Meet Zong Ye, a finance professional by day, but his true passion lies far beyond spreadsheets and markets. A devoted horology enthusiast, he finds in watches a unique intersection of culture, craftsmanship, and history. For him, each timepiece is not just a tool to measure time, but a vessel carrying stories and human ingenuity across generations.

In this episode of SWC Collector Spotlight, we sit down with Zong Ye to discover his journey from Emporio Armani to Perpetual Calendar, and how his different hobbies have enriched his life.

Party of 5: Zong Ye brought a quintet of goodies from the past.

What were the watches that got you into the hobby and how did it happen?

It’s funny—the watch that first pulled me into horology wasn’t some grand complication. It was a humble Emporio Armani watch with an ETA movement and a small aperture on the dial exposing the escapement in action. For a teenager just discovering mechanical timekeeping, that little window was pure magic. I was hooked, wanting to know how all these tiny gears and springs worked together so elegantly.

Outside of horology, Zong Ye enjoys cooking, collecting sneakers, and art.

But my real dive into fine watchmaking started on my 21st birthday. That’s when I wanted a timepiece to mark adulthood. During my research, I came across Abraham-Louis Breguet, a legendary name in watchmaking innovation.

"The moment I learned about Breguet, I knew I wanted to own a piece of that legacy."

Today, one of my favourite pieces is the Breguet Type 21—a flyback chronograph housed in a lightweight titanium case. It’s a watch that really gets my blood pumping.

You have quite a few hobbies — how do you balance your time between them?

Honestly, it’s not difficult when you’re genuinely curious about the world. I love cooking, collecting sneakers, appreciating art, and of course, horology. I also find purpose in training for marathons and focusing on longevity. It might sound like a lot, but when you’re immersed in things you love, it never feels like time wasted.

1930s Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoplan in steel, with the compact and back-winding Cal. 403 — found tucked away in Tokyo.

Do you follow any particular themes or rules when collecting?

For me, collecting isn’t about possession. It’s about connection. I always ask myself: Is it a moment in time I’m drawn to? Is it a maker whose vision speaks to me? What does this object mean to me? That’s what shapes my collection. Most of the watches I collect stay with me for life because they’re not just objects—they’re time capsules, holding stories, feelings, and experiences that resonate deeply.

"Collecting isn’t about possession. It’s about connection."

In your opinion, what makes a watch truly special?

A special watch, to me, is one that commemorates history and excellence while showcasing the savoir-faire of its maison. It’s not about how complicated it is or how expensive it costs, but the story behind it. Context gives a watch its soul.

Left: 1975 Audemars Piguet “TV Screen” in white gold — discovered in Hong Kong, a find that resonated with both Zong Ye and missus.

Right: 1950s Longines Admiral ref. 1200, 10K yellow gold-filled case with an automatic movement. Mystery dial decorated with guilloche and diamond indexes.

Which watch in your collection holds the most sentimental value?

That has to be my Audemars Piguet Quantième Perpétuel, ref. 5548BA in yellow gold. It was kind of a carrot my wife dangled because, truth be told, I took far too long to propose! This watch is much more than a beautiful object; it quietly keeps track of the things we often take for granted—time, date, and the moments that make up a life.

It also symbolises Audemars Piguet’s resilience during a challenging period. To me, it’s proof that when you follow your heart and stay true to what matters, everything else falls into place.

Prized possession: Zong Ye's Audemars Piguet 5548BA Perpetual Calendar with a rare Spanish dial.

How do you see the watch collecting scene here in Singapore?

I think collectors in Singapore are brilliant at curating timepieces that truly resonate with them. Whether it’s vintage Seikos or a focus on independent watchmakers, each collection tells a unique horological story.

Which watch do you find yourself wearing the most often?

That’s an easy one: my Royal Oak. It’s like the Porsche 911 of watches—versatile, refined, and effortlessly timeless. Its the kind of watch you just pick up and go about having a great day.

Do you notice any pros and cons when wearing vintage watches compared to modern ones?

I have a deep love for vintage timepieces. Each watch I’ve mentioned comes from a different chapter in history. There’s a special charm in vintage watches that modern releases often lack—thoughtful proportions, beautifully finished movements and dials, complications expressed tastefully, and a kind of timeless ingenuity.

Sure, I can never truly live in those eras, but through these watches, I get to experience memories of those times. They’re the closest thing we have to real time machines.

The downside? I’m always checking the weather—rain and vintage watches are a tricky mix.

What’s your favourite complication and why?

This is a tough one! While the perpetual calendar has a special place in my heart, I’ve always been drawn to the chronograph. The mechanical dance you see when pressing the pusher—watching the clutch engage and the time being measured independently—it’s fascinating.

"A Perpetual Calendar quietly keeps track of the things we often take for granted—time, date, and the moments that make up a life."

But sometimes, simplicity is best. A time-only movement often leaves the most room for creativity in design, finishing, and proportions.

Zong Ye's pair of post-Quartz crisis AP Perpetual Calendars, one as a desk calendar and one for the wrist.

How long have you been collecting watches?

It’s been about 16 years now, and it’s been a rewarding journey filled with new friendships and discoveries.

Any advice for budding enthusiasts looking to buy their first watch?

Don’t rush it. Collecting isn’t a race. Take your time and collect at your own pace. And I love this advice from Shawn Carter: “If you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it.” Wise words to live by.

For me, watches are more than instruments to tell time. They are storytellers, bridges connecting past and present through exquisite craftsmanship and passion. My collection is a reflection of my journey—one measured not just in hours and minutes, but in meaning.

1980s Rolex Cellini ref. 4160 in yellow gold with a lovely engine turned bezel, and manual winding.

-FIN-