Watch on Sale

Sea Dweller 1665 Patina Dial $570,000

Day Date Oyster Quartz 19018 Birch Dial $73,000

Submariner 5513 $125,000

Daytona 16520 A series $145,000

HK Snob

Rolex Investment.

Rolex Daytona Ref 16520

Since 1988 to 2000

Rolex Watchgret

Should we go for new Release Rolex or a Known Vintage Rolex as an investment project!? I have no definitely answer on this… as both are one of the ways to make your Rolex becoming an investment item. It depends on Which watch you buy.

Imagine that when the Daytona Zenith 16520 was released in 1989, I was able to buy it with HK$29,500 at Chow Tak Fook.

If I had made up my mind to purchase say ten pieces my investment with Lump sum HK$280,250 probably I get extra less 5% discount.  Total investment cost $280,250.

Well, I believe I can sell it now at each $180,000 each now with NOS BNIB for black, so I could made

 a profit of $1,519,750!

 

However note that if I put that Money on real estate we, in 1989, I could still buy a house with down payment of $300,000 by now it may be having a net profit $2,000,000!

 

Rolex Submariner Hulk Ref 116610LV

So What’s Next!?

The Rolex Submariner and “The Incredible Hulk” completed their unlikely 48-year collision course in 2010. While the renowned durability of each may have been their only common thread for a half-century, the Baselworld 2010 appearance of the Rolex Submariner 116610 LV “Incredible Hulk” forever bound the two icons from Rolex and Marvel Comics.

This one doesn’t require much preamble; it’s a big green Rolex Submariner. Combine the “Super Case”/”Maxi Dial” of 2008’s 116619 Submariner with a green bezel and a green dial, and you’re one online forum quip away from a gamma-burst of Rolex collector infatuation.

This Incredible Hulk is listed at $68,100 at Rolex AD in Hong Kong. I think I have seen there is no stock for one in three month is one of my known AD shop…. So you still can put your name on the waiting list.. but don’t think that they will call you to collect the watch…

It is selling from Dealer to dealer from $60,000, 2014, $63,000 in 2015, $66,000 in 2016, $69,000 March 2017, and astonishing $72,000 by May 2017… (Crazy price)

From this data we know two things, generally Rolex had reduced the making of Sport watch across all lines beginning of this year and particularly lesser is made on Submariner Hulk.

I speculate this will be discontinued by 2018, Let’s watch Out. After the discontinuing, the price will up to more than $80,000 immediately.  And probably $120,000  by 2024.

HK Snob

 

Abbreviation

Watchgret- watch regret

AD- Authorized dealer

NOS- new old stock

BNIB- brand new in box

Dollar indicted here is HKD – Hong Kong Dollar  (1 USD- 7,75 HKD)

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph

Vacheron Constantin Overseas (VC OS)

At end of 1994 VC decided to create a sports watch directly getting its design cues from the 222 launched almost 20 years before: a tonneau shaped case with a round serrated bezel this time in the form of a broken Maltese cross. The design team was composed of Dino Modolo, independent designer in charge of many Vacheron Condtantin designs of the time and Vincent Kaufmann a in-house designer today heading the VC design team. First was launched the time only model housing cal 1310 based on GP calibre 3100 in a 37mm case (also a 35mm model as well as a lady’s 24mm model was also launched) including an extremely rare left hand version made in only 3 pieces, followed in 1999 by the chronograph housing the Piguet based automatic calibre 1137 based on the Piguet calibre 1185 specially modified to add a big date mechanism. “The success of the Overseas went beyond our expectations” says Christian Selmoni Marketing Product and Product Development Director.

In 2004 brought a 42mm case that tailored the Overseas to suit contemporary tastes for bolder styles and as larger watches.

A Casual Watch with touch of sportive look

“With time the Overseas has become symbolic of Vacheron Constantin, but I don’t define it as a sports watch, but rather a casual watch. A sports watch is made for sports, the Overseas of course can be worn during sport activities but it is a discreet model which can be worn during week ends, leisure periods and fit for every day use” says brand CEO Charly Torres. 

