Searching a Lost Rolex

On one special day, my Father lost his Rolex OysterQuartz Day Date in the Room, he was bending his waist searching half day for it.

At all drawers, study room corners, under the cabinets at the Kitchen…he could not find it! He rush out for a hang out…

I started to search for it… within 3 minutes, I found it!

My father came home with a metal Detector and asked me how could I find it?

I said ”I closed all windows, I sit down and listen carefully under a quiet atmosphere, I found it in the pocket on your suit!”

The Morale of the story is: if you are hurry, you cannot solve the problem. If you calm down and think of the right way, you can solve the problem much easier!

PS
Rolex OysterQuartz is no like normal Quartz watch, it carries a special design mechanism works like your automatic watch that has an escapement fork, it makes a “Tick Tag” every second!

Rolex produces approximately 25,000 OysterQuartz since 1977 till 2001. About 500 pieces of White gold, about 3000 pieces of Yellow Gold, rest are stainless steel and Two tone.

An ideal Watch for you that has no hassle on the accuracy and durability! The battery cell runs about 3 years and Rolex Service Centre offer FREE battery Replacement Forever!

HK Snob

The process of searching your dream Watch is always more fun than you have found it…

How to be a Happy Man?

These are some of condition that you would not feel happy at all!

1. If you spend more than 1 hour to go to work, worse is you have to go by public transportation at rush hour.

2. If the one sits beside you is a man that got strong body odor whilst you are going to fly long haut flight to Europe in an Economy class.

3. Your Boss always complains your performance is not as good as he is expecting… Of course, or you would be the boss of that dickhead instead!

4. You have more than 2 mistresses at same time but you do not have money enough to continue that relation.

5. Your boss earns $8,000 an hour but you earn $300, you had to work 5 times harder…

6. People say” it is not the length, it is not the size, so long if you can make it rise!”

But you can no make it rise…

7. Sad to see that your dream girl had already engaged with your best friend.

8. The Time when you carry an umbrella, it never rains, and when you do not carry the umbrella, it pours!

9. Sad to see the review is always less than the amount of inflation!

10. Your subordinate once becomes your direct boss.

11. Your Boss is a woman who is always sex harassing you in office.

12. After sex, we could not find the condom in dark. After two weeks your girl friend sue you in court as find it inside her... and worst thing is she was tested pregnant

13. Your two close girl-friends meet discover you at same time same place in the party

14. Rolex Service Centre lady rejects service of your Rolex Day Date Saying that the Dial is not original. In fact you bought that Watch at Rolex AD! What can you do!?

15. To buy a vintage Rolex Ref 1804 with Brunswick Green dial with 44 diamonds with hundred thousand of dollar, and later found that the dial had a hairy crack!

Never mind, the day will not be perfect always, tomorrow will be another day!

Comparison is odorous, it is important is to feel good about what you have and try not to get something that you may not able to get it.

Like the Rolex Collection, the process of searching the dream Watch is always more fun than you have found it…

Sham Shui Po Snob

A 75 years old collector of Rolex had a Crazy Sales on his Rolex Collection because his 2nd wife was locked up in Macao by a Shark loan syndicate!

In Interesting story as you know there may be a lot of people who has a lot of Rolex, but I am not too sure there is a man who has a full collection of Ref 1803 with the following colour:

1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Cyan
6. Blue Purple
7. Grey
8. Brownish Red
9. Black
10. White
11. Champagne gold
12. Lapis Lazuli Blue
13. Grossular stone, Bloodstone, Malachite, Marble!

There is a man who is aggressive to collect all the about with target to collect a series of all possible colour.

I really don't know how long it takes, but within two months, he had already ten Rolex DD with some of the sought after colour dial and precious metal for the watch! Well, he told me that he had met one man who…........

He met a man at Tsim Sha Tsui at a Hotel lobby who was asking someone for buying his basket of watch with 6 Rolex Day Date with one price only $300,000! This old man said he needs money for his wife who went Macao and lost over $1,000,000, he had not enough cash as his young Wife’s HK ID card was confiscated by a gangster of loan Shark and she could not come back HK without the “ransom” paid!

He has not enough cash in that Saturday evening… he was so worry that he cannot get his wife back and he was threaten that her young beautiful wife would be “tortured” if no cash on Sunday before noon… Of course he cannot call help for Police… as she may be exposed as her “intimated affair” to his family!

Who would believe this as it appeared to be a Fraud…

In Old Chinese saying’, " Why there is so big toad jumping on the Road!?"

Well, friend of mine was wondering if those are a fake watches or not, but he is not a simple man too…who spotted at least two of them is not fake, as there were two chaps who was so much interested in buying. He thought that two chaps are the partners of the old man!?

