Born to commemorate the second anniversary of Hong Kong’s Watch Ho & Co., Jui (聚) is a timepiece steeped in Cantonese tradition and infused with the camaraderie of the watch collecting community. In Cantonese, “Jui” means to gather or to meet — the very essence of what binds collectors together.
New and Reviewed: Watch Ho & Co X Selten Jui
Retailing at USD 1,099 (approx. SGD 1,406.72, excluding taxes and tariffs), the Watch Ho & Co. × Selten Jui is a limited edition. Once the pre-order period closes and production is completed, no further examples will be made in this black Tahitian mother-of-pearl configuration.
When Jackie Ho, founder of Watch Ho & Co., reached out to Deployant, we immediately knew this was a story worth telling.
The Case
At first glance, the 39mm 316L stainless steel case might seem straightforward, it is just a rather standard round case. But the Jui hides many clever tales, personal touches and Easter Eggs.
One of the most personal touches lies on the caseback. Etched into the sapphire crystal is 聚人聚時聚故事 in traditional Chinese characters a script that, while less common today, remains a cultural hallmark of Hong Kong and Taiwan. The typography is deliberately chosen to echo the familiar style of Hong Kong street signs. The phrase 「聚人聚時聚故事」 “a place where people, time, and stories come together” captures the soul of this collaboration between Hong Kong-based Watch Ho & Co. and microbrand Selten.
The Dial
But the dial of Jui is the hero of the piece. The centrepiece is the Tahitian black mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial, CNC-machined to form an intricate “mountain pattern.” This motif is inspired by the repeating designs found on ancient Chinese military armour — symbols of unity, protection, and quiet strength. Here, it becomes a tribute to the unspoken bond shared among collectors. The MOP dial catches light, and throws a rainbow of colours, and together with the guilloché texture, creates a strong visual interest.
Producing such a dial is a rather uphill battle at this price point. Mother-of-pearl is organic, with natural variations that make consistency difficult. The rejection rate is high, and each piece must be hand-selected for vibrancy, capable of reflecting green, red, violet, and blue tones under shifting light.
The hands are skeletonised swords a deliberate continuation of the armour theme. Jackie revealed that four prototypes were tested before settling on the current frosted skeleton design, chosen for its perfect balance of legibility and aesthetic harmony against the shimmering MOP backdrop
The Strap
True to the local collaborative spirit, the strap comes from Hong Kong strapmaker Has No Bounds. It’s a rich brown leather with a British Racing Green lining — a thoughtful touch that echoes the Chinese characters on the caseback and reflects the club’s colours. Comfortable, well-crafted, and perfectly suited to the watch.
The strap feels very pliant, and very high quality, which reminds of what Hermés does for its straps, though at this much lower price level (the watch with strap, travel pouch and accessories cost as much as a Hermés strap on its own), the inconsistencies in the stitching may be noted. The accompanying travel case is also made of a similar material. Both very nice to the touch.
The Movement
Inside beats the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement, visible through the exhibition caseback and paired with a custom Selten rotor. It runs at 28,800 bph, offers a 42-hour power reserve, and while its finishing is industrial, it is perfectly in line with expectations for this segment. Properly maintained, it will easily serve a lifetime.
The Easter eggs continue with “Good Vibes Only” the club’s motto is engraved on the case back, along side the usual verbiage identifying the watch. This is seen as a nod to Watch Ho & Co.’s inclusive philosophy of welcoming all collectors, regardless of experience or budget.
Competitive Landscape
In today’s market, which has softened compared to the COVID-era boom, watches in this price segment are plentiful but not all deserve a second look. Here are two examples that have caught our attention and punch well above their weight.
First up, Ba111od Chapter 7 Chronometer. Ba111od has built its reputation as a disruptor in the watch industry, giving collectors access to fine Swiss watchmaking without the prohibitive price tag. The Chapter 7 Chronometer is certified by the Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève (TIMELAB), an independent attestation of precision. Priced around USD 1,000, it offers a compelling alternative to the Jui combining attractive design, the prestige of the Swiss Made label, and bona fide chronometer certification.
A distant cousin of the Jui in a way… Given that Miyota is a subsidiary of Citizen. From the “Land of the Rising Sun” comes the Citizen Zenshin, one of the best value propositions in the market today. It features a Super Titanium case and bracelet paired with a bulletproof automatic movement. At USD 775, the Zenshin delivers remarkable durability and refinement for the price, making it a standout choice in this segment.
Concluding Thoughts
A good watch should speak to the heart before it speaks to the eye. Some are loud, declaring their presence to the world; others, like Jui, are more discreet designed for those who take time to discover and appreciate the finer details.
The Tahitian MOP dial is a standout just 0.38mm thick before being CNC-cut for the guilloché effect. This process is risky; the fragility of the material means a rejection rate of around 30% even before assembly, where further damage can occur. That Watch Ho & Co. and Selten have managed to produce such a dial at this price point is remarkable.
At the time of writing, there are fewer than 12 hours left in the pre-order window. For those who connect with its subtle nods to Hong Kong culture and its celebration of community, this is a boat worth catching.
