Meet our Concierge team: Mark Shih

1. Please tell us your name!

Hi everyone, my name is Mark Shih.

2. And where did you grow up/where are you from? What is it like in this place? I grew up in Tainan, a historic city rich in culture and heritage. It's often referred to as Taiwan’s cultural capital, full of ancient temples and historical landmarks. Tainan is also known as the “City of Street Food,” offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable traditional snacks—it’s truly a city full of flavour and warmth.

3. Where do you live now? What is it like in this place? I currently live in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. It’s the financial and commercial hub of the country with a population of 2.5 million. The most iconic landmark here is Taipei 101, which once held the title of the world’s tallest building. The area around it is well-planned and vibrant, with endless options for shopping, dining, and entertainment—it’s definitely a place worth visiting.

4. Tell us about your professional background – education, jobs etc? I studied Business Administration at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung. The campus is stunning—situated between the beach of Sizihwan Bay and the lush Shoushan mountain. I even took a sailing class there, which was an unforgettable experience.

While I was still in university, I started my first business by becoming the distributor for the French watch brand Griffin Emblem, which introduced me to the world of watches and e-commerce. Later, I worked as a marketing consultant for a century-old Taiwanese bakery brand, Jiu Zhen Nan, helping them with brand transformation and digital marketing. It’s been over a decade since I started my journey, and I’ve continuously grown through hands-on experience in branding and market strategy.

5. How and when did you 1st get the ‘watch bug’? I became deeply interested in watches during my university years. The first time I saw Jaeger-LeCoultre’s triple-axis tourbillon, I was blown away by the complexity and beauty of the mechanical movement. That moment sparked a dream—I wanted to own a watch like that someday.But when I found out it cost over 10 million NTD, I realized I needed to work a lot harder😂 That moment also motivated me to dig deeper into watchmaking, design, and mechanical engineering, and it sparked a passion that’s stayed with me ever since.

6. What attracted you to working for HORAGE? At the time, I had already been working in the watch industry, and most brands focused mainly on design. When I first discovered HORAGE, I was amazed to learn that a Taiwanese founder had succeeded in developing an in-house movement in Switzerland—that left a deep impression on me. I even rushed back to Tainan just to attend one of their events. I’m very grateful to Tzuyu for giving me the opportunity to start as a marketing consultant for HORAGE. Later, I officially joined the team and helped develop the concept for our Concierge Service Center at Taipei 101—a new model for direct brand service. What attracts me most about HORAGE is that it’s a stage where people with ideas and the courage to try new things can truly thrive.

My favourite is the Autark Tourbillon. It’s a truly high-end watch, packed with cutting-edge technology. What makes it so special is that it’s not just a collector’s piece—it’s a tourbillon that you can actually afford and wear daily. I’m still saving up for one myself!😂 Looking back at that Jaeger-LeCoultre tourbillon I was once fascinated with, it’s stunning, but realistically it’s something you lock away in a safe—it’s not meant for daily wear. That’s what makes HORAGE so appealing to me: it strikes a perfect balance between dream-level craftsmanship and real-world practicality.

HORAGE watches deeply resonate with me because they combine aspiration with functionality, allowing true watch lovers to experience the very best in horology.

8. Tell us about your local market? Taiwan is a very unique market. People here value innovation and quality, which I believe stems from our background in semiconductors and high-tech industries. Culturally, we value hard work, consistency, and precision—traits that align naturally with what HORAGE stands for. That’s why I see every HORAGE customer here not just as a buyer, but as someone who embodies the same spirit of persistence and innovation. I truly love Taiwan and am grateful for all the passionate watch lovers who’ve supported HORAGE’s growth over the years.

9. Do you work 100% for HORAGE or do you have other jobs/roles? If yes, what are they? When I first started as a consultant with HORAGE, I was investing about 20% of my time. After officially joining the team, it became 50%, and now I dedicate around 80% of my time to the company. HORAGE is truly a magical place—whether in Switzerland or abroad, everyone on the team is constantly striving for excellence. Working alongside such top-tier talent makes me want to bring my best to everything I do.

Outside of HORAGE, I have a background in digital advertising and have previously managed campaigns for the three major global watch groups, as well as clients in real estate and land development. However, now that HORAGE is growing rapidly, I’ve shifted nearly all my focus here and rarely take on outside advertising work anymore.  

In addition, I’m still involved in watch brand distribution and continue to represent a few other brands. I’m also an investor in a bistro & bar group called 1.91, which currently operates eight locations across Kaohsiung, Chiayi, and Taoyuan. If you’re in the area, you’re always welcome to stop by for a drink! https://191theatre.com

10. What are your interests/hobbies outside of watchmaking?

I’m a big fan of food. I used to travel around collecting Michelin stars, but in recent years I’ve grown more fond of Taiwanese cuisine and private kitchens. For me, food—just like watchmaking—is a form of art and a reflection of one’s attitude toward life.

I also enjoy visiting art exhibitions and occasionally collect pieces, such as lithographs by Zao Wou-Ki. While these are certainly investments, they also help me refine my sense of aesthetics and bring richness to my daily life.

In the past two years, I’ve started playing golf. It’s not easy, but getting out on the course is a great way to relax. The fun part is—I often wear my HORAGE tourbillon while playing. People around me always get nervous and remind me, “Maybe you should take off your watch first?” And I just laugh and say, “Don’t worry! It’s a HORAGE tourbillon 🤣.”

Thanks Mark for the great interview, you set the bar pretty high!