Lee Kar Shing’s watches; Patek Philippe, Seiko, Citizen and Casio

After starting with a loan from his family in the early 1950s, Li’s first business venture was a factory making cheap combs.

He upgraded to the hugely profitable plastic flowers business. He used to have a Patek Philippe when he was changed himself from rags-to-riches in 80’s. A few years whilst he was able to gain his fortune ten folds, he changed his watch to a Seiko, a plain stainless steel watch he has been wearing for over 25 years… recently reporter has seen his new watch is a black plastic Casio.

Everyone knows he spends money in a very calculative way, once he was interviewed that he dropped on dollar into a sewage, he took out one hundred dollar to his staff as a rewards for him to find one that one dollars, Lee’s philosophy was: he cannot afford this one dollar as if he did not find it this one dollar will be lost in the world forever…

So this is one likely the richest man in Asia has a very different way to choose his watch; when he get richer, his watch is getting cheaper… I think we know why he changed Patek Philippe to Seiko as he might not want to hear people's comment about the Richest man and the most renowned watch are linked up together. As in HK the poor peoples start to hate the richer people! and The Rich people dislike the poor people, Like I go out into the street, people gives me dirty eyes as i wear cheap clothes, and a low taste Watch, worst is I go to work by MTR, whereas friend of mine driving a decent X5!

When people get richer, there is a tendency for low profile in personal belonging. Same for Lee Kar Shing's car, a Camry…however his house is big, expensive and strong like an invincible fortress.

As once in 1990s he wore a $5400 timepiece from Citizen Watch Co. and still is not a brand conscious man. It seems he is the true follower of the saying “simplicity is the best policy”.

No one knows in details why he changed his watch from Seiko to Casio, may be from what I guess, he is going to go for some changes from White to Black for superstitions. Or simple his Seiko was damaged and could not be repaired, he just picked up the watch from a street shop.

I am an admirer of Mr. Lee as he is not well educated and he could show that the best in class does not ensure you could be sucessful in the soscity. Preparation, hard working plus some luck would possibly help you to get some good fortune

Well, someone may say "richman isn't necessarily the sucessfully man! 

But I am sure a poor snob like I is definitely a loser!

 

HK Snob
Watch Fever

How Did I Start Collecting Vintage watches!?

How Did I start Collecting Vintage watches?

Well, when I was young, I lived in Kane Road, I was not supposed to have dinner every night…

If not, then my mother would bring me walking up across the road and there, at a small lane, we could see some of the rich families having dinner, a long table that we could see a few people taking their dishes, under the warm white cozy lighting, as what Chinese say “One soup and four dishes”

OMG, in my child’s days, we hardly had a “One Soup and Four dishes”… We used to have one or for better days additional one more dish, that was it…

That was all my days I could remember when I was in primary school as a kid.

Sooner later, when I was out for School, I was given 1.4 dollar a days, I spent 30 cents for Bus No. 13 from Kowloon City to Prince Edward Road where I studied in Queen Elizabeth Secondary school for the F1 and F.2 as our school was not completed yet, That was my glory days as when Friends of mine asked me where I was going, I said, “Queen Elizabeth School” Loud enough to let more passerby heard about it… In fact My school badges written : “Kwun Tong Government technical School” which I believed no one heard of…

Yes, I am the first year student of this school. I still could remember we had two students entered the University of HK… at that time… this was the University everyone was dreaming of. I had no luck …

I never took bus as I walked from Kowloon City to Mongkok twice a day in order to take the 30 Cents bus money, Our classmates used to eat Pork Chop noodle Shanghai Style that was $1.2, whilst I used to take Yeung Chun Noodle (pure noodle) as it was only 60 cents at that time…

I kept saving money to buy my toys, since than I could not feed my stomach by I was very happy as I had some of the wonderful toy I could dream of; the Hood, The Blue Devil, or later on the Yamato warships.

That was my days when I was young, until one day my father bought us a British made “Bush “  Black and white TV, I remembered my old man told me , it was HKD$1,100. That was quite a bit of money at that time, as we could possible buy a Rolex Date Just two tone Pink gold and steel with HKD$1,760 back in 1967.

