Saturday, May 14, 2016

Why should you go vintage (sometimes)?


Watches that are over 30 years old are what we call vintage watches. Vintage watches have been hot for the past few years in Hong Kong.
 
Prices had been rocketing for a while before they stabilized a bit. The best-selling vintage watches come from Rolex. The Submariner Red, the Double-Red Sea-dweller, the Paul Newman Daytona…you name it.
 
At HKWF, we do not only focus on the watches that fetch astronomical prices at auctions. We would like to provide you with a broader perspective on the world of horology.
 

The world of vintage watches is enormous and we know it. Other than owning new watches released by different brands, buying good-looking vintage watches can enrich your collection.
 
 
Here are some real reasons why you should start your vintage watch collection.
 

1.      As investment

From a more monetary point of view, buying vintage watches can be a good kind of investment. Nobody did expect that a Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller could have reached today’s price. These watches will only get rarer and rarer as time passes and in the long term, these watches will increase in their value, or at least retain it. Therefore, buying vintage watches, not only those from big brands like Rolex, can be a good choice of investment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Famous design at an affordable price
Let’s be not so realistic now. Despite the fact that you may gain a certain amount of money from investing in vintage watches, you can get your hands on some very famous designs at a relatively affordable price.
 
For example, a vintage Ref.1803 Rolex Day-date is way cheaper than a brand new one in the current lineup. So, why not go vintage sometimes if you find the prices of new watches hard to believe?
 
 
 

A beautiful Rolex Day Date Ref.1803 with white dial. Typical Price HKD$39,000 to 54,000
 

 

3. Designs that would always remain in the past, not the present or the future

Each vintage watch has its own character and design chic. These features are unlikely to reappear in modern watches.
 
Of course, you will argue that there are always these re-edition watches you can buy from manufactures like Longines and Tudor.
 
Look at the Black Bay and the Longines Heritage Collection, you will understand that the feeling of history cannot be bought in new watches. Moreover, the re-editions often do not truly adhere to their ancestors. The addition of the date window and the enlargement of the case often ruin these great designs.




 
4. A matter of taste
Collecting vintage watches is often a reflection of a person’s taste. Imagine wearing the Rolex Submariner 16610 and wearing a Rolex 1680, what is the difference?
 
 
The difference lies in the fact that the 1680 is rarer and less seen on the street. You do not want your watch worn everywhere, right? Wearing a nicely preserved vintage watch can be an exhibition of your taste.
At HKWF, we have a wide range of second-hand watches for you to choose from.
 
Some watches are more vintage while some are not.
 
However, all are guaranteed in very good conditions. We will share with you our selection of good vintage watches and good deals. Some deals are from us while some are from others. Please do keep tuning in for the latest information.
 
Jason L
HK Watch Fever Group


PS

Submariner Ref.1680 is available in market at US$7,000 to 19,000 (red line is collectible and more expensive)
 
 

Friday, May 13, 2016

6 reasons why you should get the new Rolex Daytona Ceramic 116500LN



The new Rolex Daytona Ref.116500LN was released at this year’s Baselworld. We know that it will be a crazy hit for any watch enthusiast. However, if you are still thinking about whether to save up for the watch, here are six reasons why you actually should.



1.      It is an icon.

For years, the Rolex Daytona has been one of the most celebrated watches in the world. In the world of Rolex, it represents the most expensive model of Rolex’s stainless steel watches (the Yacht Master ii excluded). If you want to upgrade from your world of Submariners and GMTs, it is time to get a Daytona.



2.      The new ceramic bezel

The 116500LN features a black ceramic bezel. As we all know, a ceramic bezel is scratch-proof. On the 116520 Daytona which features a polished stainless steel bezel, one of the big problems is that the bezel attracts a lot of scratches. We can often see second-hand 116520 which are full of scratches on the bezel, the most obviously seen part of the watch. With that said, it is easier for you to keep your watch as mint as possible with the new 116500LN.



3.      The only “complicated” stainless steel Rolex

The Rolex Daytona is the only stainless steel Rolex with a complication (GMT function excluded). It has been Rolex’s only chronograph for years. Although you may not fully utilize the chronograph function, it might be time for you to taste something different from your three-hand time-only watch.



4.      Increased accuracy

As Rolex is now imposing new standards other than the COSC standards they have been observing, Rolex watches are now +2/-2 per day according to their new independent certification.



5.      “Panda” style


If you have been in the watch world for long enough, or not so long, you may have noticed how expensive a “Paul Newman” Daytona 6263 is, especially those that feature a “Panda” dial. The new 116500LN white dial version features something similar. The three black sub-dial rings sit on the while dial which gives you a close-to-Paul-Newman experience.


