What Rolex I should buy as an Investment item?!

If you ask me what is the best Investment Rolex we should buy now. From what I have learnt from these 30 years playing Rolex, I have firm answer is Daytona if you ask me what is the best investment Rolex as generally.
Thought its entry price is the high for Average Rolex Selling price. But that is not the most expensive series of Rolex.
Many people ask what is the best first Rolex he should consider, it is also having no definitely reply as all depends on what you wants.
For fun, What He-has-that-I-should-Have!? For Investment!? Just For use!? For Stylish fashion watch!? For his Function? Just because of Rolex?
If you are professional diver, golfer, mountaineer, I am sure that you may consider the Submariner or Explorer II. If you want to buy one just for going work, likely a Rolex Turn-O-graph is best, as most of the people would likely choose Date Just as it is so far the most popular model from Rolex, accounts for 60% of the total Sales.
If you area student, OL, I believe I would like to go for Submariner or Explorer II
Women would like to go for Explorer.
If you are borne with Silver sterling 925 spoon, well, it is out of the question, you can buy all available Rolex models and change every day, we need not to be discussed here.
If you are the CEO, CFO, COO I think a Rolex Daytona, or Day Date would be one of the choice.
So How about Daytona? well, it is hard to say as for pure function consideration, that is not too persuasive as it has no date, you know some time a frequent traveling , when you wake up in the Hotel have your experience that “ hey, what is the Day to day? That is one of the reason why I choose Day Date, or a perpetual calendar when I travelling. As it never fails to provide me the most importunate data in the morning, time for next meeting, Today is what Date!?
If you are an collector, or investor, well, that is not q question, you may go for Daytona as it is really the Icon of Rolex, the most complicated watch from Rolex, Sorry please do not compare with the triple or Grand complication watch from VC, PP or AP. That is different animals.
As from most of the previous Auctions, Daytona and Comex Submariner seems never turn out to be the Dutch Auction. So if I were asked what is the best Rolex Investment item, that is Daytona!
As what the Rolex Bible said, "Rolex Daytona" means a lot of things: it is the most desirable chronograph, it is a tool to measure time, it is a fashion object, it is a collector's dream and it is a safe investment!
There are many Daytona models whose value increases year after year. Here you can see some examples:
-Daytona Ref. 16520 in stainless steel
CATALOGUE PRICE: In1994: € 3.047,10
CURRENT VALUE: € 10.000/12.000
-Daytona Ref. 16520 in stainless steel, black dial turning into brown
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1994: € 3.047,10
CURRENT VALUE: € 18.000/22.000
-Daytona Ref. 6239 in stainless steel
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1966/67: € 64,04
CURRENT VALUE: € 22.000/24.000
-Daytona Ref. 6239 in stainless steel with Paul Newman dial
CATALOGUE PRICE:In 1969/70: € 67,14
CURRENT VALUE: € 65.000/70.000
-Daytona Ref. 6239 in gold 18k
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1966/67: € 163,71
CURRENT VALUE: € 60.000/65.000
-Daytona Ref. 6239 in gold 18k with Paul Newman dial
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1969/70: € 163,71
CURRENT VALUE: € 100.000/110.000
-Daytona Ref. 6241 in stainless steel
CATALOGUE PRICE In 1966/67: € 64,04
CURRENT VALUE: € 24.000/26.000
Daytona Ref. 6241 in gold 18k
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1966/67: € 163,71
-CURRENT VALUE: € 70.000/75.0000
Daytona Ref. 6241 in stainless steel with Paul Newman dial
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1969/70: € 67,14
CURRENT VALUE: € 65.000/70.000
-Daytona Ref. 6241 in gold 18k with Paul Newman dial
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1969/70: € 163,71
CURRENT VALUE: € 100.000/110.000
-Daytona Ref. 6263 in stainless steel
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1971/72: € 78,50
CURRENT VALUE: € 25.000/27.000
-Daytona Ref. 6265 in stainless steel
CATALOGUE PRICE: In 1971/72: € 78,50
CURRENT VALUE: € 25.000/27.000
-Daytona Ref. 6265 in gold 18k
CATALOGUE PRICE: Ini 1971/72: € 241,19
CURRENT VALUE: € 55.000/60.000
Furthermore, if the color of a Daytona's dial turn into another color, the watch will be even more valuable.
An example: the reference 6263 in stainless steel with Paul Newman dial is worth around € 70'000; but the same watch with the dial turning into brown, was sold by Sothebys on 2011, November 14th for CHF 464’500.
Reference: Rolex Daytona Story: the new book of Guido Mondani Editore.
Recommend to go for this Book as it contains numerous stories and picture of Daytona.
Image appears courtesy of Jake's Rolex blog
HK Snob

Fossil

This is just a watch electronic movement with Date Day, time., quite a Functionable watch, with a sharp Diamond Like Bezel, strap that was made to look like mother of pearl.

