Rolex Explorer I Ref 14270 and Ref 214270

Matt Damon and his Explorer I Ref 14270

Two Generations of Explorer I. Which one you prefer?

Explorer I Ref 14270  (36mm)

When I travelled to Singapore, I went to People’s park oriental Watch Shop buying Four Explorer I

Ref 14270 with Each HKD$14,900. At That time, that was a hot item and not so many stock available, something like the GMT Master II Blue in HK now.

I sold One of them at Cost to one of my colleague, and three of them sold with some profit of HKD$3,000 each.

Ref 214270

Now The new face listed Explorer I Ref 214270 (39mm) is selling HKD$48,200, assuming less 10% discount, that is HKD$43,380.

Major Difference other than size of the “Explorer “ is printed at O’clock position on Ref 214270.

Both watch strap is of size 20mm, Which I think it is best matching with size of the watch on Ref 14270.

Whereas the same strap is a bit smaller on Ref 214270.

Which One do you prefer!?

1. If you are looking for long term value Ref 14270 as the market value is HKD$29,000 to HKD$34,000 whereas Ref 214270 is selling HKD$28,000-30,000 in Pre-owned Watch market.

2. Rolex Ref 14270 fits for middle size man and women.

3. Seems Ref 14270 is more classic than Ref 214270.

Find the best one that suit you, both of them is good watch.

I think Woman wears the Older version of Ref 14270 looks very charming!

HK Snob
Watch Fever

Bo Derek and Jenny Derek, Rolex Ref 1805 and Ref 118206

 Bo Derek

Rolex Day Date Ref 1805 Platinum

Rolex Ref 1805 Vs Ref 118206, Bo Derek Vs Jenny Derek

When I was young, Bo Derek was one of the girls that often appeared in dreams.

When I was young Ref 1805 was not the watch that I could afford, it was selling at least HKD$18,000 in 1967.

Nowadays, when my capability in earning improved a lot, yet still could not afford to buy the Latest Rolex Day Date Ref 118206 HKD$430,000. They are the beauty of two era, Bo Derek in the 70’s and Jenny Derek, daughter of Bo is the super beauty of nowadays…

Jenny Derek

Rolex Ref 118206 Day Date in Platinum

When we try to co-related these two beauties, Bo and Jenny, I think of Rolex Day Date Ref 1805 and

Ref 118206  As they have the same gene, a Rolex Tradition of watch making, an illustration of Sport excellence, and class of Platinum expression!

HK Snob

Paradox of Life!?

Wishes From one of our best staff... thanks!

Can you see this picture, do you see something that is Moving!?- no, that is visual paradox.

Can you tell what is this? Money or Wallet? This is a Wallet made by bank note design washable cotton, not money.

Can you see this watch?, is that Rolex? Can you tell what is the dial display what month? What Date is that!? No, that is not Rolex!

Well, "Oct 3^rd" is the display….Well, that is not paradox, that is the Birthday of HK Snob!

And Most of all, Thanks You for those who sent me wishes on my birthday.

I found myself wiser by one more year and closer one year to the end of life...and I always say One happy Today worth two unknown Tomorrow.

Anyway, thanks for the one who pass the message to me, I truely would remember that...

HKSnob


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Thanks for the Birthday greeting (Comment) from one of Watch Fever friends. I had accidentally removed the comment on my Samsung handphone...!!! Very Sorry...

Rolex Submariner Ref 116610LV and Explorer I Ref 14270 on Sales

Rolex Explorer I Ref 14270

A  Human Psychological decision to take it or leave it!?

Have you ever been invited by a young and pretty lady who you know in 5 minutes in a bar to go to her house?

I bet you would not go with her!? In fact there are really many of this came into happy endings. There are 10/90 people Blood test would tell; “HIV +” the next week after.

When we get older, we are trained by our experience to alert ourselves always” Don’t go for it!”

Yes, there is no freebie in Hong Kong, but guess who that is a diamond bachelor that has good enough income to spend on these luxury items, When he got an upgrade, seem he want to let go it for cash.

When we go to buy something, when we could see too many available choice for you!

When there are too many choices, that is virtually no choice!

When we are offered good offer, people will suspect why the price is so good, why the offering price is so low!?

