Seiko

Seiko watch company was founded in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop called "K. Hattori"  in the Ginza of Tokyo, Japan. Eleven years later, in 1892, he began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha (精工舎, , meaning roughly "House of Exquisite Workmanship".

 

According to Seiko's official company history, titled "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a Japanese meaning "exquisite" or "success" ("exquisite" is usually written 精巧, while the meaning "success" is usually written 成功 in Chinese.

 

Seiko has always been well-known for its practicality, reliability and occasional beautiful designs. Here are a few Seiko watches that you will find on the wrists of “trendy people”.

 

1.   Seiko Marinemaster Professional 1,000m Diver’s Hi-Beat Limited Edition: SBEX001

 

 

 

This is a huge Seiko. At 48mm wide and 19.7mm thick, it is a beast to wear. It has a titanium monobloc case and requires no helium escape valve. It is water-resistant to 1000m. It is equipped with a 36,000bph 8l55 automatic movement which has 55 hours of power reserve.

 

 

 

The watch is a limited edition of 700 pieces. The gold accents on the dial and the bezel add a bit retro chic to the watch. It is a very finely made Seiko that can dive with you.

 2.      Seiko SBDX016 Gold Tuna

 

This big Seiko tuna is a dive watch that offers you a lot of details. The shroud of the watch is made of ceramic and rose gold alloy. The bezel looks almost transparent. The sapphire crystal has a hint of green under certain lighting. The dial color is brown to match the shroud. It is of course water-resistant to 1000m. I bet the watch will not break even at 2000m. You know, the standard of Seiko.

 3.      Seiko SNKM97

 

 

What does this watch remind you? A frog? An old computer? Sometimes you do not have to pay a premium to get some of the best designs from Seiko. This cushion-shaped SNKM97 is one of them. Sporting a stylish green dial with an orange second hand, this watch brings you back to the style of the 60s and the 70s. It also recalls the age of space explorations with its computer-like case shape. It is a good blend of colors to create such impressive aesthetics.

 

 

This is the ultimate casual and summer watch when you want to walk out without worries.

 

There is Credo, Grand Seiko which is the high end series of Seiko made for people who could afford and lover of Seiko.

 

HK Snob

 

 

Coke or Pepsi, which is better?

Someone asked me which is better Pepsi and Coke?

I think Pepsi has a higher price, so there is people bough all Pepsi in the watch market mainly because there is a new GMT White gold Pepsi released 2014.

So in terms of demand, Pepsi is higher and is more expensive!

Who knows when Rolex will issue a Coke in Platinum?

So, if I were you, I buy the Coke now because it is cheaper and have more for me to choose.

HK Snob

Seiko Quartz VFA Solid Gold Day Date Watch

The Seiko Astron 35SQ was the first Quartz watch in the World launched in 1969 in Japan...unfortunately only in 100 pieces in gold and for an astronomic price equal to a Toyota Corolla. Seiko created the first true Quartz with a step-down motor that became a reliable standard in the industry. The Seiko 3823A aka 38SQ is their first mass-produced Quartz introduced to market in 1971 a year ahead of the European competitors who then had tiny stepping-motors only in prototype versions. Simply compare this 1971 construction against Swiss and American concepts produced later.

Japanese movements were always known for their perfect alignment of the components. VFA = Very Fine Adjustment to 5 sec/month...all for a price of ¥150.000. The movement is "Superior" in every aspect and this trademark was later used instead of VFA.

This is an Super rare Solid 18KT solid gold version with special Japanese traditional handcraft case, very unique and very special to own, I believe by time they sold this in Ginza Daimaru would be about ¥300,000 that could possibly buy a small house in some sub rural area of Tokyo.

And you can possibly can see only 1 Gold Version in 10,000 units possibly 1 Solid White Gold version in 25,000 Seikos. Well, how much a GS Seiko Solid yellow gold watch now? HK$220,000!

 After 4 decades, this piece of watch does not look aged. In fact, it stays strong, health and had been witness few tenth of summers and winters.  I call this Day Date Seiko Day Date!

Now you can get to be the owner of this watch!

HK Snob

What should Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton wear on their wrists?

As Donald Trump’s and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns are in full swing, except the moving speeches, health issues and seemingly concrete promises, we may also look at something very important – what they wear to keep time.

 

 

First, let’s start with Mr. Donald Trump, the real estate billionaire. Well, Donald Trump actually has his own signature collection. Which is quite resemble the Rolex Daytona Ref 116520LN, doesn't it?

 

 

 

 

However, with his flamboyant and radical style, a Hublot or an Urwerk would best suit him. Imagine that Presidents of the United States wear an Urwerk with his suit, he will surely bring a lot of changes to this world.

 

 



 



 

But if he needs something to match his lovely golden hair, the Rolex DD40 yellow gold with gold dial will be perfect.

 



 



How about Mrs Hillary Clinton? 

As previous Secretary of State and Senator, she used to wear a Chanel J12 White Ceramic watch. I do think that a Cartier Tank Solo would be a good watch for her.

 

 

 

 

It is simple, elegant and inexpensive.

 

 

 

She also has a Rolex Ladies Date-just two tone. That watch maybe too shiny for her if she wins the presidential election.

Politicians’ watches convey certain messages. They usually do not wear something too luxurious as they want to win the hearts of everyone. Being too flamboyant may not be good for building a healthy public image. However, it seems that the world is tired of pretentious politicians who privately own a collection of luxury watches (Bill Clinton, for example carries the same watch I used to have a Roger Dubuis MuchMore limited to 28 pieces). Today’s world seems to be in need of bold heroes. The world is about to change. Whether the world chooses to face ourselves honestly or live with hypocrisy will be revealed soon.

