This Three Musketeers are Daytona Zenith Ref 16520 A series,

Submariner Ref 16610LN T25 dial 1994,

Sea-Dweller Ref 16600 year 2002.

What can you say more about these best new vintage Watches made by Rolex?

HK Snob

What's new about Rolex in April 2017?

 

A Like New Submariner 16610LV Flat Four

There has been quiet for a period of time Jan to March as people are watching what new stuff will be launched at BaselWorld.

Well, Rolex will produce a Sea-Dweller Single Red Ref 126600 and prices at CHF10.800 .

New feature are 43mm case, It’s got a Cyclops for it’s 50^th anniversary 1967-2017. I think when it is available price must be higher than HK$110,000.

And I have heard that Rolex has discontinued the production of current Ref 116600 Sea-dweller. So there is a surge of Gray dealer price HK$63,000 last week up to now HK$67,000 this week!

So if you have a BNIB Sea-Dweller. Please keep it and it may hold the price for a period of time and Rise again to above HK$75,000.

Daytona ceramic  2016

Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN white stands still at price HK$131,000 where black is HK$126,000 (average)

 

Submariner

More obviously that I see rise of demand on Submariner 50^th anniversary Ref 16610LV Kermit, as In Mong Kok Watch shop, like Kwan Yan, P n F, London’ s watch, Wing Kwong, I have counted there are about 12 prices, these are their prices.

Ref 16610LV NOS or Mint Flat Four full set : HK$110,000

Ref 16610LV sharp four paper and box :HK$71,000

Ref 16610LV sharp four watch only HK$57,000 to $66,000

Price: on the rise.

Submariner Ref 116610LV Hulk

I have noticed that there is little supply at Gray dealer, and price is going up.

Noticeably the gray dealer price is HK$69,000 to HK$71,000

So in my experience, the price of such rise of Hulk indicating lesser supply, I speculate that the Hulk will be also be “Discontinued” soon.

So if you can get a Hulk BNIB at HK$70K, I suggest buy before too late.

HK Snob

 

 

Rolex New Vintage on Sale

New Vintage
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Flat Four Full set at near Mint condition HK 888 HK$1005,000
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Sharp flu Full Set at 90% used condition Paper and Original Box unpolished HK$68,600
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Sharp Four 95% condition watch only, HK$58,000
Rolex GMT Master 16700 1994 Pepsi with paper and box HK$54,000


New Series
Rolex Date Just II Ref 116334 with Diamond dial in grey dial full set 2014 HK 888 watch
HK$53,000


Omega CK2998 Speedmaster Full Set BNIB Limited 2998 pieces HK$46,000


HK Snob

T25 Dial of a Vintage Rolex

For Vintage Rolex (VR) freak, the right Luminous material on your Rolex dial and hands is a decisive buying consideration.

Over the decades, Rolex had been using different types of luminous material on the luminous dots of the dials and hands.

It is crucial for a Collector that the illuminant used corresponds to the year of the watch (refer to my last posted article).

And it is important to have the same luminous material on the dial, hands and bezel… and if possible, still in the same colour!

Since the previous used luminous material ages severely and they changed brownish and yellowed. Those are described as Tropical dial.

When your Rolex is repaired at RSC, they usually replace the hands and dial to a newer version…

As there is a policy that the hands and dial coated with Tritium MUST be replaced and disposed of because of health hazard for the watchmakers.

There is always a risk that your watch looks new after the repair… coz they have taken away your original T25 dial and hands….

VR collectors should always safe guard his Rolex being ripped off the Original T25 dial and hands…

Friend of mine Allan had beated a 60s Submariner Tritium with HK$800,000 from an auction, later on found that the hands are of later version… meaning that he lost approximately HK$300,000 the value of his watch… so the uniqueness, colour of dial and hands of a VR is very critical to determine overall value of the VR.

In order to preserve the watch value, you should not ALLOW Rolex to change with news hands…Or you should not go to Rolex for servicing VR.

By Right and nature of the material T25 is always preferred as  the new watch with Luminnova or Super Luminnova material always shine, but it must be charged before it glows by a light source, such as LED torch. This luminosity diminished over time in the dark.

This is somewhat we should be aware…

HK Snob

Rolex Watch For You

From Left to right:
1. Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Double Red - Full Set
2. Rolex Submariner Kermit Ref 1661LV- with paper
3. Rolex Submariner Kermit Ref 16610LV- Watch
4. Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Ref 16750- With Warranty Paper


These are on sale.
Call me for more information if you are interested in these Rolex Gems...


