James Li’s obsession with luxury watches began not in the nerve-wracking halls of auction houses nor the gleaming boutiques of luxury brands, but rather in the confines of his father’s wardrobe in his home in mainland China. It was there, among the “big, chunky, military-style watches from Russia”, that Li’s fascination began. “That is my first memory of any watches,” he says.
As China’s economy flourished, so too did the range of watches available to the young Li. From Omega to Cartier, his taste in timepieces became refined and sophisticated. At the same time, he was developing an interest in mechanical gadgets and technology sparked by his enthusiasm for film cameras. This soon translated into curiosity about the intricate workings of horological treasures—which were also easier to transport. He says,…
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Tatler Hong Kong (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 2025