The rhythmic sound of a ticking watch can be hypnotic—so much so that, for some, it can be the gateway drug to obsession, fascination and potential financial peril. Tatler met with Jackie Ho and Clarence Cheung, the co-founders of Hong Kong watch club Watch Ho & Co for a lunch at The Upper House in Hong Kong, where the duo joked about discussions between members about their never-ending wish lists. “It feels like having a Watch Addicts Anonymous meet-up,” says Ho. But there is a serious reality to this flippant conversation.
It is crucial to identify the fine line between being a discerning collector and a full-blown hoarder. A collector understands the timepiece, appreciates its craftsmanship and, most importantly, knows when to stop buying more. Sonia Samtani, a Hong Kong-based counsellor and hypnotherapist, says, “The basic difference between someone who has an addiction and someone with a passion is their level of control. You are in charge of your passion, whereas you feel taken over by your addiction and
