Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Buying time: HKWF’s recommendations of watches under 100k (HKD)


1.      IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days


 
The IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days is one of the most popular IWC models seen on the wrists of watch enthusiasts.
 
At a little less than 43mm, the watch has a very proper size without being too small. It gives you enough wrist presence with the very well-polished and shaped case. The thickness of 14.5 mm makes it also a watch for sportier occasions.
 
 




With formal attire, this watch complements your looks very well as the dial is finished with classic Arabic numerals. The two sub-dials display the running seconds and the power reserve, which, when fully-wound, is 7 days. At 6 o’ clock is the date window and the watch comes with a very well made alligator strap. You can also buy Santoni alligator straps from IWC. They are very impressive straps with patina you will not see elsewhere.

 

2.      Panerai Pam442

Panerai has been in vogue for a long time. It has brought to the world of horology some very cutting-edge elements. For example, watch size has revolutionized because of this brand. Vintage-style watch dials and patina colored numerals are also two elements brought by the brand.
 
 


 
The Pam422 is a very loyal iteration of the brand’s deep-rooted history with the military. The watch comes with a domed sapphire crystal and a polished bezel and case. At 47mm, it is absolutely a watch to behold when worn.





It has a manual-wound movement on which a power reserve indicator is located and can be seen through the sapphire case back. The hands are gold in color and they complement the beige numerals. This is a fun watch to have as you can wind the watch looking at the power reserve indicator and get a taste of history on your wrist. The watch comes with a Panerai assolutamente strap which is very finely textured. 

 

3.      Rolex Deep Sea D-blue
 
 


The Rolex Deep Sea D-blue has been a very popular watch since its release in 2014. The watch has a gradient blue-black dial with green letters “DEEPSEA”. The color combination has successfully revived a watch that would otherwise be a dull big brick on your wrist. Surely the black dial version is good looking as it looks professional.
 
However, the D-blue looks obviously more interesting. The ceramic bezel stands out more as there is color contrast between the dial and the bezel. The bracelet comes with the Glidelock clasp which is very useful. You can adjust the bracelet according to your wrist’s conditions. The 44mm case with its 18mm thickness together gives you very good wrist presence. It is indeed a heavy watch and a watch that can hardly go unnoticed.
 
 



The price of this watch will not drop too much due to limited supply. So, it is one of the best watches to retain its value.

 

4.      The Rolex Daytona 116520
 
 
What!? The 116520? What about the 116500ln? The new Daytona Ceramic?
Unfortunately, the 116500ln cannot be bought below 100k. So, if you do not have a Daytona yet and do not want to pay a premium for the new Daytona Ceramic, you can go for the 116520.
 
To many people, the price for a stainless steel Rolex should never exceed 100k. The new Daytona Ceramic is great but some of us may find it a bit expensive. The 116520, on the other hand, has been discontinued. That means the price of this watch will not go down. It is a very good investment for you at this moment when you can still easily find NOS 116520. As one of the most iconic Rolexes for 16 years, the 116520 is worth your money.
 
5.      The Jaeger-Lecoultre Geophysic True Second Universal Time
  
 

 
 
 

This is the watch for you if you travel a lot. Even if you don’t, this is also the watch to have below 100k. In short, this is a world-timer with a mechanical movement while the second hand ticks instead of sweeps. The rotor is in solid gold. At 40mm, this watch offers a lot.
 



It is an interesting thing to behold when you see how the mechanical movement actually makes the second hand tick instead of sweep. The dial is finely executed with a world map on it. It will be your best travel companion.
 
HK Snob

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