His Rivals
From inception, it was clear that the Overseas would be exclusive piece. Compared to rivals Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, VC produces about half and one-third as many watches per year, respectively. In practice, the Overseas is even more scarce than the Nautilus and Royal Oak. While those watches have been on the market for decades, and many pre-owned models come to market alongside new versions, the 42 mm Overseas Chronograph featured here has been available only since 2004.

 

The Big Date on OS.
The dial of the Overseas Chronograph is where Vacheron Constantin declares intent to distinguish itself from the Daytonas of the world. A double-digital grand date display at 12 o'clock offers good legibility and a feature that the Daytona can't match.

 

Fine Touches on Design
Vacheron employs an intricate rose-lathe guilloché on the dial that adds visual interest and articulates the large open swaths of silver metal. Each of the chronograph subdials features a fine concentric circle pattern that speaks to VC's eye for detail. Grey anodized hands are an unique touch that really "pop" against the dark black tone of the dial, and matching applied indexes compound the effect; it's a standout.

 

VC case
VC's Overseas case is a newcomer to the sports watch scene, but it's well on its way to becoming a classic in its own right. The combination of a brushed case and polished bezel creates an impression of substance that eclipses the wrist presence of any Daytona. Thoughtful bezel faceting echos the signature Vacheron "Maltese Cross" logo and adds to the impact of the Overseas Chronograph.

 

VC OS under water
Beside Style, it comes with real substance is the Overseas Chronograph. While Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Chronograph is barely suited to the kind of pool at 50 meters of resistance and Patek Philippe's $60,000 Nautilus 5980 chronograph is rated to 120m, the Overseas Chrono says it could survive at a 150 meter rating.

 

VC OS Calibre
The Overseas' F. Piguet (now Manufacture Blancpain) chronograph engine is a gem and a fitting power plant for a watch like the Overseas. In practice, its pushers are crisp, and its action is smooth. Under the hood, the finish is executed to a standard that's unmistakably Vacheron. Polishing, angling, and linear Côtes de Genève speak to the degree of effort that VC craftsmen invested in this watch.

If you're going to use a customer caliber, use the best, and VC does it.

 

VC Deployed
A steel bracelet with double deployant action ensures comfort and security on the wrist.

Twin-trigger release permits easy removal when desired while eliminating the potential for accidental deployment in the event of sudden shock or a glancing blow. While comparisons to the Daytona generally favor the Overseas, where the bracelet is concerned, VC absolutely leaves the Rolex for dead.

 

 

Comparison with the legendary Daytona

Technical Specification

The Daytona's 4130 is versus the Piguet 1185 animating the VC OS.

When the 1185 made its debut in 1987, it was the "Best Of Breed", and the 1185 is for sure a very good chrono movement - column wheel switched, friction engaged chrono works.

The  4130 is 30.5mm X 6.5mm, VS the 1185 is 26mm X 5.5mm.

The 4130 beats at 28.8 APH,  the 1185 at 21.6 APH.

The 4130 has 72 hour power reserve, the 1185 about 40 hours

The 4130 has an adjustable mass balance, the Piguet is pin regulated;

The 4130 employs an overcoil terminated balance spring and the 1185 a flat balance spring.

My Overall Comment, the Daytona Compares with VC OS, the movement has a better features.

 

Interesting comment on comparison between Daytona and VC OS.

Rolex Forums comment

*I have owned the 116520 and 116509 Daytonas. I have owned a VC overseas, but the non-chronograph variant. I assume the finish and workmanship of the Overseas and Overseas Chronograph are similar.

The VC was a higher quality level based on my examination of the case and dial. Also nice touches like ceramic bearings on the rotor and gold on edge of rotor to increase mass, along with Faraday shield for anti-magnet properties. If I could of figured out how to wear the box on my wrist I would have...... absolutely gorgeous furniture quality. Lastly, the integration of the VC symbol the Maltese cross into the design of the bracelet and bezel is very cool.

