tatler about finding real connections through his hobby and what to do when a watch deal goes bad
While he has been fascinated by watches from a young age thanks to his watchmaker father, it wasn’t until Jackie Ho bought a timepiece as a reward to himself for a promotion that his passion for horology was truly ignited. Opening the box of his first significant watch purchase—a Panerai—in 2012 gave him enough of a thrill that he decided to become a serious collector.
As he began collecting more watches such as an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a vintage double-signed Girard Perregaux and a vintage Omega Seamaster, he developed an interest in vintage Rolexes and neo-vintage independent brands like Daniel Roth.
You might also like: Asia’s love affair with beautiful watches thrives, thanks to these leading luxury watch retailers
Ho, who works in finance, was born in Hong Kong but moved to Ireland with his family in the 80s. He returned to the city in 2018 to pursue his career.
How did you first become interested in watches?
As a child, my father worked as a watchmaker and repairman. While I didn’t fully appreciate watches at the time, he sparked an early fascination by showing me how they work. I remember spending hours peering at my grandmother’s old pocket watch, fascinated by the intricate details. That early exposure planted a seed that lay dormant until I started working as an adult in finance. As I achieved important milestones in my career, I began rewarding myself with luxury timepieces to celebrate the occasions; my first significant purchase was a Panerai in 2012. As I began collecting more timepieces, I developed an interest in vintage Rolex watches and, later, independents like Daniel Roth. Reading about the history, craftsmanship and creative visions behind these brands fascinated me, and interacting directly with independent watchmakers made those brands come alive for me on a personal level.
Above Rolex Explorer II 16550 (Photo: courtesy of Phillips)
Above Rolex Explorer II 16550 (Photo: courtesy of Phillips)
Rolex Explorer II 16550 (Photo: courtesy of Phillips)
1 / 2
The Panerai 441 Luminor 1950 was your first luxury watch purchase. What was so special about it that it inspired the start of your collection?
That Panerai kicked off a lifelong passion. When I first put it on and felt its heft, I knew watches would become an important part of my life. Opening that box for the first time gave me a thrill I’ve chased ever since: it represented the joy of rewarding myself, marking milestones in a tangible, meaningful way. It was the reward for a promotion at work that I had worked hard for. Buying it and wearing it felt like a reward for my efforts. Even though I don’t wear that Panerai as much now, it will always have a place in my collection as the watch that started it all.
The Patek Phillipe Calatrava was your second watch. What drew you to it?
I wanted a watch I could wear daily with a suit that wasn’t too flashy; I wasn’t a senior [member of staff ] then, but I wasn’t too junior either. The rose-gold case with ivory dial fit that criterion perfectly. I fell in love with the simple Bauhaus design aesthetic and precision movement of the Calatrava. For me, it symbolised the idea of a classic, no-nonsense dress watch that would work with any outfit—I appreciated the understated elegance and traditional values it represented, and the restrained yet refined design combined with the prestigious pedigree of Patek Philippe deeply appealed to me.
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 15305OR (Photo: courtesy of @perpetual_horology)
Above Daniel Roth's Tourbillon 2187 Double Face Skeleton (Photo: courtesy of @perpetual_horology)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 15305OR (Photo: courtesy of @perpetual_horology)
1 / 2
The Daniel Roth you are wearing today seems to hold particularly deep sentimental value. Why is that?
This Daniel Roth tourbillon 2187 represents everything I love about independent watchmaking: the creativity, daring vision and craftsmanship. The watch shows the spirit and story of Daniel Roth himself: he was a true independent who paved the way for others, and every time I wind it and see those engravings, I think of his journey. In a way, his story and passion live on through that timepiece on my wrist. But what I love about this watch is it has a serial number 001, so it is ultra rare. Although no one can confirm definitively what that serial number means, I think it could be a prototype, custom order or the very first of this model.
Why did your interest in De Bethune watches begin?
I first met [De Bethune sales director] Jorg Hysek when he was in Hong Kong for a De Bethune event. I had been admiring De Bethune watches from afar, but after connecting with Jorg in person, I gained a new appreciation for the brand. I could sense his genuine love for watches and independent watchmaking. Being able to interact directly with him and put a human face to the brand made De Bethune come alive for me. The next day, when Jorg and his colleagues had some free time, I invited them to experience authentic Hong Kong dim sum at a traditional restaurant in Mong Kok that has been around for decades. At the end of their visit, my family joined us; seeing him interact with them gave me a glimpse into the human side of this hobby that I truly value, and Jorg and I have stayed in touch.
Above De Bethune's DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky Sapphire (Photo: courtesy of De Bethune)
Above De Bethune's DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky Sapphire (Photo: courtesy of De Bethune)
De Bethune's DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky Sapphire (Photo: courtesy of De Bethune)
1 / 2
How is your view of particular brands impacted by failed deals?
They teach me to put my trust in reputable sellers, not just the lowest price. I avoid brands that don’t treat customers with respect and transparency: while I may still appreciate their watches aesthetically, I wouldn’t want to support or wear a timepiece from a company with those [values]. Life’s too short. I’d rather spend my time and money on brands that share my values.
What advice would you give to other collectors dealing with brands that don’t treat their customers well?
The most important thing is to be transparent and respectful but firm. Communicate your concerns clearly and factually. Give the brand a chance to make things right, but be prepared to walk away if they won’t. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself—you’re spending your hard-earned money on something you’re passionate about. But stay professional and remember the humanity on the other side: there’s usually a simple solution if both parties act in good faith. And spreading your honest experience can help warn others. But never make it personal or spread negativity for its own sake.
As the Regional Editor for Watches and Jewellery and Editorial Content Lead for Tatler GMT, Amrita Katara specialises in luxury watch and jewellery coverage across Asia, with expertise in editorial strategy, feature writing and interviews with industry leaders. Her past roles span luxury lifestyle media and client partnerships. Based in Mumbai, Amrita’s work bridges global trends and Asian market insights.
