For its twelfth edition, DAMAN Caliber turns the focus from the makers of fine watches to the people who live with them—the collectors, the enthusiasts and the storytellers who find meaning in every tick

Every year, DAMAN dedicates a special edition to the world of haute horlogerie—its timeless artistry, constant innovation and enduring allure. Since its inception, DAMAN Caliber has become a chronicle of precision and passion. Across its pages, readers have explored thematic product round-ups, detailed reviews of standout models, firsthand reports from global watch fairs, visits to storied manufactures and exclusive conversations with industry leaders, master watchmakers and visionary designers.

Now, as DAMAN Caliber marks its twelfth issue, it feels only fitting to pause and reflect. After all, the number 12 holds special meaning in watchmaking—it anchors the dial, closes each revolution of the hour hand and has long symbolized the complete cycle of time. To celebrate this milestone, we decided to do something different.

Traditionally, DAMAN Caliber has focused on the watches themselves: From the materials, movements and minds that bring them to life. This time, however, we shift the spotlight toward those who give these creations their purpose—the people who wear them, cherish them and collect them.

Because in today’s world, nobody truly needs a watch. Our phones tell time more precisely than any mechanical movement could. And yet, collectors around the world continue to seek, study and celebrate fine timepieces. That is because every purchase, every addition to a collection, is ultimately an emotional one. Behind every dial lies a story; behind every collection, a reflection of the collector’s own journey through life.

Essentially, with this year’s issue, we explore what time means to those who live it most fully.

The twelve individuals featured here represent a cross-section of Indonesia’s vibrant collector community—diverse in their passions, backgrounds and motivations, yet united by a shared fascination with craftsmanship and meaning. There is Hamish Daud, an actor and adventurer whose watches accompany him through the open seas and personal milestones. Marc Klok, a professional footballer whose disciplined spirit mirrors his taste for precise and purposeful timepieces. Irwan Danny Mussry, entrepreneur and longtime watch connoisseur, whose perspective connects timekeeping to philosophy and life itself.

From Ernanda Putra, whose creative eye sees watches as emotional extensions of design, to Dhika Lana Kusara, whose project Tanka captures the stories behind every collector’s prized piece, each profile reveals a unique relationship with time. Hendry Wijaya, Herman Hartono, Herman Tantriady and Samuel Wongso each bring their own perspectives as leaders, designers and entrepreneurs—people who see watches not as symbols of status but as personal milestones. Kevin Lie finds meaning in how watches mark his creative evolution, while Renaldi Hutasoit and Richard Kyle blend sentiment with style, turning their collections into reflections of their personality and purpose.

Together, these twelve stories form a mosaic of what modern collecting looks like today: Truly personal, ever-evolving and deeply human.

What makes a person start collecting? For some, it begins with childhood curiosity; perhaps an inherited watch, perhaps to celebrate a first paycheck or maybe a gift that sparks fascination. For others, it’s the thrill of engineering or design. And for many, collecting becomes a quiet form of storytelling: a way to preserve memories, celebrate milestones or measure how far one has come.

There is no single right way to collect. Some chase grail pieces, others fall for obscure references. Some seek vintage patina, others the perfection of modern mechanics. Each approach is valid, each collection meaningful. Because in the end, watches are less about keeping time and more about keeping moments.

As DAMAN Caliber enters its twelfth year, the magazine remains committed to exploring the artistry and emotion behind horology, while also attempting to better understand the people who make it come alive. This Caliber 12 feature is essentially a tribute to collectors of all kinds—the dreamers, builders, thinkers and feelers who remind us that time is not merely counted but lived.

Because the measure of a watch is not just in its movement—it’s in the hands that wind it, the stories it carries and the memories it helps preserve.

And, as these twelve collectors remind us through their stories, time, like passion, is best when shared.

Dhika Lana Kusara

Stories often find their keepers in unexpected forms—and for Dhika Lana Kusara, they came in the shape of watches. His fascination began with a Seiko SKX007, a self-reward after graduating from college. Yet his true collecting journey took off when he co-founded Tanka with his brother, a creative platform built to share the narratives behind timepieces. What began as a passion project soon became a hub for Indonesia’s growing watch community. The spark that fueled it all was an Omega Seamaster De Ville Crosshair, chosen as a tribute to his late father and produced in the same year his father was born. From that moment, vintage watches became his language of memory and meaning.

