A Collector of Classics Across Eras

Entrepreneur Shaun Djie is drawn to designs that endure, whether vintage or modern.

- LYNETTE KOH

THANKS, DAD

“I first got into watches 10 years ago, when my dad got me my first automatic timepiece for my 21st birthday. He had an Omega catalogue because he likes the brand, and asked if I wanted anything from it. I chose a grey dial Seamaster Aqua Terra.”

FINE VINTAGES

“When I started collecting watches, I bought mostly second-hand pieces online or from other collectors. At the beginning, it was about the price as well as the availability of certain watches. In 2017, however, I started collecting vintage pieces, and buying pre-owned watches from Heirloom Gallery. The owner, who is now a friend, has a large private Cartier collection. Last October, on the day I was scheduled to fly to Germany to meet my girlfriend, who works in the UK, he called me to come by his store. He showed me a 2004 Cartier Tank Cintrée (pictured) from the CPCP (Cartier Paris Collection Privée) collection, and I told him, ‘Wow, I would have bought it even if you had just shown me a photo.’”