Pride and Joy
For businessman Datuk Jerry Chan, no other brand can compare to Patek Philippe when it comes to the best of Swiss watchmaking. Lily Ong learns why the brand earned his passion and loyalty
When we first met Datuk Jerry Chan, he was reserved, almost bashful. Having flown in from Penang for the day just for this interview, the managing director of Asas Dunia Bhd ordinarily keeps a low profile from the media. He used to only agree to interviews in the past when he served as the chairman of REHDA Penang. We were honoured that he had agreed, for the first time, to talk to Malaysia Tatler about his love for watches— particularly those from Patek Philippe. In time, I could see Datuk Jerry’s reticence start to melt away as we chatted about haute horlogerie. The Cortina Watch Malaysia team, who have been servicing Datuk Jerry for Patek Philippe throughout the years as a retailer, informed me that he has an archive of catalogues of every Patek Philippe collection released throughout the years. At some points during our interview, in his passion to explain his watches to me, he even addressed the brand as ‘we’, signifying how he has come to see himself and the brand as the same entity. Read on to discover how and why he thinks no other brand can compare to Patek Philippe in his eyes.
What goes through your mind when you buy a watch?
If I choose to buy a watch, I would have thought through the entire process, from doing research to the moment I buy it. To me, buying watches is like making a business decision. I know some people see buying watches as an emotional decision, but for me it is a calculated and definite one.
Do you have a mental checklist that you tick off when you shop for a watch?
First of all, remind yourself that you cannot buy everything. We naturally put value on things that we consciously choose to buy, not things we buy on impulse. You need to weigh your options and decide whether what you want is worth having in your life or not.
I see you are wearing Patek Philippe watch and cuffs.
Yes, I have a travel bag from Patek Philippe too.
Why does Patek Philippe appeal to you so greatly?
Patek Philippe has a long, abiding history and through the Sterns’ leadership, the brand is excellent and thriving. Patek Philippe represents what luxury watchmaking is: precision, accuracy, engineering and innovation. That said, every single timepiece has such superb finishing and most importantly, they never go overboard in any component.
Do you mean in terms of watch designs?
Patek has a classicism that holds true until today. Collectors still buy Patek Philippe like Calatravas from the 1940s to the 1960s.that’s the beauty of the brand.
What about mechanisms? What do you gravitate to?
I like them all, but I enjoy chronographs the most.
What about minute repeaters?
Minute repeaters are fascinating but you have to be discerning. A good minute repeater should be music to the ears—in tone quality, spacing, richness of sound, the rhythm and the interval quality between strikes. Patek Philippe does these elements very well, you can tell once you hear its sounds.
What Patek Philippe watch would you recommend an interested collector to look at if they want to upgrade their collection?
Well, the brand’s Nautilus collection is incredibly popular and in high demand. But, if you want my advice, I say choose a watch that is considered by purists to be ‘different’. These watches will spark debates and in my experience, become a thorough success after! For the more discerning buyers, go for the rare handcrafted pieces. Many people don’t understand how Patek Philippe is keeping their traditions alive in craftsmanship like enamel, guilloche and more. If you are able to get your hands on a piece from the rare handcrafts collection, consider yourself very fortunate as these watches normally sell out.
Share some tips on caring for your watch collection to make them last.
Make sure that your watches are wound once a month. I hike outdoors but I never wear my watches outside. I am very particular when it comes to keeping my watches in good condition; I do things like taking my ring off before I wear my watch so I won’t scratch it. I also make it a point to schedule for regular service and shine. You see, Patek Philippe watches are already timeless; when in tip-top condition, the pieces look brand new.