More on the Ref 1807

Well, Today, after two weeks, My friend brought me his Ref 1807 which is Totally Can be described as "Near Mint" and I have to curse myself on how to get the amount of Money to Buy this rare and Beautiful Watch that I may not be able to see in coming three years.

This is beautifully hand crafted with bark pattern, very Classic that made me think of long lost Waterman CF 14K Solid Gold Fountain Pen...

It should be a collectible item. Like the one I missed Lapis Blue Dial Solid Gold Submariner now called for USD$80K in Auctions!

HK Snob

The Rolex Submariner 5513 worn by Roger Moore in 'Live and let die' sold in for USD$244,655 in Christie Geneva, 14 November 2011

This Rolex Reference 5513 Submariner has been modified by Q to include both a buzz-saw bezel, which Bond uses to free himself and Solitaire (Jane Seymour) before they could be fed to hungry sharks and a hyper intensified magnetic field generator. It was strong enough to stop a bullet, which it did in Bond’s final showdown in the movie, as well as helped Bond unzip Madeline Smith’s dress without laying a finger on her.
The unique watch was produced by Rolex in 1972 and still has its original bracelet. The razor sharp buzz saw bezel is still in place, the case-back is signed Roger Moore 007, and there is a small pinhole where there was once a thin wire installed to help unzip Miss Smith’s dress during filming.
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 200m, Submariner, Ref. 5513, case no. 2'683'776, manufactured in 1972 and then converted.
Movement removed to allow customization, black dial, luminous baton and dot numerals, , tonneau-shaped case with calibrated rotating black bezel with saw-tooth edge, luminous Mercedes-style hands, modified screw back, the inside case back signed Roger Moore 007, screw down crown, stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable bracelet with deployant clasp stamped 7-72, a small hole in the end links used to attach an invisible wire to unzip Miss Caruso's dress, case and dial signed.
It was sold for CHF 219,000 ($242,655) through Christie’s, Geneva on 14 Nov 2011.
This same lot 182 Rolex 5513 Submariner, serial (case) number 2683776, previously sold for $37,560 through Christie’s in February of 2001. Bracelet markings notwithstanding, according to Martin Skeet and Nick Urul, Vintage Rolex Sports Models, the Live and Let Die buzz-saw Rolex manufacture date (before Syd Cain modifications for the movie, of course) is more likely sometime in 1970.
An Omega 2900.50.91 Seamaster Planet Ocean worn by Daniel Craig in his inaugural James Bond movie, Casino Royale (Eon Productions, 2006), sold for CHF 250,250 $275,409 at the prevailing exchange rate on 14 Nov.
My Question is why there is no Johnny English’s Spy Agent MI-7 Watch for Auction!? I think that there are fan who might want to bid for this Super Spy’s Watch. His watch, A Casio!?
HK Snob

Watch Talks about Rolex

My First, 2nd and third Rolex
I am not trying to saying something about Rolex as I know at least I know there is one colleague hates Rolex and even the people who wears Rolex, but so what?

Our Vice Chairman Wear Rolex Date Just, at least 10 Sales Engineers/managers wear Explorer II, one Marketing Director wears Explorer I, and One technical Manager wears Rolex GMT master II. Plus numerous ladies wearing Rolex 3,6,9 and Date just for Lady…

And Of course, a Sales man like me wear Day Date to work almost one the other day.

My Rolex stories started in 1981 as I had just able to get the first job to earn my own MONEY… I bought my very first Rolex Date Lady just at HKD$4,004 and after 6 months I sold it to my 2nd Engineer on board at RMB 2,000. After a while when I worked in HK, I bought the first Rolex Date Just Boy stainless steel with Jubilee bracelet at HKD$5,025 in Jordan Road, Opposite the Liberty Cinema快樂戲院 (I think the cinema would be torn down some 7 years ago.

1983, after a while I met the Shanghai Watch master Kiu Te Yu and Conrad Lau at HK World Wide Watch Company. I bought my first 14K Bubble Back Rolex Perpetual Oyster from him at HKD$5,000.

