When I first heard about the Watch Ho & Co. x Selten Yum Cha collaboration, I was immediately intrigued. Not just because it’s a watch—though let’s be honest, watches are always fascinating—but because it’s a watch with a soul. In an industry often obsessed with technical specs and limited editions, this piece feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a timepiece; it’s a story, a memory, a cultural artifact. And that, in my opinion, is what makes it stand out in a crowded market.
The Art of Storytelling Through Design
What strikes me most about this collaboration is how deeply personal it is. Jackie Ho, the founder of Watch Ho & Co., has woven his childhood memories into the very fabric of the watch. The Yum Cha, inspired by Hong Kong’s tea house tradition, isn’t just a tribute—it’s a love letter. The 38mm stainless steel case, the engraved caseback featuring Jackie as a child with his grandparents, and even the option to personalize the watch with a meaningful number—all of these details scream authenticity. It’s a far cry from the generic, mass-produced designs we often see.
Personally, I think this approach to watchmaking is where the industry should be heading. Watches are more than instruments to tell time; they’re extensions of our identities, carriers of stories. What many people don’t realize is that when a watch is imbued with meaning, it becomes something you cherish, not just something you wear. This isn’t just a product; it’s a piece of art that happens to tell time.
The Dial: A Masterclass in Craftsmanship
Now, let’s talk about the dial—because, honestly, it’s a masterpiece. Inspired by the woven bamboo steamer baskets found in Hong Kong’s dim sum houses, the dial is a testament to craftsmanship. Each one is hand-engraved by Selten’s master engraver, Qin, who divides the surface into eighty sections, each filled with dozens of polished lines. The result? A stunning illusion of woven bamboo, brought to life with layers of Grand Feu enamel.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the level of detail and effort involved. The process takes 16.5 hours per dial, with a rejection rate of over 40%. That’s not just craftsmanship; that’s dedication. The Fumé Amber color, transitioning from honey-gold to smoky brown, is a nod to the well-used bamboo steamers of Hong Kong’s tea houses. It’s a subtle, yet powerful, connection to the culture it celebrates.
From my perspective, this dial isn’t just beautiful—it’s a conversation starter. It invites you to think about the hands that created it, the traditions it honors, and the stories it tells. In a world where so many watches look the same, this one dares to be different.
The Movement: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The Yum Cha is powered by the Sellita SW210-2 M Power+ movement, a manually wound caliber with a 65-hour power reserve. While it’s not the most groundbreaking movement out there, it’s reliable and fits the watch’s aesthetic perfectly. What’s interesting here is the balance between tradition and modernity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the decision to go with a manual movement. In an era dominated by automatics, this feels like a deliberate choice—a nod to the slower, more intentional pace of traditional watchmaking. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, less is more. The movement is adjusted in five positions for accuracy, which, in my opinion, is a nice touch for a watch that’s more about emotion than technical prowess.
The Packaging: A Cultural Experience
Here’s where the Yum Cha truly shines—its packaging. The watch arrives in a handcrafted bamboo steamer basket, complete with bamboo coasters and a warranty card designed like a Hong Kong dim sum order card. It’s not just packaging; it’s an experience. This attention to detail is what elevates the Yum Cha from a watch to a cultural artifact.
What this really suggests is that the team behind this collaboration understands that a watch’s story doesn’t end with the watch itself. It extends to every aspect of the ownership experience. If you take a step back and think about it, this is how luxury should be—immersive, thoughtful, and meaningful.
The Broader Implications: Watches as Cultural Narratives
The Yum Cha isn’t just a watch; it’s a trendsetter. It raises a deeper question: Can watches be more than luxury items? Can they be vehicles for cultural preservation and storytelling? I believe they can, and this collaboration is a prime example.
In a world where globalization often homogenizes cultures, projects like this remind us of the beauty of diversity. The Yum Cha doesn’t just celebrate Hong Kong’s tea house tradition; it immortalizes it. And that, in my opinion, is its greatest achievement.
Final Thoughts: A Watch Worth Cherishing
At USD 4,950, the Watch Ho & Co. x Selten Yum Cha isn’t cheap. But then again, it’s not just a watch. It’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a personal narrative all rolled into one. For collectors who value storytelling and craftsmanship, this is a must-have.
Personally, I think the Yum Cha is more than a watch—it’s a movement. It challenges the industry to think beyond specs and limited editions, to embrace the power of storytelling. And for that, it deserves all the praise it’s getting. If you’re someone who believes that watches should mean something, this one’s for you.