K Snob

Is Hong Kong Still a Shopping Paradise for watch?

Is Hong Kong still a Shopping Paradise?

There has been saying HK is the shopping paradise.  In fact it was.

Nowadays still there are mostly honest watch sellers in Hong Kong.

You know why some of the dishonest people running for fast money as if they want only to have, what they have sold the whole say is not able to cover the daily rental fee of the shop, sad!

On the other hands, many of Rich buyers are tire kickers; they negotiate down two digit dollar for a $100K Rolex.

Back in 2013, It was Rado that holds a record high HK at Causeway Bay of monthly Rental of hefty $1.6M .. .

Imagine how many Rado watch they have to sell in order just to cover the rent?

In HK there is a lot places that they sell watches… there are about 80 outlet selling Rolex AD watches. There is so may boutique and AD agent selling other Swiss Branded watches not mentioning over 300 dealers working at Facebook and network sales.

The largest Rolex Boutique in Asia, say the HKIA Rolex shop, I guess that they have to pay $3M a month for rent. And guess how may watches they sell every day? No one will tell you but you can stop by and count, most of the time the number of Staff is more than the visiting client.

Any Risk in buying brand new watches in AD

I can say, there is zero risk at all as the shop are properly managed by larger company, mostly public listed, same for gray dealer who has good reputation.

What I am trying to say us these shops selling pre-owned watch … And sometimes they are looking for prey for buying their “Frankenwatches…”

I trust that they all know the situation of the watch… but there is still many cases reported by PWC members to me that there is some mis-operation on watch sales in HK…

Someone was buying a Rolex with Warranty card, but when the watch was submitted to Rolex Philippines after his return, it was rejected for reason of 1: the crystal is not Rolex Original, and 2, the bracket is not the matching model of the Rolex watch. The customer later called the shop and saying that bring the watch there will replace the bracelet with the original matching one… but how about the crystal? Problem is he won’t come to HK before August.

The Moral of the case is: =

 

1 . A Rolex watch with a warranty card does not guarantee that watch is not a FrakenWatch.

2. On the Invoice it was printed, once watch is sold is not returnable nor refundable, but how can you know beforehands?

3. Rolex service slip is also crap, as once after the watch is authenticated truly real good stuff at Rolex Service centre, you he she can also take out the bezel, hands and whatever… what can you do?

4. More Risk is the watch is selling at a “good price”!

So next time when you buy Rolex … check the comment of the shops first or go to a more reliable shops.

So I get back to the topics, is Hong Kong Still a Shopping Paradise for watch? I could say Yes.

HK Snob

Minimalist can be materalist!

Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LN Full Set with Patina Dial on Sale

HK$53,000

Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.

Minimalist can be materialist!?

That doesn’t mean there’s anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions…, Want to own a car or a house? Great, have at it! Want to raise a family and have a career? If these things are important to you, then that’s wonderful. Minimalism simply allows you to make these decisions more consciously, more deliberately. Recently there are a lot of Minimalists in Japan, they have only 4 white shirt, two pair of shoes, 4 pair of socks, no TV, no air-con, their room looks empty, they enjoy so much and they feel great by owning less, they sleep better and they feel like less things to worry about.

There are plenty of successful minimalists who go different lives. Colin Wright owns 51 things and travels all over the world, and Tammy Strobel and her husband live in a “tiny house” and are completely car-free. Even though each of these people are different, a friend of mine has recently told me he is Minimalist, as he has only Rolex Day Date but many!

Minimalism and miser is slightly different, I had seen a rich guy who earns US$900,000  a year keep wearing the same winter jacket for the past years, every time when temperature drops to 12 Deg C or below, I can see that jacket!

Buddha is typical a minimalism, in the end, only three things matter. How much you loved. How gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant to you.

Well, to make it short: Minimalism has allowed minimalists to pursue purpose-driven lives.

So Being a Rolex Lover, can I be a Minimalist?

Yes under limited budget, why not narrow down your collection on just one particular model you like most.

As if you buy everything, you may be Jack of all trades, master of none.

HK Snob



What Rolex will launch in 2017?

There are a lot of news about what Rolex will launch in this year 2017.


Well, there are a lot of expectation and guess through all watch sites in the world.


I really hope that ..




