You are what you wear!

I came across an Interesting article found at New Straits Times…worth to share to the Watch Lovers.
Some people collect stamps. And some collect coins. Then, there's Dr Bernard Cheong. He collects watches, to the point where he says, "Practicing medicine has become something I do in my spare time."
Dr Cheong insists, has a treasure trove of people who are interested in the watchmaking industry.
Born in Kuantan, Pahang, Dr Cheong's parents chose to make Singapore their home.
New to the social dynamics at play, he felt totally out of place. "Even a primary school student would wear an Omega or Rolex. I learnt the difference between the haves' and have nots'."
Such experiences have shaped this 50-something's philosophy, which is, to champion the underdogs. In the case of watchmakers (also known as horologists), Dr Cheong tries to "recognise individuals who want to make watches but don't have the means to do so".
He explains: "Previously, it was all about the architecture of the watch, mechanics and accuracy. They were decorated with either enamel or cloisonn. I like to look at the story behind the watch. For instance," he says, turning to a window display at Khronos-Unique Horlogerie (a multi-brand watch boutique in Starhill Gallery), "take a look at these watches."
TIME-TELLING STORIES
The exquisite timepieces are from the Romain Jerome collection. The one named Steampunk contains oxidized steel that comes from the extraordinary fusion of authentic steel from the wrecked ocean liner, the Titanic.
Then there's the memorable watch crafted as a gift for Julio Iglesias during his recent visit to Malaysia. The watch rests in a custom-made case and is called Geograph Rainforest. It is a limited edition timepiece which has, "a part of Malaysia in it; there is a fossil from an oil palm tree embedded in the design," explains Dr Cheong.
"When such watches were first made, serious collectors didn't see the brilliance in them. I wanted to be instrumental in helping watchmaking companies like this achieve success."
Malaysia, Dr Cheong insists, has a treasure trove of people who are interested in the watchmaking industry. The person who comes easily to his mind is the late Datuk Rolf Schynder. "His love for Asia was reflected in his work."
HE IS WATCH-ING HIS ASSETS
Dr Cheong's collection of watches seems to mirror such evolution: his first watch was a Seiko stopwatch. "It cost me about SDG130 (RM316 ). That was a lot of money in the 1970s."
Today, wearing two watches all the time, he does find it difficult to pick a favourite from his vast collection. Eventually, he settles on the "master watch" (a prototype of sorts) given to him by Vianney Halter. Such admiration, it appears, is mutual as Dr Cheong says that Halter thanked him in his acceptance speech when Halter was awarded the title of The Best Watchmaker of the Year 2011.
Now the official ambassador for Foundation De La Haute Horlogerie, Dr Cheong stresses that collecting watches can be a good investment.

"The watch industry suffered the least during the economic crisis. You see," he elaborates, "watches are a portable asset. With real estate, you can't take it with you. With paintings and fine wine, they are fragile. But, you can carry watches worth millions from US to China without much worry. Also, it's much easier to verify the authenticity of watches than it is to verify paintings."
There are two ways to approach the task of making a watch, he says. The first is to consider the aesthetics of the watch, then figure out how to put things in place.
The second is to concentrate on how the watch functions before thinking of the aesthetics. "With computers, this second approach has become redundant," says the founding partner of a chain of clinics in Singapore called Lifeline Medical Group.
When assessing a watch, Dr Cheong looks, primarily, for the watchmaker's contribution to the industry. The doctor will ask: Is the watchmaker bringing the industry to the next level or is he just making another fancy watch?
In the end, Dr Cheong is looking for, "that Wow! factor in any watch. Beauty is not necessarily in the eyes of the beholder. I believe that the language of beauty crosses all cultures."
Dr BERNARD Cheong, believes that he can tell a lot about a person by the watch he wears. For instance:
1. A person who doesn't wear a watch at all is usually a practical person who tells the time by looking at his handphone. He likes the simple things in life.
2. A person who wears brands like Seiko is probably uncomfortable with computers.
3. A person who wears luxury watches is aware of, and comfortable with, his status and cultivates it. 4. A person who wears "one-off" watches is someone who realizes that owning such a watch is the most convenient and practical way to collect art.
HK Snob believes that you wear a Rolex will have limited room to pursue higher watch Excellence as Rolex is likely one of the best durable, reliable work horse you will find on Earth. One who wears Rolex has the kind of Greatness for good taste and appreciation on the best watch-making Industry from Switzerland.
A Journey Through Time V
What: Asia's grandest luxury watch and jewellery showcase
The theme this year: Time to Celebrate.
When: Until Saturday
Where: Starhill Gallery
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2782 3800
www.starhillgallery.com
PS More about Vianney Halter
http://www.timezone.com/library/rdnotebook/200501045581