Quick decision was made him an immediate decsiion drew cash from the ETC, of course he called two of his friend to help (one of them has two ETC, in HSBC each day we can draw $50,000 only!)

He gave the old man cash $250,000 with some discount.

Later he found that these are the watched he bought within 1 hour.

1. Rolex Ref 1803 yellow gold with champagne gold dial with diamond, with sold strap (market price $75,000)

2. Rolex Ref 1803 white gold with white dial and diamond, leather strap (market price $65,000)

3. Rolex Ref 1803, Yellow gold Brownish Red with diamond dial with leather strap. (market price $88,000)

4. Rolex Ref 1803, Yellow Gold with Green Dial… (market price $100,000)

Base on my estimation, the following 4 watches worth more than $300,000 already!

Friend of mine does not want to tell the detail information of other three other Rolex Day Date…

I believe his purchased Rolex worth more than $600,000 and I am sure that old man would not care so much as he might have a lot more Rolex at home….

In Hong Kong, there are a lot of transparent billionaires. And that old man is one of them.

Well, This is another case of if you are rich, you can be richer.

A Quick decision either makes you a wiser man of a victim of fraud.

If you are knowledge enough some time you are able to tell that is a real case of watch sales or a fraudulent plot!?

This case makes me think of the case that one man sold one of the Patek Philippe enamel world time wrist watch at Cat Street with just $50,000. But no one was too sure if that was a fake one as no one had seen that watch… later the Jude buyer sold that watch in Auction for $1,300,000 , that was in 80s. Later we find that the watch was a real creator's item of Patek philippe and only three samples were made… Now I believe the same watch is probably worth more than $8,000,000!

Aftermath…
Good stuff comes and goes in minutes… only wise man can make the right decision at the wrong moment.
Stupid man makes the wrong decision at the right moment!

A 75 years old man could get a young pretty lady as his “Wife”… money Talks!
If I had no money, girl walks!

These are the watches here shown on  the picture.

From left to right

Ref 1803 DD Green Dial

Ref 1803 DD Champagne Dial with Diamond and president strap

Ref 1803 DD White Gold with White Dial with Diamond

Ref 1803 DD Yellow gold with Arms of Arab Air force logo

Roger Dubuis Pink Gold Much More Perpetual calendar

Ref 1804 Platinum DD with Fantastic Colourful Blue Dial with Diamond

Ref 18238 DD with Onyx Dial double click with President strap

Ref 18038 DD with White dial and Roman numerals

Ref 18038 DD with Black dial

PS
Well, in Today’s Hi-tea of Rolex fans…. He show me some of his “OLD Man’s Collection!”

Sham Shui Po Snob
I am drooling on the Ref 1804! A Fantastic Blue dial Rolex DD. The price of this watch is Damn Expensive!

Message to A Watch Fever Friend

Hi  There,
I had received one particular Enquiry on Rolex Lady DateJust 26mm Two Tone with Computer dial and Jubilee strap yesterday, but I accidentally Deleted the e-mail.

Pls resend me... The watch Information will be available in these couple of day!

HK Snob

Updated Major Rolex Watch List Price and Discount at Rolex Authorized Dealer (AD) Hong Kong June 2013

Please Refer to the latest update on Rolex Prices 28 Sep 2014, Click below Link.

http://watch-fever.blogspot.hk/2014/09/all-major-rolex-watch-model-list-price.html

All Major Rolex Watch Model List Price, and Discount at Rolex Authorized Dealer (AD) Hong Kong 2013

Rolex has adjusted the price 4 times in 2011, and 5 times for Tudor. It has been no price adjustment for Rolex and Tudor since Nov 2011!

Still there is no news on new price adjustment in 2013 as of this moment!

Rolex currently produces around a dozen different Oyster Perpetual models. Rolex also has their dress line, Orchid 50-60 and later Cellini. They are not the major model people is looking for.

For ladies they make the 23mm Oyster-Perpetual, 26mm Date & Datejust, and 29mm Yacht-Master. In mid-size, you can get the 31mm Datejust or 35mm Yacht-Master (the only sport model offered in a case smaller than 40mm).

Lastly there are the gents: 34mm Date & Air-King; 36mm Datejust, Explorer & President; and the 40mm Daytona, Explorer II, GMT-Master-II, DeepSea replaced the phased out SeaDweller, Submariner, and latest 44mm Stainless Steel Yacht-Master II with a sky high price of $145,300 less 5% discount. The new one like Explorer II, Sky-Dweller is made of a larger size of 42mm. The newer enlarged Date Just II and Day Date II is not seen to be accepted by most of the customers, still the 36mm Size is the main stream.