Super light weight for young women. I bought it brand new at one shop at the junction between TST MTR Exit and I-square. The Sales Ken had a nice chat with me, he is a serious WATCH collctor for Omega, he is collection Omega Schummerger: he has Blue, Yellow, Red...etc

Price of Fossil was HKD$1,000, less 15%. Great deal for my little Daughter for going School.

Tsim Sha Tsui Snob

Rolex Ref 216570 Explorer II Orange Pointer on Sales at Wah Hing Mongkok

We found that Mong Kong Wah Hing has stock for Selling the Famous new Ref 216570 Black and White Dial. at price of HKD$60,500
Interested parties, RolexFans should not miss it.
Address Mong Kok Too Tak Mansion, 646, Nathan Road, exit at Mong Kok MTR Bank Centre walking towards North for 20 meters approx.
Mong Kok Snob
PS Photo was taken with an iPhone4s by KF.

The Conquest Watches for Mount Everest Part II

My Smiths Everest Arrives after a Month the Watch is arrived.
It was sent from UK, and made in UK, a Watch that was once being used for Conquest of Mount Everest in 1953.
The packing is perfect, bubble packing, inside a clutch there it contains the watch and a Ball pen in wooden body.
The watch is well built, very heavy, solid stainless steel bracelet, the crown screw thread is fine pitch, which is at least 1.5 times finer than Submariner’s. thus has a better watch tight, but likely easier to get wear out faster if you do gyou w to screw tight.
Normally when we screw in, we have to turn anticlockwise for half a round to ensure the gear is meshed then rotate for clockwise direction.
The profile is smooth and sleek, simple and water resistant, great value for just 225 pounds. But you may have to wait for the goods to reach you after you placed the order.
Specification
Specification 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.
The Rolex Day Date is 36mm for comparison with Smiths!
Aftermath,
This watch has been running test and the time accuracy is about +5 seconds per day, but the there is some variations when temperature changes, but I think that is acceptable for a watch of 250 pounds.

HK Snob

Grand Seiko Asia Limited 150 pieces Model SBGH017G

Grand Seiko Hi Beat 36000 Model SBGH017G Asian Special blue dial with Gold second hand Limited with 150 pieces. I hd saw it on newspaper only, not even in Seiko Website yet.

The Escape wheel and pallet fork is made by MEMS engineering.
A watch that can go exceed the limit of mechancial watch engineering, comparable or in par with accuracy of Tourbillon!
Price is unknow, likely it is in the range of HKD$58,000.00.
HK Snob

Rolex Choice

My Personal opinion only
In terms of Rolex Tradition
1. Daytona
2 Submariner
3. Explorer II
4. GMT master II

In terms of Value
1. Daytona
2 Submariner
3. Explorer II
4. GMT master II
5. Yacht master
5. Date Just
6. Celini


In terms of Popularity Hit
1. Submariner Green Dial green Bezel
2. Explorer II Black
3. Explorer II White
4. Submariner Green bezel Black face

