Watch Check: The Timepieces That Caught Our Eye at Man at His Best 2024
Every year, Esquire Philippines proudly presents the Man at His Best Awards, an annual celebration of a signature event that honors extraordinary Filipino men and women hailed as heroes and mavericks who are reshaping society. These are the visionaries and changemakers—individuals who have harnessed their talents, skills, and determination to create a lasting impact on Filipino life. Through their work and accomplishments, they embody the spirit of innovation and inspiration, encouraging all of us to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in our own journeys.
This year, the spotlight shines on these remarkable individuals from diverse fields, including film, music, business, politics, and entertainment. Though they hail from different industries, each of these honorees exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a Man at His Best: resilient, passionate, and committed to their craft. Together, they represent the best of the Filipino spirit—bold, transformative, and endlessly inspiring.
At the Esquire Man at His Best Awards 2024 held last November 18 at Hilton Manila, we asked the honorees and special guests about the timepieces they chose to wear that evening, recognizing that a watch often reflects more than just the time—it’s a statement of identity, taste, and values. Celebrated for their achievements and influence, their choice of watch offers a glimpse into their personal journey. Whether it’s a symbol of success, a tribute to heritage, or a reminder of their aspirations, each timepiece carries a story as unique as the individuals wearing it, making it the perfect conversation starter for a night honoring excellence and impact.
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1| Kevin Tan – MAHB Businessman of the Year
Kevin Tan, named Esquire's Businessman of the Year, is a visionary leader redefining the future of Philippine business. As the president of the Tan family’s listed holding company, Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), in addition to his role as Executive Director of Megaworld Corp., Tan has been instrumental in expanding the company’s portfolio across industries like real estate, food, and beverage, and hospitality. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, he continues to push boundaries, positioning the conglomerate as a key player in both local and international markets. Tan’s leadership style combines strategic foresight with a deep commitment to uplifting Filipino communities, earning him admiration as both an executive and an advocate for progress.
On his wrist during the awards ceremony was a Rolex Daytona in Everose Gold with a black ceramic bezel and an Oysterflex strap—a gift from his father one Christmas a few years ago. "This watch was given to me by my father during Christmas a few years back. He has the exact same watch, but it came with a leather strap," Tan said. The watch is highly collectible and very difficult to obtain, known for its robust elegance and legacy in motorsport, holds deep sentimental value for him. His father, who owns a similar Daytona with a leather strap, gifted it to signify tradition, excellence, and shared success. The timepiece is more than an accessory for Kevin; it’s a reminder of family bonds, mentorship, and the drive to continue building a legacy.
2| Carlos Yulo – MAHB Athlete of the Year
"The Cartier is my dream watch, and this watch is very special to me because it was given to me by Chloe," said Carlos Yulo, referring to his girlfriend Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose. He was wearing a petite Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch in a stainless steel case and bracelet. The couple met online sometime in 2020. The two have been said to have eventually met in person during the 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam and have since shared moments at several major competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chloe frequently celebrates Carlos's achievements on social media, showing her support and pride, including her presence at the MAHB awards.
The Cartier Panthère de Cartier is a timeless emblem of understated luxury, making it an appealing choice for people who have recently achieved financial and career success. With its sleek, geometric design, seamless integration of the case and bracelet, and the signature elegance of Cartier, this watch exudes confidence without being ostentatious. The watch has a modern, versatile edge that suits both formal and casual settings, while its legacy as an icon of sophistication resonates with individuals seeking to celebrate their milestones with a piece that signifies refinement and accomplishment.
3| Jose Javier Reyes – MAHB Creative of the Year
This multi-awarded filmmaker, producer, writer, and teacher shows his practical and creative side by choosing this timepiece that combines a bold style with comfort and reliability, making it a perfect accessory for any occasion, day or night. "I love its red face, I love midrange watches, and it is a very practical thing to wear from daytime to evening," said Joey Reyes.
The Swatch Big Bold Midnight Mode watch features a striking red dial that commands attention with its bold and vibrant aesthetic. Designed for those who love making a statement, the watch boasts a large 47mm case with a legible analog aesthetic that perfectly complements the fiery tones of the dial. It has bold hour markers and hands that enhance its modern and minimalist appeal.