Later, I bought another Rolex Date Just Two Tone Yellow Gold Boy with Jubilee bracelet from Colleague, who received it as gift from Chinese friend and I still remember that has a very good number somewhat like 27882888…. and that was 1992 whereby I sold that Watch to The GM of Gemstar at HKD$28,000 because of the Lucky Number!
After that I stopped buying Rolex for a while and then I switched my collection to Swatch…

Until recent years, I had a fever and my forehead reaches a temperature of 38.38 deg C as I started collection Rolex again…. Over the years I think I have owned about 120 Rolex and some of them I let go for a while and gradually I learn from master (older Man) that My beloved model switched from Date just, to Sport Watch…
in between....Say Date Just, Air King, Explorer I, GMT master, Submariner, Sea Dweller, Daytona, Thunderbird, Day Date…

Until now, my focus is just simple; Day Date and Daytona. And Focus more on Day Date as it is very dependable….
Base on what I have been wasting money on this watch and I learn something.. and this is just my experience on Rolex… and my personal opinion only…

Rolex and Casio
I just had an argument with one of the men I know… why I like so much on Rolex, and When I showed him they watch, he said, he would not like to buy, and He would prefer o buy car, as he is a car maniac.

He is using BMW X5 and switched to 730 4 years ago, his dream buy is Porsche, he told me a digital watch is good enough for him why have to buy a Rolex.

So I had met so many people saying this o similar like this to me… and all the result is to use money to buy a Casio watch with US$40. No trouble and no stoppages at all, the Rolex will stop after using for 40 hours for Day date and 72 hours of Daytona, is this the best Rolex can make. I told him this is something like a Bottle of Petrvs 1989 and a Bottle of Cheap wine at 7-11, they are almost the same in the Chemical formula almost the same in the ingredients, they are almost the same colour (of course to me , their colour can tell a of big difference. They are Grape juice!?)

But the Petrvs is about HKD$28,000.00 and the cheapo wine at 7-11 is just HKD$130. What is the difference?

So we do not bother to keep on arguing as if one saying this to the about a Casio and a Rolex, I had to stay away form the topics and or keep quiet, there is no way to end this argument, eventually. I win the argument and lose a Friend!

Remarks, I do not have prejudice and bad comment on Casio, they are good, vibrant, accurate low cost watches for kids and youth, but not for a man like I….only

Use your Rolex Every Day
I know a lot of friend who wear a Cheap Seiko almost every day and they are serious Rolex Collector. Well, I do not understand this kind of people, I think they are either going extreme mentally, either they are afraid to be recognized as they are too rich by wearing Rolex!? Or they are fed up the performance of Rolex, No, I think they are already passed over the joy of wearing Rolex, instead they are waiting for the dream Watch….

As for myself, I use it… I use it everyday. I even I use a Rolex Day Date for hiking., and If I do not use it what the heck I keep the watch. By good to yourself, you have only 18,000 days on Earth after you have your first Rolex!

Mental Disordered people
Many Collectors keep buying watch, they keep the original invoice, original Box and packing, and put the watch Like 116610LV Submariner into the shelf, keep for years… and Never Open it , don’t mention of using it…

I do not understand this kind of behavior, as Rolex Watch is designed to be used extensively, abuse them, put them in water, fire, some times we drop it on the floor accidentally without worrying the damages, use it as we have only 20,000 days to enjoy this kind of time piece in life, you keep it in the shelf and wear a cheapo G-shock … are we insane!?

The Rich man
One of our director Younger brother who once had worked with the HK Rich Tycoon Kwok Ping SXXXX and Mr. Kwok had bought a Grade A fake Rolex when he visited Beijing, I was a bit not understand why he like to use that kind of watch. Yes, he told people that “So what If I wear a Fake watch on my hand, who dare to talk to me this is Fake? “ …a bit hilariously. But if I were there, I will talk to him, “ I am fully amazed on what you want to show as you face is, Mr. Kwok, everyone one knows you are the top ten richest men in HK, but I am feeling shame about what you wear on hand… It may jeopardize your image wearing A Fake Rolex, not just because of the money value. a Fake Rolex is really make some damages to the Swiss watch-making industry and we are looking for some HK Celebrity to promote image of HK, even the top ten man is wearing a Fake Rolex, will that be a irony to the Poor people, as they are wear A Real Rolex.

Never mind who know who is wearing real or Fake Watch, one the one who uses it should know. Watch Reflects live style, images, taste and now I know how bad the taste of the Rich people in HK is!