1. They will announce the discontinuing of DeepSea Ref 116660 D blue.


2. They will launch the 50th anniversary of SeaDweller "Single Red" or "Single Blue?.


3. Explorer II Ref 116570LN with Ceramic Bezel


4. Coke in steel.


This is one of the sites that you could refer for more.


http://rolexpassionreport.com/20205/rolex-news-for-baselworld-2017/




Insight


We should keep SeaDweller Ref 116660 D blue now as once this massive watch in D blue is discontinued, price will short up!




We should take note if Rolex really launch the Single Red Submariner, I love to buy one




Also the 2016 Daytona Ceramic price is still high,  hope that will these new watches capture some of the buyer , so as the demand of Daytona could reduce, than we hope price of Daytona Ref 116500LN will reduce a bit to a reasonable price like HK$123,000 for White.




HK Snob

Go Daytona or Submariner?

A friend posted a question to me asking which model is better for him to buy: The Rolex Submariner or the Rolex Daytona?

The fact both watches have definite advantages and are suitable for different purposes. Submariner is appeared as a bit more casual than the Daytona, both blends well with a variety of dress styles in a new waves of Definition on “Dress Watch”. Dress watch is used to describe those simple, thin, date or even no date, manual winding automatic gold watch…in the traditional definition as dress watch is usually worn under the sleeve, too thick the watch will make you look bulky on your wrist.

The Rolex Daytona is named for the city where the first NASCAR race was held.

Originally designed for racecar drivers, Rolex Daytona lives up to that racing reputation with its chronograph functions. Daytona shot to fame when Paul Newman sported his own model. Preceded by the Reference 6238, the Daytona evolved from a simple timekeeping watch to a "chronograph" watch that marked all types of information useful to those timing races. I believe the watch is being worn by the Race assistant to time the race instead of the driver who focuses on the road as 100 millisecond to press the Daytona Start button is a distraction and make him lose the lap! Capturing time when speed is your objective can be difficult!

The Daytona is the best example of the Rolex chronography. It is reliable, waterproof, and self-winding, among its many features. The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is the perfect accessory for those seeking high performance, fine engineering and craftsmanship, and, of course, a passion for driving and speed, Daytona is the ONLY one Chronograph produced by Rolex.

The Daytona, or cosmograph, was originally launched in 1963. Those early Daytona is nowadays pieces of Gem if they are in tip top condition and if you could keep the warranty certificate, box and Invoice…

If you drive a Ferrari, you may need a Daytona too….

 

No Questions, the next iconic name of watch:- The Submariner - A Diver's Watch

In 1954, Rolex offers the Submariner, first created in the pioneering era of scuba diving, designed specifically for diver and those who want to explore depth of the Ocean or to peep through window of the sunken Titanic!

A Diver’s watch, need to have clear details that keep divers safe, probably a simple way was to use a unidirectional turning bezel and easy-to-read numbers, Rolex introduced the Submariner for such a purpose. However, Submariner as an iconic name was made its popularity when it was worn by both Sean Connery and Roger Moore as James Bond as well as the legendary Steve McQueen in movies.

Accompanying the Oyster case which was created mimicking an oyster for water proofing with screw Locks and seal, the Oyster stainless steel bracelet is both strong and comfortable. Its Oysterlock clasp prevents accidental opening. The Oyster bracelet also allows fine adjustments without the use of tools by divers.

When choosing a watch to accompany you on an adventure, on road and seas….Daytona and Submariner is having certain attraction.

Both current production models are waterproof to 300 Metres, in house automatic movement, come with Oyster Bracelet,  40mm in size.

Power reserve of Daytona is 72 hours versus Submariner 40 hours. But Daytona does not have a Date, that is the main difference between these two watches. Daytona has a Chronograph function whereas Submariner is just a mechanical memory by means of the bezel on diving time…

Which one will gain more prices over the years? Seems that there is no difference … look at IG ‘ lok666” *1 for his collection.

Daytona Ref 6263 Paul Newman, the inner dial has marking, we call “Panda “ is now about HK$2M

    How about Submariner? Well, Omen Ref 1665 is HK$3M.

Submariner Ref 6538 no crown guard, double name “Tiffany & Co.” is HK$3.5M.

These are super expensive rare and there is a lot of history, knowledge that you should know before any purchase as the dial itself carries 90% more on the price of the watch…

For these kinds of watch, it is very expensive and there is market to sell… So if you are not keen on knowing their history or able to trace the originality through Rolex, there is always a chance to buy a “Wrong” watch. You have to go to certain Shops to make the purchase or buying from a reliable dealer.

