Cover Johnathan Chan and Nic James of The Horology Club (Photo: Fady Younis)
Johnathan Chan and Nic James of The Horology Club (Photo: Fady Younis)
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The co-founder of The Horology Club, Johnathan Chan, joined Nic James, founder of the Malaysian chapter, for a conversation on the evolving role of watch communities
In a world where human interaction is increasingly replaced by texts and screen time, spaces that foster face-to-face connections have never been more appealing. Enter The Horology Club, which brings enthusiasts together, cultivating a community built on shared passion, conversation, and discovery.
One positive outcome of Covid, argues Kuala Lumpur-based enthusiast Nic James, is that watch collecting doesn’t have to be a solitary hobby. “Stuck at home, I was watching so much YouTube and Instagram. And then I started talking to like-minded Malaysians. When we eventually caught up in person, I realised the hobby can be social,” he says.
This realisation eventually led James to establish the Malaysian chapter of The Horology Club, originally founded by friends Johnathan Chan, Herbert Tsang and Carlos Pang in Hong Kong in 2021.
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Above Johnathan Chan, the co-founder of The Horolog Club Hong Kong, was in Kuala Lumpur recently to present his first watch brand, Earthen Co. (Photo: Fady Younis)
Johnathan Chan, the co-founder of The Horolog Club Hong Kong, was in Kuala Lumpur recently to present his first watch brand, Earthen Co. (Photo: Fady Younis)
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What began as a desire to design a watch celebrating the trio’s friendship evolved into a full-fledged community. “We approached Austrian brand Harbring², who told us that we needed a minimum of 10 orders to get the watch made. So we found seven other friends to buy the watch, and that’s when the idea of a club came up,” says Chan, who only became a watch collector six years ago.
Friendship, indeed, is at the heart of The Horology Club. “We came for the watches, but we stayed for the friends,” Chan smiles. “Watches are such an easy social lubricant. You see a guy wearing a cool watch and within five minutes, we’re swapping stories like old pals.”
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Above Nic James leads the Malaysian chapter of The Horology Club (Photo: Fady Younis)
Nic James leads the Malaysian chapter of The Horology Club (Photo: Fady Younis)
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It is this sense of closeness and camaraderie that James hopes to replicate in Malaysia. “The watches break the ice. And now, when we meet, we talk about things beyond watches.”
Since its launch earlier this year, The Horology Club Malaysia has grown to around 150 members—and counting. From the start, Chan emphasised inclusivity: it doesn’t matter if you’re a Seiko enthusiast or an F.P. Journe collector, everyone is welcome.
“Collecting can feel intimidating, so we want a space where everyone is respected. We shy away from viewing watches purely as investments. We focus on mechanical marvels, passion, and enjoyment,” says Chan.
The club has a clear mission: to foster collaborations and spread knowledge. The Horology Club Hong Kong has created exclusive pieces with Holthinrichs Watches, Sartory Billard, Trilobe, and even Cartier. “Our main passion is to design watches. We do try to push the limit and ask for crazy customisations. Nine times out of 10, (the brands) politely tell us to go away,” Chan laughs.
Events are equally important—but always with an educational angle. “We don’t just hang out and drink. To fully enjoy watches, you need to understand them, learn their history,” Chan confesses.
James, whose first watch was a Tag Heuer Carrera, aims to bring the same energy to Malaysia: learning in a welcoming, friendly environment. “We have a diverse group of people, from a 16-year-old to seasoned collectors. There’s no snobbiness—no one is judged for not wearing a Patek,” James notes.
For its third anniversary last year, The Horology Club Hong Kong invited 16 brands to Soho House to share watchmaking insights through a series of panel discussions. So far this year, the Malaysian club has partnered with Atelier Wen, Ming, and Breitling, among others—each an intimate and eye-opening showcase of the brands’ respective savoir-faire. Chan recently gave members in Kuala Lumpur a sneak peek at his watch brand, Earthen Co., sharing how his passion for design has led to a collection of ceramic timepieces.
Above The Horology Club marked its third anniversary with a major watch event with 16 international brands in Hong Kong last year (Photo: Instagram @the.horology.club)
The Horology Club marked its third anniversary with a major watch event with 16 international brands in Hong Kong last year (Photo: Instagram @the.horology.club)
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Looking ahead, a regional event is a possibility. “We may partner with Hong Kong, and perhaps bring some friends over who normally wouldn’t come to Malaysia,” says James.
With a global membership of 1,000, including a presence in Europe, the community carries real weight in the watch world. “Brands do care about our feedback. The industry has even viewed our creations as interesting,” notes Chan.
“Micro brands especially see the club as a gateway to new markets,” adds James.
From personal experience, these gatherings are often lively affairs, a constant stream of chatter about watches and industry gossip. Landing a special edition or meeting your horological hero is a bonus. For members, the appeal is clear: the watches may start the conversation, but it’s the fellowship that truly endures.
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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.