6.  It is Rolex!

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group

Introducing the new Zenith Heritage Pilot Café Racer


At Baselworld 2016, Zenith released another watch in their Pilot line. Zenith has, for the last few years, released some very impressive pilot watches which successfully combine classic charms with modern functions. Here we have the newest addition to the line, the Zenith Heritage Pilot Café Racer.

 

 

At first glance, you will notice the huge beige Arabic numerals and the big onion crown. Both features give the watch a very retro style which is way stronger than previous editions. But before we go further into the aesthetics of the watch, you may question : What is a Café Racer?
 

 



 

A café racer is a super lightweight and minimal motorcycle which is a sheer pursuit of speed. Motorcyclists remove all unnecessary equipment and optimize their café racers for speed and handling. These motorcycles feature low-mounted handlebars, prominent seat cowling and elongated fuel tank, which all recall design cues of 1960s Grand Prix motorcycles. These motorcycle are for quick races over short distances, very often from one café to another.
 
 

 
 

Although it might be awkward for a pilot watch to be closely linked with motorcycles, the watch does get its vintage design cues from the vintage feeling of café racers. The watch features a 45mm aged stainless steel case, which may be well why the watch has Café Racer in its name. The aged stainless case is specially treated that each case is different. The dial is slate-grey in color which is slightly grained and it combines with beige hands and numerals for a more textured look.
 
 
 

The sapphire crystal is domed and there is a Café Racer engraved on the case back. It will be even better if Zenith has opted for an acrylic crystal to complete the vintage-inspired look. The small seconds sub-dial is at 9 o’ clock and the 30-minute chronograph sub-dial is at the 3 o’ clock position.
 


Included with the watch is a distressed olive strap with a titanium buckle. The movement of the watch is the El Primero 4069 which beats at 36,000VpH and has 50 hours of power reserve. The retail price is USD$7100.


If you are looking for a rugged-looking pilot watch, this might well be your choice. Of course you might choose pilot watches from other manufactures, such as IWC or even Patek Philippe, but this Zenith offers you a lot at a very reasonable price. It gives you a lot of wrist presence at 45mm (14.5mm thickness) and the watch sits high upon the wrist. It is a very stylish and young choice of a good-looking and hard-to-be-ignored pilot watch.

 
At HKWF we offer very good discounts on Zenith watches. Please inquire us if you are interested.

Whatsapp me at +639989811111 or +639175854633

I can deliver to Philippine Zenith Fans by hand.

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group

 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570 BNIB


 
 
 
Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570 BNIB on sale,
 
5 years Warranty
 
Cash HK$48,000
 
While stock lasts
 
 
HK Snob
HK Watch Fever group

Rolex GMT Master II Batman Ref 116710BLNR





Rolex GMT Master II batman Ref 116710BLNR on sale Full Set BNIB

Five year Warranty

Cash HKD$65,500

Whilst stock lasts


HK Snob
HK Watch Fever

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Rolex Submariner Hulk Ref 116610LV HK AD Watch "888* on Sale




After Daytona Ref 116520 Black has reached level of almost non-existent state in all shop's window

This Submariner Hulk is also one of the hard-to-find-item from Rolex.

Now We got some HK AD '888" stock for you.

Only 3 pieces available.

Price is Specially set for HKD$68,000 cash deal

Watch is dated April 2016

FCFS

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group

Monday, May 9, 2016

Phillips Watch Auction in Hong Kong





One of the City Watch Auction that you should go.

Preview on 28-30 May 2016

the Auction is on 31 May 2016

Venue : :Landmark Mandarin

Refer to this catalgues for your mobile preview.... See you there with our HK Watch fever Members at the preview.

http://www.joomag.com/magazine/the-hong-kong-watch-auction-two/0868576001462485926?short

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Rolex Daytona Two Tone model number has just been changed

 
This is older version Ref 116523
 
 
 
 
This is new version Ref 116503 note the bezel design is different
 
 

Rolex has changed new Model Number for Daytona Two Tone from Ref 116523 to 116503.

With the difference on the bezel, newer design has a triangular mark on the bezel whereas old one using dots!

New design on dial is also different
The Centre sub dial is marked 20, 40, 60 on new and 3, 6, 9,12 on older one

The hour index on new design is bigger and wider.

The Location of "Swiss" "made" is also different!

Which one do you like?


