What Happened at the Auction for the F.P. Journe Watch?

The highlight of the recent Hong Kong spring auctions was the F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine wristwatch. This remarkable timepiece hammered at HK$14.2 million, which is 3.7 times its initial estimate. After premiums, it sold for a total of HK$17.6 million (approximately US$2.3 million), making it the most expensive watch sold during this season's auctions.

Auction Details:

• Lot Number: 2291
• Brand: F.P. Journe
• Model: Sonnerie Souveraine
• Type: Stainless steel grande and petite sonnerie minute repeating wristwatch
• Features: Function selector, power reserve, and bracelet
• Manufactured: Circa 2008
• Case Size: 42 mm
• Estimate: HK$3,800,000 - 7,800,000
• Hammer Price: HK$14,200,000
• Sold Price: HK$17,557,000

About F.P. Journe

François-Paul Journe is widely regarded as one of the most influential watchmakers of our time. Since founding F.P. Journe in 1999, his watches have become staples at major auctions, frequently appearing alongside legendary brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex. Remarkably, F.P. Journe holds the auction record for an independent watchmaker, set by its Tourbillon Souverain, which sold for CHF 7.32 million (US$8.3 million) in 2024.

Journe's Journey: Born in Marseille in 1957, Journe found his passion for horology while living with his uncle, a vintage clock restorer in Paris. His obsession with mechanical innovation led him to create his first tourbillon pocket watch by the age of 20. In 1991, he designed a prototype wristwatch featuring a tourbillon and a remontoir d’égalité—an innovative constant-force mechanism.

In 1999, Journe launched the Souscription Tourbillon, offering early supporters a chance to purchase limited editions at half the future retail price. This initiative laid the groundwork for his brand, which focuses on complex precision chronometers, producing around 800 watches per year.

Market Presence and Pricing

F.P. Journe watches typically command 2.5 to 3 times their retail price on the secondary market, surpassing even Patek Philippe's Nautilus line and Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak.

Insights from Collectors

Here are some interesting comments from collectors regarding the F.P. Journe experience:

1. "Rob a bank then go to an AD to buy…"
2. "You're going to need a strong purchase history—over $250,000—just to get noticed."
3. "Good luck with the hunt!"
4. "Buying from a private seller or the gray market might be a better option than dealing with ADs."

How to Purchase an F.P. Journe Watch

If you're interested in acquiring an F.P. Journe watch, consider registering your interest at the Prince Building boutique in Central, Hong Kong. They don't require occupation details, unlike Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, which can make the process slightly easier.

It's essential to act quickly—given their limited production and high demand, you might hear back in 2-3 years regarding your desired model.

Final Thoughts

If you love F.P. Journe watches, I recommend registering your interest as soon as possible. With patience and a bit of luck, you might just secure one of these exceptional timepieces.

Cheers,
Paul Ip

 

Risk on buying and selling watch

If you don't trust your watch dealer, you risk buying a counterfeit, a watch with non-authentic parts, or a watch with issues like a voided warranty or even stolen watch , which can lead to expensive repairs and trouble. For selling, you may receive a lower price and face the risk of dealing with scammers or receiving a fraudulent payment. 

Risks when Buying

 

• Counterfeit or fake watches: An untrustworthy dealer increases the chance you'll unknowingly purchase a fake timepiece, often with non-original parts, to make a profit.
• Warranty issues: Buying from unverified sources, including "grey market" dealers, can void the manufacturer's warranty. This means you may be responsible for the full cost of repairs.
• Stolen or mis-advertised watches: The dealer could sell you a watch with a stolen serial number or advertise a watch they don't actually have in stock.
• Improper servicing: A non-authorized dealer may have used inferior or non-official parts during a previous service, compromising the watch's performance and reliability. 
• Scammer: if that say Carousell site guy has been just registered a few days or even a few months with no trace of good comment or trade record, stay away from them.

• Through watch finder: they are I fact dealer with good connection to the dealer, in a short period to e time , he can tell you the price that you want to buy, before the purchase, you can set up a deal on the finder’s fee.