Some models like the gents Datejust currently have about 10 model numbers in production... The numbers help differentiate the different metals and bezels used. Dial colors are not included, so that leaves one with dozens of new Datejust choices... The DeepSea in comparison is offered only in steel, only with a black dial, and only as Ref. 116600.


Air-King
The Air-King could be considered the "entry level" model from Rolex. It is 34mm in diameter and comes with an Oyster bracelet by default. The Air-King does not have a Date. In the 1970s, the Air-King was offered with a date and in gold & steel combinations which was rare! Those two variations likely ceased production since they are redundant next to the Date and Oyster Perpetual models.

Current models retail for Air King Ref 114200 $46,600 with the smooth bezel fitted,

Air King with the engine turned white gold fluted bezel Ref 114234 $60,500.


Oyster Perpetual

Date: The Rolex Date is 34mm like the Air-King, but it obviously includes a date function. Its production began in the late 1950s, around the time the steel Datejust was introduced. Retails range from HKD$45,000 with a smooth bezel and Oyster bracelet to HKD$60,500 with an 18K white gold fluted bezel and diamond markers. The date model was once offered in 3 flavors: steel, 18k yellow & steel, and all 18k yellow gold. It is now only available in steel.

Ref 115200 stainless steel, 34mm Smooth stainless steel Bezel date Oyster Strap $47,500

Ref 115234 stainless steel, 34mm, White Gold Fluted Bezel Date Oyster Strap No Diamond $55,500

Ref 115234 Stainless steel, 34mm White Gold Fluted Bezel Date Oyster Strap Diamond dial $62,100

Datejust

The Datejust is the best selling Rolex model in the market, 60% of Rolex model is Datejust and has been for decades. It was first introduced in 1945. The gents model is 36mm in diameter and typically came on a Jubilee bracelet. Rolex seems to have changed their tradition on this and is sending more Datejust models out the door with the Oyster band. Models with smooth bezels are available, but less common. Most have the fluted bezel, which is 18k white gold on the steel model. Most of the Chinese big spenders buy Two Tone Rolex Date Just 36mm with

Diamond Dial as the most frequent buy.

The Datejust was only available in gold until 1957 (conveniently a year after the release of the Day-Date which still has never seen a steel model). The steel Datejust was introduced and became an instant success. Rolex soon saw the steel variations selling much quicker than their gold models. Rolex countered this in 1962 when they introduced the gold and steel version…
Ref 116200 Date Just stainless steel watch, 36mm, Smooth Stainless steel smooth Bezel with Oyster Strap $49,000

Ref 116234 Date Just stainless steel watch, 36mm, White Gold Fluted Bezel with Oyster Strap $58,800

Ref 116234 Date Just stainless steel watch, 36mm, White Gold Fluted Bezel Smooth with Diamond Dial with Jubilee Strap $72,700


Ladies Date/Datejust
These two models use the same 26mm case mold and offer the exact same functionality. Rolex discontinued the ladies Date, there was so much overlap in the models that it seemed long overdue.

Ref 176200 Oyster perpetual Lady 26mm stainless steel, No Date, Smooth Stainless steel bezel with Oyster Strap $49,000

Ref 179160 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm stainless steel, with Date, smooth bezel with Oyster Strap $45,800

Ref 179160 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm stainless steel, with Date, smooth bezel with Jubilee Strap $46,600

Ref 179174 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm stainless steel, with Date, MOP, White gold Fluted Bezel with Oyster Strap $63,700

Ref 179174 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm stainless steel, with Date, White gold Fluted Bezel, Diamond Dial with Jubilee Strap $67,800

Ref 179174 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm stainless steel, with Date, diamond MOP dial, White gold Fluted Bezel with Jubilee Strap $84,100

Ref 179173 Oyster perpetual Lady Date Just, 26mm Two Tone, with Date, Yellow gold Fluted Bezel with Jubilee Strap $63,700

Ref 178271 Oyster Perpetual Lady Date Just, 31mm Mid Size Two Tone Rose Gold, With Rose gold Fluted Bezel, MOP with Diamond with Jubilee Strap $107,800


Milgauss

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss was introduced in 1956 with model number 6451. The Milgauss was designed as an antimagnetic watch specifically for those who worked in power plants, medical facilities and research labs where electromagnetic fields can cause havoc with the timing of a watch. The current model Milgauss is equipped with amagnetic alloy (Parachrom-Blu) hairspring and movement encased by a Faraday cage. The name Milgauss is derived from the Latin mille, which means one-thousand, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field. l is so named because it can withstand a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gauss.

