## Li Ka-shing Ditches Citizen for Apple Watch
Hong KongBillionaire Li ka-shing, frequently enough referred to as the “Warren Buffett of Asia,” has seemingly made a change to his signature understated style. A recent LinkedIn photo posted by Professor Zhen Xu of the University of Michigan shows the 96-year-old magnate sporting an Apple Watch, a departure from his longtime preference for the more affordable Citizen brand.
Li’s preference for Citizen watches was well known.
Back in the early 1990s, as recalled in a 2012 *Forbes* article, Li was described as a picture of understated elegance, sporting the standard dark suit and plain tie of the Asian businessman. His Citizen watch at the time cost a modest US$50. Even in 2016, li was frequently enough photographed wearing a Citizen watch valued at HK$500, a far cry from the luxury timepieces favored by many of his peers. As he explained in a 2016 *Bloomberg* interview, “I don’t need to be careful,” unlike when wearing timepieces costing hundreds of thousands.
Li,who amassed his fortune through successful ventures spanning transportation,real estate,financial services,retail,and energy,founded Cheung Kong Plastics in 1950. He started the company, named after the Yangtze River, at the age of 21 with US$6,500 in savings and loans from relatives.
Today, Li’s net worth is estimated at US$35.9 billion by *Forbes*, making him the wealthiest person in Hong Kong and the 49th richest individual globally.
(Interviewer) “Mr. Li, you’ve been known for your understated style, frequently enough seen wearing Seiko and Citizen watches.We recently saw a photo of you sporting a modern apple Watch. What prompted this change?”
(Li Ka-shing, chuckling) “Well, times change, don’t thay? [[1](https://www.archyde.com/hong-kong-tycoon-li-ka-shing-opts-for-apple-watch-over-citizen/)]I’ve always believed in pragmatism.The Apple Watch offers various functionalities that are beneficial for someone like me who’s always on the go. Plus, it allows me to stay connected with family and colleagues efficiently.”
**(Interviewer)** “Mr. Li, you’ve built a reputation for an understated style, often seen sporting Seiko and Citizen watches. Recently, photos emerged of you with a modern Apple Watch. What prompted this change?”
**(li Ka-shing, chuckling)** “Well, times change, don’t they? [[1](https://www.archyde.com/hong-kong-tycoon-li-ka-shing-opts-for-apple-watch-over-citizen/)]I’ve always believed in pragmatism.The Apple Watch offers various functionalities that are beneficial for someone like me who’s always on the go. Plus, it allows me to stay connected with family and colleagues efficiently.”
