Two Rolex Watch cases carry the same Serial Number!?

Have you thought of two watches of Rolex bear the same serial number!?

It happens, and it is not uncommon too!

Why? What is the drive for doing this, obvious that is not the fault of Rolex!

That is some people does it on purpose.

What makes him doing this?

Case 1. Someone has the original Rolex Warranty paper which punched with Serial Number of the watch on it...

So they have to "Make" a matching watch case with this number such that the watch can be sold at a higher price.

Case 2.The watch case is not matching the dial, hands of the watch, as we can verify what revision of a Submariner 5513 by checking the serial number, so he has to "make" such a case with that number! So that the watch can be sold!

Case 3. Stolen watch, that he has to make another "Safe" Serial number on that stolen watch.

As Police, Pawn Shop and Rolex maintains and updates a record on the stolen watch serial numbers. Once they find suspect watch, they will not take it, service it and or even report to Police!

How do they make the serial number!?

They can make a fake watch case and stamp the serial number on it.

They can use authenticate Rolex watch case, grind way the serial number, and stamp a new serial number on it.

Well, as a collector, we always buy from Reliable buyer... sometime abnormal pricing will give you some of the suspected item.

Note:

If the serial number looks very sharp and clear on a 1960 5513, you should be alerted! as that may be new stamped serial number of even the watch case is newly made not by Rolex!

We should check the fonts carefully, Rolex has it own fonts, refer to the pictures, the 3, 8 and 8 is so different. and not too hard to tell the difference.

HK Snob

The most desirable luxury sport watch

A Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711/1A is the world’s most desirable steel luxury sports watch. The wait time from authorized retailers in the Geneve Switzerland is 7 years and Hong Kong I know not, but I think there is possibility that your son may get one under your name in the waiting list.

Price

Current Hong Kong SRP of Patek Ref 5711/1A -010 is HK$229,300 and 5711/1R-001 is HK$398,900.

In the Market, recommended retail in the HK of a Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711/1A with navy blue dial is HK$525,000. That is two times the price of SRP! 

A Brief History

Celebrated watch designer Gérald Genta would be the man to design that era-defining watch, the Royal Oak Jumbo Ref 5042ST. Putting it all on the line, Audemars Piguet unveiled its steel watch at the 1972 Baselworld fair. In the process it created an entire new category; the steel luxury sports watch.

Several years later, Genta would do it all again. During an Interview, he described himself sitting at a restaurant during the Basel fair. He saw a group of Patek executives at another table and began sketching out a rough design. It would become the steel Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 3700/1, launched in 1976. A bold move, it cost almost as much as a 18k gold Patek Philippe watch at the time.

The design was based on the shape of the porthole of a transatlantic liner. It featured a wide bezel and ‘ears’ at each side evoking the large hinges of the watertight windows. The case was made from nickel-chrome-molybdenum steel, an alloy considered the highest standard at the time. This alloy was used in the construction of tanks during World War II. It was capable of enduring extreme temperatures and pressure. It also had the added benefit of being relatively light compared to ‘regular’ steel.

Inside the Nautilus Ref 3700/1 was the calibre 28-255C. Considered one of the best ultra-thin automatic calibres of the time. Based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 920, it was finished in-house by Patek Philippe. This is the same base movement used in the Genta-designed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. By collectors’ thought in today’s standards it seems strange to imgaine Patek Philippe using a third-party movement. In fact, Patek Philippe didn’t introduce its own perpetual calendar chronograph movement until 2011. Instead they used heavily modified Lemania-base movements!

The Patek Philippe Ref 5711/1A

The Patek Philippe Ref 5711/1A debuted in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus. It was an instant hit with collectors and as you can see, has continued on an upward trajectory ever since. The distinctive porthole-shaped 40mm case is slightly larger than the original (+1mm). It measures just 8.3mm thick. An octagonal-shaped bezel frames the horizontally embossed black blue or silvery white dial. Baton-shaped hour markers white gold is treated with luminescent coating.

From an aesthetic point of view, this is about as simple as a three-hander with date gets. The ultimate exercise in restraint. It looks all but identical to the original Nautilus Ref 3700/1. There is so little happening on the dial and yet it is so attractive.