Nowadays the kids are spoiled by their parents as it seems many of the people are living much better than that time we were 40 years ago. My daughter had just talked to me why I did not Change the Samsung Note III from II and she was in many cases, signaled me to buy a new house in a better environment, she Told ne somewhere is Kowloon Tong is very quiet and nice to stay… I was unable to tell as under this pay-cut hay days, I could possible sell my last kidney for paying the rent… how dares she could talk to me to change a new home!? She dare as there is no cost incur with it... but I have…

However, when I could recall, I feel that the time when I was young was so nice, simply because I was poor and I treasure everything I could afford to buy, since that I started a hobby to keep the best toys I had, and sooner the best Watch I could buy… That is what I always proud of and I still keep some of the Old Watch I bought, Like the First Rolex Orchid Watch for my mother… this watch has a special meaning to me. I gave to my mother, and later she gave it to my first wife, and sooner later after ten years, I gave it to my second wife… not long ago I returned to my mothers. And now my mother is quite old and she does not need a Rolex with some sands at the bezel, she gave it back to me…

That is why I started to have passion to collect old vintage watches as it always bring me a lot of Nostalgia and tenderly feeling about the good time I had …

HK Snob

Watch Fever 

Reminder; there is Rolex Daytona Ref 116520 For sales, Brand new offer from Rolex AD, Both White and Black at market price

Refer to my earlier post yesterday

Mail me for more information...


HK Snob

Go for the BEST!

When I was young, a 50 Cent pineapple bun would be the nicest snack after school… it would be an extravaganza if I could have another 20 Cents Pepsi.

When you grow up, I could afford to buy myself a Rolex Date Just, that seemed one of the greatest moment in life as I they counted the cash of HKD$5,025 , as at that time my month salary was just HKD$4,000.

But when we had achieved something, even man is trying to find all excuses to buy gift for himself, many people told me work hard and play hard… well, they play hard, not pay hard… in many cases I see many people buys unnecessary stuff aimlessly. They work not too hard, but they really pay hard…

Many people have a lot of credit debt. And I can assure that it kills you, I once had HKD$600,000 credit card debt, that was high in comparing with my income.  Luckily I made up my mind to let go some of the watches to pay the money back to the Bank… since then I cut the AMEX, Diner, MC and leaving two Visa cards. I was a free man since then, I believe this is a good practice to control not to over spending. 

When we grow up, we gradually find out that we started to appreciate more about Quality of living,

What is said to be good watch, finery fountain pen, good wine with Value for Money, a nice car!

What I am trying to say is that people do not need too many watches, but they need a few good watches.

Next time when you want to buy watch, think again, is that necessary!? I had a Black, do I need a White of the same model?

Yes, if you had a ref 116250 Daytona Black, you do not need a White?

If you had a White Gold Submariner, forget all the Black, green, Two tone… as the white gold stands out itself…!

Buy for the BEST, not the REST!

HK Snob

IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVII IW326501

World release starts now, you can book this beautiful Watch at HKIA IWC Boutique and IWC 1881 TST.

Price is HKD$41,500 no discount, Limited production 1,000 pieces.

I think that Hong Kong may have 250 pieces. Movement is ETA, but this is a good looking watch.

The Blue dial with white numerals have a good contrast. Don't miss this, a Nice Christmas gift got your kid, wife or even father.

Look for Douglas Mak the Boutique Sales Associate.

Ship 186A Unit 6E, Terminal I, HK International Airport.
Tel: +852-22612701

HK Snob

Rolex Watch 1950-2000

Amongst These Watches, Which one is your best beloved one?

To be sure, if money is not a problem, I will buy them all, but when you have money just allow you to make one single purchase, which one do you think is the best for you!?

If I could choose I will take the Day Date as it has more function, Day and Date.

Perpetual Oyster Auto winding... Solid gold case, I don't mind Auto or Oyster Quartz.

It would be a bonus if I  could get a special dial...

HK Snob

Watch Design

Experience, Innovation and the capability to appreciate fine art is some of the essence in creation of some beautiful watch design.

Friends of mine has 30 years experience in designing Semiconductor bonding equipment, when there is some new idea coming from his subordinate, he might not consider it at all as he thinks his experience tells him that is not good enough, his experience has set him a boundary on what the right design should look like, this is what we call experience kills all innovations.

There is no new design as all the old design might be best already, look at the rain weeper of your car. Almost 100% of the cars are using the same design, is that bore!? Can you imagine using some new concept? Mercedes 190E had been using a single weeper that could extend the length of the weep to catch more area at two corners of the glass. That was a superb design.