Ref. No. 116503
Movement Automatic
Case material Gold/Steel
Bracelet material Gold/Steel
Caliber
Movement Automatic
Movement/Caliber 4130
Power reserve 72 h
Number of jewels 44
Frequency 28800 A/h

Case
Case material Gold/Steel
Case diameter 40 mm
Thickness 11.2 mm
Waterproof 10 ATM
Material bezel Yellow gold
Glass Sapphire Glass  
Price In HKD
Daytona Two Tone no diamond $124,100
Daytona Two Tone with diamond dial $138,000
Daytona Two Tone MOP $$142,800
Daytona Tahitian MOP with Diamond $157,500
Rolex AD offer less 5% with Credit Card.
Parallel Import is a about less 20% discount by cash
HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group

What Topic should we focus more!?

Frankly speaking, we need feedback from you on hat topics we should write more..

Please let us know such that we can change

HK Snob

Saturday, May 7, 2016

2016 Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN

 
 

It seems official MSRP price has been released overseas but not yet in Rolex  AD HK.

The Overseas price is US$12,400

Converted to HKD is HK$96,100

Since there is launch of this new Daytona soon in August/September.

There we can see there is something happened.

The dealer is keen on keeping up old stock of Ref 116520.

So we can see two extremes, price is very high as Black HK$97,000 and White HK$94,000 which is almost $9,000 higher than it as in 2015.

Rolex Had discontinued the production of older version Ref 116520.

So there is lesser new unit in the market, What I can see is that a lot of people will keep waiting for new one 116500LN, and on the other hand, many people will try to buy the pre-owned one which still stand at a quite reasonable price say for black HK$76,000 to 88,000.

So, what is your choice?

1. Wait for new Daytona C Ref 116500LN ?
2. Go to buy high for new old stock of Ref 116520?
3. Go buy a pre-owned 116520?

Note , As for those who made a reservation to me on new Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN.

I would like to collect deposit of US$4,000 or will have hard time to mobilize my cash flow to buy for all you Fans of the new Daytona. of course those who offers me deposit would get it with priority!

Up to now I have 11 reserved for White and 1 black!
(1 from BR, AU, SIN, UK and rest are all from the Philippines.)

It is quite sarcastic that HKWF being a HK Blogger does not get any request from HK... LOL!

Note that one renowned HK Rolex AD in TST has been offering their client with HKD$140K for the new Daytona C. Knowing that the list has been queuing up over 60.

This new Daytona C will create a lot of heats at least 5X of GMT Master II BLNR Batman and Deep Sea Blue...

Let's watch out!

HK Snob

PS , I almost forget the Singaporean Friend is actually working in HK, so he is a HK potential buyer.


Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 Birch Dial on Sale

Day Date with birth dial on left

 



Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 birch dial on sale
 
Diameter 36mm
 
18KT yellow gold with President bracelet with 22 links
 
It comes with paper, and Box
 
HKD$89,000
 
HK Snob
HK Watch Fever
 
 


Watch Fever Club Gathering 7 May 2016; Day Date day






Rolex Day Date day

Rolex Day Date Ref 18039 black dial
Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 birch dial (with Paper) on sale
Rolex Day Date Ref 18039 With Dial

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever

Thursday, May 5, 2016

10 best all-day watches under HKD$150k recommended by Hong Kong Watch Fever


He and here and there are a lot of friends asking what is the best ten watches we may buy under HKD$150,000 (USD$20K approximately).

All day watches mean that it can be used everyday in office, parties, water proof, and is value for money.

In fact there are a lot of choices under the category, but this is as I say more likely to be personal-preferred-or-biased as you can say, but We have to explain on why so…




1.      The Rolex Daytona
It goes without saying that the Daytona is one of the most celebrated watches in the world. Nearly everybody wants one. You can wear it with suit and tie or with casual looks. It can accompany you on dressier occasion or sportier occasion where you might use the otherwise seldom activated chronograph function.

The Daytona will give you high publicity, no matter you enjoy it or not. Its oyster case ensures that it will not be spoiled when you go swimming with it. With the highest popularity among other watches here, we claim it the best all-day watch for you. 

The 2016 Daytona can be had at around HKD100,000 officially, however due to the hot demand, the initial price will be marked at HKD140,000 at one of AD in Tsim Sha Tsui.











2.      Audemars Piguet Royal oak (chronograph)

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak offers you an elegant yet sporty watch to wear all day long. It is the second best to the Daytona because it is not as tough as the Daytona. The caliber in the Royal Oak might not withstand as much beating as the Daytona. However, it is still a wise choice as it offers you an elegantly cut case, polished and brushed, and a very beautifully done bracelet. As I always mention , the Royal Oak Hexagonal design watch case is likely one of the best watch designs for the next 150 years since 1972.






If you happen to like the chronograph version better, I suggest you go with the discontinued 39mm version which looks much nicer and offers more color combination. It is also cheaper than the 41mm version. 

As one of the classics in the world of horology, the Royal Oak gives you an understated yet hard-to-be-ignored glamour. 