On the reverse, a sapphire caseback reveals the manufacture Caliber 324 SC inside. This self-winding movement incorporates several of Patek Philippe’s innovations,  include the four-spoke Gyromax® balance wheel and its slotted poising weight, the Spiromax® balance- spring in Silinvar® that maintains the oscillations at a frequency of 28,800 BPS. Equipped with a Central rotor in 21K gold, the movement offers a maximum power reserve of 45 hours. The finishing is also above reproach. Côtes de Genève, circular graining, beveled steel parts and bridges. This movement is adorned with the Patek Philippe seal for good reason.

Factors on why Patek Nautilus is so hot!

Brand Value

Everyone recognizes a Rolex on the wrist. Only the well-groomed few will be able to spot a Patek Philippe from across the table. The general consensus is that it is the most prestigious luxury watch brand in the world. It signals the refinement and sophistication of its owner. At the same time, it’s also understated…

Look

If you don't like the watch design, you may not buy it, as a Nautilus, I think it is beautiful,

It is quite large enough to read, simple dial hand design, thin and the watches case comes with a matching bracelet polished beautifully.

Quality

The Patek Philippe name is intrinsically linked to quality. You know that experts have spent weeks or months constructing your watch. Every Patek Philippe watch ever made has a searchable ‘extract’ available at the Patek Philippe archives. Almost no other watch brand can offer that level of confidence. Patek may be the one one company that can always Repair your watch regardless of age! That is why Rolex cannot handle…Thus your Patek is theoretically perpetual lasting!

Scarcity

Patek Philippe’s precise annual production numbers are a commercial secret. Estimates put them at around 48,000 watches. Of that, about 75% have mechanical movements with rest in quartz. Production is spread over about 250 different models. By averaging it, that means that no single model is likely made in great quantities. As a result, there is a real sense of scarcity.

Versatility
This is a watch that can be worn anywhere for any occasion. Wear it with a suit and tie, dress it down with a polo, heck wear it with board shorts to the beach. The case is rated water resistant to 120m. It’s beloved by celebrities, sports stars, movie stars,  collectors, investor, and successful businessmen and women alike.

 Investment Value

You should buy a watch because you like it and enjoy wearing it. Not because it might go up in value. The reality is quite different. There are only two luxury watch brands that have displayed a consistent ability to maintain or even Increase their value: Rolex and Patek Philippe. That the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711/1A is trading at double its retail value on the secondary market. Likewise for the Rolex Daytona Ceramic White 116500LN. This may not be the primary reason most people buy but it is definitely a significant factor. 

Technical Specifications: Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref 5711/1A

• Case: Steel


• – 40 mm x 8.3mm


•  – screw-down crown


•  – sapphire-crystal caseback


• – waterproof to 120 metres.
  
  
  Dial: Available in black blue or silvery white


• – centre hour, minute and seconds hands


• – gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating.


• Movement: Calibre 324 S C


• – unidirectional self-winding


• – Gyromax® balance – Spiromax® balance spring


• – central rotor in 21K gold – power reserve: Min. 35 hours


•  – max. 45 hours


• – Patek Philippe Seal.


• Price:
   HK$229,300

May be we have to get one from Grey Market, he chance to get one with SRP is lean unless you are the first time and you are lawyer, Doctor, celebrity...

HK Snob 

Swatch Tresor Magique Platinum Automatic Unisex Watch -1993

This is a Limited 1,999 pcs of Platinum Swatch Automatic launched in 1993,

I still remembered I sold one of these for my good friend to the Son of Hong Kong Big Constables

Lui Lok in 1993 in "Sic Wai Sin" Kowloon City.... The price was HK$20,000 by 1993.

After so many years still we can see this watch again in such a beautiful condition.

Well, not because of "watch only" or price would be much higher....

if you are living the year with love on Swatch 1989-1996.... you should not miss this Platinum Watch...

PM me if you are keen on taking this watch home! (whatsapp 852-51229994)

HK Snob

"Asymmetric " Vacheron Constantin 1972 Ref 37010 18 KT Rose gold Watch

A Perfect Asymmetric 1972 Retro Ref 37010 18KT good watch with Constantin Manual winding movement.
One of the classic perfect Dress watch with folding clasp.
This is a rarely used watch, like mint with no signs of usage, 2003 watch with original warranty Papers and Box.
Full set, SRP was HK$187,000 and now I am looking for the watch lovers who love the classic Constantin Watch... with a surprise Price offer.