In 2007, Rolex brought the Milgauss back after nearly two decades as the model number Ref 116400. There are currently three versions: white dial or black dial with a standard colorless sapphire crystal, and the GV (Glace Verte) or "Anniversary" model, with black dial of a slightly different design and a green-tinted sapphire crystal. The GV is the only Rolex produced with a tinted crystal. Although initially rumored to be a limited edition, the GV version is still produced nearly 3 years later after 2010.

Due to its internal Faraday cage, the Milgauss is thicker than the Submariner, but the same width and weighs 157 grams. The Milgauss is only available in 904L polished stainless steel, an alloy that is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion. Aside from its resistance to magnetic fields, the Milgauss' most unusual feature is its orange lightning-bolt second hand, a unique feature in the Rolex lineup that was originally introduced with the 6541 Milgauss model.

Ref 116400 Milgauss White Dial or Black dial $55,500

Ref 116400 GV Milgauss Green Glass $59,600

Explorer I

It was introduced in 1954, and has had one look through-out its life; a black dial with Arabic numbers at 3', 6' and 9', no date, smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet, and a stainless steel 36mm case. Except for the updates that all Rolex watches have received, it remained essentially the same watch.  Explorer I Ref 214270 39mm stainless steel with Oyster Strap $48,200


Explorer II

This model was introduced in the early 70's and was never widely distributed or popular until 1991. The original model was produced until the current model was released in 1985. The Explorer II uses the same movement as the GMT-II models and makes use of a secondary 24-hour hand that rotates once every day. The engraved steel bezel is stationary and was originally designed for speleologists (cave explorers) who can have a hard time determining if it is am or pm.

Today’s new Explorer II Ref 216570 was launched in Nov 2011, new caliber of high accuracy, 42mm stainless steel, it come with Black with Orange Floating Pointing $60,500, White Dial same price.


Submariner

The Submariner was introduced by Rolex in 1954. The watch comes only on an Oyster bracelet and has a 40mm case. The steel model is only available with a black dial, and is one of the most recognizable Rolexes. Anniversary editions with green bezels can occasionally be found.

The Submariner has the common single direction rotating diving bezel with minute markers for the first 15 minutes. The original models until 1958 are often considered "James Bond" models and have some easily recognizable difference. Primarily, they had a smaller crown, no crown guard, and the bezel only had minute markers every 5 minutes. In the late 70s the model 16800 was introduced. It sported the new sapphire crystal and quick-set function. In 1989, the 16610 was introduced with an improved movement and a more secure bezel, that is the most advanced and yet beautiful Submariner so far claimed by most of Submariner Collectors.

In 2010, the 116610 was introduced with a ceramic (Cerachrom) bezel and improved “Glidelock” buckle.

Ref 114060 Submariner Black dial,no Date 40mm, stainless steel watch with matching Oyster Strap $58,000

Ref 116610LN Submariner black Dial, 40mm, stainless steel watch with matching Oyster Strap $62,100

Ref 16610LV Submariner Green bezel Black Dial, 50th Anniversary model, discontinued in 2010.

Ref 116610LV Submariner green dial and green Bezel, 40mm, stainless steel watch with matching Oyster Strap $66,100 (Due to its limited supply, there is no discount for this model)

Ref 116613LN Submariner Two Tone with Yellow gold and Stainless steel, 40mm Black Dial, $94,700

Ref 116619LB Submariner Solid White gold, 40 mm with Blue Dial and Blue Bezel with matching gold strap $263,600


DeepSea

Sea Dweller: The Sea Dweller was introduced in 1971 and discontinued in 2008. It is virtually the same watch as the Submariner. The only real differences are the thicker and heavier steel case, thicker crystal with no cyclops eye, and the helium escape valve useful only to deep divers. The original model was rated for 2000 feet and called the "Rolex Submariner 2000 Sea Dweller". It lost the "Submariner 2000" part of the title in 1973. The previous issue, model 16600, is rated to 4000 feet and is sold only in steel. The Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA, model 116660, has replaced the Sea-Dweller model 16600 and retails for HKD$82,500. The DEEPSEA model offers a greater depth rating (to 12,800 feet) along with a thicker, larger case and an improved "Glidelock" buckle


GMT-Master II
The 1950s were an exciting decade for Rolex and included the introduction of the classic GMT- Master. It was one of the first watches to utilize a second hour hand to indicate a second time zone. With the simple rotating 24 hour bezel, one could fairly easily tell the time in any time zone. The late 70s saw the introduction of the GMT-Master II which was basically the same, except now the user could easily adjust the 2nd hour hand with the crown in position 2. The steel models are only offered with black dials. The bezels are available in all black, red/ black, or red / blue. GMT's typically come with a Jubilee bracelet installed.

