Champion Jockey Zac Purton and eight Oriental Fine Gentlemen kicked off Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday 2019 with the sensational Bow Tie Walk

Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday has become an annual sensation in Hong Kong. This year, Oriental Watch Company will join hands with The Hong Kong Jockey Club once again to present the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday which will be held on 20th October 2019. Racegoers are invited to attend the races in attires adorned with bow ties or bow-related elements to grace the event with elegance and glamour. To call for gentlemen’s support, Oriental Watch Company debuted the Bow Tie Walk last year, which became the talk of the town. Bow Tie Walk and Fine Gentlemen Evening made a glorious return this year on 6th September 2019, inviting eight Oriental Fine Gentlemen namely, Mr. Dennis Yeung, Managing Director of Oriental Watch Company Limited, Mr. Tony Chang, Managing Director of Ascot Chang, Mr. Justin Chang, Deputy Managing Director of Ascot Chang, Mr. Frankie Lor, renowned horse trainer, Mr. Lok Lor, Mr. Frankie Lor’s personal assistant, Mr. Vincent Ho, renowned jockey and winner of 2018/2019 Tony Cruz Award, and renowned actors Mr. Alex Fong and Mr. Kevin Chu, in company of special guest three-time Champion Jockey Mr. Zac Purton, representatives of watch brands and friends of the media, to promote gentleman’s culture and give Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday 2019 a stylish and lively head-start. Among the eight Oriental Fine Gentlemen, Mr. Dennis Yeung is the second-generation of the famous Oriental Watch Company, Mr. Tony Chang and Mr. Justin Chang epitomise inheritance in bespoke tailoring, while the two Mr. Lors make a much-admired father-and-son duo in the horseracing sector. Together with Mr. Vincent Ho, the star of the new generation jockey, and Mr. Alex Fong and Mr. Kevin Chu, both swimmers-turned-actors, the Gentlemen perfectly exemplify this year’s theme “There is a Gentleman in Every Man: Honour and Legacy”.

Dazzling with glamour, the gentlemen gathered at the historic Tai Kwun, a Declared Monuments of Hong Kong, all dressed up in graceful attires, matched with bow ties and magnificent timepieces from eight watchmaking brands including CORUM, FRANCK MULLER, Girard Perregaux, Grand Seiko, H. Moser & Cie., IWC, Parmigiani Fleurier, and Piaget. After a group photo at the starting point, the crowd took off from Tai Kwun, paraded through the streets and alleys, including Pottinger Street, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic pathways. The handsome troop attracted many to stay and observe, while Bow Tie Walk successfully staged a massive rally for Bow Tie Raceday, openly inviting men around the street corners to chest up and uphold their honour as a true gentleman.

 

Right after a photograph at the finishing point at The Center, the party took a ride to The Millions at Happy Valley Racecourse, the venue where the Fine Gentlemen Evening would take place. Mistress of Ceremony Ms Crystal Leung invited Mr. Anthony Tsang, Senior Marketing Manager (Greater China Region) of Oriental Watch Company on stage to introduce the concept of Bow Tie Walk, Fine Gentlemen Evening and Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday 2019, after which representatives of tailoring partner Ascot Chang, Mr. Tony Chang and Mr. Justin Chang, who specially designed the bespoke suits of Mr. Zac Purton and the eight Oriental Fine Gentlemen, celebrities Mr. Alex Fong and Mr. Kevin Chu were invited on stage respectively to elaborate on their perception of a fine gentleman.

A lucky draw was then staged, offering attracting prizes including a Grand Seiko timepiece, a bespoke suit set sponsored by Ascot Chang, a Le Petit Prince Solitaire Doué LeGrand Rollerball sponsored by Montblanc, a pair of bespoke shoes sponsored by Shoe Artistry, a set of Handmade Metallic Clay Tea Ware sponsored by Yú Teahouse, and spirits sponsored by Leung Yick Co. Ltd. Prizes were drawn and presented by the Oriental Fine Gentlemen and Mr. Zac Purton, bringing the atmosphere to climax, followed by champagne toasting that brought the ceremony to completion.

Mr. Dennis Yeung, Managing Director of Oriental Watch Company, remarked, “We are delighted to work hand in hand with The Hong Kong Jockey Club for the fifth consecutive year to host Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday. Bow Tie Walk made a great sensation last year and we are most honoured to have with us today so many fine gentlemen once again to participate in this eye-opening gentleman showcase. With this year’s theme ‘There is a Gentleman in Every Man: Honour and Legacy’, we have arranged a route that starts from the time-honoured Tai Kwun, walking through the century-old stone terrace in Pottinger Street, and ends at The Center. On behalf of the organisers, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all racegoers to support the Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday and attend the races on 20th October in attires with bow ties or bow-related elements.”

Mr. Tony Chang and Mr. Justin Chang of Ascot Chang shared, “We believe that every man is unique and has his own character. Only a one-on-one bespoke hand worked suit can bring out the particular demeanour of a man. Bespoke tailoring is all about the fabrics, cutting and details, which coincidentally match with the virtues of a true gentlemen – authentic elegance from the inside out.”
 

Renowned actor Mr. Alex Fong remarked, “My training as an athlete taught me the qualities of a true gentleman – dedication, modesty and confidence, both for self and others – being a gentleman is an attitude. I am excited to join Bow Tie Walk and Fine Gentlemen Evening as one of the eight Oriental Fine Gentlemen. I would like to invite everyone to support 2019 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday.”

Renowned actor Mr. Kevin Chu remarked, “I am particularly moved by this year’s theme ‘There is a Gentleman in Every Man: Honour and Legacy’, which presented me with another perspective to perceive the true meaning of being a gentleman – honour and legacy that withstand the test of time and being inherited generations by generations. This is a benchmark as well as a target, constantly reminding us to discover the gentlemen spirit deep inside our heart and live up to the true meaning of ‘There is a Gentleman in Every Man’.”

After the ceremony, the guests were invited to enjoy the Fine Gentlemen Evening. Inspired by legacy of old-time gentlemen, the venue was decorated to accommodate the appearance of the attending gentlemen, featuring a variety of multi-branded activity booths including one-on-one bespoke tailoring experience by Ascot Chang, writing instrument showcase by Montblanc, a handmade bespoke shoe services by Shoe Artistry, healthy tea tasting by Yú Teahouse, and a tasting of top-notch Scottish gin by Hendricks. At the same time, the three interactive game stalls, namely It’s Mini Croquet, Toss & Bow and Yes! We Can were inspired by the classic games from old-time amusement parks. In addition, a specially-designed photo booth was set up on the balcony to engage the guests, while they enjoyed bow-tie-themed canapé and drinks as a live band staged a performance.

Stay tuned with us for more details on the coming Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday 2019.

Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Gentlemen’s Bow Tie Raceday 2019
Date    : 20th October, 2019 (Sunday)
Venue : Sha Tin Racecourse