HK Snob

Sea Dweller 16660 T25

If you go to Kuen Kee, and or Lung Shing, you can not find any T25 dial watch anymore
As they were being taken away by Dealers from Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand...


This is a 1984 Triple Six Sea Dweller, flat case, very good case in fact.


T25 dial, Lume had been changed yellowish.


HKS69,000


HK Snob

Three stolen watch from me

Three stolen watches

1.Polar 16570 S/N G094074 year 2005
2.Submariner two tone Serti 16613LB S/N E800055
3.Air King 14000M Domino Pizza S/N F588221
These are three of my watches stolen in Hong Kong yesterday.
Be alert and don’t buy from seller coz you may be questioned by
Police during service at any Rolex AD or selling in pawnshops!
Inform me and return me and I will reward cash HK$3,000 for each watch.
HK Snob


Remarks:
The S/N shown on the picture is not correct, The Polar is G094074.


These watches have been reported to HK Police as lost item.!!

Rolex Daytona Zenith 16520 Black Patrizzi

This is A Daytona Zenith 16520LN, year 1994 “W”  “Patrizzi”!
It comes with Watch, warranty papers? formulae One book literature, 
Paper holder , red tag, box, passport holder. 
Pm for Price 
HK Snob

Rolex SeaDweller 1665 MK III

This is a Sea Dweller 1665 Mk III ,  year 1984
Dial, bezel and case is matching.
Beautiful case, Watch and box only !
HK Snob

Rolex Collection

This is a list of what I have now
1. GMT Master 16710BLNR Pepsi Year P series FS
2. Daytona 16520 Black W series FS
3. Explorer II 16570 Polar D series
4. Explorer II 16570 Polar T series Lucky S/N 888XXX
5. Sea Dweller Triple Six Ref 16660 Year 1984 unpolished
6. Day Date White Gold 18039 Salmon Dial
7. Air King NOS FS Ref 14000 F series 2005 Domino Pizza
8. Submariner Two Tone 16613 LB Kerti
9. Date Just Ref 18238 Lapis Azuli Dial, service paper


FS=full set


HK Snob

Rolex Dea Dweller Ref 1665

This is a Sea Dweller Ref 1665 year 1984 MK III Version

Watch and Box.

All Matching.

HK Snob

Rolex Day Date Ref 18238 Onyx

This is a Day Date Ref 18238 with Onyx Dial, it is rare, very rare in he market.

It is coming and I will share with you once it is reaching my hands.

HK Snob

Watch price in Oct and what is next?

The watch price in Oct and what is Next?

During this “situation” in Hong Kong whereas a place for 40% of Swiss watches importer, price has dropped a lot since June 2019.
In average, Rolex new watch drop for 10-12%.
Those hot items already selling at premium such as Submariner 116610LN, Daytona. 11650LN, Pepsi 126810BLRO, Batgirl 126710BLNR, Seadweller 126600.
Patek
Patek is 10-18% drops for those hot model Nautilus 5712, 5711, 5980, 5990.

VR
What is the vintage Rolex segment, less affected, it might drop 2-3% in general
those are different as they are getting less and less everyday so the price will Getting up
Higher everyday, though at a slower pace.

What should we do?
- rich people gets the best out of it as they can have more choice to buy with less money.
- average collector should keep monitoring state to see what is best in market with little fund on hands.

Rolex new watch at AD.
They are unaffected as still they don’t have stock for you!
No matter you line up on the waiting list of a Submariner or Seadweller, they always say no stock
Well CTF is selling at SRP to their VIPS
ORIENTAL AND UNIQUE is selling at premium.
Dickson is also selling at premium.

Don’t call me asking when where you can buy at SRP as I really don’t know!

If I know I would hesitate to buy it myself, right?

Again Rolex is Gold, Gold is not Rolex.

HK Snob

Abbreviation
AD - authorised dealer
SRP- supplier suggested price
CTF- Chow Tai Fok
VR- Vintage Rolex

Rolex Date Just Ref 16238 Lapis Azuli

Ref. 16238 caseback stamped 16200A fine and very rare yellow gold wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date and lapis lazuli dial.