The original GMT-Master (16700) was phased out in the late 90s. The latest serial number Bernard's had for the 16700 was a U#, putting its birthday around 1997. With the flood of new models with a second time zone function from other manufactures, retiring it was a smart move, as most consumers will want to adjust the 2nd hour hand.


The GMT-Master II (16710) was discontinued in 2008 and replaced with the GMT-Master II (116710) The primary difference besides the 3186 caliber movement with Parachrom Bleu hairspring is the ceramic (Cerachrom) bezel. Some late production 16710s have been discovered with the 3186 movement.

The GMT-Master II with green hand Ref 116710LN retails for $61,200 in steel. This model was launched in Nov 2011.

Ref 116713LN GMT-master II Two tone, stainless steel and Yellow gold, $91,500

Ref 116718LN GMT-master II Solid Yellow gold with Black Bezel and Green Dial $228,500

Latest released GMT-master II Black and Blue Ceramic Bezel Ref 116710 BLNR launched into HK Market in June 2013 at $65,300 with no discount.

Yacht-Master II

In 2007, Rolex‘s launched the revolutionary regatta chronograph. It is now available in 904L steel for the first time, fitted with a Cerachrom bezel insert in blue ceramic. On the inside of the huge 44mm Oyster case, the Yacht-Master II features an exclusive function developed by Rolex – a countdown mechanism which can be programmed from 1 to 10 minutes and incorporates a mechanical memory, allowing it to be reset to the same countdown duration. Once launched, it can also be synchronized on the fly, enabling it to be adjusted to match the official regatta countdown. The Yacht-Master II is equipped with calibre 4161, a self-winding mechanical regatta chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex.

Ref 116680 stainless Steel 44mm, with a solid platinum bezel and was just released in June 2013. $145,300 max less 5% discount only due to its scarcity on new release.


Daytona Cosmograph
The story of the Rolex Cosmograph could be called the most chaotic of all the Rolex Oyster models. Rolex is keen on creating a winning product. The watch never really got off the ground until 1986 when the market for them exploded and the watches would often sell for double the retail price in Italy. The "Paul Newman" models manufactured around 1967 were and still are the most desirable of the Daytona models fetching prices over HKD$400,000. It retailed for around HKD$25,500 back then. In 1989, Rolex replaced the Valjoux workhorse movement with the Zenith El Premiro movement. During the 1990s, the Daytona was the only Rolex model not using a Rolex movement. In 2000 came the newly developed Rolex caliber 4130 with a 72 hour power reserve.

The stainless steel Daytona Ref116520 retails now at $87,500 for White Dial and $97,000 for Black Dial

Steel and Gold models retail for $113,000 and all 18K yellow gold for $265,000. Steel Daytona's have consistently sold for more than retail since the 1980s. The two-tone and gold models do not sell for over retail, unlike their steel counterparts.

Ref 116505 Daytona 40mm, Rose Gold $269,300

Ref 116515 Daytona 40mm in Solid Rose gold and Ivory Dial, $214,600

Ref 116520 Daytona Stainless Steel 40mm Black Dial $97,000 no discount

Ref 116520 Daytona Stainless Steel 40mm White Dial $87,500 net no discount

Ref 116523 Daytona Two Tone, 40mm $138,000


Ref 116528 Daytona 40mm, solid yellow gold $248,100


Day Date
Day Date (DD) The FlagShip of Rolex, I have been talking a lot about this model and I think many more people started crushed on this model, and a lot of HK Rolex collectors are looking for Colourful Vintage Day Date, especially Model Ref 1803 and Ref 18028, which has been introduced to the world as a Classic. As of this moment in time, their price is still low. However as for new watch, so far, there is never a single request on purchase nor price of Day Date, as Firstly I think they are not cheap, and second, those who can buy would not care too much if that is less 5%, less 10% or less 14%.

What are the hot models?
No. 1 Daytona Stainless steel Black Ref 116520, Price is $97,000 net no discount limited to 1-2 Pieces at each Rolex AD a month.

No.2 Submariner Green bezel and green Dial, Ref 116610LV $66,100 net no Discount, 2-3 Pieces a month available at Rolex AD.

No. 3 Submariner Black Dial Ref 116610LN $62,100, about 4 -5 Pieces a month for Rolex AD.

No. 4 DeepSea Ref 116660 $82,500 about 3 pieces a month, due to the high price and giant size, not too many people has the wrist to carry the watch, the demand is much lower than Submariner Ref 116610LN.

So we can buy this watch easily at Rolex AD.

Selection

It is hard to tell which model suits you, some young woman wear a giant DeepSea, some men of 6 foot wear an Air King, I think if you feel that is good and meet your budget will be best choice for you!

