It Started with a Few Friends and Some Watches. Two Years Later...With Jackie Ho, Founder Of Watch Ho and Co.

In the midst of Hong Kong's pandemic lockdowns, when the city's usually bustling socially scene came to a standstill, Jackie Ho found himself restless. A finance professional by trade who helps run his family's export business, Ho was yearning for connection with fellow watch enthusiasts. What started as a simple idea to "catch up, bring out a few watches, go for whiskey and cigars" has transformed into Watch Ho & Co, Hong Kong's most dynamic horological community. We caught up with him to understand his collector journey, the Hong Kong market and more! "We started two years ago in the midst of the pandemic," Ho recalls. "It was just out of complete boredom and under lockdown that I, with a few other guys, said, I think we should meet up. We haven't seen each other for so long, even under restrictions."

A Whirlwind Two Years
What began as casual gatherings at K11 has evolved into something far beyond Ho's initial vision. "Looking back on it, it's been like a complete whirlwind," he reflects. "I can't believe it's been two years already. And as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun."

The numbers speak to the community's explosive growth. Last year alone, Watch Ho & Co hosted and co-hosted over 50 events, ranging from intimate gatherings to international collaborations. Their one-year anniversary event drew more than 100 attendees, including notable figures like Vianney Halter, Ferdinand Berthoud, and Logan Kuan Rao from Guangzhou, with enthusiasts flying in from across Southeast Asia and as far as Kazakhstan. The upcoming two-year anniversary promises to be even more spectacular, with over 120 expected attendees. The event will showcase an impressive lineup including Pragma from Switzerland, Dunselman watches featuring a lead female watchmaker from Holland, and the highly anticipated Chinese brand Famal Hut from Chongqing. 

The Daniel Roth Revelation
While Ho's collecting journey began conventionally with modern pieces—a Panerai ceramic GMT, followed by a Calatrava, Rolex Yacht-Master, and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—it was his discovery of Daniel Roth that truly transformed his perspective on horology. "I got really deep into vintage Rolex, but then during the pandemic, I started noticing indies," Ho explains. "FP Journe was obviously one of the most popular ones, but prices were super high and weren't really affordable for me. Then a friend introduced me to Daniel Roth, which at the time I didn't really appreciate because of the funky case shape and I hadn't heard much about it."

That introduction would prove pivotal. After diving into articles and research, Ho became completely fascinated by the man often called "the godfather of independence." Daniel Roth was the first watchmaker to break out on his own, establishing his eponymous brand in 1989 after making his mark at prestigious houses including Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and most notably, Breguet—where he completely revived the brand.

"What I love about him is the asymmetric case shape, the double ellipse, and the classic cues that he carried forward from his work at Breguet," Ho says. "He was way ahead of his time. Even now, 30 years on, we're still talking about his watches—they're still sought after and so beautiful on the wrist."

Ho's passion for Daniel Roth led to a remarkable personal encounter. Last November, he had the opportunity to meet Daniel Roth and his family, gaining deeper insights into the brand's philosophy and craftsmanship. This meeting reinforced his appreciation for the watchmaker's pioneering spirit and technical innovations, including collaborations with legends like Philippe Dufour on complicated pieces such as the Quantième Perpetual. His collection has grown to include not only Daniel Roth's older pieces—including the coveted Skeleton Tourbillon with serial number 001—but also timepieces from Parmigiani Fleurier and Genus, reflecting his evolved taste for independent watchmaking excellence.

Hong Kong's Unique Watch Culture
According to Ho, Hong Kong's watch community stands apart from its regional counterparts in terms of activity and engagement. "The Hong Kongers or the local watch community here are much more active. They're much more receptive to going to events," he observes. "There is a real appetite to learn, to participate, to meet other like-minded people."

This enthusiasm translates into remarkable frequency—with Watch Ho & Co hosting at least one event per week, sometimes two or three. The club culture that has emerged represents something relatively new to Asia, particularly Hong Kong, where the concentration of luxury watch brands creates unique opportunities for community engagement. "Since there are so many different watch brands and luxury brands in Hong Kong, there's a real opportunity for a club or community to engage with them, to check out their watches, to meet with the brand teams, and learn about the watches and brands themselves," Ho explains.

Shifting Trends and Market Dynamics
The Hong Kong watch scene reflects broader global trends while maintaining its own character. Rolex remains king—"everywhere you go, predominantly, most people are going to be wearing Rolex," Ho notes—followed by Audemars Piguet. However, the landscape is evolving. F.P Journe has seen renewed appetite following strong auction results, while brands like Richard Mille and even A. Lange & Söhne have lost some popularity. The market correction has made collectors more price-conscious, with many pieces now trading below retail.

"Before, you could buy anything and think, 'If I don't like it, I'll sell it and definitely get my money back, maybe plus some,'" Ho explains. "Now people are asking, 'Do I really like this? Do I really want it? Am I going to accept a loss if I sell it?'" This shift has opened doors for microbrands and Asian watchmaking, particularly Chinese manufacturers. The excitement around brands like Famal Hut—who have created global buzz before delivering their first watch—signals a growing acceptance of Asian horological excellence.

Good Vibes Only
Despite the serious business of horology, Watch Ho & Co operates under a simple motto: "good vibes only." Ho emphasizes that the community isn't run as a business with profit as the primary motive. Instead, it's driven purely by passion and supported by the goodwill of the global watch community.

"We don't have any revenue coming in, so we rely on a lot of goodwill within the community," Ho acknowledges. "I think we've built that up throughout the two years, and we really appreciate that." As Watch Ho & Co approaches its second anniversary, Ho's journey from pandemic boredom to community leadership illustrates how passion, combined with the right moment and place, can create something truly special. In a city where time has always been money, Ho has proven that time spent in good company, sharing horological passions, might be the most valuable currency of all.