Price listed here is just estimated price, as certain special watches go for such scarcity and vintage there is no standard price book for it!

Back to the question in the beginning of the article… buy whatever you like Submariner or Daytona…?

It will please you more after 5 years, 10 years or as I always said , it could be part of your retire fund by time you sell your watch purchased 30 years ago, provided that is something people will look for or people want to get 30 years later…. 

What are they?… next article then….

*1 Yu Man Lok is one of the HK Action Movie stars.

He is a big Fan of Rolex .

HK Snob

Investment in a Rolex

Rolex Submariner Ref.5513 $14,200, iconic Submariner in Full Set

Someone might say:  I’m going to invest in a new LED TV, new Phone, Note book computer, a new home at Mid-level, BMW M5!

I am going to invest on my new Rolex Submariner and GMT Master! What will be the best investment?

How Much your Expensive gold Apple Watch value now? Clearly, it is like your new BMW X6 car that will be outdated and lose value as time passes.

Lamborghini Countach LP400 SII US$590,000, Does it look outdated?

1965 Marantz 8B power Amplifier 25W/25W US$5,200 sounds perfectly right

1989 Nakamichi Model 1000ZXL Limited cassette Player US$6,100, awesome after 30 years

1973 Western Electric WE300B Vacuum Tunes in pair, US$5,000, best Audiophile power tubes

How about some vintage item, the Ferrari 308, 1972 : Lamborghini Countach 1983 LP400 SII,  Marantz  Model 7, 8B or 9 amplifier,  1970 KEF BBC monitor loudspeaker S3/5A with 11 Ohm impedance, or a Nakamichi 1000ZXL limited Cassette Player, JBL Paragon loudspeaker, 1960 Western Electric WE300B vacuum tubes?

Yes the Lamborghini LP400 S II can be sold at a price of US$600K, a big value, but don't forget you may have spent more than US$300K to keep it at tip top condition?

The BBC monitor loudspeaker is Likely Life time maintenance free, it sound more mellow year after years But what about mechanical watches?

As for the WE300B tubes, it value is good at NOS (New old stock with paper) if used, the buyer will press you on the price.

As for a Marantz 8B amplifier, if you have changed a single Capacitor, unless you can find the original Sprague Capacitor, or people will question your originality, it is about US$4,000 for an excellent condition. And probably it is better than any commercial available power ampler in the range of US$5000 to US$12,000. So as its value.

How about a Nakamichi 100XZL limited, well, it had its highest audio and mechanical technology in the 80s and there is no more Cassette player made anymore with such a good sound as it is. But if the mechanical assembly is failed, the value will become zero unless you know someone who can fix it.

So I treat this an hi end audio toy, but not a real investment.

In 2000, a Plasma 40 Inch TV was selling US$11,000, it was replaced with full RGB LED Back Lit TV in 2007 with a price tag of US$6,000.  If that TV lasts today, probably you can get US$0 for the Plasma TV as its power consumption is high up to 300W. The new LED TV of 40” is US$2,000 only. So this Hi tech Electronics is not an investment.

Mechanical Watch is like painting, or other hard assets like diamonds, gold vintage limited fountain pen, and real estate, people sometimes do refer to certain watches as “investments”

Sometimes it does not really reflect the true value of such a pricy watch as an investment, part of the reason, is the fickle and emotional nature of the watch market. A single collector alone has the power to influence the tastes, trends, and values of the entire market.

The ultra-high-rolling watch world may also be in the midst of a bit of a bubble, the huge watch auctions that are reminiscent of the art world. Some of the big collector bid his own watch 2X and wait for next buyer to bid it for another 3X, doubt But in the more down-to-earth watch market (US$6,000-US$20,000), the growth feels more promising.

So what watches best hold their value?

Certain relatively attainable ($6,000-$20,000) watches are known to hold their value extremely well—even appreciating in some cases. Interestingly, they’re almost all made by Rolex.  I hate to say it, but in this price range, vintage Rolex—are the best game in town if you’re looking for an investment-grade piece that doesn’t have to sit in the safe.

Rolex’s dominance on the second-hand market is the reason why ? As Rolex can retain most of his value

Special Rolex may get certain respect in after a few years.

One option is going vintage. So when does a watch become vintage and not merely “pre-owned”? After 20 or 30 years it starts to appreciate gradually in value—that’s what’s happened to almost all Rolex watches. So we’re starting to see the 16800 become collectible. That’s the last Submariner made before the current one now.