Among Dhika’s collection, one piece stands above the rest: the Omega Speedmaster MK40. Inspired by the story of Hodinkee founder Ben Clymer’s grandfather’s watch, Dhika set a personal goal—to acquire the MK40 when Tanka reached 10,000 followers. The universe seemed to conspire in his favor. When Tanka hit 20,000 he found the MK40 Mark I, perfectly aged and complete with its original box and papers—an emblem of passion meeting perseverance.

Today Dhika doesn’t see watches as investments but as extensions of identity. Each piece he owns marks a chapter of his evolving life. Whether it’s a Rolex 1603 reclaimed from a friend in Surabaya or his trusty Nivada Grenchen Antarctic for daily wear, every watch tells a story that transcends time. “That’s why Tanka’s motto is ‘Tell Beyond Time,’” he reflects. “Through watches I’ve met people, shared stories and opened doors I never thought possible.”

Ernanda Putra

Photography by Reynaldo Tjandra/DERAI Studio

For creative director and watch enthusiast Ernanda Putra, collecting timepieces has always been deeply personal. His first was a Swatch Red Sunday, bought with his first salary in 2005. “Nothing compares to the feeling of buying something with your own hard-earned money,” he says. That purchase sparked a fascination with watches and an enduring appreciation for how design, memory and time intersect.

Although he grew up in the 1990s and 2000s, Ernanda gravitates toward the simplicity of 1960s and 1970s designs. “A good watch should transcend time,” he explains. His collection reflects that belief—understated yet full of meaning. Some pieces mark important milestones: a Cartier Tank Solo gifted by his wife, a Rolex GMT Master 1675 to celebrate his son’s birth and a Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary Edition to commemorate ten years of Makna Group.

Like many collectors, Ernanda has his “holy grail.” For him, it’s the Rolex 1601 Ghost Dial—a rare find he describes as “not the most expensive, but definitely one of the most meaningful.” Yet collecting isn’t always about what stays; sometimes it’s about what’s lost. He still regrets selling his Heuer Carrera Reissue ref. CS3111 and CS3110. “They were perfect in size and build,” he says. “I sold them to fund another piece, but I still think about them.”

Even so, Ernanda believes watches are meant to be worn and lived with. His current daily companion, the Tudor Black Bay 36, mirrors his lifestyle—bold, versatile and effortlessly simple. “I never saw watches as investments,” he reflects. “Each one marks a moment in my journey.”

In the end, collecting is about time itself—how it’s measured, remembered and definitely how it’s felt.

Hendry Wijaya

The world of watch collecting came naturally to Hendry Wijaya, Chief Operating Officer at Sembada Gold, blending fascination with sentiment. His first meaningful timepiece wasn’t the most extravagant but the most personal—a Breitling SuperOcean Heritage, a gift from his mother during his university years. “It wasn’t about price or prestige,” he recalls warmly. “It was about that connection. My mom believed a steel bracelet would last longer—and she was right.” That emotional foundation shaped his lifelong approach to collecting: not for status but to commemorate milestones and memories.

Hendry’s deeper appreciation for fine watchmaking began with the Breguet La Tradition 7057 in white gold with a grey dial—a piece that, in his words, embodied the beauty of mechanical art. “The open-worked movement drew me in. That was the moment I knew this hobby would stay with me,” he says. His collection has since expanded to include icons such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 and the Pilot 5524G, yet he insists it isn’t guided by brands or trends. Each addition reflects a stage of personal growth as well as emotion.

To him, watches are far more than investments; they are tangible symbols of achievement and gratitude. “Each piece reminds me of a chapter in life—a self-reward for achieving something meaningful.” In Hendry’s eyes, timepieces don’t just measure the hours. They preserve the essence of life itself one tick at a time.