This watch has just been having movement overhauled by Rolex Service Centre this month, meaning also Eolez
Had verified this is originally with Lapis Azuli
Dial on this special watch.

These are the gem Rolex was used to put on some of their special watches: Lapis Azuli, Onyx, bloodstone, coral, meteorite, sodalite, etc.

Now almost no watch is still using these kinds of stone on Rolex watches except meteorite is still
Being used on Rolex GMT Master II white gold 116719BLRO and Day Date 118139, with a price tag over HK$300,000.00

This included watch of E series year 1990.

Watch with 21 links, Rolex service paper, red tag, manual literature.

HK$165,000

HK Snob 

GMT Master II Ref 16710BLRO Pepsi

Rolex GMT Master II Ref 16710BLRO Pepsi
Year 2000, P series
Many so call Pepsi may not be real
Pepsi unless Rolex certifies it is, this is a Hong Kong. Watch year 2000
With indication on the green tag is Pepsi 16810BLRO

Including:
-Watch
-box
-Red tag
-green tag with S/N and model on with BLRO means Pepsi
-Warranty Papers
- warranty paper holder
- manual and literature
- 11 links

***********************
Feature:
Rarity 7/10
Condition 9/10
Wearability 9/10
Collectibility 8/10
Function 9/10
Investment point 9/10
Worth to buy 9/10
Remarks:

Asking HK$102,000
Delivery to: 🇭🇰 🇸🇬 🇹🇭 🇵🇭 🇲🇴
HK Snob

Tudor 7928 Submariner Dial wanted

Wanted 
Tudor Submariner 7928 Dial and hands set wanted 
HK Snob

From rags to riches

From rags to riches

I have a friend who was having a story that might change your mindset to someone who has no degree, no rich Family support, who still could become a successful business man.

He was started a job that you might not take, he was doing shoes shinning job in a hotel for guests.

Well, somehow if you are highly educated, you might put more focus in your job. He did good and shoes were all made shinny polished. He was spotted by one of the lady manager who would like to refer him working in the coffee shop. Well that seemed easy for there was someone’s referral...
No! as there was three Americans interviewed him. His twisted tongue English betrayed him. The interview was not successful, after one year the lady tried again to arrange another interview
, still failed. He learnt couple of years on Japanese during his time after duty... one day the Japanese manager and An American manager had the third interviews with him. He was considers probation as bell boy in the hotel.
He was the bell boy of the hotel, he worked hard, he served the guests with enthusiasm. After two years he was promoted to coffee shop assistance and promoted again as F & B Manager after few years ... during the time he was a bell boy he witness many people drove their Ferrari and or Porsche, and wearing Rolex watches.

He was thinking, when can he wear a Rolex and drive a Ferrari? Working in a hotel for ten years not even have enough saving for a decent Rolex watch...

At that time eBay was popular and he tried way to sell some of the shirts that some of his father’s tailor shop.

Wow, he found that some of the shirt could be sold and gradually he started to make shirt to sell again through the eBay,. It worked, he then quit the job at the hotel he had worked more than 15 years...

He worked hard, he was early pionoeer in eBay sales to overseas, that made his first bucket of gold.... then after ten more years he has his own first factory, second factory....
with what he learnt from the hotel on how to
handle people tactfully and carefully with heart sale, not hard selling!

He gained a lot of business trust from his business partner.

He married with a foreigner and had two beautiful daughters studying in international school.

He bought his new home worth US$5M. He drive a Model X Tesla and a Ferrari California.

Moral of the story is
Doesn’t not matter you have a degree or not!
All you need is belief in hard working, passion in work and don’t stop learning, still you could make your day great 👍

I know him as he approached me on my Hong Kong watch Fever blog buying the first  Sea Dweller 126600 single red , a year later Daytona ceramic 116500N black, why black? Simple he does not like white, too sisterly hehehehe

He told me a Rolex watch is needed to meet his customers . He loved his Daytona!

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 49140/423J

Yes, I am a big Fan of Vacheron Constantin, as I like the Maltese Cross, I like their tradition and only one thing I don't like is the price is too high.

