sham1 shares an extraordinary acquisition: a limited-edition watch crafted by Ricky Hong, a 15-year-old watchmaker from Hong Kong. This post highlights the increasing need for discernment among collectors in a crowded market, yet sham1's immediate decision to purchase underscores the exceptional value and potential of this young artisan's work, especially given its impressive finish and accessible price point.
We read about new independent watchmakers entering the industry practically on a weekly basis. This is a good thing for collectors but it also forces us to discriminate even more when it comes to purchasing a watch. Gone were the days where I would buy a watch that I love that fulfils most of my criteria (dial design, lugs, wearability, accuracy, movement finishing, price and resale value). Nowadays, a watch has to fulfil every criteria and in addition has to offer the best opportunity cost too ie there would be no better alternative with the same amount spent. Yes, call me calculative but when one is retired, one has to be a little careful and every purchase is a big purchase!
A few days ago, my trusted authorised dealer in the UK contacted me (I am based in Malaysia) and offered me a watch that I had never seen or heard of before. Based on the previous paragraph, one would assume I would deliberate carefully before arriving at a decision but it took me less than 30 seconds to decide to put my name on the list. The watch was limited to 18 pieces of which only 5 remained for sale and my dealer was planning to snap one for himself. I did not want to raise my hopes but I was pleasantly surprised when I was informed yesterday that I would be allocated number 18 of the 18 watches.
So what so special about this watch?! There are plenty of remarkable watches out there and this is Watches and Wonders week so we are treated to some wonderful creations. But I am sure none of the watches exhibited was made by a 15 year old boy! You read that right. Ricky Hong was a 15 year old in Hong Kong when he created this watch. He is now 18 and has a tourbillon for sale on his website. I must confess I am less impressed by the tourbillon but this creation, that I look forward to receiving towards the end of the year, has been finished to a high standard which would usually require someone having attended watchmaking school or be apprenticed to a top watchmaker. And when my dealer quoted me the price, I had to ask him if there was a typo. You would too if someone had told you that this well made watch costs USD3,000! Excuse my probable ignorance but I know not of any watch offering better value currently in the market which looks as attractive as this one. My dealer who happens to sit on the GPHG jury is of the opinion that Ricky Hong is the next big thing. Based on this evidence, it will be hard to disagree
Thank you for reading.