As for why vintage models are most likely to keep going up in value, well, the limited supply is key. They’re not making any more old watches, they’ve only made so many 5512s, one of the first Submariners with a crown guard, and there’s a finite amount of those left and every year more and more die off, lost, damaged…

What is pre-owned and Vintage?

Anything that’s not new, yet not considered vintage yet—are far more affordable, and they can often represent good deals for someone who wants a high-quality model to wear for the long haul. Much like a BMW, a new $20,000 Rolex driven off the lot is suddenly worth about half, considering the dealer probably paid $13,000 for it. On the pre-owned market, you may be able to acquire the same watch for a heavy discount of 20% -30% or more off the original price, giving you a smaller target to hit if your goal is to break even in the future.

 

Sunset at Montmajour by Vincent Van Gogh. Photograph: Van Gogh Museum, price?

The real reason you should buy a luxury watch

People should buy watches they want to wear. Don’t ever get a watch that’s just going to sit somewhere like in the darkness of your Safe. A Million dollar Watch is value nothing if it is not been used. Just like a hundred Million painting of Van Gogh’s painting was listed among the van Gogh’s collection as number 180, and that number can still be seen on the back of the canvas. The work was sold in 1901 was recently found.

Detail from Sunset at Montmajour by Vincent Van Gogh. Photograph: Van Gogh Museum

Reason you should buy a Rolex is just it is widely accepted as Luxury watch and it is timeless,

No one will laugh at you if you wear a 1962 Daytona, instead they give you a  Salute!

Rolex is durable and is low cost in maintenance, it can last life time, and it is iconic sport watch:

James Bond propelled Rolex even higher when it debuted on Sean Connery’s wrist in Dr. No. That is one of the Pop culture could influence that value of your watch.

 

List of Rolex Collection

1. Submariner 5513, 1680, 16800, 16610,

2. Sea Dweller 1665, 16600

3. GMT Master 1650, 16700, 1675, Pepsi is hot since 2014.

4. Explorer II 16570

5. Explorer I 14270

6. Daytona 16520 year 2000 of earlier

Sea Dweller Double Red 1665 US$25,000

Rolex Submariner Ref 1680 Single Red US$15,000

Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 US$14,000

Rolex Explorer II Ref 16570 US$4,900

Rolex Submariner 1992 Submariner Ref 14060 T-25 Dial  $4,500

 

Advice

Go for one with paper is preferred, as there are Frakenwatch, after market dial, reworked dial.

Unless that has been serviced at Rolex with a recent repair slip to prove its authenticity.

Price can have big variation if there is paper.

HK Snob

PS  you may ask why some of the watch is not in the list above like 6523 Panda. Well that is not in the price range of $6,000 to $120,000 today we are looking at.

The price listed above is just estimation only.

What do you consider when Buying your first watch!?

What to consider when buying your first watch? 

A lot of people come to us buying their first expensive watch. The first watch means a lot. It may well be the result of your endeavors. So, do your homework before you go for your first watch. Here are some factors you should consider.

 

 

 

1.      The brand

Your first watch needs not be fancy. Why? Because it will serve as your upgrade weapon in the future. You would like your watch to retain its value after a year or two when you want to exchange it for a new watch. Watches from big brands like Rolex can do that. Rolex watches retain their value very well. It is also a well-known brand. You do not want your watch to leave other guessing what brand it is after you have spent so much on it. Picking the right brand is therefore very important. Of course, you can argue that you would like to get a watch you like from a less famous brand. It is very much a personal choice. But if you are new to the watch world and have limited budget, do go for a Rolex.



 



 

 

 

2.      The price

As your first watch, you do not want it to be too cheap. Similarly, you cannot expect to get the most expensive one as you are on a budget. Take Rolex as an example, some people would go for a Daytona as their first watch. It is the most famous steel model. Surely there is no problem in such a choice. However, some of us might not have that kind of budget and getting to the top without looking at the scenery along the way is no fun. So, choosing those Rolex models at around 45k to 68k would be more reasonable.



 

 

 

3.      The model

Sports watches are in vogue right now. The question is, do they really suit you? Whether a watch suits you really depends on how you dress. If you wear a suit every day, a sports model may not be the best for you. You may then want to look for some dressy models. The point is, you do not want to buy your first watch and put it in the box for longer time than it being on your wrist, right?

 HK Snob