 

HK Snob

 

 

What to note when buying pre-owned watches?

A lot of us buy pre-owned watches from time to time. Used watches are cheaper than BNIB watches and some of the discontinued vintage watches are also very attractive to collectors. So, what should we pay attention to in general when buying pre-owned watches?

 

1.      The case and the crystal

When you look at a watch, before you look at the dial, the case gives you the general impression of the quality of the watch. Pre-owned watches usually have scratches. Light scratches are ok as a good polish will perfectly eliminate them. However, if there are deep scratches or even dents, you may have to look for another one as polishing deep scratches or dents will totally change the shape of the case.

 

Other than scratches and dents, do check whether the case is over-polished. You can check whether the lugs point inwards too much and whether the case still looks “fat”. If watches with lug holes are over-polished, there is a risk that the lug holes are broken by the polishing and the pin may not be well secured.

 

After that, take a look at the crystal to see whether there is any dent or scratch. Also check if there is moisture on the crystal.

2.      The dial

Prepare a magnifying glass. No matter whether you are buying a collectible vintage pieces or just a used modern watch, you have to check the dial. The dial is basically the face of a human. Any defect on the dial can cost you a lot of money when you want to sell your piece. There are a few things to check.

 

First, check whether there is any scratch on the dial made by watchmakers. Second, check whether the dial has been remade with paints. You can spot the color difference if you are careful. Third, check the writing on the dial and make sure that the letters and fonts match the era the watch was produced. Fourth, do take a close look at the luminova materials on the hour markers and the hands and make sure that they are not overfilled. Lastly, take a look and see if there is any moisture on the dial.

3.      Serial number and bracelet

You have to be 100% sure that the serial number on the watch matches that on the warranty card. This can also help identify whether the watch is only parts from different watches put together. The serial number helps you identify which year the watch was made and the features of the watches from that particular era.

Next, you have to take a look at the bracelet and see whether it works normally. If it is too tight or too loose, some repair may be necessary.

 



4.      The movement

You can ask the watchmaker to open the case back and let you check the movement. If it is an automatic watch, you have to make sure that the winding rotor glide smoothly. You have to ensure that the writings on the movement say the same as what movement the watch should be equipped. You can also check whether there is dirt or dust among the gears. Do try to wind the watch afterwards to see if winding is smooth.

 

5. The Seller

Make sure there is reputation of the seller, some of the shops can take back you watch less 10% to 20% within a period of time.

 

HK Snob

 

 



Pre-owned Rolex I find for you

Submariner Ref 16610LV year 2005 HK$49,800 (watch only)

 

 

 

Ref 14060 2004

14060M 2004 year

 

 

 

I can find Rolex of the following model watch only in excellent condition.

1. Submariner Ref.14060M HK$34,000
2. Submariner Ref. 14060 HK$32,800
3. Submariner Ref. 16610LV HK$49,800
4. Sea dweller Ref. 16600 HK$45,800
5. Oyster Perpetual 26mm Stainless steel Ref. 67180 HK$11,500

HK Snob

Watch Gathering

Turn-O-graph Japan Limited version 300 Pieces

 

Submariner Ref 16613 Patina Dial

 

Submariner TT, Submariner Hulk, Turn-O-graph

 

 

 

James Bond Watch Hamilton Pulsar LED display

 

 

 

HK Snob

Super special Watch made with Sterling Silver 925

Imagine this is watch hand crafted by a Swiss watch master  with PP way of Polish on every part.
 
Stamp a name of PP, VC, AP, RG, or RM on it.

It is made of sterling Silver what many people likes it more when it get tarnishes... after age...

How Much will you pay for it?

USD$50K, 60K?  No! probably 2% of it...

This is a 47mm watch with manual winding.

PM me if you are interested in buying this watch, whilst stock lasts..

You will be surprise now your currency is so strong and really got a value buy!

HK Snob

PS I cannot wait to wear it and update on my Instagram!

Cartier Santos 100 mid Size for sale

Pre-owned 90% new Cartier Santos 100 Auto
Limited 2,000 pcs

Cash HK$29,000 with Box

HK Snob

PS Watch was Sold

IWC Da Vinci White Gold Perpetual Calendar with Chronometer on Sale

This is another Da Vinci watch on sale from a HK Local Collector who has many gold watches.

You may ask why does he want to sell this watch., well, he told me his is too old to read the dial as he is 65 year old by now. I know him since the early time of Swatch in 1989.

Well, If you like vintage watch, and don't mind to pay HK$71,000 for a Heavy solid Piece of gold watch with original gold buckle, with Full set of packing.

Or if you want to see it first before jumping into thought to "Buy" let me know I can bring to your home to see...

HK Snob

Rolex Submariner Two Tone Patina Dial on Sale

 



 

 

Submariner Patina Dial.

Full Set 1996 watch with 12 links

W Serial.

Nice Watch I recommend unless you don't like Gold!

 

HK Snob

PS watch was sold

 



Rolex Daytona White gold Ref 116509 on Sale

 

 

All Original Rolex year 2007 HK 888 Watch.
White Gold with warranty card and box.
and an extra after market diamond Bezel
Cash HK$167,000


Value Buy, considering that new Steel Daytona Ref 116500LN white is selling HK$135,000!

An After market diamond bezel is about HK$35,000 now


HK Snob