It happens real life…

People sell the Rolex Explorer I Ref 14270 at Price HKD$14,800? Mint with Box, certificate bought in Geneva! Do you want to take it!? That is the same price that I bought Explorer I in Singapore People's Park  1996! I bought Four one time. At that time, HKers liked that watch so much!
(Sold to Ringo on 1000, 4 Oct 2013)

Another one sells me his Ref 116610LV at HKD$64,000 but he used for four times.  Do you want to take it!?

HK Snob

Carla Bruni and Nicolas Zarkozy

Nicolas and his Patek Philippe watch

 Nicolas and his Girrad Paragaux Annual Calendar Equation of time. He Said, " I like Something Big!"

Carla Bruni and Nacolas Zarkozy

Carla Bruni who's to many of us nothing more than an average celebrity with unsuccessful musical career and enough Italian Genes to attract the French president Nacolas Zarkozy.  

Nicolas Sarkozy's wedding to Carla Bruni was held in 2008. The first lady had had enough with the way Nicolas wearing, a Rolex Daytona, which she thought that is not classy enough for the most powerful man in France, She bought him a Patek Philipe Calatrava.

In fact Nicolas Sarkozy is quite partial to a Rolex,  Sarkozy likes chunky Daytonas and has also sported a Breitling Navitimer, as well as Breguet, Girard Perregaux,  Cartier and Pequignet watches.

HK Snob
Watch Fever

Beautiful Watch Picture.

Photography Cortesy of http://www.chronollection.com/gold-watches.htm

I once had worked on a vessel and I had written something on paper slips and inserted in sealed bottle and threw into the Pacific Ocean....

Insofar, no one seems receive them...

Well, someoe said, One Today is Better than Two Tomorrow!

I will be turning in 56 in another two hours... If I could keep time in a bottle, I will put the bottle in a Safe, and only open to see it once a year...

HK Snob

Rolex GMT Master II Ref 1167O1 BLNR Blue for Pilot and you

   Cockpit inside an Airbus A320-211, Photography Courtesy of Ismael Jorda, Airliner.net

Who should wear such a Watch: GMT Master II  BLNR?

By right is Pilot, Captain, Frequent Traveler, but now anyone who would like to wear it as it is super eye catching. With the new ceramic Blue Dial and Blue Pointer. People goes to Rolex AD would likely turn frenetic as no one could give a date when this watch would arrive his hand.

Some of the Rolex AD required to prepay 100% first, then wait for next week’s provision to arrive. This is at least able to allow you to have a chance to get the watch, not a bad idea.

No one could imagine that a commercial product could be so successful, iPhone 5S 16G Gold colour is now selling HKD$9,500. And this Rolex is selling HKD$65,300. These are the hardcore Products that no one could wait to buy nowadays.

Today the Samsung Note III and the SmartWatch has launched HK, I am afraid those electronic freak would have no time to sleep after they bought this new toy!

HK Snob

Fan Bing Bing and Rolex have one common Point; The beauty that meets the Divine Proportion!

 Fan Bing Bing

The Number 666

The number 666 is not Satan, this  Biblical number 666 may also have a relationship to the divine proportion. The number 666 is related to Phi

Revelations 13:18, speaking of the Anti-Christ, says the following:

Man in a circle illustrating proportion by Leonardo Da Vinci 1485-90 

"This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is a man's number, his number is 666"

The beast, the Antichrist, is thus related to the number 666, one of the greatest mysteries of the Bible.

Curiously enough, if you take the sine of 666°, you get 0.80901699, which is one half of negative phi, or perhaps what one might call the "anti-phi"

The sine 666° is one-half negative of 1.618. It is opposite of balance and harmony or chaos and disharmony.

Golden Rule or Divine Proportion

Face proportion so called divine Proportion was not my idea, as over many centuries, a lot of study had debine the Golden Rule of Balance.

Everything in the universe is based on the proportion: 1 to 1.618 so called Divine Proportion, as the width of the face is 1. Then the height of the head should be 1.618.

Fan Bing Bing

Elegancy is not borne to have it, as far as beauty like Fan Bing Bing, she was born as natural beauty, no plastic surgery, she is a natural creation by her parents with genes of beauty. "Bing" means Ice, and I think she is not cold as Icem but hot as Red hot charcoal... that could burn me to death!

Look at her, she has all the divine proportion!

