Heroine Tourbillon Watch

When the magical art of traditional Chinese opera meets the precision of fine watchmaking, an extraordinary journey unfolds. Renowned Hong Kong tourbillon watch brand Memorigin has collaborated with Wai Fei Hung Hathor, Hong Kong's first female Sichuan Opera face-changing (bian lian) artist and Grand Gold Medal winner at the World Championships of Performing Arts, to unveil the Heroine Tourbillon Watch.

As the daughter of national treasure-level master Wai Shui Kwan, Hathor Wai travelled alone to Shanghai years ago to undergo rigorous training in Peking Opera movement and performance techniques. Through remarkable perseverance, she broke the century-old tradition that dictated face-changing should only be passed down to men. She once set a record by performing 35 face changes in a single performance and has also incorporated pop music, cartoon-inspired masks and hip-hop dance into her performances, bringing fresh new dimensions to this traditional art form. This year marks the 20th anniversary of her family's performance company, and this cross-industry collaboration with Memorigin transforms her spirit of innovation and dedication to preserving cultural heritage into a timeless expression, captured within every passing second.

To commemorate this collaboration, Hathor Wai specially created a brand-new performance entitled Heroine, inspired by ten legendary heroines from Chinese history. The performance will make its public debut on September 4, 2026, at the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair. Through the art of face-changing, Hathor Wai hopes to inspire more people to gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and history.

The Heroine Tourbillon Watch features a skeletonized dial inspired by traditional opera masks, where the dynamic artistry of Chinese opera meets the precision and intricate mechanics of the tourbillon movement. The design reflects Hathor Wai’s unwavering passion, dedication, and perseverance in her pursuit of artistic excellence. The upper portion of the dial is engraved with the four Chinese characters “巾幗英雄”, honouring her courage as a female pioneer who broke gender barriers and championed Chinese cultural heritage.

The hour and minute hands take the form of an elegant lady and a finely crafted sword respectively. As time passes, the hands cross paths across the dial, evoking the image of a modern heroine gracefully wielding her sword on stage. When the two hands align precisely on the hour, they symbolize the highest realm of martial artistry, where the warrior and the sword become one. Turning the watch over reveals the movement through a sapphire crystal case back, engraved with the official logo of Wai's Mask Illusion Entertainment Company, giving the timepiece enduring commemorative significance.

Powering the watch is a tourbillon movement comprising 155 components and 18 jewels. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 40-hour power reserve, delivering exceptional stability and precision. These qualities mirror Hathor Wai's artistry on stage, where flawless technique and unwavering composure define every performance.