Caliber's TT: Watch Enthusiasm Through 3 Iconic Timepieces - Mr Z.N (@black_lex_nx)
- Roy @ Caliber
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
There’s something special about conversations over coffee — especially when they start with watches and naturally drift into stories of family, legacy, and even cars. That’s exactly how my meeting with the third-generation owner of Lee Do Restaurant, a pioneer in cold crab cuisine, unfolded.
We met not just as fellow watch lovers, but as enthusiasts of all things well-made — from timepieces to four wheels. (For the record, he drives a sleek Lexus NX350h AWD in black — a fitting ride for someone who values comfort, performance, and quiet elegance.) Within the first fifteen minutes, we discovered something unexpected — we were actually primary school mates. Life truly comes full circle, like tyres and most watches.
Now a proud husband, father of two, and steward of his family’s culinary legacy, he’s also a watch enthusiast with a collection that reflects the most meaningful chapters of his life. And just like the heritage dishes he serves daily, each piece in his collection is steeped in personal significance and careful consideration. Here’s a closer look at his three iconic timepieces, chosen not for hype or trend, but for the moments that matter most.
Cartier Santos 100 Carbon (Ref. WSSA0006)
Milestone: Marriage
When he tied the knot, he and his wife didn’t just exchange vows — they also marked the occasion with a pair of Cartier Santos watches. His piece of choice was the Santos 100 Carbon, a rugged yet refined version of a historic classic.
Housed in a 41.3mm ADLC-coated stainless steel case, the watch boasts a sleek matte finish that resists scratches and stands out with understated elegance. It runs on Cartier’s calibre 1847 MC, an automatic movement that features anti-magnetic nickel phosphorus components — a subtle nod to innovation beneath the surface. With its rubber strap, luminous sword hands, and timeless square case, the Santos 100 Carbon is as versatile as it is symbolic.
“We wanted something meaningful we could wear every day. This reminds me of our wedding — and how far we’ve come,” he said.
Tudor Black Bay Burgundy (Ref. M7941A1A0RU-0001)
Milestone: Welcoming His First Child
Becoming a father for the first time is a milestone like no other — and for that, he chose the Tudor Black Bay Burgundy, a dive watch that honors history while embracing the present.
This piece features a 41mm stainless steel case, a rich burgundy red bezel, and the METAS-certified MT5602-U movement, offering 70 hours of power reserve and impressive anti-magnetic resistance. It’s rugged, reliable, and quietly charismatic — just like the kind of dad he aspires to be.
“It’s a watch I’ll probably hand down one day. I wanted it to represent something bigger than myself — something lasting.”
Hublot Big Bang 44mm Steel Ceramic Chronograph (Ref. 301.SM.1770.RX)
Milestone: The Birth of His Second Child
When his daughter was born, the occasion called for something bold — and the Hublot Big Bang fit the bill perfectly. With its 44mm stainless steel case, black ceramic bezel, and carbon fiber dial, the watch makes a strong first impression, much like the whirlwind energy a newborn brings into the household.
It’s powered by the HUB4100 automatic chronograph movement, offering a mix of performance and personality. The rubber strap keeps it sporty, while the mix of materials — steel, ceramic, and carbon — reflect Hublot’s signature Art of Fusion.
“It’s loud, a little crazy, and full of personality. Honestly, it feels like the perfect watch to remember her arrival.”
From the kitchen at Lee Do to the moments shared with his growing family, this restaurateur’s watch journey is one marked by sentiment, style, and substance. Each piece tells a story, not just of personal milestones, but of values — legacy, responsibility, celebration. In many ways, his approach to collecting watches mirrors his approach to life: thoughtful, authentic, and always rooted in meaning.
Bonus: I also love photographing cars! So here are some photographs taken of the Lexus NX350H AWD owned by ZN.