Yes, people keeps repeating mistake each time every year to accumulate the bigger mistake for 30 years., as they never have new design, why a watch must be round for example as it is more easier to be water proof than a rectangular one. Is there a Square watch that can be water proof under 12,000 feet at Pacific Ocean?

What make the design standout! Yes, like Audemars Piguet that put the Screw Outside the case, followed by Cartier screw on strap on the Sandoz.

What makes a watch to be beautiful, some of the simple Danish, Finis design are usually simple and sleek, Gorg Jensen watch for an example is simple  and elegant if you like it.

Picasso’s Kiki (GZ008) kicked off the story of Swatch and Art with a 140-piece edition, each with different colours. The graphically sophisticated design fits colours together like an unfinished screen print. It is one of the most expensive Swatch ever.

To me, sturdy function, accurate timing, durable operation and low cost maintenance is one of the way to tell this is a good design….

Imagine you watch had to  send to factory for oiling every year, you watch needs to be re-adjust the mainspring every two years, Do you still like this watch even though it is very beautiful? 

HK Snob

New Daytona Black and White dial stainless steel Watch available for you now!!

The Rolex that is still very hard to get from Rolex AD

The no. of Star indicates the difficulty of getting it…

No.1 Daytona  Stainless steel Black Ref 116520 HKD$9X,XXX   ******

No.2 Daytona Stainless steel white dial Ref 116520 HKD$87,500  *****

No.3 GMT Master II Blue Ref 116710 BLRN HKD$65,300 ****

No.4 Submariner Hulk Ref 116610LV HKD$66,100  ****

No.5 DeepSea Ref 116600 HKD$82,500 *

No. 6 Submariner Ref 116610LN $62,100 *

Big News, I can get you the Ref 116520 Black at Rolex AD, mail me… there are a few pieces , once in a blue moon…. First Come first serve, I can hold for a few days only! 

Feverip266288@yahoo.com.hk

HK Snob
Watch Fever

Rolex Repair

Rolex Watch Repair

Friend of mine had a Rolex Cellini, one day he come to me giving me his Rolex watch and a broken Crown pin: the crown is 100 detached (broken ) from the Pin. He asked me where he should go with it for Repair.

He told me that he would not have time to bring it to Rolex Service Centre and he asked me for advice.

He is a service engineer traveling to Malaysia and Taiwan and does not allow him to have the leisure to go to Rolex Centre for the repair. As some of us may face the same problem.

I told him if he brings to Rolex Service centre, he would be possible wait for 3 weeks and they will replace him a new crown-pin assembly, price is about HKD$3,000.

Another option is go to one watch man and I ask him to leave the watch to him and wait for a one weeks.

Now he came back to me and saying “ Thank you!” and the old watch smith fix the crown onto the pin!? Did you really told he fixed it this way!? He said yes, I was puzzled and worried as he might be charging a lot as no one would possible “Repair” rather than “Replace” it! J

He told he the man asked him for HKD$300 and not more than that.

And more important is that he can go there after 6 O’clock! He is a happy man now… as he watch is back to life

HK Snob

JEANRICHARD, as Official Timekeeper of the Natixis Rugby Cup, welcomes Racing Metro 92 to Hong Kong

JEANRICHARD, as Official Timekeeper of the Natixis Rugby Cup, welcomes Racing Metro 92 to Hong Kong

and showcases the Limited Edition Terrascope dedicated to the French rugby club.

Since September 2013, JEANRICHARD is proud to team up with the French rugby Club Racing Metro 92, a partnership driven by the same Philosophy of Life, one of passion, challenge and team spirit.

To support the outstanding rugby team but more generally the values shared with rugby’s world, the Swiss watchmaking Brand JEANRICHARD is honored to be the Official Timekeeper of the game opposing rugby giants Racing Metro 92 and Stade Toulousain, at the occasion of the Natixis Rugby Cup Hong Kong 2013. This exhibition game enters as the first professional French league rugby match ever held in Asia.

[November 28, 2013 – Hong Kong] This rugby cup will cap off a weeklong festival of French rugby with ‘egalite and fraternite for all” with a full calendar of community and charity activities planned throughout the lead-up to kick-off.

