Watch Ho & Co(mmunity) x Selten’s New Yum Cha is Inspired by Hong Kong’s Most Cherished Tradition

At the heart of the Yum Cha lies an intensely personal story. Raised in Hong Kong by his grandparents, Jackie Ho spent countless mornings immersed in the atmosphere of traditional tea houses, where the ritual of sharing dim sum became inseparable from his happiest childhood memories.
 

However, while deeply rooted in Hong Kong’s culinary culture, the concept extends beyond its geographical boundaries, as the Yum Cha also serves as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, affectionately known as “Por Por,” and an acknowledgment that every family has its own equivalent gathering place where stories are shared, traditions are passed down, and memories quietly take shape.

The visual centerpiece of the watch is its remarkable dial, which was inspired by the woven bamboo steamer basket found on every dim sum table.

More than a practical vessel, it is an enduring symbol of Hong Kong’s yum cha culture, bringing family and friends together. By elevating this everyday object into the watch’s defining feature, Watch Ho & Co(mmunity) transforms a cherished childhood memory into wearable art.
 

Its intricate weave pattern has been painstakingly recreated through hand engraving, creating a textured surface that shifts beautifully as light moves across it. Moreover, its warm amber fumé finish recalls the rich patina acquired by bamboo steamers after decades of tea, steam, and shared meals, while the tea leaf-shaped hands subtly reference the literal meaning of “yum cha,” which is “drinking tea.”
 

Beyond its aesthetics, the dial is rich in symbolism. In Chinese culture, bamboo represents resilience and quiet strength, while its woven construction reflects the bonds of family and community that inspired the project. Thus, the Yum Cha’s dial serves as a reminder of the traditions and relationships that shape our lives.

Behind the beauty of the dial lies an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, so Selten entrusted the project to Master Qin, whose expertise spans hand engraving, enameling, and the restoration of antique pocket watches.

Each fine silver dial begins with approximately 80 individual sections, every one of which includes 40 parallel lines that have been meticulously hand-engraved under a microscope for a mirror-polished, bright-cut finish. Carved using traditional tools, these perfectly parallel lines create thousands of microscopic reflective surfaces that ultimately give the dial its remarkable depth. In all, each dial has an estimated 3,500 individual cuts… Amazing!
 

The engraved base is brought to life with layers of transparent Grand Feu enamel, each carefully applied and fired. The process leaves no room for error – even the smallest flaw means starting over, resulting in a rejection rate of over 40 percent. After a final hand polish, the dial reveals its signature honey-gold center fading into a smoky amber edge.

Each completed dial requires around 16.5 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, making every piece subtly unique.

Turning the watch over reveals a beautifully stamped caseback illustration depicting the founder’s childhood perspective across a bustling yum cha table, complete with subtle references to the brand’s third anniversary and the family of three who inspired the project. Collectors can further personalize the watch by engraving a meaningful number within the table number stand featured in the artwork.
 

Presentation has received equally thoughtful attention. Rather than arriving in a conventional watch box, the Yum Cha is delivered in a genuine handcrafted bamboo steamer, accompanied by three handcrafted bamboo coasters, a warranty card styled after a traditional Hong Kong Dim Sum order sheet, and signed artwork that completes the ownership experience.

While the hand-crafted dial is undoubtedly the star of the show, the Yum Cha has been designed to be worn every day.

Its 38mm stainless steel case offers balanced, vintage-inspired proportions, while the slim 9.95mm profile and domed “Top Hat” sapphire crystal create an elegant presence on the wrist. Finished with a hand-stitched Italian nubuck leather strap and offering 50 meters of water resistance, it pairs artisanal craftsmanship with everyday practicality.
 

Beneath the artisanal dial beats the manually wound Sellita SW200-2 M Power+, combining dependable Swiss performance with a 65-hour power reserve. Choosing a hand-wound calibre feels particularly fitting here, as it encourages a moment of pause every day.

Like pouring another cup of tea or sharing one more plate of dim sum, winding the watch becomes a simple ritual that strengthens the connection between the wearer and the story behind it.

What makes the Watch Ho & Co(mmunity) x Selten Yum Cha so compelling is that rather than relying on superficial branding or nostalgic references, every design element stems from a deeply personal story, from the bamboo steamer-inspired dial and tea leaf hands to the engraved caseback and thoughtfully curated presentation. The result is a watch that rewards closer inspection, revealing layers of meaning that extend well beyond its aesthetics.
 

Limited to just 100 pieces, the Yum Cha is more than an anniversary edition. It combines exceptional artisanal craftsmanship with heartfelt storytelling, celebrating Hong Kong’s yum cha tradition while reminding us that the most meaningful moments are often those shared around a table with the people we love.

To learn more about this new timepiece, please visit Selten’s website.

•  Case Size: 38mm
•  Case Thickness: 9.95mm
•  Case Material: 316L stainless steel
•  Movement: Sellita SW200-2 M Power+, manual winding
•  Power Reserve: 65 Hours
•  Crystal: Top Hat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
•  Dial: Hand-engraved Fumé Grand Feu enamel on fine silver
•  Water Resistance: 50 meters
•  Strap: Hand-stitched Italian nubuck leather
•  Limited Edition: 100 pieces
•  Presentation: Bamboo steamer box with handcrafted coasters, artwork and themed warranty card
•  Price: USD 4,950 / HKD 38,828