The Pictures are from top:

Dr. Cheong

Vianney Halter

Streampunk watch that Contains Titanic oxidized metal for casing

HK Snob

Tiffany Watch Thoughts and my Streamerica World Time

When I passed by Tiffany at HKIA, I had to go and watch around for their beautiful designed Articles, each of them are represented the best of the samples of the designs, no matter watches Diamonds, chain and Cuff Links…
I had been in love for Tiffany Cuff Links for many years, I had some of the dis-continued Cuff links, and they are just too beautiful to be used.
Watches… They are classic, sleek and neat design, traditional Watch for serious people who loves simple design at most.
When I saw this poster, I think of Christmas, it is the magic of Tiffany, every poster, picture was carefully selected and would give you the best seasonal thought what you should do in this season… Walk into the church with your beloved girl for marriage! hand in hand with snow falling on your head and shoulder. You seem do not feel cold as you are in Love….
I had a Tiffany Watch, it is a World time, and One of my friends saw it and he took it away and put HKD$10,000 on the table… OK! As he is my friend… who has a friend still in contact for after 40 years!??
This is Streamerica! My one is World Time, a Lovely watch… My picture was taken by a Nokia N97 mini Handphone so it is not too sharp at all. This is another I chopped out from the web, it looks much better!!
New York Snob

Rolex Day Date President Ref 1807 Bark Finish Oman Crown

This is an very fine and Rare ROLEX Ref.1807. Made in 1974 for the "Oman Crown" Dial. Case & Bracelet in Mint condition, with London Import marks for 1974.
The present lot has case numbers and RWC LTD., ( the mark of ROLEX U.K. ) stamped in the case back, this was done for at the Request of the British Assay Office in Order to ensure that once a watch was Imported into the U.K., and the Duty paid.
The back could not be swapped to another watch to avoid Import Duty. This watch still retains its Original Rolex sticker on the case back. It is excellent proof that watches left the Rolex Factory with Double References.
HK Snob

James Bond’s Watch

I have seen a lot of People using the Nylon watch strap to carry their Submariner, it is very causal, very stylists and seems a lot of Diver’s look for wearing the Submariner.
Interesting to find out that my movie Idol Sean Connery has been using this in 1961 in his James Bond films “Gold Finger and Thunder Ball” For years, watch enthusiasts have been using the “Bond NATO” nylon straps that bear very little resemblance to the strap used in the film. After the new Blue Ray and HD televisions, we ultimately realize that the real pattern used in the Watch Strap worn by Commander Bond is made by the Corvus Watch Company that offers the Real Bond Nato Watchband….However the Strap was 3 mm too narrow on Sean Connery’s Subamriner.
To make the REAL BOND NATO watchband, Corvus turned to Phoenix Straps in Wales, UK. Phoenix was the original supplier of nylon straps to the British Ministry of Defense. Thousands of British Army soldiers have worn watchbands made by Phoenix, the last watch strap manufacturer in the UK. Their webbing is made by a small mill in Scotland using vintage machinery, giving Corvus strap a unique feel, far superior to those created in other low cost manufacturing sites using high-speed looms.
In recent years, many of manufacturers around the world have made imitations of the original NATO “G10” military issue watchband. Sometimes these knockoffs are very cheap, I have seen that strap is about HKD$40.00 (US$5.00) in Sham Shui Po. And Canton Road North, but they are never better in quality.
If you want to use something original , something, Tough and durable, and Stylist, go for the Real Bond design with right colour and pattern
Do not spoil the image of James Bond, and the great Watch made by Rolex by put your USD$7,000 dollar watch on a Cheapo fake strap of USD$5.00!
Use a genuine Phoenix REAL BOND NATO strap, woven and assembled in the United Kingdom.
HK Snob

The Most Beautiful Daytona?

This is the Rolex Daytona that has the perfect match colour of Gold and Black. Solid Gold case with Black Dial and Black Bezel, The ratio of Black and Gold is approximtely 50/50. That has a very unchanting charms, seems like the Yi and Yang of Taoist philospphy, an unison harmony!
It is not the most expensive Daytona, but Definitely the most beautiful Daytona!
HK Snob

Women and their watches

From Top to bottom

Elle Macpherson

Bar Refaeli
Brookyln Decker

Elle Macpherson

January Jones

Elle Macpherson

They all wear Rolex Daytona! But i do doubt who has looked at their watch?