Price and Discount

Note: Price listed here is rough estimation only, normally walk-in can get 5% discount from Rolex AD in HK on these prices. Some VIP get 8% discount for Submariner, Explorer and GMT-Master, 10% to 14% on other Date just or Solid Gold Watches. We sometimes understands as they buys a lot of watches a year. However, Rolex is mandatory not allowing any Rolex AD to give more than 5% as to control the Brand value of Rolex like other luxury brands Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Cartier and Chanel.

Sham Shui Po Snob

Rolex SeaDweller Ref 1665 Double Red

A rare Collector's item on SeaSweller Ref 1665 Double Red, an even darl Chocolate Black Dial,
A right size for diver or swimmers, a Watch for a active man, a watch for Rolex Collector.
Thanks for Chiu to share this watch to me.
HK Snob

Rolex GMT Master II New Ref 116710 BLNR in on Sale now

The New watch has arrived HK, Ref 116710 BLNR, Blue black Bezel and Blue Pointer.
New Calibre, new facelifted Watch, a new Gimmick for Rolex new users, Collectors.
Price is Listed at HKD$65,300, no discount.
There are only 3 pieces in each Rolex AD a month.
HK Snob

"There is no perfect product!" Do you think this statement is right or not!?

What if someone talks to ourselves or customer, “There is no perfect Product!” What does it Implies?


When there is complaint from one client on the product that was found to have software bug and even hardware bug, sometime we can see a defending saying to the client “No Machine is perfect!”, even quoted MS sometime hang up, there is no perfect Machine in the world… yes, there is no perfect, as there is hundred millions operation routines to be executive in Micro Soft CPU inside my Lenovo, can you expect there is bug free? Why we can easily saying there is no perfect machine, or perfect product in the world?

The term “No Perfect Machine” is an excuse. He feels we are defending!

What if a product that can survive in the market over 30 years, does it mean that the product is perfect or close to perfect if that can last more than 30 years!?

                                                   I have Patrician Agate, but not Turquoise
                                        
1929 Waterman Patrician Fountain Pen
Although it was not as successful fountain pen sales expected by Waterman. Probably due to the design somewhat “novel” and far from the aerodynamic shapes of the fountain of the thirties, it is true that helped the company to maintain its prestige during the difficult years of the 1929 depression. Till now it is name is the dream pen, especially the Turquoise.
This is ranked one of the best dream fountain pens ever by pen lovers!

                               Marantz 8B I boought it with HKD$32,000 two year ago
                               I upgraded with Quad Gold Lion KT77 tubes with HKD$8,000 for  
                               much better dynamics.

Marantz 9B and 8B Power Amplifier
Introduced in 1962 till 1966, US retail price was $249.00
70 W total output tube amplifier. Now Depending on condition, an excellent condition one could ask for US$4,800.

                                   My Koetsu Rosewood Signature II was given to Friend of Mine Alfred in
                                   UK. He asked someone to re-tip and he is enjoying it now.

Koetsu Rosewood cartridge
Every audiophile music lover knows of the legendary sound of Koetsu phono cartridges from decades past. Those old enough to have experienced Sugano's Koetsus retain the memory of a musical experience unequaled. Few were privileged to own and enjoy a Koetsu. Many of the converted searched out second and third Koetsus, assuring a long, cherished relationship. Now it is selling $4,500

                               LP-12 I bought in 1997 with HKD$16,000, upgraded with Electronics Servo
                               Control in 2008, upgraded with pre-owned Ittok Mark II arm with
                               HKD$9,000. 
                               Now I used Ortofon Jubilee cartridge I bought with HKD$95,00 in Taiwan
                               in 1999. Total investment is about HKD$34,500.
                               New one is selling more than HKD$100,000.


Linn Sondek LP-12 SE
It’s no idle exaggeration to say that the Sondek LP12 has been a touchstone for record playback during the three decades-plus of its continuous production since 1972.

Despite the low demand for record players compared to the heyday of the 1980s, the LP12 has stubbornly stayed in the catalogue. It’s a reminder of the company’s heritage but also surely a testament to the turntable’s abiding popularity, since Linn wouldn’t trouble itself to make something no-one would buy.

Externally almost identical since 1973, many small changes have been made inside over the years in order to improve its sound, principally by tightening tolerances on metal components and substituting superior suspension pieces. Aside from the deck itself, Linn has also made steady developments in its tonearms, cartridges and power supplies to keep the design fresh.

Notable changes to the core motor unit include the Nirvana upgrade in 1981, using new springs, grommets and fasteners; and the late 1980s change in main bearing, made available to older decks as the Cirkus upgrade. However, since the Lingo power supply upgrade in 1991, the Sondek motor unit has effectively been in stasis, remaining essentially the same for over 15 years.

