PuristS of the Week: Ping Tsai's Watch Journey

AndrewD spotlights Ping Tsai in this edition of 'PuristS of the Week,' offering a unique glimpse into her watch collecting philosophy and personal connection to the community. Her candid responses provide a refreshing perspective on how a passion for watches can be shared and cultivated within a relationship, extending beyond technical specifications to lifestyle integration.

1. What watch are you wearing today?

Peter Speake-Marin Piccadilly Serpent Calendar

2. How do you usually choose a watch to wear?

I don’t own many watches so it’s usually pretty simple.  I usually wear one of them for a period of time, like a few months, and then switch and wear another one for a while.  It also depends on what I’m doing that day.  If I’m lounging/dining/conversing with some notable amiable Purist gents, I will wear my PSM or PAM and attempt to seem as though I know a little more about watches than the average female.  If I’m roughing it up with the kiddies at the sandbox then I might wear my husband’s old TAG or Poljot and add even more character to them.

3. What got you interested in watches? 

It’s more like “who” got me interested in watches.  Obviously being married to a ‘can’t help but be consumed, half-crazed watch nut’, some magic tends to rub off on to you.  I can still remember my first Purist gathering vividly.  It was in New York City at a restaurant called Django about 8-10 years ago.  The group was small but I was immediately drawn in by how passionate, humble and real these individuals were.  I could see the excitement they put forth with being able to share all the mental idiosyncrasies and knowledge, tastes and opinions of watch nuances that perhaps a lot of people don’t understand.  Since then, the experiences have been the same.  I’ve met a great number of excellent people through watches with whom I’m constantly learning from and impressed with.  I’m grateful to be able to have some of them as close friends.  I can’t honestly say that I can match the level of passion of some Purists, but I certainly feel tremendously inspired.  

4. What does it mean to you to be a Purist?

Hmm…this is not an easy one to answer.  It required a bit of contemplation.  I think to me, being a ‘Purist’ means being able to tap into that direct connection with life’s enjoyments solely for the purpose of one’s own personal sense of joy and fulfilment without ulterior motive.  It’s about being able to express that and allowing others to do the same in a free and respectful way.  It’s not about trying to feel or be more important and it’s not about trying to make a profit all the time.  It’s not easy to explain exactly what a ‘Purist’ is but it’s easy to tell who is and who isn’t.    

5. Is there a single element in a watch that is most important to you, and why?

The single most important element in a watch for me isn’t something tangible or that can be pointed out.  It’s simply that feeling you get when you strap it on and it feels just right for some reason.  Maybe it’s the fit or the look or a combination of the two.  Once I got a watch without taking this into account.  I got the watch because it looked ‘cool’ by itself.  Needless to say, I sold the watch within a month so now a watch has to have this special quality about it or I have to feel connected in some way in order for it to be a keeper. 

6. What hobbies do you have outside of horology?

I’m a busy mom with two little ones so free time is mostly centered around keeping them entertained.   When I do have a free moment however, I like to write – poetry and children’s stories, and do crafty projects.  I started golf lessons during the summer and I’m determined to get better but that’s a work in progress.

7. What is the story behind the red velvet cupcakes? Secret family recipe?

It’s hard to find a good red velvet cake or cupcake.  Out of the dozen that I’ve tried there may have been two that were worth the extra money and calories.  Cupcakes have recently become so trendy and they can be quite pricey.  I decided to try to come up with something good of my own.  So I researched, mixed, stirred, baked, tasted and then mixed, stirred, baked and tasted some more until I got something I thought was pretty good.  It was a lot of trial and error and combining different elements from different recipes.  I’m actually still working on the recipe to make it perfect.  And yes, it is a secret and will remain that way.  However anyone planning to visit Southern California, I’d be happy to make some for you.  J

8. Is being a PPro Moderator what you expected? What have you learned?

Yes and no.  I knew it would be challenging and interesting and it has been.  There’s a lot of behind the scenes business that must take place which I’m not used to.  Luckily, I have an awesome partner who is great with dealing with the interpersonal relations and communication.  The entire team has been very supportive with the forum and I’m extremely appreciative of that.  I tend to enjoy the writing aspect of the role a great deal.  Being a woman, I know I’m in the minority within the watch community but it’s actually kind of nice to share a perspective that often doesn’t get expressed or isn’t heard in the watch world. 

Hmm…I learned that Bulgari makes employees and visitors put their feet in a shoe-scrubbing machine before exiting their high-end jewelry workshop…not for a shoe shine but to collect gold dust.  I learned what tubogas is.  (A classic Bulgari jewelry technique that results in flexible linked metal.)  I learned that it’s okay to say you don’t like something just to say it. 

9. What rocks do you want to add to your 'travel jar'?

Gosh, I’d probably need a barrel-sized jug.  But on the top of my list - Tanzania, Vietnam, Morocco, Bali, Tokyo… 

*And anyone who can get me a reservation at French Laundry, I will send you two dozen cupcakes.

10. If you could keep only one watch in your collection, which would it be?

My PAM 159 to pass down to my daughter.

11. Which watch has most recently captured your attention and why?

I have a bunch.  The Montblanc Exo-tourbillon Chronograph is simply breathtaking and the Calibre de Cartier with white dial is gorgeous.  I also recently tried on the Bulgari Serpenti watch in stainless steel and surprisingly, really liked the look and feel of it. I’m dying to try on the new 37mm AP Royal Oak Offshore.  And it would be nice if they made a women’s version of the Bulgari Daniel Roth Endurer.