HK Snob

What Watches Victoria and David Beckham wear?

David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on 1st Dec for an exhibition game against the Philippine Azkals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Dec , 3 2011. He worn a Rolex 18KT Yellow Gold Daytona!
How About Victoria? Guess what!? yes, Rolex Daytona!
Manila Snob

Rolex Daytona

The World most famous iconic Rolex Daytona was unleashed to the world in the early 1960′s and has become an object of affection many watch aficionado.
The watch became known as the Daytona, named for Daytona Beach in Florida which was home to some of the biggest names in auto racing. The watches were popular in the racing community because of their usefulness in calculating average lap speed.
Early Movement was from Zenith El Primero, later on 2002, Rolex developed his own Movement 4130.
Although Rolex continues to manufacture a version of the “Daytona”, the rarest versions of the Rolex Daytona are the first versions, those whose reference number contains four digits, for example the 6238, 6239, 6240, 6241, 6262, 6263 6264 and 6265 References, produced from 1961 to 1987. Early models were available in dial configurations that were black with white registers or cream with black registers. They were dubbed the Paul Newman models and are in high demand even today! The most expensive one is Cosmogrpah so call “Red Daytona” Ref 6265, very few samples were made in 1980. It was sold in auction with USD$170,600.00. Famous F1 Driver Sir Jackie Stewart sued wear Daytona. How about you!?

HK Snob

Rolex probably has the Lowest TCO

Fake RolexYou can find fake designer and luxury products just about anywhere these days, and most people consider owning one a harmless transgression. After all, if you were never going to pay HKD$80,000 for a real Rolex, who is really hurt if you wear a fake that cost you HKD$350? Rolex didn’t really lose a sale, right? It turns out that the victim of the “crime” may be none other than you!
ResearchAn Interesting research project has demonstrated that the act of wearing a fake designer item actually causes an individual to behave in a more unethical and cynical manner. The study was started by giving a group of young female subjects expensive Chloé sunglasses to wear. These glasses were actually all authentic products, but half of the subjects were told that they were wearing a fake.

Fake Watch and Dishonest manner
In subsequent testing the subjects wearing the “fake” sunglasses were more than twice as likely to cheat on a math test (71% vs 26%) when they thought their cheating would not be detected. Another test showed that the subjects wearing “fake” sunglasses judged other people as more likely to behave in a dishonest manner.
It isn’t uncommon to see a lot of Fake Rolexes in HK. Are People wearing Fake product will likely been suspected that they have tendency to cheat! There is report saying that wearing Fakes makes one feel like a phony.

Why Fake
So why do people wear Fake Rolex, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Hermes?! I have some assumptions, young kids like to show to his class of friend he is able to use expensive luxury products. That is the fact HK judges people by their appearance! Someone said the Luxury goods would bring them with confidence, true!?
No, As still many people in HK do not like Rolex, they have two groups of people, one who can not afford to buy one and they probably never can, so they do not like this kind of Products,
Another one is who is too rich and probably they would not like to use anything at all as they are not extravaganza to them.
Watch, they drop Rolex, go for Patek Philippe
Car, they drop Porsche, go for Ferrari
Pen, they drop Montblanc, they go for Namiki…
Some watch collectors do not collect Rolex as they said that Rolex is too basic for them, , their preference is Something else. I had friend that obvious he announce he hates Rolex!! He is an Anti_Rolex_Actvist! Anyway, he is one of the minority only.
My comment
A watch got to be very dependable, accurate, trouble free, rugged, comfortable to wear,
Has a Swiss tradition, has successful story behind, affordable and reasonable pricing.
My preference is still solid gold watch like Day Date, as it is cheap to own cheap to use,
And never prone to have problem…

TCO
TCO means “Total Cost of Ownership”
A term to defends semiconductor equipment value.
TCO (total cost of ownership) is a type of calculation designed to help consumers and enterprise managers assess both direct and indirect costs and benefits related to the purchase of any IT component or semiconductor manufacturer equipment. The intention is to arrive at a final figure that will reflect the effective cost of purchase, all things considered Such as:
Cost of the instrument- Lowest price for a Solid gold watch
Output of the equipment- Rolex Never let you down
MTBA (Mean time between assistance) longer the better, Rolex seldom fail
MTTR (mean time to Repair) shorter the better, Two Weeks Maximum to repair in Rolex Service Centre HK for normal Failure… Some other Swiss Brand took me 5 Month to overhaul a watch!!
Repair Cost- Rolex seems is very reasonable. Normal Repair is approx. HKD$1500, Some of the Swiss Watch (Not Rolex) can ask for HKD$50,000 for a overhaul, no damages at all.
Down Time, Lower better, for watch, should be “Zero”
Rolex has a super high value even using for many years, it does not lose face when you wear your grand-pa’ Milgauss or Daytona. Will You!, if yes, give them to me!
Rolex is All Season, All Weather, all occasions partner for you!
Rolex is beautiful…

