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 At same time, ten thousands of people were rushing across the border into Hong Kong in 50’s. There was an unpublished rule that once if you could reach Tai Po or anywhere south of it.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
Hamilton is an American Brand since 1892. I used to have few Hamilton Solid Gold Watches made in the 40'. Those watches were purely mechanical watches.