Hamish Daud

Hamish Daud’s fascination with watches began with a mix of curiosity, function and timing. During his school and college years, he wore G-Shocks and Seikos, but his first real step into luxury watchmaking came with a Panerai Luminor Submersible. With its bold 47 mm case and rugged design, it fit seamlessly into his lifestyle as a diver and television adventurer. “It was functional enough for me to wear diving and rugged enough for all the adventure stuff,” he recalls. “I just thought it was a really cool, tough watch.”

He defines his collection through emotion rather than brand or trend. “Every watch is like a trophy to myself,” he says—each one tied to a meaningful moment in his life. Among his most cherished pieces is the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea, the brand’s first diver watch. At the time, Hamish was a friend of the brand and had the opportunity to visit Montblanc’s Maison Minerva in Villeret, in the Swiss Jura mountains, during Watches and Wonders in Geneva. The experience deepened his appreciation for the craftsmanship, precision and dedication behind every timepiece.

These days, his daily companion is the Grand Seiko White Birch, admired for its smooth spring drive movement and quiet elegance. Yet his “holy grail” remains the Patek Philippe Grand Complication in white gold—a dream piece that continues to linger in the back of his mind.

For Hamish, collecting has never been about investment value. Some pieces come and go, but each carries a story. “You don’t have to buy a hundred-thousand-dollar watch fresh off the bat,” he says. “A ten-dollar watch could make you happy—it just depends on how it makes you feel.”

Herman Tantriady

Design has always been the basis on how Herman Tantriady sees the world—even the passage of time. Long before he became a devoted collector and the creative force behind the Indonesian watch brand Lima, Tantriady viewed time through the lens of form and function. As a young designer, he was drawn to the visual playfulness of unconventional fashion watches by Philippe Starck, Alessi and Diesel. “They broke the rules,” he recalls with a smile. “I loved their shapes, their colors—everything that felt different.” It wasn’t about luxury then but about creativity. His first automatic watch—a Seiko bought with his first paycheck in the late ’90s—quietly planted the seeds for what would steadily grow into a lifelong fascination with horology.

As his taste evolved, so did his collection. What began as an appreciation for bold design grew into a love for the soul of mechanical watches, particularly vintage pieces from the ’70s to ’90s. “They have character,” he says, “and they’re still easy to maintain.” Among his favorites are vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 and Rolex Explorer I models, though his dream piece remains the legendary Vacheron Constantin 222. Each watch, he adds, represents a phase of his life—an evolving self-portrait told through ticking hands and aged dials.

Of all his watches, his Rolex GMT-Master—gifted by his sibling—holds the deepest meaning. “It’s my first Rolex and a reminder of family,” he shares. To him, watches are not investments to be traded but heirlooms meant to be passed on. “Collecting is a form of preservation,” he reflects. “Old things aren’t necessarily obsolete. When you take care of them, they retain their value and their story.”

Herman Hartono

For Herman Hartono, the spark that ignited his fascination with watches began during his college years when his parents gifted him a Rolex—his first “grown-up” timepiece. The real collecting, however, only began later, once he had built his own business and started adding more pieces to his collection.

Hartono describes himself as a casual enthusiast rather than a serious collector, favoring a small yet meaningful assortment of timepieces. His choices aren’t dictated by brands or complications but rather by an evolving sense of personal taste. Over time, he has developed a deeper appreciation for understated designs with strong aesthetic balance. Among his favorites is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070P, a mechanical chronograph he acquired to mark a career milestone. “The piece had already been discontinued at that time, and being able to obtain it was a happiness on its own,” he recalls.

Unlike many collectors, Hartono doesn’t chase a so-called “holy grail.” He once completed a purchase mid-flight after receiving a message from his regular boutique’s representative—proof, he says, that the best finds often come unexpectedly. He also believes that if a watch is meant to be his, it will be. Therefore, he doesn’t dwell on the ones that got away.

He wears nearly all his watches, rotating them to keep the movements active and the experience fresh. When the excitement fades, that’s when he knows it’s time to let one go. For him, watches are personal companions that accompany daily life and often spark meaningful conversations.

His advice to newcomers is simple: buy what reflects your personality, not what’s popular. For Hartono, collecting has always been about the people, the stories and the experiences along the way—a reminder that it’s all about the journey, not the destination.