The latest Linn-sanctioned refits of Keel, Trampolin and Ekos SE build on the classic Sondek sound, bringing out more detail, focusing stereo images, tidying the top and tautening the bottom, while preserving most of the essence of the Sondek charm. Solid precision engineering brings tangible benefits, albeit at a considerable price.
Linn Sondek LP12 SE (£9550)

                               Royal Oak 1972  Jumbo 39mm  Solid Yellow Gold, now Retro in Pink Gold
                               is selling HKD$470,000 now in HK.

Royal Oak
Audemars Piguet 1972 Royal Oak, a new timeless design watch and was and is classified the perfect design in watch, it has not been changed over the 41 years in the basic design and will likely the most pretty watch for another 50 years

                               Rolex Day Date Ref 1803 in Reddish Brown Diamond Dial
                               Estimated price is about HKD$95,000 or more depending on Condition of
                               watch
Rolex Day Date Ref 1803
A large production was made with fantastic colourful dial, a Rolex Flag Ship watch of the Golden era of mechanical watch making 1960-1970. A watch that would never fail you in terms of durability, accuracy and dependability.

                                                   Coca Cola 1886  in Original Bottle
Coca Cola
Back in the 80s Coca-Cola changed the taste of their product in an attempt to improve their brand. They called the new product "Coke". It wasn't an improvement, it was just different and failed miserably. Coca-Cola lost scores of loyal consumers who said there was nothing wrong with the original Coca-Cola. So I can say Coca Cola is the perfect product since it was introduced in 1886.
Based on Interbrand's best global brand 2011, Coca-Cola was the world's most valuable brand.

                               Friend of mine's Porsche, He is in SFC, now he has three boxer of different
                               colour

Porsche

In 1938 the Volkswagenworks awarded the Porsche engineering office the contract to develop a racing car based on the Volkswagen Type 60, which was to take its place on the grid for a planned long distance race from Berlin to Rome as a promotional stunt for the “KdF car” (“Strength through Joy” car). By the spring of 1939, the Porsche engineers had developed three sports car coupés under the in-house designation Type 64, for the “Non-stop speed endurance test” scheduled for September. Since then the basic design of Porsche was established: Rear Engine, Rear Drive, air cool engine, the low air friction aerodynamic car body. Over 70 years we have not seen much of the changes except the recent Porsche engine changed from air cooling to water cooling.

So Can I say these are perfect product!?
As majority of people tends to buy NEWER product, concept of newer is better is still the mainstream thinking of the major buyers.
There are so many reason that they have to launch a new product to meet the demanding customers. Even some of the perfect products have to be phased out because that have been

replaced by better products of the next generations? Or a marketing demand to package Old Wine in new bottle to make an impact on the market!?

Sham Shui Po Snob

Rolex Day Date Ref 18038

These two are Rolex Day Date with Vignetted brown dial and Purple Dial with diamond


Is this a kind of Glamouring Rolex for you and me, women and men of almost all age!

Thanks for a Rolex Collector "Chiu" to Share his watches to me.

Sham Shui Po Snob

Rolex DD Ref 1803 as a target Investment Item

Day Date


Patented July 23. 1955 - official Released in 1956. The 6511 the "Day Date" had a window at “12” spelling out the day at 12 and the date was shown at “3”. Due to the complexity of the watch, extra power to advance two discs at midnight. With new automatic movement, additional day and date discs and a screw down back it was a very large and thick watch which gave it presence on the wrist. Introduced as a niche model it soon gained the popularity it deserves and after the introduction of the concealed clasp (concealed clasp was offer as $75 option in 1969) it was known as the "President".

The Day Date immediately became Rolex's flagship till now. The first model (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by the externally identical 6611. This model featured the new caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial. This new accuracy standard guaranteed the watch to remain within + 3.0 seconds per day. In 1959 caliber 1055 was replaced with caliber 1555 in model 1803 (18,000bph) and later in year 1965 - model 1803 received caliber 1556 (19,800bph).

In 1977 caliber 3055 (quick-set) was introduced in model 18038 and in 1988 caliber 3155 (double quick-set) was introduced in model 18238.

Caliber 3155 is the caliber still used today in all Day-Date models.

The Day Date earned the nickname the "President" when Rolex reportedly gave one to the then President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Some sources say that President Eisenhower was actually given a Date Just (not Day-Date) with the presidential style bracelet. But it is a fact that several other US presidents are known to wear Day-Date (Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan).

These early models did not have the hack feature and appeared rather bulky. In their never ending quest to modernize the basic configuration of the Day Date, Rolex designers have changed from the bulbous bubble-back look of the early models to the slender shape employed today.