Charms of Rolex
Rolex watch, which can not be sold out in some period, can be bought after ten years of waiting on the long queer of purchasing order. It needs 6 months time of waiting to buy Submariner 16610LV even in HK. And for Oysterquartz, you have to wait till 2013.

Rolex versus Casio; Toyota versus Aston Martin
There are many people in the world, they believe it is really a big waste to spend so much money to buy a good watch; my Casio goes more accurately than your Rolex. It just takes me several dollars, and not need any preventive maintenance.

From some point of view, they are right. But when they walk on the road and found someone is driving an Aston Martin, they might not say it is super foolish to buy such car, it is better to buy a second hand or third hand Corolla, it is still a car that bring you from one place to the other.
I can say only people owns the car and watch can tell the difference.

In USA, most of the owner of Porsche has debt on his house, but they are living happily.

All it says is, we have only 20,000 day on Earth, if you find out that keeping your money make you happy., go ahead’s, but sometime is think we should treat us better, in a way to feel better. Well, some people like cars, some people like Hi If and some people like wine, women, Smoking, investment, whatever that make you happy, go ahead., I had a friend talks to me, Hey are you crazy, buy a Gold Finger VC 2 with USD$6,000, just to play your wrappy worn out Vinyl… I can’t tell the difference!
I said, you are good lucky man, so long you enjoy you iIphone MP3, go ahead you lucky man that you good a bad ears… stay like that… if you feel happy!! That is more than enough!

Limited Production Strategy
Panerai started it business in 1980 an Italian Old man working alone in a small shop at Florence on the restoration of Old un-used Movement to make a new watch, the watch was big and was not catching any notice by the watchers, until Richmond bought the company o 12 years ago make a series of heavy promotion, people like Silvester Stallone, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Carol Alt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Batistuta, Alessandro Costacurta and Alberto Tomba Leonard put on his wrist and was captured world wide on Movie and TV,,, It did created a hit, it was sold publicly in the past ten years; almost all of its style is called limited edition. Either 100 , 300, 1000 pieces,

I really do not appreciate the way they market watch, the Marketing is good for revenue and sales, but the watch is lacking of mechanical design integrity and style. It may not be tomorrow’s classic when Hit on Large over sized watch is over!

Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet
Never underestimate the amazing charms and surprising feeling that Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vercharon Constantin has ever taken to people. Unless you have chance to put one on your own wrist, even a temporary experience can make you enjoy a lot.
However, base on the calculation of TCO, total cost of ownership, Rolex is at best if you use it daily. Recently I like Roger Debuis, and FM as they are beautiful watch… buy the TCO is too high for me to afford. I am Mouthwatering about the Rich Chinese men bought the PT Double Tourbillon with Repeater function… at HKD$4,600,000!

Don’t under estimate the Rolex Fans
I have been start blogging on Watch just by co-incident triggered by friend, and I thought I know about watch the more I write,, the more I learn and the more I know I have nothing about any knowledge about Rolex. I need to meet guru like The Rolex-Chat.com

Time Zone watches bloggers to learn from them. Don’t under estimate the people who you may meet on the road, some of them are really humble and pretends knowing nothing about Rolex, In fact he might be the Rolex guru!
Don’t trust the sales ladies and Sales man in Rolex AD, not all of them, but a large portion of them just don’t know much about Rolex, unless those who has been working for more then ten years.

Guido Mondani Editore
Don't Under estimate yourself, you may already know a lot of Rolex stuff, I encourage to go buying book likes “ Guido Mondani Editore” for Rolex Collection…They have numerous information and beautifully printed pictures about all Rolex Watches… a Magnificent book supply for Rolex, it is not cheap of course.
http://www.collectingwatches.com/en/

Ask Discount every time
When you are intending buying a Rolex watch, does not be afraid of asking discount from Rolex Authorized Dealer and distributor. You have nothing to lose. I had a friend who made a successful deal with Dickson watch to get a 116610LN at HKD$66,100 less 5% even he could use his AMEX card to pay in June 2011. That was a good deal!

Rolex Window Shoppers
Don't be shy to look at the Watches in the Rolex AD windows. Don't look down upon those people who stick their eyes and noses on the glass at the outside of the Rolex shopping window. The value of his collection might be much more worthy than yours. I used to stop and look at lit for hours and my girl keeps on pull my hand to leave for that, and when the does shopping I went into the shop again and start talking to the sales, Most of the People in HK Rolex AD are old, Like Chow Tai Fook, Oriental Watch and King Fook, you can talk to them as much as you like, but when they have customers you should be alert and give the customer priority!