So What kind of watch that I think best for this Chinese Beauty, Rolex …

What? Again Rolex? Yes… Because I found that the Rolex Also carry the Divine of Proportion!? Can you Find it!?

Rolex DateJust Lady Ref 178279 White Gold with Diamond 

If I were the program manager of Miss Fan, I will have no hesitation to introduce her just two watches, which would cover 70% of her usage.

One is DateJust Lady 31mm Ref 178279, White Gold with diamond bezel, and diamond “6” and “9” which is the most adorable number for Chinese beside “3” . That is also laid with sands…The strap is a President strap that could possible tell the guy on the other side of the street to tell “It is A Rolex!” give everyone a look of “ Flagship” not stainless steel, it is entire made of White Gold.

Rolex DateJust Ref 116199. SANR.L.10DIA.272BRA

Another one is the most sexiest watch for lady , only a few lucky one who could possible afford because you cannot use it every day, it has to be used on Big Day only! Especially when walking on Red carpet. or if you had too much money, buy it for going to street Market eating Fish Balls!


Price
The price of the two watches is Just HKD$1,000,000 after special Discount. It is still Cheaper to buy an Audi A8, and  MB E320. And it does not ask you to turn left always (for Entering gas station)!

Warning

Warning to the HK people who goes for a two weeks Korean Plastic Surgery,  it may destroy the proportion if not managed well, and we see why all beautiful Koreans look the same, as they all employ the same Rule, may be from the hands of the same Surgeon.

By Doing so, it gains beauty and lose the character.  And if you are painter you know that once stroke or one dot could means a lot on a Chinese Painting. So if you want the Surgeon using knife as pen to paint on you face… then I should say” Beware!”

Remarks: Courtesy of Mr. Gary Meisnerhe bible

HK Snob
Watch Fever
Sham Shui Po Snob

Note: the Rolex Dial Diameter and the Width of the bracelet agrees with the Divine Proportion.

Rolex Ref 116506 Platinum Daytona is released, A good perfect watch for collector, may not be an investment item!

Rolex Daytona Ref 116506

Rolex 116506 Platinum Daytona Is now Released in Town on 1 Oct 2013.

A Good perfect watch for Collector, but may not be an investment Item for Speculator

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is no platinum Rolex has ever gone up in value EVER by all means…

Following typical platinum Rolex watch trends –

The following are examples of new and 1-2 year values of some platinum Rolex watches there are dozens of examples so the trend is quite telling same with the modern gold models.

Rolex Ref 118206

Day Date Platinum Ref 118206 HKD$430,000 ; HKD$283,000 (34% loss)

Rolex Ref 118366

Day Date Platinum Ice Blue Dial with diamond Bezel Ref 118366 HKD$908,100 ; HKD$426,000  (47% loss)

Rolex Ref 218206

Day Date Platinum with smooth Bezel Ice Blue Dial Ref 218206 HKD$487,100 ; HKD$315,000  (33% loss)

Daytona Platinum Ice Blue Dial Released 1 Oct 2013 HK Ref 116506  HKD$589,000, we foresee that the price will drop to HKD$350,000 Approx. in a year or two.

Definition on the prices:

The Original Price is Rolex AD list price, well, everyone can get less 5% discount.

And the price drop to is the selling price in eBay or pre-owned Rolex watch shop, in fact the price you sell to the Shop is even lower than that.

For an example:

Day Date Platinum with smooth Bezel Ice Blue Dial 218206 HKD$487,100  (list Price) you get less 5% discount will be HKD$462,745, after 1-2 years , you could sell at about HKD$267,750, then the shop could possible marked up 15% and sell at price of HKD$315,000.

So you loss is HKD$462,745-HKD$267,750 , that is HKD$194,995

The Shop earns HKD315,000- 267,750, that is HKD$47,250

If you are the second buyer, you could possible save HKD$462,745-315,000, HKD$147,745.  if you buy the pre-owned Day Date.

Why there is such a huge Loss on these model? As these are high end Watch from Rolex, the circulation in the pre-owned market is small,  on the other hand, these is lesser people eager to sell it into the second hand market. Since the price is still quite high to buy such a watch in the market, no one would likely try to consider to buy in second hand market.

Comparing with Daytona Stainless steel watch Ref 116520, the situation is totally different, The Loss is mush lesser, may be just 15% only for Daytona Black!