That said, I really like a Daytona and I really like the VC.

 

*I like them both, but they're not really in the same price range. The Overseas lineup has a lot less heritage than the Daytona, and AFAIK they don't have an in-house movement. Unlike a steel Daytona, with the Overseas lineup you also have to face a huge depreciation after a new purchase.

 

If money no object, I'd get the VC, on the basis that I'm not fond of the shiny bezel of the Daytona. And I kinda fancy the Overseas bracelet, it looks unique.

 

*Frankly, I'm not totally in love with either. Here are my observations:

DAYTONA: Oh-so-classic but I don't find it legible enough and I think the current design of the subdials isn't as attractive as the 16520-Zenith-based one. I really wouldn't mind another 1-2mm in case size, same thickness, but that is not a deal killer. The inability to buy a nice OEM leather band for the SS models is just stupefying. On top of that, I would really like a date function (without cyclops).

VCOSC: Not a "real" Vacheron Constantin as it doesn't use a in-house movement but rather starting off with a Jaeger-LeCoultre ebauche, even if the rework it. On top of that, I'm not really a fan of the dial pattern but I do like the design of the sub-dials and the hands, date etc are all in good harmony. Lastly, the pattern of the bracelet is not to my taste. Having said all of this, I think the Chrono with slate dial (aka "Deep Stream") on leather bracelet is really attractive.

I'd wait for Basel to see if there is any Daytona upgrade. Otherwise I'd rather buy something like a JLC Master Control Chronograph today if I needed a chrono.

came across pulling a trigger on a white dial VC Overseas Auto and decided against it in the end. not having an in-house movement was one of the reasons (yes, i know a non-in-house Daytona fetches quite abit too, but we are talking about a VC here...)

dont get me wrong, i like VC as a company, but just can see the "value" in their Overseas range anymore.... but one day i will def. get my hands on a VC... and i already know which one i want

 

*They are not my cup of tea, but both of them are important watches.

Daytona has a high resale value. Cal. 4130 is excellent movement, but Daytona is not rare.

Overseas has an another great automatic chronograph calibre, FP 1185. Rare, but has a low resale value.

If I were you, I would have a look on JLC MC Chrono models. They look awesome. 

 

* I've never understood why JLC isn't considered one of the "top three". Patek, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin have all used JLC movements. In the case of Patek & AP, at various stages, they both bought the company to obtain the JLC movement secrets & then sold the company on.

left APRO Chronograph, Right the VCOS

 

In large part, this is a matter of taste and style rather than objective facts.  Obviously, comparing them both in the same metal and both on bracelets we have two 12-hour, 3-subdial chronographs with screw down crowns and pushers, and a good case could be made for selecting either one. Some differences that might matter to some buyers, one way or the other, are: The Daytona is apparently produced in much larger numbers and is recognizable to many more non-WIS.  To some this, is a plus, to others a minus. The Daytona is 40 mm; the newer Overseas Chrono. is 42 mm.  Some prefer one over the other. The Daytona now uses an in-house movement; the Overseas Chrono. uses a modified F. Piguet movement.  Both are fine and plenty accurate, but some people care about whether the movement was made by the same company that owns the brand name. Daytona models vary in the legibility of the time and subdial counters to a greater degree than Overseas Chrono. models.  Some people care about being able to read the time or elapsed time, others not so much. The Daytona has no date, while the Overseas has a large date (but not a very readable one to my eyes).  Some people care about a date. The Daytona has as ordinary a bracelet as is made; the Overseas bracelet in exceptional for stability, comfort, and design.  Some people prefer one over the other. The Daytona feels lighter and more flimsy than the Overseas.  Some people prefer one over the other. The Daytona has a tach. scale that some people care about. My own view is that a steel Daytona is just an ordinary Rolex of no interest, while a steel Overseas Chrono. is a thing of beauty and a great companion, but I recognize this is a choice based on taste and style, not necessarily superior performance.  The white gold Daytona with silver dial on the other hand is something special for which VC doesn't yet have a comparable offering.  I still have my fingers crossed that VC will someday make a white gold Overseas on a bracelet with a blue guilloche dial. Park

 

My Comment
Both Daytona and VC OS carries similar size, with my wrist, size 38mm to 42 mm is suitable.