Finder’s fee is normally from 2%-10% depending price of the watch,

Risks when selling

• Receiving a low price: Dealers who are not reputable will likely try to buy your watch for less than its true market value, as their goal is to make a profit on resale.
• Dealing with scams: You risk encountering scammers who might try to defraud you, for example, by sending a bad check or switching the watch with a fake one during the transaction.
• Stolen inventory: You could be unknowingly buying or selling a watch from a dealer who is involved with stolen goods, putting you at risk.
• Lack-of-transparency: A dishonest dealer might not be transparent about the valuation process, leaving you with a poor deal without you realizing it. 
• At Certain trading site such as Carousel; :- if someone not asking for price reduction and give you the price you want, check his trading record, likely he may be a scammer who my take your watch by paying tricks of bank cheque or sending someone to loot your watch, of even take your watches without payment. Many real cases have been happened in HK.

 

Conclusion

There must be certain value for the middle man, Dealer to give you buying and selling service, sometimes it is more comfortable for selling through dealer, unless you are yourself a dealer

If you watch is a collectible item, go for middle man first and if he can’t find the right buyer, and if you can wait, go for auction, note that there is charges in selling your watch at auction.

• Through dealer that you know, they know the watch and because of commission is based on your watch value, he would like to sell higher price for you.

HK Snob

Rolex Day Date Oyster Quartz 19018 yellow gold in Birch dial

 

A Rare Gem: 19018 Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz with Unique Birch Dial

 

Let’s take a brief step back in horological history first. 

Between 1977 and 2003, Rolex produced a total of 25,000 Oyster Quartz watches — a bold move at a time when the Swiss watch industry was still reeling from the "Quartz Crisis". Among these, the yellow gold models with birch dials are exceptionally rare. In fact, it’s estimated that fewer than 200 were ever made. Over the past decade in Hong Kong, I’ve personally seen no more than five — and three of them are in my collection. 

Today, I’m offering one of the two I’m looking to part with — a truly beautiful Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz 19018, featuring an absolutely stunning birch-coloured dial. 

This is not your average beige or champagne dial. The birch tone on this particular example is remarkably brighter and more “orange-toned” compared to others I’ve encountered. When viewed alongside the crisp white Day and Date apertures, the contrast is striking — a visual detail that truly comes alive in person (unfortunately, my photos can’t quite do justice to it due to reflections). 

I had the battery replaced just last week on 4 October at CWR, so you’re getting a fully serviced, accurate timepiece ready to run for approximately two more years. 

Now, why is this watch interesting beyond its rarity? 

Many modern watch enthusiasts and critics have noted that the design language of the Rolex Oysterquartz — particularly its clean, integrated bracelet and bold dial layout — may have subtly influenced the later Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master (or even the newer Oyster Perpetual "Land-Dweller" concept). Speaking of which, the newly launched Rolex Oyster Perpetual 40mm "Land-Dweller" (Ref. 127334) in stainless steel with a white dial is currently retailing (or reselling) in the open market for around HKD 270,000. 

So here’s a thought:

Why not consider a solid 18k yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, with a rare and vibrant birch dial, powered by Rolex’s own highly engineered quartz movement, all for roughly half the price? 

It’s accurate. It’s elegant. It’s historically intriguing. And it’s definitely a conversation starter. 

This is one of the two I’m listing on Carousell — if you’ve been searching for something truly unique in the quartz world from Rolex, this might be your moment.

 HK Snob

Story behind IWC 's fish crown logo

 

One of the cool details in IWC’s new Big Pilot'  s Watch Edition Black Carbon is the return of the “fish "   crown — a small logo used by IWC from the 1950s to the 2000s to show a watch is water-resistant. It' s not just on the crown, but also on the case back. 

This little fish symbol was once a quiet favorite among fans, but it was later replaced by the more official “Probus Scafusia” logo. Its comeback is actually tied to a funny and surprising trademark battle in Switzerland. 

Here'  s what happened:

Richemont (IWC'  s parent company) tried to register the fish logo in 2016, but Swiss officials said no — because it looked too much like the ichthys, an ancient Christian symbol of a fish that stands for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” They worried it might offend religious feelings.

