Lee Seo-jin prefers wearing luxury mechanical watches for hiking and daily life

Actor Lee Seo-jin revealed on the GQ KOREA YouTube channel on the 23rd that he wears mechanical luxury watches even while hiking, stating he prefers using items comfortably rather than keeping them tucked away at home.

Actor Lee Seo-jin has revealed a unique philosophy regarding high-end luxury watches. Rather than keeping expensive timepieces carefully stored at home, he maintains a style of wearing them comfortably in his daily life. He even drew attention by revealing that he wears mechanical luxury watches while hiking, emphasizing the practical use of an item over its price or rarity.

On the 23rd, a video titled "Lee Seo-jin's connection with Bvlgari that started from dishwashing, we've come this far. The TIME of four men gathered because they like watches" was released on the YouTube channel GQ KOREA. In the video, Lee Seo-jin shared his preferences and experiences regarding watches with the cast, including comedian Lee Yong-ju.

“I like casual styles,” Lee Seo-jin stated, adding, “I don't really like dressing up much.” He noted that this preference is reflected in his choice of watches, explaining that he views luxury watches through a casual lens and prefers designs that can be worn comfortably rather than those suited for formal attire.

He also expressed clear views on highly rare collector's items. “If someone offered to give me a collector's item as a gift, I would refuse,” Lee said. This implies that even if a product has high collectible value or is difficult to obtain, he has no desire for it if he cannot actually use it. He places greater value on utilizing luxury items in daily life than on the mere possession of them.

Lee continued his candid remarks regarding his watch-wearing habits. “If I'm just going to keep a watch tucked away at home, I don't particularly want it,” he said. “My style is to just wear it comfortably, whether it gets scratched or not. I'm not the type to baby them.” He explained that rather than hesitating to wear an expensive watch for fear of scratches, he uses them according to their intended purpose.

He also revealed why he does not use smartwatches. Lee stated that he has never worn a smartwatch, noting that he has a habit of starting his day by putting on a watch since he was young. “While I started my days with digital watches when I was young, mechanical watches are my routine,” he explained. He views a watch not just as a device to check the time, but as a personal daily ritual that signals the start of his day.

When Lee Yong-ju asked if he also avoids wearing a smartwatch during exercise, Lee Seo-jin replied, “I don't.” He then drew interest from the cast by revealing, “I go hiking wearing mechanical luxury watches.” Instead of a smartwatch that can track exercise volume or heart rate, he chooses his familiar mechanical watches, a moment that clearly demonstrated his preference for not treating expensive watches as items to be brought out only on special occasions.

Born in 1971, Lee Seo-jin debuted in the 1999 SBS drama House on the Waves and has appeared in various works such as Lee San, Wind in the Palace, Gyebaek, Very Good Times, and Marriage Contract. Beyond dramas, he has been beloved for his characteristic candid and nonchalant charm in variety programs including Grandpas Over Flowers, Youn's Kitchen, Three Meals a Day, Jinny's Kitchen, The Game Caterers, Lee Seo-jin's New York New York, and My Secretary.

These remarks have garnered attention for showcasing Lee's realistic attitude toward possessions. Rather than being cautious with use because an item is a luxury, his attitude is to fully enjoy the things he likes in his daily life. His watch philosophy—placing meaning in wearing and living with a watch rather than preserving it without a single scratch—aligns with his easygoing tastes.

Read the original (Korean)