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?
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Takashi Murakami
GOING WITH THE FLOW
How does one approach the ancient philosophy of feng shui in a modern way? Three leading Hong Kong-based designers share their thoughts on this revered art of placement and how to introduce its principles into our spaces
SCENE MAKER
Italian architect Antonio Citterio reflects on his enduring collaboration with Maxalto and how far the furniture brand has come since its early beginnings
MODERN FAMILY
Kourtney Kardashian's California sanctuary by famed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is where elegance meets comfort
A TO Z COSMETIC TREATMENTS
From Botox to glass skin facials, here are the most talked-about cosmetic treatments to know
CHANGING THE GAME
Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation
ACTS OF SERVICE
Go on, then. Ask Vea and Wing's chef-owner Vicky Cheng what his love language is
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
THE RIGHT INGRDIENTS
Oscar nominee Tran Anh Hung, who won Best Director at Cannes last year, evolves the language of cinema to present the simple beauty of Vietnam
THIRST TRAP
Marilyn Minter takes an exclusive self-portrait for Tatler and reminds the world why raw, honest, non-conforming beauty is the most compelling kind
