Cover Ryan Ong
Ryan Ong
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The 2024 Tatler Asia’s Most Stylish honouree’s Instagram page is a colourful blend of his passion for watches and his personal style
The watch community on social media is a vibrant and engaging one, teeming with enthusiasts who share a passion for horology. Among the rising stars in this captivating space is Ryan Ong, known as @ryehn on Instagram. With a distinct flair for style and storytelling, Ong, who was named one of Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish individuals last year, is making his mark as a content creator, sharing inspirational, aspirational and sometimes tongue‑in‑cheek posts that blend his love of luxury watches with fashion and lifestyle.
The 27‑year‑old sales professional’s Instagram profile features a collection of timepieces that is not only impressive, but also reflects his personal aesthetic, showcasing how each watch complements his wardrobe. “My personal style,” Ong shares, “is a blend of classic sophistication and subtle modernity. I gravitate towards pieces that are timeless and versatile, with just enough individuality to add character—be it a well‑tailored suit or smart casual attire for everyday wear. Watches naturally complement this style, elevating my look while offering a layer of personal expression. A refined dress watch, for example, adds a touch of elegance to a formal outfit, while a rugged sports watch suits the more casual, laid‑back days.”
In case you missed it: This watch collector was once the youngest in the world to own a MB&F timepiece
Above Content creator Ryan Ong wears an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm in pink gold with a black dial
Content creator Ryan Ong wears an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 41mm in pink gold with a black dial
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While he only honed in on building his platform as a watch content creator earlier last year, Ong’s fascination with watches was sparked way before that, when he was just 15. Inspired by the stories behind a family friend’s impressive collection, he started exploring the world of horology through forums and blogs. But his collecting journey really only began on his 18th birthday, when his father gifted him his first Rolex. “That watch was more than just a timepiece; it symbolised my transition into adulthood, marking a milestone in personal growth and achievement,” says Ong. “It laid the foundation for my enduring passion for collecting.”
Ong’s current collection is a reflection of his evolving taste and appreciation for the artistry of watchmaking. While he was initially drawn to classic pieces that offer practicality, he has since expanded his horizons to include watches with more innovative designs, complex movements and unique materials. His current favourites include a colourful Rolex Day‑Date 36 in yellow gold with a diamond‑paved dial adorned with rainbow‑coloured sapphire hour markers—a watch that never fails to bring a smile to his face. “The more I wear it, the more I find myself appreciating the subtle details—the brilliance of the sapphires, the intricacy of the dial—that make it truly special,” he says, adding that “it embodies my appreciation for timeless elegance with a personal twist, [and strikes] the perfect balance between luxury and individuality.”
Above Ong’s watch collection includes (pictured clockwise from top) a Patek Philippe World Time Ref 5231G, a Rolex Day‑Date 36 in yellow gold with a diamond‑paved dial and baguette‑cut, rainbow‑coloured sapphire hour markers, and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Everose gold with a bright black and Sundust dial
Ong’s watch collection includes (pictured clockwise from top) a Patek Philippe World Time Ref 5231G, a Rolex Day‑Date 36 in yellow gold with a diamond‑paved dial and baguette‑cut, rainbow‑coloured sapphire hour markers, and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Everose gold with a bright black and Sundust dial
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The rarest piece Ong owns—and certainly one of the standouts—is a Patek Philippe World Time Ref 5231G, from the brand’s Rare Handcrafts collection of unique timepieces crafted with rare artisan techniques. It is made in white gold with an intricate cloisonné enamel dial that depicts a map of Oceania and Southeast Asia, and displays the world time complication.
Ong’s journey to acquiring this remarkable timepiece was eventful. Initially, he had his sights set on an earlier model in yellow gold, with an enamel dial depicting Europe, Africa and the Americas, and was prepared to fly to Hong Kong to make the purchase. Just as he was about to finalise his plans, the dealer unexpectedly ghosted him.
Accepting that it was not meant to be, Ong moved on. Shortly after, he learnt that Patek Philippe had announced a new white gold version in tribute to Oceania and Southeast Asia. “I thought, even better!” enthuses Ong, who spent many of his formative years in Perth, Australia, and moved to Singapore about two years ago. “It perfectly represents both Singapore and Australia.” This serendipitous turn of events led him to acquire the watch this February, marking a meaningful addition to his collection. “So [things] turned out [well] and I think it was just meant to be,” he muses. “Crafting these enamel dials is a labour‑intensive process that requires a delicate balance of artistic and technical mastery, making this watch not only a timepiece, but [also] a true work of art.”
In terms of future acquisitions, Ong has many interests, but is keen to explore collecting watches from some independent watchmakers he admires, such as MB&F and FP Journe. As for his goals as a content creator, he expresses a desire to grow and harness his platform to collaborate with watch brands and potentially create a close‑knit community around horology. He envisions an open platform where enthusiasts can share their passion without being too exclusive—a space where everyone is welcome to share their love of the world of watches.
Credits
Photography: Frenchescar Lim
Grooming: Angel Gwee
Topics
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
