Background
The Jui Bauhinia marks a new chapter and feels quite different from the original Jui.
Happy Horologists reviewed the first Jui last year. It was a photographer’s dream thanks to its iridescent black mother-of-pearl dial. It also impressed on paper.
The watch measured 39mm across, 9.95mm thick, with a 45.5mm lug-to-lug. Inside was the reliable Miyota 9039. Selten and Watch Ho & Co clearly had a winning formula.
The Bauhinia flower appears on the Hong Kong flag. It is a strong symbol of community and connection. These values sit at the heart of both Watch Ho & Co and Selten, so it makes sense that this watch draws inspiration from it.
Case
The Bauhinia keeps the same case as the original Jui. It measures 39mm across, just 9.95mm thick, and 45.5mm lug-to-lug. The bezel is concave in appearance and fully polished, while the mid-case features horizontal brushing.
The caseback is also polished, continuing the contrast in finishes. The lugs step out from the case rather than being integrated, which adds character to the design. Their tops are slightly bevelled, echoing the mix of polished and brushed surfaces seen across the watch.
These balanced proportions make it easy to wear. It feels refined but not overly formal, which should suit daily wear.
Dial
The biggest change is the dial. The black mother-of-pearl is gone. In its place is natural white mother-of-pearl with CNC-cut guilloché. Buyers can choose between purple or pink tints. Both colours reflect the Bauhinia flower.
Matching straps from HasNoBounds complete the look. The skeletonised steel hands are heat-treated in blue or purple to match each dial. The result is bright and lively, and it is hard not to smile when looking at them.
Leo, the owner of Selten, explained that the process was harder than expected:
“The Jui Bauhinia colour proved far more challenging to perfect than expected. White MOP’s natural iridescence varies a lot, which affects both the pattern and the final tint.
Kristine and I hand-selected every dial twice. First before CNC, and again before tinting, to decide whether purple or pink suited each piece best. Each dial was then checked again before assembly.
The whole QC process took about three times longer than for the original black MOP Jui.
The heated purple and blue hands are the cherries on top. They complete the pair, and I have always wanted to make a purple handset.”
Movement
Inside the Jui Bauhinia is the Miyota 9039 automatic movement. It is known for reliability and a slim profile. This helps keep the watch under 10mm thick while offering dependable performance.
The customised full rotor remains and is visible through the exhibition caseback. The caseback itself is engraved with Watch Ho & Co’s mantra, “Good Vibes Only”, along with the note that each version is limited to 200 pieces.
Experience on the Wrist
Comfort is exactly what you would hope for. Both pieces feel playful and full of character. They almost make you wish for sunshine, just so you can throw on a T-shirt and let the watch shine.
The dial, much like the original Jui, is the real showstopper. This time the colours lean closer to the shades of the Bauhinia flower. Tilt your wrist, though, and other tones start to appear in the light. It is the kind of dial that invites constant glances, and plenty of wrist rolls.
What Would Make Me Happier
I found myself wondering about the different colours of the Bauhinia flower, and what other tints could work on the dial. So I did a bit of research and discovered that the Bauhinia flower can also appear in red/orange, white and magenta. What do you think?
I admit I’m drawn to bright colours, though I know not everyone shares my taste. There’s no denying these shades are bold and in-your-face, likely too much for anyone who prefers a more conservative look.
Specifications:
- Dial: Natural white Tahitian mother of pearl tinted purple/pink with CNC engraved guilloché style mountain pattern, rings motif and discreet Chinese numeral at 2 o’clock. Pink tinted dial comes with heated purple skeletonised hands. Purple tinted dial comes with heated blue skeletonised hands.
- Case Diameter: 39 mm
- Thickness (incl crystal): 9.95 mm
- Lug to Lug: 45.5 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes
- Movement: Miyota 9039 automatic
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with inner anti reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 m
- Bracelet / Strap: HasNoBounds hand stitched sailcloth rubber strap corresponding to dial colour