 Richemont appealed, saying the logo wasn't meant to be religious and wouldn't   upset most people. After some back and forth, a higher court agreed in 2018. They said the fish logo wasn't clearly the ichthys, and that the symbol wasn't central to Christian worship like, say, the cross or the Virgin Mary. Plus, similar designs were already being used in business without issues.

 

So, IWC won the right to use the fish logo — and now, thanks to the new Black Carbon edition, it's making a comeback on watches!

HK Snob

Your Watch Reflects Your Personality

 Your Watch Reflects Your Personality

A timepiece is more than just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your identity, taste, and lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to timeless elegance, bold innovation, or reliable functionality, the watch you wear speaks volumes about who you are. Here's how different watch brands align with distinct personalities—from luxury icons to beloved everyday companions:

 

 Audemars Piguet – The Discerning Enthusiast

Known for its refined craftsmanship and understated luxury, Audemars Piguet appeals to those who seek high quality and exclusivity without the need for ostentation. It’s the watch for the sophisticated minimalist with a taste for the exceptional.

Cartier – The Style & Jewelry Aficionado

Blending luxury with iconic design, Cartier watches appeal to those with a passion for beauty, fashion, and the artistry of fine jewelry. It’s the choice of those who see their watch as an extension of their personal style.

 Casio – The Functional & Fun Personality

From rugged G-Shock watches to sleek digital styles, Casio is loved for its versatility, affordability, and bold functionality. It’s the choice of the practical, active, and tech-savvy individual who values performance and personality in equal measure.

 

HUBLOT – The Modern & Fashion-Forward

Bold designs, striking colors, and cutting-edge innovation make Hublot the choice for those who express their individuality through contemporary style and trendsetting aesthetics. It’s for the trendsetter who isn’t afraid to stand out.

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre – The Watch Lover with a Taste for Design & Uniqueness

Celebrated for its artistic complications, elegant innovation, and technical mastery, Jaeger-LeCoultre attracts those who cherish distinctive design and mechanical ingenuity. It’s for the curious mind and the creative soul.

 

Longines – The Elegant Classicist

Known for its refined Swiss elegance, timeless designs, and strong heritage, Longines appeals to those who appreciate classic beauty with a modern sensibility. It’s the choice of the graceful, sophisticated individual with a love for understated luxury.

 

Omega – The Explorer & Achiever

Renowned for precision, innovation (especially in space and sports), and iconic models like the Speedmaster and Seamaster, Omega appeals to adventurers, achievers, and fans of timeless performance. It’s for those who chase excellence—on Earth and beyond.

 

Patek Philippe – The Classic with Timeless Value

Synonymous with heritage, precision, and enduring elegance, Patek Philippe represents sophistication and long-term value. It appeals to collectors and connoisseurs who deeply appreciate tradition, masterful horology, and the art of fine watchmaking.

 

Richard Mille – The Bold & Sociable Statement-Maker

With avant-garde designs, vibrant colors, and cutting-edge materials, Richard Mille watches reflect the dynamic, outgoing personality of those who enjoy standing out in elite social circles. It’s for the high-energy, high-net-worth individual who dares to be different.

 

Rolex – The Practical Achiever

A symbol of reliability, success, and prestige, Rolex is favored by ambitious individuals who value durability and a timepiece that complements a driven, professional lifestyle. It’s the watch of doers and dreamers alik 

 

Seiko – The Reliable Everyday Hero

Celebrated for exceptional value, durability, and innovation (especially in dive and mechanical watches), Seiko is the go-to for practical, no-nonsense individuals who value reliability above all. It’s the watch of the everyday adventurer and watch enthusiast who appreciates craftsmanship in all forms.

 

TAG Heuer – The Ambitious Trendsetter

With a sporty, performance-driven image and a strong connection to motorsports and chronographs, TAG Heuer attracts ambitious, energetic individuals who value style, innovation, and a touch of athletic edge. It’s for go-getters with a love for speed.