Chinese Superstitions on Blue and White Rolex
I like Submariner Blue Dial on White Gold, which I beleive that is best Buy Rolex.

Why, the rich tycoon, the gangster Head, the Chief Police Senior Official, the Chinese CEO would never buy this most beautiful watch in its colour combintaion, as Blue means "hard to acheive" and White means " no thing left behind" in Cantonese way for Translation for Rolex.
So it is Cheapest to buy, the most beautiful combination that we can buy and like a future Classic for Rolex. Go to your nearby Rolex AD and order one.

Beware of the Aliens
The Rolex Gold Watch with the President bracelet has a lot of Glitters that attract most of the people to look at it and the first thing Alien lands on Earth I believe they will catch all the people wearing Rolex Date Day as they are the most important rich people on Earth

As an average I believe… The last one Alien will be interested in arresting is the one who wear Cheap Plastic Electronics Watch… so simply let them go, So when Dec 2012 comes, pls change your Watch to a Cheap black Casio or watch or watches you buy at Sham Shui Po Ap Liu Street. Sometimes HKD$100 get five… It Protects you from being Kidnapped, or mannapped by Aliens!

Or you should wear a Super Gold Diamond Rolex Day Date in order that you get a free rdie to another more developed Planet called "Retsyo Xelor".

Rolex for woman
I had my first K Gold Rolex Date Just for my first wife, and a men Size K Gold Rolex Date just for my 2nd, and a K gold men OysterQuartz Day Date for my Miss who…they love wearing it… I love to see them wearing it and I love to prepare one each for my daughters of course Rolex K Gold Date just Oyster boy for my Elder Daughter and My younger daughter. She likes Rolex and the other Likes Omega because of Nicole Kidman… I think she will change later because her father is a 100% Rolex Watcher!

HK Snob

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

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

What's the difference between acrylic, mineral, and sapphire crystals?

The see through window above the dial is commonly interpreted as Crystal.

An acrylic watch crystal is a kind of plastic, being ductile, which has the advantage of being resistant to shattering, but prone to be scratched quite easily. Fortunately, scratches can be easily removed from acrylic. See Note*1 below for rework.
Mineral crystal is a kind of glass, which is more scratch resistant than acrylic, but not as as good as sapphire. Mineral crystals are also somewhat better at shatter resistance compared with sapphire. Unlike acrylic, scratches in mineral glass are more difficult to buff out; and unlike sapphire, mineral glass will scratch. In my opinion, the mineral crystal seems to be a poor compromise between the two extremes.
A sapphire crystal is indeed made of synthetic sapphire industrially, which is a transparent form of corundum, or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). It is extremely hard (Moh's scale 9), theoretically it will resist scratching by most substances short of diamonds. However, if it is struck sharply from the right direction, sapphire will crack. Despite the relatively large size compared with sapphire gemstones, sapphire crystals aren't very expensive (approx. $20). However some of the curved synthetic sapphire can be a few time more expensive as due to the manufacturability.
A cheap Fake watch usually used Mineral Crystal which is not as clear and transparent as the Synthetic sapphire. This is one of the way the tell this is Grade B or Grade A Fake Watch. Some grade A Fake watch uses synthetic Sapphire!
Attached Picture is a Older Rolex Day Date Ref. 1803 dated 1972 which was only having
Acrylic Crystal, where the newer Day Date Ref 18338 dated 2003 on the right is using Synthetic Sapphire.
Rolex Acrylic Crystal is just HKD$250 and a Synthetic Sapphire is approximately HKD$900.
A Rolex Acrylic Crystal is warmer and the new synthetic Sapphire is cooler when you place you watch to you cheek.. some of the people prefer the older watch just because they warm they are warmer….more closer to the skin temperature!
Note*1
How do I remove the scratches from an acrylic crystal?
Good old-fashioned toothpaste is a good start. Start by buffing a little bit onto a clean fine cloth over the area of the scratch. Rub lightly, and rinse with a very slightly damp cloth. Repeat until scratches are gone.
Note that there are also purpose-made polishes for this purpose, such as Polywatch , Crystal-Kleer or Brasso. Tsim Sha Tsui Snob