The world of independent watchmaking often thrives on collaboration, bringing together distinct visions to create something truly unique. Such is the case with Selten and Watch Ho & Co., who have once again joined forces to introduce a new limited edition timepiece: the Yum Cha. This release builds upon the success of their previous collaboration, the Jui, which garnered significant attention for its dynamic Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial and exceptional case finishing.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Community
Last year's Jui collaboration, a celebration of the community fostered by Watch Ho & Co. in Hong Kong, quickly became a talking point among enthusiasts. Its distinctive dial and well-executed case design resonated widely, proving that thoughtful partnerships can yield watches that capture the collective imagination. The Jui's appeal lay not just in its aesthetics but also in its underlying narrative of gathering and connection, a theme that Selten watches are known for, particularly in their commitment to quality finishing at accessible price points.
For their latest endeavor, Selten and Watch Ho & Co. mark the third anniversary of their partnership with the Yum Cha. While maintaining the spirit of community that defined the Jui, this new limited edition elevates the ambition and complexity of its craftsmanship, offering a notable step up in horological artistry.
The Inspiration: A Taste of Tradition
The Yum Cha takes its name and primary aesthetic inspiration from a familiar and cherished activity: the dim sum meal. Specifically, the dial motif is directly influenced by the intricate patterns of bamboo steaming baskets, an image immediately recognizable to anyone who has enjoyed this culinary tradition. This concept was born from Jacki Ho, the founder of Watch Ho & Co., who sought to create a dial that evoked his fond childhood memories of visiting Hong Kong teahouses with his grandparents. It's a personal touch that imbues the timepiece with a rich cultural narrative, transforming a functional object into a wearable piece of heritage.
The Art of the Engraved Grand Feu Enamel Dial
The heart of the Yum Cha's distinctive character lies in its dial, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and artistic dedication. The creation of this dial is a multi-stage process, beginning with the intricate work of Selten's in-house engraver and enamelist. Each dial is first engraved with precision, featuring 80 individual rectangles, within which sit 40 parallel lines. This translates to approximately 3,500 individual cuts per dial, a staggering number that underscores the labor-intensive nature of its production.
The engraver performs this delicate work under a microscope, utilizing specialized tungsten tools. A "bright-cut" technique is employed, which is crucial for achieving the mirror-polished engraved lines that catch and reflect light, adding depth and visual intrigue to the surface. This technique ensures that the fine details of the bamboo basket pattern are rendered with exceptional clarity and brilliance.
Following the engraving, the dial undergoes a Grand Feu enamel treatment. This traditional enameling process involves applying multiple layers of enamel powder and firing the dial at extremely high temperatures in a kiln. The result is a distinct brown, slightly transparent color. The choice of transparent enamel is deliberate, allowing the intricate engraving beneath to be properly highlighted, ensuring that the luster and depth characteristic of a high-quality enamel dial are not lost but rather enhanced by the underlying texture. After firing, each dial is hand-polished to achieve the desired depth of color and shine, a final touch that brings the entire composition to life.
Case, Movement, and Availability
The Yum Cha is housed in a stainless steel case, measuring 38mm in diameter, a versatile size that appeals to a broad range of wrists. It maintains a svelte profile with a thickness of 9.95mm, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 44.5mm contributes to its comfortable wearability. In a notable departure from the previous collaboration, the Yum Cha is powered by a manually wound Sellita SW200 movement, offering a robust 65 hours of power reserve. This choice of movement, combined with the significant complexity and labor involved in crafting the unique dial, positions the Yum Cha at a higher price point than its predecessor.
This exquisite timepiece is a limited edition, with only 100 pieces available globally. The Selten and Watch Ho & Co. Yum Cha retails for $4,950, reflecting the artisanal skill and intricate processes involved in its creation. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and the power of collaboration to bring culturally inspired horology to the forefront.
Written by Man of the Hour.