 

Tudor – The Balanced Traditionalist

Offering a perfect blend of heritage, value, and modern reliability, Tudor is ideal for those who appreciate classic watchmaking with a contemporary edge. It’s for the individual who seeks prestige without the luxury price tag, yet still desires exceptional quality.

 Vacheron Constantin – The Connoisseur of Craftsmanship & Heritage

With deep respect for artisanal detail, historical significance, and timeless storytelling, Vacheron Constantin resonates with admirers of refined elegance and legacy. It’s chosen by those who value heritage as much as horology.

Which watch matches your personality?

Whether you lean toward luxury, heritage, innovation, or everyday reliability—your watch is a personal statement. Choose one that not only tells time but tells your story.

HK Snob

What next prestige watch that I possibly could buy at Boutique at MSRP?

After acquiring high-demand pieces from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, your next move for boutique purchase and potentially more exclusive access might be to target brands with smaller production, like Breguet or brands focusing on different segments, such as A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, or Moser. The answer is often F.P. Journe itself, emphasizing its unique artisanal production. 

In 2018 May after I left my name card  at Patek Philippe shop for a Nautilus 5712, after two weeks I got it at MSRP at about HK$290K, That was one of my first one to get a prestige collector’s dream watch. After that I have not been able to et any Audemars Piguet though I left my card at IFC AP boutique for a white idea 15400.. I know as by that time 2022. Audemars Piguet market price is almost at its historical high. By right they have no right to give a walk in client. though I knew the manager in charge.

It it time now for going a FP, Journe as for reason I love their hand design, case , dial colour and an unique iconic look of their watch, another reason is that they produce only 700-800 watches a year, comparing with 1 million Rolex, 60.000 Patek Philippe, 50,000 Audemars Piguet and 35,000 Vacheron Constantin a year.

I am expecting to get one after 2 years, I intend to give it to my daughter as her birthday gift.

HK Snob

摩羅街：香港古董集中地的寶藏傳奇

 摩羅街：香港古董集中地的寶藏傳奇

 

摩羅街，是香港一個傳統的古董集中地。早在1970年代末至1990年代，許多人（包括我自己）都喜歡到摩羅街走走看看。那裡不僅充滿懷舊氣息，更蘊藏著不少有趣又令人驚嘆的故事。

 

其中一個經典故事，是關於一隻被「發掘」出來的古董手錶。

 

話說，有一位猶太人（坊間常稱他為「猶太仔」），在摩羅街遊逛時，無意中看到一只搪瓷表面、表盤上鑲有 獨特圖案的Patek Philippe金手錶。當時，這隻錶被擺放在街邊的某間小店舖中，看起來並不起眼。

 

那位猶太人覺得這隻錶有點特別，於是詢問價錢。店主開價 二萬五港元。要知道，在當年的香港，二萬五元絕對不是一筆小數目！

 

然而，這位猶太人還是決定買下它。後來，他將這隻錶轉售給了喬大羽，他是一位在鐘錶界極具分量的人物。這位買家出價 五萬港元，也就是比原價高了一倍。

 

喬大羽不僅是亞洲首位成功製作陀飛輪腕錶的鐘錶師傅，同時在鐘錶界擁有極高的地位與影響力。他看中了這隻錶的潛力，後來更將其送拍，結果在拍賣會上以 五十 萬港元 成交！

 

換句話說，這隻原本在摩羅街街邊小店擺賣、看似平平無奇的手錶，從 二萬五最終超過 五十萬港元，實現了驚人的價值飛躍！

 

這就是摩羅街的魅力所在 —— 一個充滿機會的地方，即使是最不起眼的角落，也可能藏著價值連城的寶藏。

 

當然，時代不同了。現在資訊非常發達，市場透明度也高，大家都很容易查到甚麼東西值錢、誰是買家、誰是賣家。因此，想要像以前那樣「撿漏」或「低買高賣」，確實變得更加困難。

 

但，這並不代表機會完全沒有了。摩羅街依然是一個有可能「撿到寶」的地方，只是需要更多的眼光、知識，以及一點運氣。香港除咗摩羅街之外，其實仲好多地方可以執到嘅我去過嘅地方係深水埗鴨寮街都買過幾隻錶賺咗幾倍嘅利潤。純粹考眼光啫。