Irwan Danny Mussry

Time, to Irwan Danny Mussry, has never been merely measured by the tick of a second hand—it’s something lived, felt and celebrated through every watch he owns. His journey into horology began during his early days in the United States, when those he considered stylish at the time wore Gucci watches. That spark of admiration ignited a lifelong passion for meaning, emotion and craftsmanship. Today, his appreciation for timepieces isn’t defined by brands or complications but by connection. “It’s the bond I have with the watch,” he says, describing each acquisition as a reflection of a moment, a feeling or a milestone in his life.

Among his many prized timepieces, one stands out as a cornerstone of his story: A limited edition watch titled the “Pride of Indonesia.” This creation not only symbolized national pride but also marked a significant collaboration with an international watchmaking headquarters. The number one piece was auctioned for charity—a moment that blended horology, heritage and humanity.

In the end, Mussry sees watches as companions rather than commodities. They travel with him through different chapters of life, and when one feels destined for another’s wrist he passes it on—continuing the legacy of shared appreciation. His advice to collectors

is refreshingly simple: “Buy what you like.” Beyond trends and investment he believes that true value lies in the personal meaning behind each piece. After all, as he reflects, time doesn’t flow the same for everyone. “We all experience it in our own rhythm,” he muses, “and learning to respect that might just be the secret to understanding life itself.”

Kevin Lie

There’s a quiet precision in the way Kevin Lie talks about watches, almost as if he’s describing art. His personal collection isn’t driven by hype or prestige but by aesthetics and proportion—the harmony that happens when everything simply feels right.

For Kevin, collecting began with curiosity rather than intent. He was drawn to pieces that carried both mechanical integrity and visual restraint. “I’ve always believed that a watch should make you feel something,” he says. “It’s not about the brand or the complexity—it’s about connection and character.”

Among the watches he holds closest are those that carry both craftsmanship and sentiment. His Grand Seiko White Birch, for instance, was the piece he wore on his wedding day—a quiet reminder of love and new beginnings. “My wife and I wore matching Grand Seikos,” he shares. “Every time I wear mine, it brings me back to that moment.”

Over time, his focus has shifted from collecting widely to refining deliberately. “I’ve learned that taste evolves,” Kevin reflects. “You start chasing certain pieces, and later you realize it’s more meaningful to have fewer that truly resonate and reflect who you are.”

His advice to anyone starting out is to approach collecting with intention. “Don’t let trends decide for you,” he says. “A good watch will speak to you quietly, not shout for attention.”

For Kevin, watches are not trophies—they’re expressions of balance, restraint and personal evolution, a reminder that simplicity often holds the greatest depth.

Marc Klok

For professional footballer Marc Klok, watches are more than accessories—they’re reminders of life’s defining victories. His passion for collecting began at 16, when his father handed him a timepiece that had been passed down through generations. “He told me to keep it as something unique, something that stays in the family,” Klok recalls.

Years later, after winning his first trophy in Bulgaria, he decided to mark the moment with his first serious purchase—a Rolex Datejust. “It was my first expensive watch, and I was really proud to wear it,” he says. That decision set the tone for how he collects: every piece must carry a story.

Since then, watches have become milestones in his journey—from a gift to himself after being naturalized as an Indonesian citizen, to others commemorating his debut for the national team and a championship victory with Persib Bandung. “Each one represents hard work, emotion, and pride,” he reflects.

Klok’s tastes are diverse, yet guided by meaning. His Hublot Spirit of Big Bang, an all-black piece he wears daily, captures his love of sport and sleek design. For him, the watch reflects discipline and drive—the same values that shape his life on and off the field.

To him, collecting is as much about value as it is about sentiment. “You can only spend money once, so spend it wisely,” he says. “Buy something you like, not what’s hyped—and choose pieces that hold both emotional and lasting worth.”

In Klok’s eyes, a watch isn’t just worn—it’s lived, a measure of time and triumph intertwined.

Renaldi Hutasoit

A father’s gift marked the quiet beginning of Renaldi Hutasoit’s lifelong fascination with watches. When he left for college in the United States, his father gave him a Swiss timepiece known for its connection to Formula 1—a simple, sporty watch that symbolized independence and a new chapter ahead. Though he lost it a few years later, its memory left an imprint that shaped his appreciation for craftsmanship and sentimental value.