Daytona Zenith 16520 is more collectible as comparing with 115620 is no question, reflecting on their price.

Does not mean earlier is always better, but later is always unknown to me as do one know how many they would have made until one day they stopped making it.… always less is more… for Collector.

A Date is very important for my daily uses.

Branding is important so as why Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet… VC is an old watch makers back to 1755, whereas PP is 1839 and AP is 1875, needless to tell youngest here Rolex is 1905.

As for the VC OS, I just like the case and bracelet design, they are timeless in term of the look, and the transformed “Maltese Cross" bezel is a nice.

The less is more concepts… Do you know how hard to get an VC 222, Patek Nautilus 1976, or AP Royal Oak 1972 in gold or steel nowadays. Just because it was made in small number…. So as their price would be very high…  estimated price of a solid yellow gold 222 is now US$30,000 to 38,000!

A steel APRO 1972 Jumbo is US$30,000.

Don’t mention a Daytona Paul Newman… which is very expensive now.

The watch is reflecting your style, taste and your image… So long if you can afford a timeless time piece at a reasonable price…. That is what we are looking for here.

HK Snob

PS

Parts of the information was obtained from various sites.

Source of the comment is From Rolex Forums, the hour Lounge mainly.

Vintage Rolex For sale (watch only)

Submariner Ref 6536 Gilt Dial "Exclamation Mark" HK$260,000.

 

Sea Dweller Ref 16660 Patina Dial, year 1985,

Some Oxidation at the date window when you see at an angle.

HK$45,000  (SOLD)

 

GMT Master Coke Ref 16700 Mk 1, Year 1981, HK$85,000



On the Right Sea Dweller Matt dial Ref 16660 S/N 8.2M

HK$97,000

HK Snob



Pre-owned Rolex SeaDweller Ref 16660 On Sale

Rolex SeaDweller Ref 16660
Year 1985
Never Been Polished
Watch Only


On Sale


HK Snob


(SOLD)

Pre-owned Rolex Ref 1601 Date Just Two Tone

Rolex Date Just

Ref 1601

Year 1972

Two Tone Stainless Steel and 14KT solid Gold.

Automatic

On Sale

(SOLD)

HK Snob

Watch for Golfer

Many semiconductor business executives play golf in the Philippines, Bangkok, Shenzhen, Seoul…

They told me, if you want to get an equipment purchase order from the Korean Semiconductor houses, Play golf…

It triggers me a question, What watches I should go for Golf?

 

Facts

The concern is if the watch will be able to survive under the vigorous swing acceleration of 60G?

There’s risk of shock to the movement or loosening of parts. We’ve seen their watch hands rolling around inside the crystal after a game!

The average male golfer swings a driver at a speed of around 80 mph. When the driver hits the golf ball off of the tee, it sends a shock up the shaft of the golf club to the golfer’s hand, and then to the watch, then to the balance spring shaft, that shock could possibly disastrous to cause the shaft tip broken though the INCABLOC should take up 99% of the shock. But who knows. Accident could happen! Besides, the impact can cause the hairspring to jump and parts to become loose, and cause the watch go Malfunction or loss of accuracy!

Experience told us these watches are prone to get damages:-

Thin gold dress watch

Complicated watch as Tourbillon or perpetual calendar, needless mention Repeater…

A Solid gold watch is soft and easy to get dents,

 

Rolex Submariner Ref 116610LN US$8,000

Phil Mickelson and Rolex Cellini

Rolex Cellini US$5,000

Bubba Watson 's RM038

2011 RM038 Euro 459,500

Golfing Watches

Professional golfers don’t tend to wear watches during gameplay, with the exception of a few. While Phil Mickelson prefers a Rolex Cellini, Bubba Watson is known for his Richard Milles. Super lightweight on the wrist, with a variable-inertia balance wheel that helps it withstand accelerations of over 500-G’s. Unfortunately, these watches are too expensive for some of us.