 

 我認識橋大羽，去早期到香港時就攞住百幾萬現金買樓，我去過我屋企飲湯睇錶，佢喺環球商場環球錶行打理業務，而家仲有間表店喺度佢家人打理。佢2007年中風2020年離開我哋好可惜！好感嘆！

後記關於嗰隻拍得philip嘅資料好朦朧數字可能有原本嘅價錢有所不同，所以大家唔好見怪，尤其是表界前輩錢輩！

附圖不是原文所述的那個表.

HK Snob

一隻勞力士潛水錶的怪事

錶鏈斷的怪事：

 

十二年前曾經買過一隻勞力士潛水表安歷士腕錶16618全金嘅，冇記錯應該係十七萬元。 賣俾我嗰個人係一個好朋友佢都係同一個老人家買返嚟嘅，咁我都帶咗一段日子大概都有四個月囉，咁有一日突然間嗰個錶就停咗，咁我搵吓Classic Watch Repair 去修復, CWR 冼生嚟同我講原來條鏈斷咗喎。佢已經同我換咗條新鏈啦，當然就修復好啦，咁傾閑偈同我老友講我隻錶啱啱停咗咁修復好啦，原來斷咗鏈，佢話哎呀咁邪嘅：- 啱啱嗰個錶主就上個星期就過咗身!!

 咁樣呢隻錶再大咗半年就賣咗比一個美國嘅汽車進口商佢有一隻同型號嘅青金石面所以佢就襯成一對，我記得當時買咗三十五萬！

 後註：- 點樣分一隻潛水錶面係onyx 面啊? Onyx 面呢個日曆窗會鑲左個金框的.

HK Snob

Vintage Rolex collection

 Rolex vintage watches are actually really fun. Each series has no official records—players just keep their own logs to compare versions, which often involves splitting them into sub-models. The gray areas between these awkward "periods" lead to endless disputes, making it a hassle. Rolex service centre and dealers refuse to authenticate them, leaving everyone guessing. Collectors obsess over completeness: this part has to match that period, like how a slightly longer middle stroke on the "E" in the GMT text can change the price—you see that? Ugh, and you need papers, original boxes... It’s easier said than done. At the end of the day, what matters is that you love it. 

The truth is, buying is hard, selling is harder. Might as well stick to new models instead. There are so-called "experts" all over the internet, but how do you get certified? Just because you own a lot doesn’t make you an expert. The real experts are Rolex themselves, but they refuse to publish these details—they’re scared of backlash. Rolex makes so many watches, with varying hands, dials, printing materials, suppliers, and production periods. The combinations are endless, which is why it’s such a headache. Plus, auction pieces need a story—they have to be "worn by a celebrity" to fetch high prices. Regular watches rarely sell for much; breaking even is a win. 

So over the past six or seven years, the vintage Rolex market has been declining. Of course, there are still plenty of collectors worldwide, but the community is shrinking. Younger generations, especially, don’t wear watches much—they just strap on cheap digital Fruit Watch. Naturally, the market is shrinking. When demand drops, prices can’t climb. It’s frustrating… 

Of course, this is just my take. Have any of you seen those stunning vintage Rolexes at a shop 10 years ago? They’d sell out in days. Now, many stores have Rolexes sitting unsold for two years. Why? I’m just throwing this out there to spark a chat—feel free to share your thoughts and discuss🧐

Example shown here is a Long E GMT Master  Long "E".