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41mm can be had at around HKD110,000 and the 41mm chronograph version can be had at around HKD146,000 while the 39mm chronograph version can be had at 120k -130k HKD.



3.      Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso 

Can you wear a watch on strap for all day? Yes. You can. Because the JLC Reverso is designed for polo players. If polo players can wear them, why can’t you?

The Reverso features a reversible case. One side of it displays the hour, the minute and the seconds while the other side could display other functions or just blank.  

When you do sports, you can reverse the case so that the blank side can take the beating. The blank side could well be a nice accessory for some as engraving can be done on that side. Pair your Reverso with a nice strap, be it a Horween Shell Cordovan or an alligator strap, you will find it a glamorous little watch that can rise to any challenges. 

You might get a reverso in Rose Gold under HKD 150K




4. Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar.

This is the Perpetual Calendar watch you have to get under HKD 150K. 

Where can you find a reputed Swiss Perpetual Calendar at this price? I mean, it is the rose gold version!





In steel, it costs even less, which is why this watch is awesome. With a slightly grained white dial, the watch displays the day, the date, the hour, the minute, the second and the year. It has a moon phase display at 12’o clock. The shape of the ultra thin case is magnificent.  

At 39mm wide, this watch will give you just about all information you need while admiring how beautiful it is. It is a very good all-day watch for any attire.




5.      The Rolex Day-Date 36mm

You may know that I will not ignore the Day Date as one of my choice, as I use it for swimming, hiking, presentation to my client, travelling. You can absolutely get a Rolex Day-Date on strap for less than 150k. On bracelet it may cost a little more. However, the Rolex DD is one of the most classic watches in the world of horology.  

Day Date can have a wide range of price for Day Date


A 1803 Yellow gold Day Date with leather strap is about HKD36,000

Say 1803 Yellow gold Range between HKD50,000 t0 100,000

18039 White gold range between HKD$90,000 to 120,000

A special Dial Day Date will be very pricy such as a Onyx will be HKD$180,000

A Platinum Day Date Black dial can be HKD200,000

A Platinum Day Date with Blood stone dial can be HKD 260,000!



If you choose to pick up one of the 36mm DD on strap, you may as well choose the one with a green dial paired with a green alligator strap. No matter how big your wrist is, the DD is always as sharp as a meteorite.





How about a DD on President Bracelet? It is wonderful. The bracelet will make you unwilling to take off your watch. That is why you can wear it all day. It is there on your wrist but you can barely feel it.





6.      A Lange 1815
You can get an A Lange 1815 at around HKD 150K. But you might not want to wear it all day as it is like a belle you will not risk damaging.

The watch has a manual-wound caliber on which the 3/4 plate is made of German silver. Several rubies are screwed in with gold chatons and the hand-decorated swan neck adjustment are just imposing to view.




It is a simple and classic choice from a German manufacture. You can look at it all day long. When you get tired of the dial, look at the movement and you will start winding it again.





7.      Audemars PIguet Millenary 

The Audemars Piguet Millenary can be had at around HKD150k. It offers really a lot.

First, it has a skeleton case through which you can see how the movement works. And that is something else. The gold bridge together with the balance wheel gives you a feast of sight. Let’s not forget the engraved 22k gold rotor.





It does look like a dress watch. However, with all the dynamic display of the movement and the case shape, it is so one of a kind with some sporty character.
 


8.      Piaget Altiplano 900p

I know it might not be everyone’s choice. But if you are into thin watches, this might as well be a good choice for you to wear all day long – the Piaget Altiplano 990p.

To maximize the use of space, the "caseback" is actually the baseplate for the movement components. This means that there is one layer less on the back of the watch. Additionally, the dial here is a smaller, off-center unit that is set into the bridges, again cutting down on the thickness that results from laying a dial on top of a movement. 

From the front, you can see the dazzling gears and movement parts working in harmony. This is something to behold, isn’t it?



9.      Breguet Type xxi 3817


This 2016 new release from Breguet is another iteration of the famous Type xx family. It features a slate grey dial with oversized beige numerals. It is a vintage-inspiring chronograph with fly-back function.



At 42 mm, this pilot watch features a 22k gold rotor. Which pilot watch would feature a gold rotor except the Patek one?

Whether you are a pilot or not, this watch is one of the most eye-catching pilot watches which has coin-edge and bears the name of Breguet and it is a good all-day watch when you have your pilot dream.
Not enough?

It offers you a very good alternative for vintage style watches if you are tired of Panerai. *1




10.  Patek Philippe 5167

Whether it is the version with a rubber strap or the version with a bracelet, with 150k, you can get this entry-level Patek Philippe for the sake of owning a Patek Philippe.




Remarks.
There is no ranking between these ten watches on this post.



Jason L
HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group