So in short, as a collection item, go for it

As an investment item, forget it…

HK Snob

Body or Face?

  

 Photography Courtesy of Charlize Theron

Rolex Day Just with Onyx Dial, Extremely rare to find now. 

Body or face?

There is a Survey in Japanese asking 300 Japanese Men on what is more important for them to select their girl friend, if they are allowed to choose one of the Two options below.

A.      Face is more important than Body

B.      Body is more important than face

The result is 70 percent choose A and 30% choose B!

I think most of the men is preferred to have a perfect goddess it have both face and body , but somehow   they have to look at her face day and night and only body will be being discovered at night when are having sex…

So as a Watch, the dial, shape, design is very important factor for people to make a choice. And somehow the function, type of movement is less important!? That is to be right for those general users.

But for serious Collector who would persuit watch as a perfectionist, body and face is important… So The watch is being classified as Collectible item must be:

1.       Makers

2.       Rarity, limited version

3.       Design

4.       Specialty

5.       Other factors: Paul Newman, JFK’ watch, special event memorial watch..etc.

HK Snob

Vintage Watch Category

A Day Date with a unique malachite dial with a double quick Day Date movement.

Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. This green-colored mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses. Individual crystals are rare but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.

Photography  Courtesy of www.1stdibs.com

Vintage Watch Category

New (BNIB) or Pristine Mint | Mint | Near Mint | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor

New or BNIB or Pristine Mint (100%)

Absolutely factory fresh, brand new in Box,  in factory box with all necessary papers from the factory Should have an authorized dealer stamp on the warranty (modern pieces), to validate that the watch is legitimate and that the factory will honor the warranty. In some cases, the NOS from AD, not yet stamped as it is fresh yet to be sold. If vintage, new old stock condition with or without boxes or papers but never used or sold to the public.

Mint

Undistinguishable from new, original in every way.  May be in factory box, with papers.  May have been in showcase or used in display, or bought new and never worn, or worn so little as to show no observable wear whatsoever.

Near mint

Completely original in every way. Faint marks or light scratches may be observed under magnification. May have been expertly restored, repaired or serviced or in rare cases restored to perfection slightly.

Excellent

Looks as  though watch was used very little if at all. If watch has been restored, all original replacement parts have been used. Faint scratches are evident but hard to detect with the eye. No dents are detectable and the bracelets have little or no wear.

Very good

The watch will show some wear, and perhaps is in need of some routine servicing, but a sound attractive presentation overall. No evidence of abuse. May have new hands and new crystal, but original case and movement. Dial may have been restored or need refinishing but the overall appearance is acceptable.

Good

Nothing fundamentally wrong with the watch, though it has obviously been used. Movement may have had a part replaced, but the part was near to original. Possibly in need of a servicing and restoration or buffing of the case or bracelet, due to nicks and mars or more noticeable scratches. Runs well but may need timing adjustments or service for optimal performance.

Fair

Well used, possibly in need of a servicing and restoration.  May be running erratic.  May not have original dial or case. Even an untrained eye could tell the watch has seen better days, but overall still wearable and worthy of consideration.

Poor

Anybody's guess as to whether it can ever made to run again. Speculative piece and should be priced accordingly. Maybe 'fixer-upper' would be too generous a term.

Price of a Collectible Watches can have big difference if that is BNIB and Excellent condition,  there is a mint Rolex sold in Auction house that has been oxidized with patina on the whole Rolex over the years. No one has wiped it off that patina coating as it is a witness that the watch has never been used or furbished, if that Patina coating is removed, HKD$1m value will be reduced.

In very good condition is not for serious collector, may be just good for use. Of course we should look for Mint or brand new watch if his destiny is made as a Collection Item! But all depends on the number of the watch is available. Anything below Good condition should not be considered.

HK Snob

Piaget Tanagra Gent's 18KT Solid Gold Watch On Sale



Piaget “Tanagra” Manual Winding solid 18KT gold Gent’s watch

Piaget Tanagra Gent’s Watch. 18kt yellow gold 34mm round case. 18kt yellow gold high polished bezel.

White enamel like dial with raised gold Roman numeral hour markers.

18k yellow gold high polished bracelet with hidden deployant buckle.