香港腕表市場2025

一、市场格局：收藏家坚守与新手退潮的二元分化
全球高端腕表市場正經歷一場深刻的結構性調整。核心藏家群體（占比超過14%）展現出驚人的忠誠度，他們以「傳家寶式收藏」為核心理念，尤其關注百達翡麗（Patek Philippe）等頂級品牌的稀缺性，例如2022年全NOS 鹦鹉螺5167R Pink Gold 價格已從峰值回落30%至64萬元，但核心藏家仍視其為抗通脹資產。與之形成鮮明對比的是，2019-2022年湧入市場的60%新手藏家正加速離場，這一現象與摩根士丹利報告揭示的二手市場價格持續回調（2024Q4同比下跌7.2%）形成共振。

驅動因素分析：

• 經濟理性回歸：年輕藏家（30歲以下占比41.1%）更傾向功能性腕表，導致勞力士運動款（如Daytona）在二手市場供應激增，價格較2022年峰值下跌15-30%。
• 投資邏輯轉變：藏家從「短期套利」轉向「長期持有」，AP（Audemars Piguet）等品牌取消授權經銷商（AD）代銷，直接通過直營渠道控制稀缺性，加劇了市場分化。

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二、渠道革命：數位化浪潮下的生態重構
傳統經銷體系正經歷顛覆性變革：

1. WhatsApp交易生態萎縮：經銷商社群活躍度下降60%，反映灰色市場套利空間收窄。勞力士Submariner在AD渠道等待時間從210 天縮短至90天，Grey market 市場供應量減少35%。
2. 內容創作者分層：頭部KOL（如Horoverse）Abel Hwong, Ko Sir, Billy 通過4K鑑賞視頻保持影響力，而中小創作者因流量成本攀升（單條廣告報價上漲200%）加速淘汰。
3. 本土化渠道崛起：香港獨立經銷商（Indie）通過定制化服務（如古董表修復認證）搶佔細分市場，日本Indie品牌在二手改裝表領域市佔率提升至18%。

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三、品牌戰略：經典復興與技術創新的雙軌競爭

1. 經典復刻浪潮

• 勞力士五位數型號（如16710 GMT-Master II）價格觸底反彈，較四位數型號溢價達10%，印證「編號文化」的回歸。
• 卡地亞Crash系列在二級市場溢價超過200%，其80年代復古設計契合Z世代對「Y2K美學」的追捧。

2. 技術破局者

• 百達翡麗Aquanaut 5167R採用合金表殼，防水深度突破1000米，重新定義專業潛水表標準。
• 沛納海推出的Ti-Ceramitech材質（斷裂韌性超過傳統陶瓷10倍），在超薄複雜功能表領域建立技術壁壘。

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四、新興勢力：本土化與去中心化浪潮

1. 亞洲品牌突圍

• 日本獨立制表師聯盟（JWCI）通過眾籌模式推出月相萬年曆腕表，預售額突破200萬美元。
• 品牌Venezianico融合嶺南琺瑯工藝, quite attractive.

2. 模式創新

• 區塊鏈認證：江詩丹頓在閣樓工匠系列嵌入NFT證書，實現工藝溯源與數字資產雙重價值。
• 訂閱制服務：歐米茄推出「每月一款經典」租賃計劃，用戶年費可體驗36款古董表，復購率達73%。

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五、投資邏輯與風險預警
機會領域：

• 經典老表：五位數勞力士（1990年代前生產）年均增值率穩定在3-8%，建議關注16520 Daytona等流通量低於500枚的稀有款。Floating porcelain dial, creamy dial P Y K series. 
• 技術突破：關注2025年SIHH展會的陀飛輪技術創新，預計超薄機芯（厚度<3mm）將引發新一輪溢價。

風險提示：

• 流動性危機：二手市場平均成交周期延長至90天，部分冷門款（如勞力士Yacht-Master）價格承壓超過25%。
• 監管風險：歐盟新規要求二手奢侈品提供完整維修記錄，導致非認證渠道交易成本上升15%。

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結語：新黃金時代的生存法則
在腕表市場的分化周期中，真正的贏家將是那些兼具歷史厚度與技術銳度的品牌。對於藏家而言，需警惕「偽稀缺性」陷阱，聚焦真正具備工藝傳承與文化價值的作品；對於投資者，應把握亞洲本土化與技術創新兩大主線，在波動中尋找結構性機會。正如Chrono24指數揭示的：當市場回歸理性，那些經得起時間考驗的時計，終將在周期輪回中閃耀永恆光芒。

Paul Ip