Sportier dive watches like the Rolex Submariner are made to withstand intense underwater pressure. It should be able to handle the shock of a driver coming into contact with a golf ball.

 

Or, consider a quartz. Quartz watches are affordable, durable, and lightweight—a great option for golf.. In 2005, TAG Heuer launched the first ever “professional golf watch” with a quartz movement, scratch resistant titanium case, and lightweight rubber strap. It even boasted Tiger Woods as an ambassador.

 

I had a discussion with many of the HK watch sales Managers, their comment on Watch for Golf is
best Rolex Submariner…other than that, a Nautilius, a Royal Oak, a Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Frank Muller will be at risk! They are not designed for Golfing.

HK Snob 

Rolex Stock update

BNIB
Submariner Hulk Ref 116610LV  $74K
GMT Master II Ref 1167`0BLNR  $70K
Sea-dweller Single Red 126600 - 10 days to order - $115K


Full Set Pre-loved
Submariner Ref 16610LV Kermit, with paper Booklet and Box - $69,000
Explorer II Ref 16570 White dial Full Set - $34K
Submariner 16610 Kermit Flat Four -$105K
GMT Master II Ref 16700 $54K


With Rolex Service Paper
Sea Dweller 16600 , With Rolex paper and Box $45K
Day Date White Gold Day Date Oyster Quartz Ref 19019 , with Rolex service paper, Original Oyster Quartz box $95K




Watch only
Explorer II White Ref 16570 - $28.5K
Daytona Ref 16520 A - series $125K
Submariner Ref 16800 $46K


HK Snob

Rolex OysterQuartz Ref 19019 White Gold Day Date On Sale

It is hard to get a OysterQuartz,

It is harder to get a White Gold OysterQuartz,

It is very difficult to get such a condition of OysterQuartz with white dial with a few small diamonds on dial.

Purely for those who knows what OysterQuartz is and purely for those who could value the true value of Rolex OysterQuartz ...

Note: for those who believe FungShui, the nine "9" means forever, longevity, this watch carries many "9"!

S/N: P9999X9

P.O.A.

HK Snob

It Happens!

Theses are some of the fact about what I have experienced over the recent five years.

Have you seen a watch that is brand new at Boutique that when you press the Chronograph button, it does not work?

Have you seen that when the salesman receives the watch from Swiss, that he find the second hand is dropped out under the crystal, that the watch is priced more than USD$200,000.

I have ordered an Pink Gold Automatic watch for my client in Philippines, and my sales manager at the AD called me,… I almost fainted, as he told me the watch does not work, It failed to move! That makes me shocked as I had only three days to find such a watch to deliver to my client… that watch is Selling at list price HK$251,000.

Have you seen that a Brand new top watch brand in the world. The client checked the watch at the AD shop, and surprises to find that there is an obvious scratch line on the solid gold rotor under the sapphire bottom plate? You would ask is that possible?

I have tried to sell a watch which has been using zenith movement on the chronograph function, that was a solid white gold watch with meteorite dial, when I tried to start the chrono counter, the hands did not move!

There is a prestige watch brand that is new and watch is not working the second day after the purchase…

It does not move at all after running for about 48 hours… even though you wind up the watch manually full, and it does not move… and they replace it to you free immediately.

So Next time when you buy a Watch no matter it is a Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin… IWC, JLC… whatever….

You don’t assume that the watch is perfect, it may happen some of the things that you don’t want to, you don’t expect to… happen…

 

Check the function carefully, especially complicated watch with Chronograph or perpetual calendar function…

I like the watch that when I hold it gently and start to wind up the crown… after a few rounds, it starts to move by itself instead of applying jerking swing it to start! That is a good watch…

Well, there is over 2,500,000 * watches shipping to Hong Kong Every year, the failure rate is very low… may be 100* ppm.. so Hope that you don’t have that LUCK to receive such watches… (my estimated numbers only)

 

HK Snob