Auction Star
1. Daytona
2. Submariner Comex
3. Explorer II

For executive
1. Daytona
2. Submariner
3. DateJust
4. Explorer II

HK Snob
1. Day Date
2. Daytona
3. Turn-O-graph

HK Snob

The Most Impotant Inventions of Breguet since 1775

These are the most important Breguet inventions since 1775.
1780 development of automatic watch
1783 invention of gong sponge for repeaters, design of the Breguet hands and numerals
1786 the Breguet dial, engine-turned by hand
1789 the ratchet key known as the "Breguet key".
Escapement working without oil.
1790 invention of the pare-chute (shock absorber)
1792 development and production of the mechanical forth Chappe optical telegraph.
1795 first description of the sympatique clocks.
Development of the perpetual calendar.
The Breguet balance wheel.
The ruby cylinder.
1796 the single-hand watch known as the " subscription watch".
1798 patent of the constant force escapement (March 9)
Invention of the musical chronometer, the clockwork mechanism that acts as a metronome.
1799 the "tact" watch,
1801 patent of the tourbillon regulator (June 26)
1810 development and production of the first wristwatch, ordered by the queen of Naples.
1812 appearance of dials with off-centered hour ring.
1815 fine-tuning of the double-barrelled marine chronometer.
1819 ocular of an astronomical telescope.
1820 invention of the mounter & doubles seconds or observation chronometer, forerunner of the modern chronograph.
1830 first watch with keyless winding.
1939 Patent of the sidereal time-keeper (February 28)
1990 the sympathize wristwatch and it's clock.
1991 patent of the perpetual equation-of-time wristwatch (April 17).
1997 patent of the in-line perpetual calendar wristwatch (May 15)
1998 the smallest self-winding chronograph movement In the world.
2002 patent for the moon-phase mechanism in the "Reine de Naples" watch.
2003 two patented inventions in the Breguet alarm watch "Reveil du Tsar":
A column-wheel mechanism to lock or activate the alarm and a device to co-ordinate the alarm with local time.2004 Titanium balance
2005 shock-protection device for balance pivot (tradition). Three patent for the new Breguet detent escapement. Centrifugal strike governor (Grand Strike. there iv>Note that bewteen 1830 to 1939, there had been no new design patent, inventions at all, I think that have been something, I may need to find out. Also, 50 years between 1939 and 1990, there was no inventions.Well, Today Breguet has been proud of the major designs: Automatic watch movement (1780) Perpetual Calendar (1795) and The Tourbillon (1801)!
Look at ths beautiful Breguet watch that has been built in the latest Micro CNC machining for the parts coming up to traditonal 1790 watch design. So this is Breguet, something that he can be proud of, and of course If I can wear a watch on my hand, that is something I can be proud of myself!
Remarks, the above picture was taken at HKIA arrival Hall, 23 Dec 2011 using my Nokia N97 mini with others.

Omega Ploprof 1200M Professional Diver's Watch

The Seamaster Ploprof 1200M, a myth-buster of mission impossible diving down below 1000m.
Omega Launched a Seamaster Professional 600, the so-called “Ploprof” (the first letters of plongeur professionnel – the French words meaning “professional divers.
It was the Rival of Submariner in the 70’s, one more choice the professional diver in need of the most rugged, tough, robust deep sea timing instrument.
The new unmistakable Co-Axial ploprof OMEGA has introduced a completely updated version of the classic and instantly recognizable wristwatch. Equipped with a Co-Axial (launched in 1999) calibre 8500, the new Ploprof 1200M is, as its name suggests, water resistant to an astounding 1200 metres / 4000 feet /120 bar and it artfully combines its ancestor’s legendary features with OMEGA’s state-of-the-industry Co-Axial technology.
The screwed-in crown is located at 9 o’clock under a protective buffer. Its unique positioning allows freer wrist movement and prevents any inadvertent manipulation.
At the 2 o’clock position is the Ploprof’s characteristic bezel-release security pusher with an orange anodized aluminum ring. Pressing the pusher allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then locked firmly in position, ensuring that it cannot be accidentally shifted during a dive. Automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case at the 4 o’clock position.
Two-piece oriented case back. The case body is made of brushed stainless steel and has polished bevels.
The polished indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova, as are the varnished hour and seconds hands. The oversized minute hand is crafted from orange anodized aluminum and is coated with white Super-LumiNova. The Ploprof 1200M has a date window at the 4:30 position.
The Ploprof 1200M is available either with a brushed mesh "Sharkproof" bracelet or on a rubber strap in a choice of black or orange.
The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with OMEGA’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments to 18 positions. It also features an extra divers’ extension to 26 mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit.
This is the real Competitor of Rolex DeepSEA. With comparable Prices if Listed HKD$86K. If you are having Submariner, DeepSEA, this is the one that you have to consider… No matter what, this guarantee you are not lonely in the deepsSsa under a depth of 1200M.. with the companion of such professional equipment.