4| Amado Forés – MAHB Restaurateur of the Year
Amado Forés is a young and upcoming culinary figure in the Philippines, with his Restaurateur of the Year recognition at the Esquire Man at His Best Awards a testament to his exceptional contributions to the local dining scene. Known for his innovative approach to food, Fores has consistently pushed the boundaries with his restaurants. His recognition at the prestigious awards highlights not only his culinary skills but also his leadership in shaping the local gastronomic landscape.
During the awards night, Forés made an interesting choice of wristwear with a Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 Date. This elegant timepiece from the German watchmaker is renowned for its minimalist design, precision, and understated luxury, making it an ideal complement to the evening's refined atmosphere. The Tangente's clean lines and timeless appeal mirror the essence of Fores' approach to fine dining—sophisticated yet grounded in tradition. With its simple yet distinguished look, the watch added a final touch of class, perfectly aligning with the celebratory and elegant nature of the occasion.
5| Hev Abi – MAHB Music Artist of the Year
A true Quezon City native, Hev Abi embodies his roots in every facet of his art and persona. Growing up around Tomas Morato, his music frequently pays homage to QC’s streets, culture, and spirit. This connection is deeply personal and tangible, with "Souf" tattooed on his knuckles as a nod to Timog Avenue and his independent label, Downtown Q Entertainment, firmly planted in Kyusi. Known for blending lyrical storytelling with beats that resonate across OPM and Filipino rap, Hev Abi has cemented himself as one of the leading voices in modern Filipino music.
Though not a watch enthusiast, Hev Abi’s choice of the Tissot PRX reflects his knack for effortlessly merging style with substance. His Tissot PRX comes with a bright green dial, and its sleek integrated bracelet and retro-modern design align with his urban aesthetic and grounded sensibility. Its minimalist yet bold presence mirrors Hev's ability to stand out while staying true to his QC roots, making it a fitting accessory for an artist whose trajectory is as polished and enduring as the timepiece he wears.
6| Christian Bautista – Singer and songwriter
We spoke with singer - songwriter Christian Bautista at the Preview Ball last September and spotted him again at the MAHB. He was wearing the same circa 2018 Rolex Explorer II sports watch given to him by his wife Kat on their wedding. "Maybe I should wear another watch next time we meet!" said Bautista in jest as we asked him again what timepiece he was wearing this time.
The stainless steel sports watch comes with a 24-hour hand to indicate another timezone and is the perfect traveler’s timepiece. Bautista said it is his daily ticker, and he uses it all the time, and the only time he removes it is when he needs to have it serviced, which is very rare since it’s a Rolex. The white dial face and brushed steel Explorer model pair well underneath Christian’s off-white outfit, which gives it a nice monochrome feel.
7| Jason Scott – Content Creator
Jason Scott, also known as J Scott, is a versatile Filipino content creator, live streamer, and recording artist. Based in the Philippines, he initially gained popularity on the live-streaming platform Kumu, where his singing talent was discovered. Beyond music, Jason is recognized for his work as a lifestyle and fashion influencer, with a focus on styling, adventure, and sports. He has built a strong following on social media platforms like TikTok and Kumu, where he engages fans with his charismatic personality and creative content.
He wore a stainless steel vintage Rolex Precision timepiece, which he said was an heirloom piece. For a very young and talented artist, his choice of timepiece shows that he is an old soul with a taste for fine vintage watches and values his family ties.
8| Kimson Tan – Actor
Well, we save the best for last. The best timepiece, that is. Filipino actor Kimson Tan made a memorable appearance at the Esquire Man at His Best Awards. Known for his charming presence on and off the screen, Tan exuded confidence and style during the evening's celebrations. His sophisticated yet casual look was elevated by the Richard Mille RM011, a striking timepiece that perfectly matched his impeccable sense of style. The actor’s choice of watch reflects his refined taste and keen attention to detail, making a statement without overshadowing the night’s glamour.
The Richard Mille RM011, known for its bold design and exceptional craftsmanship, is Tan's "go-to watch" for special occasions. The watch is as light as it is luxurious, with a titanium case that ensures maximum comfort while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its intricate design, featuring a chronograph and date function, showcases both technical excellence and style, making it the perfect accessory for someone who values both form and function. Tan’s choice of the RM011 demonstrates his preference for a watch that is not only visually captivating but also practical enough for all-day wear, blending sophistication and comfort seamlessly. Depending on the variant, a typical Richard Mille RM011 watch costs about P10 million and up.
