Timeless Obsession

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

- Amrita Katara

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.

Ho, who works in finance, was born in Hong Kong but moved to Ireland with his family in 1985. 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.

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?