The above picture taken at Chow Tai Fook MK Branch on 25 Dec 2011.
HK Snob

Top Label of Watch and Leather Product: Rolex and Louis Vitton

Subjugation Period
Hong Kong has gone through phases of economic development in the past 50 years as…after being invaded by the Japanese during WW II. A lot of construction required man power. At same time, ten thousands of people were rushing across the border into Hong Kong in 50’s. There was an unpublished rule that once if you could reach Tai Po or anywhere south of it. You would be granted the right to stay in Hong Kong…
These were the first few large batches of man power helping Hong Kong to establish an Electronics, building and construction industry in 60’-70s. Peoples were diligent, hard working and eager to learn or they could not be competitive as the local Hong Kong peoples. They were able to adapt to the fast growing pace and ever-changing society. They could easily transform themselves as chameleon does in the desert area for being treated as dim sum by snakes in camouflage, changing forms of business such as OEM, tool fabrication support for bigger factory, changing themselves to adapt new wages level that go par with the improving standard of living.25 years ago, Hong Kong started shifting the manufacturing faculties to China and now more than 98% f their factories are in China to enjoy the low manufacturing cost. And there is over 8 millions of working force running in Shenzhen for the Hong Kong companies now!
Start of money
Hong Kong’s industry was leap frog well entrenched growth of double digits of export in 70’s and 80’s every year. Fairchild, Siliconix, Motorola, EDL were some of the early semiconductor factories in the Kwun Tong and Kwai Fong area respective. They hired a lot of engineers, technicians, and operators to support the manufacturing operation. More universities were being developed in terms number of enrolling student and set-up more ruminative package for more professional expertise in to provide better education for the higher management and engineering requirement of the commercial and industrial entrepreneurs. Speculated investor poured money into Real estate markers.
A lot of construction works was been carried out at that period of time. Heavy invested construction Cross harbor Tunnel was completed in 1972, first MTR mass transit system was completed in 1979. Central landmark of circular window and pillar-less Jardines House stood up right in front of the Queen’s Pier in 1970. Jardine House (Chinese: 怡和大廈), now is where Rolex Service Centre is located, formerly known as Connaught Centre (康樂大廈), is an office tower in Hong Kong. The building is located at No.1 Connaught Place, Central on the Hong Kong Island. It is owned by Hongkong Land Limited, a subsidiary of Jardines. At the time of its completion in 1972, Jardine House was the tallest building in Hong Kong and in Asia in 1980.
Show off period
In the 80’s and 90’s people of Hong Kong are all having only one thing in their mind” Money”. Most of them is dreaming to be coming rich in one night… still can recalled than young students got crazy of Swatch collection and trade. They could queue at Swatch shop for 48 hours waiting for the limited Swatch on sales …especially those on St-valentines and Christmas special. Afterward, immediate sales can be made to others at a few times higher price.
Hong Kong was experienced the fastest growing economics at that time ; engineers are no longer eager to stay in one company, head hunter, job search, buy and sell stock are the things they involved party, directly or indirectly.
Fit it
HK people were proud of their wealth and be forgetful on the stock nightmare of 1973, 1987, 1997, 2003. Though, the significant influence some of the top 20% richest people does not have any hesitation to spend money on these extravagant items like Lamborghini, Porches, Rolex, Patek Philips, Mark Levinson, Marantz, JBL, Aston Martin, Louis Vitton, Chanel as Hong Kong People favourite buying list.
Mix and match
Free Newspaper is stuffing ads into our mind. The singers, movie stars and celebrities are in fact moulding youngster’s preference in brand selections.
Group 18-40 is the 80% market of the consumer goods. 80% of the people using the branded stuffs are honest followers on those rich and famous in this small City. They feel being respected or can achieve certain kind of social satisfaction as consent from the snobs.
Way of life.
I dislike baggy jeans(賴屎褲), with heavy big Stainless steel chain hanging between the jean and the pocket behind… wearing oversized T-shirt, ring on his tongue and eye lips, Tattoo on his bonny skeleton arms…carrying burning cigarettes? This is just rebelliousness on his thoughts and a demonstration to the public that they are of some difference only!
The way of life of most of Hong Kong people is typical Hong Kong, very Hong Kong…money minded, narrow minded and limited vision towards international politics. The major topics in the tea house or MTR are yesterday soap TV story endings…Who is going to marry to the diamond bachelor of the Lee’ family. Who is the next victim of Tomorrow Fruit paper capture by their paparazzi!?

Asian Top Ten Labels

However this the powerful generation that spend on these luxury brands…
From the statistic of some 2008 data, these are the top ten Asia most popular labels in Asia.
1. Louis Vitton
2. Rolex
3. Cartier
4. Gucci
5. Burberry
6. Hermes
7. Chanel
8. Prada
9. Tiffany
10. Armani

Reason of Success
One common successful story behind the top two, they have Good quality, very high brand value, international mostly welcome luxury goods. and the Marketing of the products.

