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Dr Howard Chang of Smile Circle in the Sydney suburb of Five Dock enjoys finding specific pieces when adding to his trading card and watch collections.
“When I need to take time off and disengage from work and study, collecting trading cards is my way to unwind. I’m not a super serious collector; I’m only interested in a few types of cards. I like collecting football cards, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. While I have a few hundred of each type, my main interest is basketball cards. I am more picky with them and have a few dozen that I really like.
“I’ve obtained many cards online but I like to visit card meets too. It’s a great way to see what’s out there and what people are collecting. My pride and joy is an autographed LeBron James card that’s one of 25. I don’t put a dollar value on my cards; I collect for the joy of it.
“I’m originally from Canada where I obtained a Bachelor of Dental Science from The University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Dentistry in 2018. I came to Australia in 2020 to study medicine and obtained my Doctor of Medicine from the Western Sydney University School of Medicine in 2024. I started collecting cards—and watches—when I arrived in Australia.
“Watch collecting takes up more of my time. There is no particular brand I prefer, but I like a watch with an understated style that’s good for everyday wear—something that’s dynamic but also universal. At present, I have nine watches including two more expensive watches that are only for special occasions. I tend to be in the mid-market segment, though there are lower end watches I like very much.
“All my watches have mechanical movements and I have a watch winder so I don’t have to reset and wind each watch when I want to wear it. I particularly like watches that celebrate a special moment in my life. I purchased a Rolex Explorer when I graduated medical school. It’s a lower end Rolex but I love the design, look and feel of it. I’ve also got my eye on a Tudor Black Bay 36 that’s simple and elegant.
“When it comes to collecting, finishing a set is not what drives me. I get satisfaction out of the process and the time spent looking for specific pieces. Every time I find something, I learn a little bit more about myself and what I like. The process also brings me into contact with other like-minded people who share similar interests. It’s fascinating.”
