In His Own Time: Johnathan Chan’s Quest To Carve A Unique Niche In Horology

When it comes to watch collectors who think beyond the mainstream, Johnathan Chan, Co-Founder of The Horlogy Club Hong Kong is a name that shines bright. Sitting across from me at The Horology Forum HF 10 in Hong Kong, he exudes an infectious enthusiasm, not just for the timepieces he collects but for the stories they tell and the connections they foster. As our conversation began, Johnathan’s deep understanding of the watch world was immediately evident from the spectacular timepiece strapped on his wrist. The C3H5N3O9 by MB&F and Urwerk is not a watch the you see everyday and this presence immediately sets the tone for the rest of our conversation. 

"I think watches, for me, are very personal. Usually, men don't have that many opportunities to express themselves in the fashion sense. A watch is a man's way of doing that." This philosophy drives Johnathan’s collection, which spans the classics to the avant-garde, and even bespoke creations.

Johnathan’s journey into watches was not your typical one. While many collectors start with popular names like Rolex or Omega, he began with Jaeger-LeCoultre, a choice inspired by a mentor. "I wanted to be different from the crowd and Jaeger-LeCoultre felt like the perfect brand to start with,” he shared. His first watch, a Jaeger-LeCoultre symbolizes his love for classics with a twist of individuality.

But it’s Johnathan’s appreciation for independent brands that truly sets him apart. "Nowadays, what speaks to me more is the story behind the brands," he explained. "With independent brands, you can meet the people who design the watch, visit the ateliers, and build relationships. It’s not just about buying a watch; it’s about creating a memory and a connection." This ethos has led him to collect stunning pieces like a Laurent Ferrier watch with a dial and movement he personally customized.

"They told me the case material I wanted tantalum was nearly impossible," he recounted, smiling. "I said, 'If there’s even a 1% chance, let’s keep trying.' After years of pushing, they made it happen. It is now the only watch in the world made with this material. That watch is probably one of my most treasured pieces."

It’s not surprising that Johnathan also co-founded The Horology Club, a community of enthusiasts passionate about creating and sharing horological experiences. It is a one of its kind watch collectors club that goes beyond the ordinary and embraces the soul of watchmaking.  “It started with three of us just wanting to find like-minded people. Now, we have members across the globe in Europe, Asia, United States and many more countries. Designing watches is our real passion. We have collaborated with Cartier, Trilobe, Universal Geneve” he said. One of his standout collaborations is the Belle Pêche, a platinum Cartier with a hidden signature. "We added subtle touches, like the country code of Hong Kong hidden in the dial markers. It reflects the brand’s love and our shared love for hidden signatures.  

As Johnathan spoke about his collection, his excitement for each piece was palpable. From the rare and sporty Gruebel Forsey Convex X S2 Double Valencia (a favourite of Michael Jordan’s), each watch in his collection has a story. "I try to experience the best of every category- be it the best sport watch, the best collaboration watch between two brands, the king of elegance which is Cartier. I don’t just see watches; I see memories. I want my watch box to tell the story of my life. Each one tells a story of a collaboration, a conversation, or a special moment in my life.”

While Johnathan treasures the relationships he’s built with independent brands, he also acknowledges concerns some collectors have about smaller companies. "People worry about brands shutting down, but talented watchmakers today can always service your watch. If everyone worried about longevity, brands like Patek Philippe wouldn’t have survived their early days."

On his plans for his collection, Johnathan’s approach is as thoughtful as his selection process. “I like to operate in extremes—small watches, large watches, classic pieces, unconventional designs. The only constant is that I want my collection to reflect my life’s journey. Someday, I hope to share these stories with my kids. That will be my legacy.”

Despite having collected for only six years, Johnathan has no regrets about diving headfirst into his passion. "When I do something, I go all in," he laughed. "Sometimes, I’ve sold watches that didn’t feel right later, but every piece I’ve owned has been part of the journey."

Ending on a candid note, Johnathan shared his take on Patek Philippe’s sports model, the Cubitus. “Honestly, if you’re designing a steel entry-level sports watch, I’d say go thinner, go quartz, go smaller. There’s room for improvement.”

In the end, what makes Johnathan’s journey remarkable is his ability to connect the technical marvel of a watch with its emotional resonance. For him, collecting is not just about acquiring objects but about cultivating relationships and experiences. As we wrapped up, Johnathan left me with a thought that sums up his philosophy: “A watch isn’t just about time; it’s about the stories it helps you tell.”