Kevin Lo the Vintage Guy
Taipei based Kevin Lo is a licensed dental practitioner during the day, but on his time off he is capturing intimate moments between people and their watches. Today we discuss how Kevin is exploring his love for vintage timepieces through his photography and his opinions when it comes to watch collecting.
Born in Taiwan, he moved to South Africa with his family where he had attended grade school. It was around this time when he first sparked an interest in timepieces when he had noticed a classmate’s Tag Heuer. Wanting to become a watchmaker in the later years of his life, he ended up pursuing an education in dentistry in Poland. Today he is a practicing dentist working on human teeth rather than the mechanical teeth of an escapement.
Was growing up in South Africa difficult as a Taiwanese person?
“I moved to South Africa when I was 12, as a fat teenage Asian kid I found it a little difficult to blend in with the others. But after a year or two I got used to it so I wouldn’t say the experience was difficult. My dad wasn’t the nicest of guys He was pretty strict towards my brother and I, especially towards me about my weight. To me my father was tougher than SA itself but dude, I survived! I believe he’s the reason why I’m still shy towards others.”
As the years passed his passion for timepieces transcended the emotional need to own
“Honestly speaking, there aren’t any watches that I really want now. I enjoy seeing people wearing them [watches], more then I actually do so that’s why I snap quite a few photos. I don’t write anymore, I just take pictures, and that’s what I enjoy most now even more than collecting.”
Can you explain your preference for vintage timepieces over modern watches?
“Hmm…I guess I can feel them somehow? New watches are too perfect, the case, the movement, the glass, everything is too nice. Like all modern objects, when things are perfect they become the same and when they are same they become soulless. Back then people made watches by hand not computers so it was normal to see slight deviations on certain parts. Those minor imperfections are where they differ from each other so when you see two of the same watches they’re actually not the same. To me, that’s their soul, that’s their character. “
You’re a dentist by trade, but you’re around other artists who are from completely different walks of life. How did you establish this sphere of influence?
“I am a big fan of classic men’s wear. I purchase my clothing from a tailor shop. Most of my trousers are from there. Getting it tailored in this country is much cheaper when compared to any shop in North America, so that’s why I am able to do this. I’ve met many of my friends there. We were friends way before I asked to photograph them.”
Getting in touch with newer collectors
“I think most of the people want Rolex. I mean they’re nice watches, but you get this advice in my country where new collectors are told by more experienced collectors to save their money and just buy a Rolex. But this way you won’t really enjoy the watch, you have to work your way up to the brand [Rolex] to really enjoy it. So my advice to new collectors is stay open minded.
Wear your watch, otherwise it’s dead. The watch only has life on your wrist, otherwise it’s just an object.”
Final Thoughts & Gumlines
At the end of our talk, I asked Kevin if he had any questions for me. What came out of it boiled down to both our careers and whether we were still in love with what we did. We did find a lot of common ground on certain aspects of our jobs.
One thing that he did communicate to me, and that I wanted to share with you all is how important being consistent with your oral hygiene is. In his words:
“We are artist, we need people to appreciate our work.”
Don’t let your dental work be in vain. Don’t neglect your teeth.
If you’re inspired by his photography(all the photos included in this article), you should definitely check out his Instagram as well as his Facebook page which you can find below. When I first spoke to Kevin, it was first about how amazing his photos were, but if you’re also interested in how to better care for your teeth, Kevin is your guy.