This is one of the new found treasure Overseas in yellow gold, Ref 49140/423J super heavy that my electronics weigh is overloaded, (max. 200gf) I estimate that this watch is as heavy as 235 grams with full links on.

This is a big date, chronograph. this is 40mm but looks much bigger than 40mm,  the bracelet is very comfortable, super elegant seeing the Maltese Cross bezel.

I feel like I am wearing a new shoes during the new term open at primary school.

HK Snob

Rolex GMT Master II Pepei Ref 16710 on sale

This is pre-owned GMT Master II Pepsi Ref 16710

It comes with Real Full set with faded Bezel insert.

This is a P series (yr 2000)

1. Watch

2. Paper

3. Red Tag

4. Green Tag printed with S/N

5. GMT Master Booklet yr 2000

6. Paper Holder

8. Distributor Booklet

9. Box

HK Snob

How possible a Young Kid earns US$20,000 a month?

He is wearing an APRO yellow gold

You may know that 40% of Rolex Watches are shipping to Hong Kong.

HK is the Asia hub for Swiss luxury watch distribution.

Only in Tsim Sha Tsui area, there is about 200 Watches shops selling these watches.

Last year a young kid came to know me through this blog and he wanted me to share my experience in watch collection and selling watches...

He was just 17 years old, and he started knowing my because he asked my help to deal with a watch purchased in one of a famous TST watch shop. His watch was a Tudor Submariner who he bought as new at this shop, but next day when he washed his hands it was later found water vapors inside, that shop blamed he did not lock up the crown properly... I helped as I know the shop but the shop insisted not to replace with a new one, asked him to repair at Rolex Service Centre.

Finally he went to Rolex Service Centre to salvage his watch and Rolex retuned him two week later FOC.

That is a Sad experience, for a kid who is still studying as HK$25000 was a big amount of money to him by that time.

He joined our watch gathering and he told ne he is starting to make some money on watch.

Well, I told him not to hurry and must calculated carefully as watch business market is low, especially new watches... Vintage watch is better but the problem is how to source a good vintage watch?

We had been meeting and talking a lot on this topics... Rolex Market, Price information, market price trend, what is mostly profitable  and which is not and he came to me one day showed me watches he bought that day...

OMG, he bough 4 Rolex, one Omega and one Tudor just in One day..!

Well, his strategy is to sell to USA for making like HK$1000 to HK$2,000 per watch...

That is considered a very low profit as he had to send watches to USA and collect money by wiring..

He had to bear the shipment cost which is 30% of his profit and it took time...buying and going to Courier after school.

I told him, go doing it as it may build your network and Trust... somehow you can buy from your USA partner and if he has some good stuff he can send him...

His DISADVANTAGE become his Advantage as he is not HK people, he cannot speak local Chinese... So he must have to deal with USA or other foreign client as he is good at English... That lead him to work along this direction with his Client..

I still remember he helped me to sell my GMT master Fuchsia to his USA partners, and he is so honest to declare the true value of the watch US$16,000 to the customs, and the watch was taxed US$800 on arrival to his client... my fault was not to infirm him there prone to be having tax in USA...

After months , he had already established TRUST with his buyer and seller in USA. and since then he can ask whatever watch that is sellable in Hong Kong, and Ship something with good margin to USA.

Probably his father is aware that his kid is running business and lending his some capital to make a bigger purchase...

Sooner I saw him buying and selling Patek Philippe 5711, 5712, steel and Rose gold version.

and I met him one day at TST, oh, he was wearing an Patek 5712R...

I think he is on the right track and I could see that is he doing very good.

In Short, I think his winning factors are:

Broad product knowledge

Fast learner

he has guts to make big pruchases

He speaks good English.

He is young but looks mature so people can trust him seeing his picture without knowing his age

Honesty- one of the key factor to do business

Broad network through fb, IG and Messenger.

I met him at Sham Shui Po MTR yesterday and he was wearing an APRO in yellow gold in blue dial. That is a watch of US$50,000

Well, I think that he is making money US$10,000 to US$20,000 a month

Being a 18 year old school kid, I think he is doing very good..

Moral of this story is don't blame the society , don't blame the government, make a way to make your own fortune, there is no short cut... Hardworking, Honest, move faster, move one step ahead your competitor will likely make a big difference.

