FAN OF FLASH
For this flamboyant dresser, it’s always time to shine.
ARAEL BOO, 35 CO- FOUNDER OF A BIRD’S NEST PROCESSING AND WHOLESALE BUSINESS
Frequently seen at fashion or watch events decked out in the latest styles from top designer brands, Arael Boo has a distinctively flamboyant style that shapes his wardrobe and his watch collection. And the father of two – who owns a bird’s nest business together with his wife – is not afraid to admit it. Most of his favourite timepieces, including the two that he selected for this feature, are decorated with a healthy amount of bling. Says the entrepreneur, with an even healthier dose of self-confidence: “These watches are rare and dazzling. They represent my style and who I am.”
I’VE BEEN INTERESTED IN FASHION
since my teenage years. I was actually interested in watches even earlier. But I had no time for either until recent years, because I fully devoted my time over the past decade to setting up, growing and stabilising my business, as well as my investment portfolios.
IN THE LAST THREE YEARS OR SO,
I’ve built up my “profile” with watch retailers. They were actually very careful and even asked to see my company financials. Now that they are certain that
I won’t resell my watches,
I’ve been given the opportunity to buy more “unicorn” timepieces that you won’t see on any boutique shelves.
FOR TODAY’S SHOOT,
I’ve picked my Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon Dualtime with diamonds and mother-of-pearl dial, and a Rolex GMT-Master II in rose gold with sapphires, rubies and diamonds. The first is a dress watch and the latter is a sports watch. Both are big, but not too thick, so they fit under shirt cuffs.
I’D DESCRIBE MY PERSONAL STYLE
as regal, classy and flamboyant. Here, I’m wearing a Dior jacket designed by Kim Jones, Dolce &
Gabbana trousers, a brooch by Tiffany & Co., and a diamond Cartier Juste Un Clou bracelet.
FOR ME, AESTHETICS ARE MORE IMPORTANT
than technical features when it comes to watches. Complications like chronographs and equation of time are hardly useful in everyday life. My Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Full Diamond has a chronograph that can measure 1/100 of a second and has a double-chain structure, where the time display and chronograph are each driven by independent mechanisms. Did I buy it because it’s a masterpiece of modern engineering? No, I probably got it because it’s framed by five carats of diamonds.