Almost all Top Ten Label produce watch
Can you notice that they all produce Watch… except Prada! Why, as Watch is officially become a men or women accessories.. not more just a time piece.. this effect has becoming more obvious since 1990.
No question why you could see lot of Louis Vitton hand bag could be found in the train… I have seen 7 Rolex at the CitiSuper pay-line, probably the largest concentration of Rolex in the world!
Yesterday’s Classic
In order not to be one of the member of the Way-of-life in HK, I used to use Yesterdays Classic stuff… no matter bag and watch…
For Rolex, I used 1970-1985 Day Date Ref 1608 or Ref 18038.
For Louis Vitton, I do not call for their model, but something I bought in 1990… They are the Classic… many people asked me to sell mine Louis Vitton bag to him. I said “ why? They said, it looks good… Yah., it Looks good because they are not new and that has brought me traces of Love tears, deep thought of life, fun and all kind of olden days’ sweet memories.,…no one want to sell it…

Retro Design
Sooner later Louis Vitton will product a special product line of Old bag in retro design…
10 times more expensive may be… like the jean we have now…
For Rolex, no need, as they looks new forever because it is Rolex…Time can leave us but your Rolex remains the same forever. So that is one of the reason why I use 36mm Rolex not the larger 40mm one as it is the Classic.
HK Snob

Oriental Watch Company

First Oriental Watch Shop in Kam Lung Building in 1961

But seems to me that this picture was taken in the year between 1940- 1948

Oriental Watch Company, Taken on Xmas Day 25 Dec 2011

One of the Biggest and longest History for Watch Retails in Hong Kong, Oriental Watch company was established by Dr. Yeung Ming Biu and three other share holder in 1961. Started the first Shop in Des Voeux Road Central, with progressive gain in the profit, in 1973, they aquired Swiss Watch Company, ontained a bunches of Swiss Renowned watch as the Authorized agent in Hong Kong. In 1993, they got IPO in HK Exchange
In 2008,100 Queen’s Road Central, the opened the Flagship shop. With floor space of 20,000 sq. ft.
Oriental Watch Company represented their principles of major watch making Empire in Switzerland for those Rolex, Tudor, Piaget, Vacheron Constanin, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Jaeger-LeCouture, Girad Perregaux, longines and Omega.
If you buy Rolex, this is one of the best Choice as Orietal Business is Watches and nothing more, So they have professional Sales Consultnat offering you the suggestion and they have Watch smith in shop for serving you and your watch.
Des Veoux Road Central Snob

Rolex AD Chow Tai Fook Mong Kok Main Branch

This is one of the Rolex AD at Mong Kok MTR exit. One of the Major Rolex Outlets!

One was taken at night yesterday.

Mong Kong Snob

Tag Heuer Watch Winder

This is a new Tag Heuer made for your expensive watch that might need to taken care of,.,. Especially those Perpetual Calendar and Grand complication. For those People who has a Rolex and especially like I, use it very day does not need to spend this extra few thousand dollar for this Watch Winder…
Slanted angle, with three different thickness cushions where your expensive watch is fitted on. Perfectly slot into the center tough of the Winder, press power switch and select type of Rotation Mode, tat is done...
Mode 1, rotate left for 4 min 58 Secs, the rotate B Right , after 2 hour 48 mins stops , go to mode A again then B for 8 times and stops. Mode 2, Rotate similarly but run for longer hours…
Problem is the watch winder is not designed for keep the watch in rotation winding mode for days… It is used for maintaining certain power when you return home after works and use it next morning…
That is what I can read from the Japanese Manual...unless I am wrong.

HK Snob

PS: Tell you wife no need to put her quartz Piaget Dress watch on it…

Luhw Watch Pace checker

When we put our watch for a health check, the first thing to do is to measure the accuracy of the watch…
There is a tool for every watch smith to check this... Check the Mechanical Pulse or pace of the watch, it display the accuracy of the watch under test.
It can change it detection mode to match the frequency of the watch, 1-6 positions is possible.
If you had a lot watch, and you are an armature watch smith, you may need to buy this
German Design and likely made in China, price is about HKD$5500.00
It has a cable connecting to your Note book for data storage and further analysis…
Let me check my Perpetual Calendar and Rolex Day Date Ref 18038…
HK Snob

Rolex Ref 18038 Black Dial Day Date

This is another Rolex Day Date black dial in the year of 1990. Has just been restored the casing by Hong Kong Rolex Service Centre. Suprisingly Only HKD$250. But all it takes is 3 weeks time, if you can wait....
HK Snob

Rolex Explorer II Orange white dial One Set available

Hi ALL Rolex Fans and lovers and those who have asked me for in the Comment column,

There is one Brand new Explorer II Orange White Dial One piece locked up for me... anybody wants it and transactioin has to be done in these two days before Xmas...

HK Goods Brand new at Rolex AD...

Mail to feverip266288@yahoo.com.hk

Merry Christmas and Happy New Rolex...

"Some Watch Fan got it already on Today 23 Dec 2011."

HK Snob

Rolex Yacht Master Ref 16622

Rolex Yacht Master is not one of my favourite series from Rolex, as it does not carry any important story, history of an adventure, expedition or exploration. The one shown here is stainless steel watch with a Platinum Bezel.

HK Snob