HK Snob

Rolex Day Date Ref 18039

This is an awesome piece of Day Date with Salmon Buckley Dial, even less in white gold.

I am looking for the bracelet for it.

Day Date is the flagship line of Rolex,

1803, 18039, 18038 is one of the best Day Date ever made by Rolex

HK Snob

Rolex Date Just Ref 16238 Lapis Azuli dial

This is a Rare and beautiful Watch from Rolex, made with Lapis Azuli dial. This is one of my watch.

An E series watch with newly service movement from Rolex, a paper with my date of birth this month this year.

Lying beside is a Montblanc King Joseph limited Pen with 4810 pieces. of course very lucky number also.

HK Snob

Price of Rolex in September 2019

It is September, Hong Kong's Protest hasn't come to an end yet.
Well, I always believe China had it Option B, Option C standby.
Don't Under estimate the China Power to take Hong Kong as the second consideration instead of first.
And The US-China Trade war will last for year till Trump's next election.
Going into the September, the picture is not yet clear on the pricing of Rolex, Patek and AP.
Well, it is still maintained at a Reasonably level,


People started to ask me if this is the time to buy Rolex at premium price, well, I bought at highest price that is why I will not buy, but if you can afford to and if you like it, should be OK to buy.


This is for Reference Only, the dealer trade price for Rolex:


Pepsi 126710BLRO $132,000
Batman Discon 116710BLNR $138,000
Batgirl 126710BLNR $123,000
Hulk 116610LV $113,000
Daytona White 116500LN $190,000
Daytona Black 116500LN $182,000
Submariner 116610LN $85,000


Price is HKD , average prices between Dealer in the week, for your reference only
All are no box, if box wanted , add HK$1,000


HK Snob

Watch price in Hong Kong in August

Hong Kong is facing serious political convoy between some of the Hong Kong people and China.


Some of the Chinese restaurants are closed as they have no business in Saturday and Sunday at the protest area. Visitors are not willing to come to Hong Kong.


People is hesitated to spend money on Luxury goods including watches.


Watch price had been dropped more than 10% over the new or vintage Rolex.

Nautilus hot models price has been dropped over 15% even.


Hope that this is a short term only and Wish watch price would be stabilized by September.


HK Snob

Certain Watch Investment

A friend of mine has been doing such buy and sell of certain goods: Watches for more than ten years.
These are some of the items he has done in the past five years which is having pretty good return.


1. 2017 Rolex Daytona 16520 A series black NOS full set Bought $130,000 - sold in 2018 to an Italy Buyer $180,000 -Nett Profit $50,000
2. 2018 Two Rolex Daytona 16520 A series NOS full set bought $250,000 - sold two weeks later to a USA famous Buyer $300,000 - net profit $50,000. if he sells now, he can extra more $120,000.
3. 2017 Bought a Rolex Submariner 16618 Onyx dial with $178,000 - sold this year to a US car agent owner $330,000- net profit $152,000
4. 2016 Bought a Rolex Daytona 16618 Drop logo invested 6 with $180,000- sold to a Philippine PWC watch club member $250,000 - net profit $70,000
5. 2017 Bought a VC 222 in HK from a collector with $160,000 - sold two year later to a HK Collector $180,000- net profit $20,000
6. 2015 bought a AP RO solid gold 5402 with two digit S/N number HK$100,000 - sold in 2017 to a Philippine Collector $250,000 - net profit $150,000
7. 2017 Bought a Rolex Daytona 16528 invested "6" with $150,000 sold to a Macao Collector $200,000 one month later.- net profit $50,000
8. 2009-2012 Sold numerous Rolex Day Day solid gold 1803 with estimated profit of $250,000


Current item plan to sell... he told me one of them
Bought a Patek which belongs to the Ex Philippine President with $200,000 and plan to sell in auction in Philippines and promise to donate 50% of the auction money to support the poor people via charity donation.  After the auction house commission and charity donation , target net profit $200,000.


He does not want me to disclose his names as he is afraid of tax issue in HK.
Money shown here is HKD.


Moral of the story is that if you can made some candy money out from your hobby is SWEET!


HK Snob