Aston Martin and the Rolex Submariner

A young lawyer was driving his new bought vintage Aston Martin DB5 to court, and planned to show off his new toy to his colleague and lawyers.
He did not notice a truck passing and knocked his door when he was trying to open the door, that driver accelerated and went away!
The lawyer was mad and angrily picked up the phone called the police.
When the police came, the lawyer shouted at him: I bought the new A.M. yesterday, it was destroyed by that damn truck. And he just went away!
The police looked at the lawyer surprisingly: “Are lawyers pay attention on fact and witnesses rather than any other more important personal things?”
“What do you mean?” The lawyer asked.
“You did not find that nothing below your arm? Your are severing your arm!” Policeman said hysterically loud!
The lawyer looked down and uttered a mournful cry, “Oh My God, I lost my Gold Rolex Submariner!”

HK Snob

The Conquest Watches for Mount Everest

Human being is sometimes too small and helpless standing in front of the mother of nature.There are great explorers, adventurers could make a historical Event that no one could achieve.
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary, KG, ONZ, KBE (20 July 1919 – 11 January 2008), was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953 at the age of 33, he and Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. He was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
Their watches, were known to be Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
The watch in the centre Ref 6098 with white Baton Dial, is the watch worn by George Band during the successful 1953 Everest expedition when Hillary and Tenzing made it to the summit. The case-back inscribed with the details of the expedition.
Note that it was not a Rolex Explorer, the watch worn up Everest was a white Oyster Perpetual, much like the one we've found for sale today.
On the right, George Band's ref. 6150 used on the 1955 expedition to Kanchenjunga, with the back engraved to commemorate the climb.
On the left, another identical ref. 6150 from 1953, no known climbing history the canvas strap was signed by Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, and George Band.
Almost everyone is familiar with the name of one of the watches which was worn by Hillary and Tensing when they reached the summit of Everest in 1953 but fewer people realize that the other watch was a Smiths, as shown in the 1953 advert below:
Of course, the Smiths of 2011 looks nothing like the Smiths of 1953 but it is a reminder that a British watch accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on that historic climb.
The PRS-25 is the first watch to use the new Miyota 9015 automatic movement. Miyota is a division of Citizen, the largest non-swiss manufacturer of movements in the world and the 9015 has been compared most favourably with the ETA2892-2.
Smiths Everest PRS-25, released in December 2011, with a Miyota 9015, 24 jewel automatic, 28800 BPH in a 40mm 316L stainless steel case, solid end link bracelet and gorgeous acrylic crystal. That is somewhat the same thing on my Rolex Ref 1803 having a warm human like temperature of the crystal. Somewhat like your vinyl instead of the cold MP3 that sounds "Digital!".

This model continues the excellent quality and value for money line of watches from Timefactors owned by Eddie Platts. please visit the web site http://www.timefactors.com/. Price is just 225 pounds.The Rolex Submariner is in there for a size comparison. It looks even larger than the Sub.!

Speciification of Smiths Everest PRS-25
CASE
Material 316L stainless steel, brushed top with polished sides
Diameter 40mm, 44mm including crown
Lug to lug height 49.8mm
Thickness 14.5mm to the top of the hi-dome crystal
Lug spacing 22mm
Anti-magnetic 4,800 A/m
Water resistance 10ATM/100 metres/330 feet
Weight 165 grammes including bracelet
Features Screw back, screw down crown, drilled lugs
DIAL
Colour Black with white printed minute track
Luminous Triangle, numbers and indices SuperLuminova C3
HANDS
Style Mercedes hands, polished steel
Luminous SuperLuminova C3
CRYSTAL
Type Hi-dome acrylic , 34.6mm diameter x 2.5mm thick
MOVEMENT
Calibre Miyota 9015, 24 jewel automatic, 28,800 BPH
BRACELET
Solid link stainless steel with screwed links and solid end links and signed clasp.

HK Snob

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