The Waiting List Podcast

#43 “No one’s going to trade a month’s worth of food for a watch” – Kelvin Sa, Watch Collector and Co-founder of the ShanghaiWatchGang (Part 1)

Here is another episode that left our hosts in awe. As the epitome of a hustler, Kelvin, equipped with razor sharp focus, embodies many characteristics displayed in many successful Chinese entrepreneurs today – the ability to not only adapt under stress and pressure but to subsequently thrive, no matter the economic climate.

Succeeding time and time again, he shares intimate details of growing up in 80s Shanghai and what it was like to witness firsthand its rapid transformation. The significance of the Bund is explained and he vividly paints a picture of Shanghai being a melting pot of culture within China.

This is a rollercoaster, one hour Chinese history 101 lesson for those who are still unfamiliar with the East.

#42 “When you make a movie everything is fake…I want to have one thing that is real.” – Eric Heise, Watch Collector and member of the ShanghaiWatchGang (Part 1)

If you are a fan of Chinese blockbuster films there is a high chance you would have seen Eric on screen. Eric has built an extensive collection of vintage pieces, many of which he uses on set for his movie roles. During his daily walks in Shanghai, he would comb through the flea markets and watch shops, searching for undiscovered, underappreciated gems. Exuding positivity and an unrelenting sense of adventure, Eric’s story highlights his love of life, reminding us to “take life as it comes” and to do the things you love.

#41 “Once I got that bee sting from the Speedmaster it started to spread” – Marco (@themattedial), Watch Collector

Like any hobby, watch collecting can be either a group or solo journey and for Marco it was very much the latter until more recently. In this episode he shares with us how an encounter with his next-door neighbour one day steered him into a career in data and computing which eventually led him to work at Apple and launch Siri. With a box of Speedmasters, Marco developed his taste and understanding for vintage pieces, and he has since worked on consolidating and pairing things down to acquire his grail piece.

#40 “I’m a great believer of taking yourself out of your comfort zone” – Angus (@Watchmadmac), Watch Collector (Part 1)

At the risk of sounding cheesy, us at the Waiting List Podcast have utter admiration and respect for Angus. He is a living and breathing example of class and we have been looking forward to releasing this episode that was recorded almost a year ago. In part 1 of this interview, Angus shares with us the importance of humility, integrity, and most importantly conviction. We explore his diverse watch collection from Seikos to FP Journes and discuss his special relationship with Jaeger LeCoultre.

#39 “Accept being normal and you can get through a lot” – James Hsu, Watch Collector (Part 1)

James is the living embodiment of the saying: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. In this episode, Shanghaiwatchgang member James Hsu shares his moving story of how life’s unpredictability forced him to leave a promising hedge fund career, exploring wine distribution and eventually opening a salsa dancing studio. James’ journey is one of repeated setbacks and unexpected turns with a particular lesson to be learned: Cherish the moment. As you listen, you’ll find yourself rooting for James as you admire his courage in sharing some of his most personal experiences. It’s an episode that is simultaneously humbling and inspiring but not in the way you’d expect.

#38 “There is a misperception that intelligent people are happier” – Wei Koh founder of Revolution and The Rake

Wei Koh is synonymous with the world of watches, men’s fashion, negronis, and of course- dachshunds. In this episode, Wei shares with us about his childhood, life in different cities, his move back to Singapore and the many jobs he had before founding Revolution and The Rake. We also talk tattoos, watches, and more specifically his love for Cartiers.

P.S. Lung Lung was uncontrollably excitable throughout the whole episode with rolling-on-the floor, belly up, tummy aching laughter probably due to a glucose imbalance caused by the recent lack of breadsticks in Singapore, so we apologise - she may unintentionally cause your ears to bleed. Listener discretion advised.

#37 “It’s like peeling back an onion, there are just layers and layers” – Mark Cho from The Armoury

Mark and his team at The Armoury are known for their exquisite taste in watches and menswear. In Hong Kong, The Armoury has become synonymous with fine sartorial menswear. In this episode, Mark shares how he initially entered the Hong Kong market with trunk shows in the early days and what differentiates The Armoury from other Hong Kong tailors. You get to listen first hand how Mark learned his craft, how he developed the business and how to develop one’s taste. Lastly, he shares with us his love for watches, his affinity to the brand FP Journe and how an unfortunate incident of theft led to the creation of his famous custom FP Journe piece - the Armoury Edition Resonance.

#36 Chinese New Year Special

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Aside from this being the most joyous time of the year for many of us, we are thankful that CNY kickstarted what has become The Waiting List Podcast one year ago. This episode is filled with all things Chinese New Year related from greetings to food to childhood memories. We also have something installed for those curious about what the year ahead may bring for their zodiac sign. Hope you enjoy this episode!

#35 “Elegance is the ability to put others at ease” - The Parisian Gentleman, Hugo Jacomet

In this episode we are fortunate to interview someone who is as passionate in sartorial elegance as we are in horology. In recent years, arguably no other individual has championed bespoke menswear and shoes quite like Hugo Jacomet aka The Parisian Gentleman. Hugo explains what sartorial means to him, the importance of dressing well and how watches are essential watches to a gentleman’s overall attire. We discuss at length, how conglomerates have changed the essence of many brands and how knowledge acquisition is the most effective tool a discerning buyer can arm himself with, in the minefield of modern day consumerism.

#34 "Going to Watch GTGs is like watching National Geographic” – Waiting List Podcast Host, Lung Lung Thun (@lunglungthun)

We forgot about this episode! Recorded back when The Waiting List Podcast was in its infancy, Lung Lung’s second part of her interview (listen to her first episode to have your socks blown off) details the early beginnings of her Instagram account.

Revealing what her ultimate goal is for her Instagram account, Lung Lung speaks honestly in a way that only Lung Lung can, drawing attention to the very difficult balance in portraying the truth while being respectful and what it’s like to hold her own in a male dominated hobby, online and offline. Go Lung Lung!