With only a few mild case design changes over the years the first modification to the Day Date was the addition of the hack feature in about 1972. This allowed the second hand to be stopped dead if you wanted to set the time via a preset accurate source. At this time the shape of the head was essentially the same as it is today. The Day Date was available in white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and platinum although in early 70's the pink gold watch was phased out.

The "Quick set" feature (caliber 3055) solved one of the watches biggest problems. Introduced in the late 1970's Quick set was added to all Rolex models by 1983. Instead of turning the crown round and round to change the date the wearer could just pull the button out half way and a few turns at most and the correct date was displayed.

The introduction of the quick set feature also coincided with other developments for the Day Date. The inclusion of the sapphire crystal not only gave the watch a sleeker look but also added to the durability of the watch. The early Day Date models were waterproof to 165 feet (50 meters) while the current model is safe at depths of up to 100 meters.

Introduced in 1988/89 was the "Double Quick Set" watch with caliber 3155. This was model 18238 and it made the setting of the Day and Date even easier as they could both be done on the button.

From the end of 2000 the Day Date has been available in pink gold again. The watch has also been introduced with slightly redesigned case with polished lugs, smooth bezel is now domed, a domed sapphire crystal, solid center links on now heavier bracelet and can also come on an oyster bracelet to bring it in line with many of their other models.

The Baselworld has preview on new Day Date of 6 colour dial, comes with Leather strap or oyster strap, give a new younger look for the new young big spenders of the 30’s.

The Day Date across the world has become synonymous with class and style. This watch remains one of the most prestigious additions a man can have to his wardrobe.

Amongst all fabulous Day Date made over the years, Ref 1803 is still one of the collector’s choice as there are numerous colour made with precious stone or material as dial. There is new group of collector now focusing on collecting Ref 1803 from now and then. The current price of Rolex Ref 1803 is still considered Cheap! When the new younger buyer come into search onto this Rolex Category as collectors choice, Price of Ref 1803 will rise sharply, Please do not underestimate the new China Demand for quality vintage Rolex.

HK Snob

More About In house Movement

Aftermath on the last article on In house movement
When the quartz watch hit the market by end of the 60s, most watch companies embraced it with a vengeance. It was cheap, light, durable, super accurate. The advantages over all other mechanical types were beyond question. It seemed too good to be true and it was.

The shortcomings of the quartz watch didn't manifest themselves for two decades and by that time most watch companies and the ebauche industry had been dramatically downsized.

Audemars Piguet was beaten to moribund until savior Gerald Genta created the Legendary Royal Oak Jumbo to save the company from being Bankruptcy.

Omega stopped making their in house movements because it seemed that they wouldn't compete against the new Electronics Quartz technology. Movado did the same. Many Ebauche companies were devastated. AS and ETA were already the big players so they stayed in business.

The rejection of quartz by consumers of high end watches was settled fairly quickly as HK$10,000 premium watches began dying. Old established companies like Patek Philippe, Rolex and JLC wisely kept their mechanicals coming and benefitted greatly. Omega at one point discovered a supply of old manual wind movements put aside years before because they wouldn't sell as manual winds.

They did casing them into retro solid gold cases and got over HK$10,000 each for the lot. At this point in the game Omega and virtually all the other brands use the ETA 2824, 2892, and 7750 or a derivative thereof. Rolex still makes the Rolex, Patek Philippe still makes PP and JLC dabbles in new technology of their own design but stays with their automatics.

Why do we prefer the old in house movements? They were beautiful and unique. Omega won many timekeeping awards with their in house products. I am still thinking that the best Omega is still the Constellation in the 50s and 60s.

They are the best even built in house Omega Movement that once captured numerous people hearts, and Omega was more expensive than Rolex at that time… but sooner they lost to Rolex in the 90s’ due to lack of versatility and newer model to defect Rolex.

However in fact some of the Patek Philippe and Vacheron movements are based on "Lemania", and many of the Blancpain movements based on "Piquet"... Rolex used El Primero on their Daytona.

Most of the big brands use "in-house" movements but many of them use also movements from other manufacturers. IWC and Panerai have some nice in-house calibers but working also with ETA movements.

So If I categorize this way since the beginning of the Watch making , no other non-in-house watch movement have been used, Who else can claim they use 100% in house Movement!?


I think only Roger Dubuis, A Lang & Sohne, JLC , Seiko and someone mentioned Vulcain?

The Last one yet to be verified!?


Someone mentioned Seiko had been working Casio to build movement, So Can I remove Seiko form the list!?

Confirmed 100% In house Movement- JLC, Roger Dubuis, A Lang & Sohne.

To be further verified; Vulcain, Seiko?

Sham Shui Po Snob