Conclusion
As a Conclusion, In my humble opinion, Rolex has the Lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

PSI do not have any connection with Rolex Watch Company, agent and or Rolex AD, I just express my personal comment on Rolex!
HK Snob

The Underestimated Rolex Turn-O-Graph

Initially, the Rolex Turn-O-Graph was launched in 1953 as an adventure watch. Although it was discontinued in the early 1960s due to the success of the Submariner and GMT as sport watches that overshadowed this model, Turn-O-Graph is a fantastic vintage model especially those few before 1960 worth collecting. Today, a similar model still manufactured is the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref 116264.
History
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 was first produced in 1953. Basic design objective of Turn-O-Graph was to add a feature concept of timing by means of the rotatable bezel is described as “a reminder of times past, for phone calls, conferences, timing parking and countless other usages” In fact, this was the advertising campaigns in a Rolex catalogue of the time present the 6202 on the wrist of an airline passenger.
Turn-O-Graph Chronometer
Only very few models are certified chronometers. From the second half of the 1950s the Pencil hands were replaced by the more modern Mercedes hands and the A296 was replaced by the new A260 calibre. On the first models the word Turn-O-Graph is at the 12 o’ clock position with obvious spacing between the words Oyster and Perpetual, whilst on the following models the name is at the 6 o’ clock position and the distance between Oyster and Perpetual is of the standard size. The Turn-O-Graph is available only in steel whilst the dial is glossy or honeycomb finished, with gold writing in both cases
Turn-O-Graph 1954-1960
The production of the line ended at the beginning of the 1960s, after the trial and error to test the market acceptance, without being replaced, making way for the more successful and rich Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph series, of which the first model was the 6309. This 1954 model is characterized by a rotatable graduated in a similar way to the rare Turn-O-Graph 6202 De Luxe model and is made only in gold (14kt and 18kt, yellow or rose) or in steel / gold.
In 1956 the 6309 was substituted by the reference 6609 with the new 1065 Calibre which was characterized by both a flatter case-back with concentric circle polishing and a pie-pan dial lacking fixing pins. The hour markers and hands have a characteristically 1950s design and the date numbers alternate between red and black.
The Turn-O-Graph is made in a rare De Luxe version as well, with a honeycomb dial, appliqué hour markers, rotatable bezel and gold crown. Even some Datejust models, nicknamed Turn-O-Graph, have this particular bezel. .
Thunderbird
The 6309 is known as the Thunderbird as well, from the name of the acrobatic squadron of the US Air Force which took this watch on as their official timepiece.
The Earliest Version of Rolex Turn-O-Graph
Since it was marketed as an adventure watch, it was equipped with a water resistant to a depth rating to 165 feet. If you are lucky enough, you may come across this model with 165 feet engraved on it. This is because very few versions of this model actually bore it, and such a watch has become collectible.
Latest Turn-O-graph
The most sought-after references for this model are: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Ref. 16264-116264. Classic watch collection. The best Seller is Black Dial, white Dial and Then blue, they are all same price if the other options remain unchahged.
Collector’s Item
When More Red Colour on Dial, the Hotter the sought-after Model on all Rolex
The Ferrari Red Dial Cosmograph Daytona Ref 6265 made in 1980s hit a record of US$170,600 and Ferrari Red Dial Rolex Ref 1803 Day Date would trigger an Auction price of US$40,000.
Now you can buy a Rolex Watch that has A Glittering Red Second Pointer, a Red description words of “Turn-O-Graph” and a Red Date Display.
After Daytona and YachtMaster, Turn-O-Graph is using solid Steel as for the Strap. Water Resistant to 50M. a New Dress Watch with Three Red, Red “Turn-O-Graph” Red “pointer” and Daring Red “Date”
If you had already a Standard Date Just, a Day Date, a Sub, and GMT… probably you may add this time in your Collection: Turn-O-Graph.
HK Snob