On November 7, the exclusive and limited edition of JEANRICHARD Terrascope, dedicated to its partnership with Racing Metro 92, is to be showcased and auctioned off in support of the charity “Room to Read” at the gala dinner on the evening. Featured with the famous Racing Metro 92 crest at 6 o’clock, showing the sky-blue-and-white stripes of the players’ shirts and sky blue overstitching echoing the crest, the iconic piece is set to appeal to all fans of the Paris club.

On November 9, the Racing Metro 92 will play against the legendary French clubs Stade Toulousain “Toulouse” for the first French league exhibition match ever held in Hong Kong at the Aberdeen Stadium. The 8,000 seat stadium will make for a unique ability to get up and close with the teams and contribute to what we are sure will be a fun and noisy atmosphere, replicating that of a French league match.

Bruno Grande, JEANRICHARD COO commented on the Racing Metro 92 tour in Hong Kong: “JEANRICHARD is proud to be part of this global adventure with the Racing Metro 92, to be part of a pioneering project and to promote all over the world the values we share with rugby: Passion to explore and challenge ourselves, ready for all refreshing discoveries and live it to the fullest.”

歡迎球隊Racing Metro 92蒞臨香江

並展示限量版腕錶以獻法國欖球熱情

Natixis欖球盃 – 香港2013官方時計JEANRICHARD

自2013年9月起，瑞士製錶品牌JEANRICHARD與法國欖球會Racing Metro 92 展開合作關係，此關係源自兩者相同的生活哲學、熱情、愛好挑戰及團結精神。

為表示對欖球理念及球會的支持，JEANRICHARD更榮邀擔任Natixis 欖球盃 — 香港2013的官方時計，為欖球界巨頭Racing Metro 92 和Stade Toulousain的球賽提供精準的時間。此亦是首個由兩支法國職業聯賽球隊對壘的亞洲表演賽。

(2013年11月28日 — 香港) 隨着欖球盃的開幕，一系列的欖球社區活動和慈善活動亦於比賽週期間登場，為賽事添上氣氛和推廣欖球運動。

於11月7 日，JEANRICHARD首度於香港展示與Racing Metro 92合作的特別限量版腕錶，並捐出予慈善團體Room to Read 在比賽週星期四的慈善晚宴上拍賣，為慈善出一分力。這枚特別版腕錶，在六時的位置載有Racing Metro 92以藍白條紋球衣作記的會徽，並與天藍色的缝綫相呼應。此別具意義的腕錶將吸引所有球會追隨者的目光。

而11月9日，於香港仔運動場便上演Racing Metro 92與法國傳奇球會Stade Toulousain “Toulouse” 首度於香港舉行的法國頂級欖球表演賽。而供有8,000個座位的球場可讓觀眾與球隊有更近距離接觸的機會，相信屆時澎湃現場氣氛絕不比法國現場遜色。

JEANRICHARD營運總監Bruno Grande對於Racing Metro 92來港表示雀躍：「JEANRICHARD很榮幸能夠與Racing Metro 92一起探索天地，成為這運動宣揚先驅的一部份，更與世界各地人士分享我們與欖球的共同理念：對探索的熱情、挑戰自我的追求、積極迎接新發現並活出生命的極緻。」

與此同時，Racing Metro 92的主席Jacky Lorenzetti亦表示認同：「在這價值上，欖球與JEANRICHARD的配戴者一脈相承：創出偉大成就的平凡人，挑戰個人極限的探索者，他們已預備好去征服世界，把生命的光芒盡情流露。」

技術規格

直線修飾緞面精鋼錶殼

尺寸:     44毫米

厚度:     12.6 毫米

防反光藍寶石水晶錶鏡

旋入式錶底

防水100米

JR60 機芯

自動上弦機械機芯

機芯尺寸：11 ½法分

振頻：每小時28,800次（4赫茲）

寶石數：26

動力儲存：不低於38小時

功能：小時、分鐘、秒鐘、日期

黑色緞面錶盤

塗上發光物料的浮凸鍍銠時標及標點

塗上發光物料的鍍銠指針

另備有發光小圓點

於六時位置備有Racing Metro 92浮凸標誌

黑色牛皮帶配天藍色的缝綫

限量版連編號：130枚

List Price HKD$53,800

 

HK Watch Fever

HK Snob

"Fully Authorized by Jean Richard Marketing to Publish this post."