Today, Renaldi’s collecting philosophy is guided by clarity and purpose. “Now I only have Omega watches,” he shares. “There’s no specific theme, but it’s defined more by purpose.” From the iconic Speedmaster to vintage references, each piece represents a balance between heritage and personal meaning rather than sheer variety.

Interestingly, the watches that carry the deepest emotional weight are not the ones he keeps. “The ones with the deepest personal stories are those I’ve gifted to others,” he says. “They mark milestones and connections that go beyond possession.”

His daily companion is the 2001 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Re-Edition,” chosen for its resilience and understated charm. “It’s a Moonwatch, so it should be able to endure anything,” he explains. “It’s different enough without being too special for daily wear.”

Still, one elusive piece continues to capture his imagination—a 1950s Omega with a cloisonné enamel dial. This is, of course, his “holy grail.”

For Renaldi, collecting watches is less about investment than intention. “Value isn’t about price; it’s about the story,” he reflects. “A meaningful watch reminds you why you started—and where you’re heading.”

Richard Kyle

Before his own collection took shape, Richard Kyle inherited a Rolex Datejust from his father—a two-tone piece from the 1980s that carries a deep sense of history. His father passed it down upon retirement, telling him it was time for someone else to enjoy it. For Richard, the gesture marked more than an exchange of ownership; it was a moment of connection across generations.

That bond continues to shape how he sees watches today: as companions that hold meaning beyond mechanics. He’s drawn to design, craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece—but what matters most is the emotional resonance. “It’s not about the brand,” he says. “It’s about why you like that particular piece—the history, the design and what it means to you.”

Among the watches closest to his heart is the Louis Vuitton Tambour Regatta, the first timepiece ever given to him by a brand. It sparked his fascination with horology and remains a symbol of where his journey began. “That watch drew me into this world,” he recalls. “It was the first time I felt the excitement of accessorizing or mixing something timeless with fashion.”

Though he owns both vintage and modern pieces—including a 1950s Rolex Thunderbird—Richard doesn’t chase trends or buy for investment. “I think it just depends on how I feel about a watch at the time,” he says. “As we grow our tastes change too.”

For him, collecting is about balance, connection and presence. “Choosing the right timepiece gives you some sort of aura to the moment—like living in the moment, because that’s time.”

Samuel Wongso

Elegance for Samuel Wongso extends beyond fine fabrics and perfect cuts—it’s also found on the wrist. As the fourth-generation heir and creative force behind Wong Hang Distinguished Tailor, Samuel approaches watch collecting much like he approaches tailoring: with an eye for timelessness and fit. His first piece, a Cartier Santos acquired in 2006, remains with him to this day. “I like it because it’s a timeless classic,” he says. “And it still suits me perfectly.”

Much like his bespoke creations, Samuel’s collection is defined by balance and proportion. He gravitates toward classic designs that complement his daily uniform of tailored suits. “I like something that feels right with what I wear every day,” he shares. Among his most meaningful watches is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R—a piece, he admits, that carries stories too personal to retell yet deeply significant. His current dream watch? The Patek Philippe 5980R. “I’m more into PP,” he notes, “because it’s simple and not too common.”

Samuel’s collecting journey has also come with a few memorable twists—from unexpectedly being offered two Rolexes in Hong Kong after stepping into a boutique just to cool off to narrowly someone on the street trying to take his 5168R during a pre-wedding shoot in London.

Today his smartwatch sees the most wrist time though he carefully rotates his collection and keeps his mechanical pieces on winders. “Watches are like style,” he reflects. “They’re not about showing off—they’re about what feels right for you and what fits the life you live.”

For more insight into watch collecting from these assembled personalities, head on to DAMAN’s Instagram account and @DamanMagazine on YouTube

Meet the Caliber 12

DAMAN Caliber,

Dhika Lana Kusara,

Ernanda Putra,

hamish daud,

Hendry Wijaya,

Herman Hartono,

Herman Tantriady,

Irwan Danny Mussry,

Kevin Lie,

Marc Klok,

renaldi hutasoit,

richard kyle,

Samuel Wongso,

The Collectors