Eclectic Escape

Henry Chu's interest in Apple Watches blossomed into a deep passion for vintage and luxury Swiss timepieces. Here, he shares his journey into the world of fine watchmaking and the intricacies of horology that captivate him

- Amrita Katara

COLLECTOR'S CORNER

Henry Chu's office reflects his inventive spirit. On some days, he lounges by the swimming pool adjoining his workspace, seeking inspiration for his next AI creation. On others, he immerses himself in the art adorning his walls-paintings by Japanese, Hong Kong and other Asian artists that fuel his imagination and an AI screen spanning the entire length of one wall of his studio, reflecting his passion for innovative technology.

But he is equally passionate about the mechanical marvels on his wrists: luxury Swiss watches. What began five years ago as an interest in Apple Watches has transformed into a deep dive into the mysteries of mechanical timepieces. "I was fascinated by the idea of a watch powered by my wrist movements alone," he says. He recalls his first mechanical timepiece, a vintage Rolex Air King from the Fifties. "My Apple Watch had broken and I was thinking about elevating the experience of having a watch. When I started to look at the Rolex Air King, I started understanding the finishing; just by looking at it, I learnt a lot. And what was so amazing is that it was still running after almost seven decades. There were so many things inside this little package, and that fascinated me." From there, his collection of vintage pieces began to grow, encompassing unusual independent brands as well classics from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

For Chu, watches are more than time-telling devices-they are miniature works of art and windows into the craft of horology. One of his Audemars Piguets, for example, is an AP Royal Oak 5402ST A-series, produced in 1973 and designed by Gérald Genta, the man behind some of history's most famous watch case designs.