Water resistant up to 30 meters / 100 feet. 159gm in weight. 90% of Piaget comes with Quartz movement, this is manual movement.

Owner wanna let go at a cut throat price.

HK Snob

Longines lady's Collection

Aaron Kwok

Kate Winslet

Chi-Ling Lin

Longines Collection

I have been having a few Longines, the earliest One I bought from Kiu Tai Yu a, rectangular 14K solid Gold tank like watch with little second hand at the 6 o’clock position. It was HKD$2,000 at 1985.

Later one I bought another one, automatic with date and solid gold bezel on the steel case, there is a gold seal at the back of the watch with a “Fish” on it.  It was a good Longines watch I had been using when I worked on the merchant vessel, but later on I sold it to second mate, who may be using it by some. And later a thin manual winding dress watch at 90s.

As most of my friends who like Longines is because of the Logo, it is a good design, placed right at the “Longines” like an Eagle with spreading wings, flying…!

In 80’s The Longines Conquest VHP has been the popular watch for us as it is slim, rugged design, super accurate and water resistant. I believe many people are still using the same watch until today.

                                     

Recently Longines has been making some of the slim version of the 40’s in a rectangular form, laid with some of the bling sands on side and dial, a good choice for women. And most of them are quartz driven, it us best for women that has many watches in her jewelry box… who would have time to set the watch every time wearing it!?

HK Snob

Remarks Discount percetage ranges from 15%- 20%

Full Moon at Mid Autumn Festival

Photography Courtesy of Richard Rahn

Blancpain Villeret Collection one button Chronometer

Taken by Samsung Note II LTE at HKIA

This is an awesome Picture taken on the Mid Autumn night 18 Sept.

Photographer Stephen Rahn took this photo of the moon with an airliner in front of it on Sept. 18. He writes: “I was at my parents' house this evening when my dad and I saw the Moon coming up. I set up the tripod and […] he noticed all these planes flying near the Moon. He helped spot for me, and I managed to get this.”

If you learn to understand the moon phases you are in a better position to understand your reactions and moods and therefore deal with these in a more assertive and positive way.

In the horror movies, Full moon is the time that vampire has highest emotion to suck bloods and Zombie to start attack human being.

People who believes that Moon phases affect human behavior because the human body is about 60% water, if the phase of the Moon can affect ocean tides, and even cause a bulge in the Earth’s crust, surely it would exert an effect of human beings.

Science has taken the question of the full Moon’s effects seriously enough that there have been a number of studies examining the various claims. Nearly all of them have come up empty, though. All have either found no correlation between the Moon and human behavior, or were later debunked by other studies that questioned their methods.

The Full Moon marks the height of emotional energy. There are famous statistics regarding the amount of accidents and crime increasing during certain full moons throughout the year and it is wise to stay away from conflict or dangerous chances during this period. Breathing exercises, relaxing music and calm solitude are better than any group of friends, particularly if alcohol is involved.

 As far as I know, Full moon is the best time for people to make love, to gather together and enjoy family union…

I had watched my Perpetual Calendar watch on 19 Sept the Moon phase was at the state of full moon,

(exact Full moon happened on 2013 Sep 19 13:12 Thu)

It looks bigger than ever… and fun to see my watch at Full Moon condition, and I had two times making love with someone….what a wonderful evening I had had…

Next Full moon Will be : 2013 Oct 19 01:37 Sat ;  2013 Nov 17 16:15 Sun ; 2013 Dec 17 10:28 Tue

Only you wear a Perpetual Calendar can tell when the full moon will come, and prepare your heart to welcome with this once in a Month night…go for a Romance, probably some Angus beef steak with a bottle of Latour 1959 under a LED candle, in a 5 star Hotel with your woman… what else you can be.

As for Moonphase, the most awesome Moon phase is Blancpain, as the gesture of the Moon is so unique, very arrogant and no optimization, a man should possess this kind of character in order to take up all challenges in work, life, and love!

HK Snob

Watch Fever

Rolex Note Books

For a Watch Lover, a Rolex Fan, how can stay away the temptation of these items…

These are give-away item before when you bought a Gold Rolex or Daytona, but now...

Rolex stops producing anymore.  The one on the right is a new Purchased Item by friend in Tokyo with Yen 20,000!

HK Snob

Watch Fever