10 largest Vintage Watch Shop in Hong Kong; Classic Watch Repair

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On last post on the Nakano Watch centre in Tokyo, we are asked to introduce the top ten largest Vintage Watch Shop in Hong Kong.

Namely there are ten names that you should not miss.


Classic Watch Repair CWR
Union Watch Company
London Watch
Alex Pig,
Ken's watch
Vintage concept
P n F
Kuen Kee
Lung Shing
28 Watch




The First one is CWR Classic Watch Company, owned by Michael Young and Mr. Sin.


Location: TST MTR station Exit D, at 11/F Carnarvon Building 2. Tsim Sha Tsui.


They offer Hi Quality Watch Services for your simple watch up to complicated watches of Patek Philippe, Audemar Piguet, Vercharon Constantin...Of course, they are the real expert on Rolex. Whatever Rolex, you can leave it for them to take good care of.


Generally, The have these services
Watch Authentication. (HK$800-$1,200)
Watch Repair with Overhauling of an Automatic Rolex (HK$1,500 in two weeks)


Rolex Bracelet Restoration by the Rolex bracelet Magician Michael Young and his 4 full time Watchsmiths.


They have also a counter display for certain watches for you to take home.


Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, JLC, Cartier, Seiko
They have many VR including these rare items.
1675, 1665, 1655, 1680, 116610, 116610, 16613, 5513, 5512, Submariner Comex,
Neu Vintage including 14060, 16700, 16710, 16570, 16520 A series white and Black,


116520, 126660, 216570, etc


Price is good, VISA and Cash welcome..


They also represent the latest tech leading Winder Avante.


HK Snob

Rolex Shopping in Shinjuku and Nakano

Just at main Road of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, nothing except Channel Bag, there is not so many Rolex.

This has a lot of Rolex and PP, you should visit there at Shinjuku

The Mecca of Rolex, Nakano Broadway at the Nakano station

JackRoad has the most of Watches especially Rolex

TWC

I had spent 8 Days in Shinjuku from 30 Dec 2017 to 6 Jan 2018 for both leisure tour and Rolex Shopping!


There my Conclusion is


Price after tax free is still slightly more expensive than Hong Kong on that day 3 Jan 2018.
There is not much Sport Watches that you want to get from Official AD,
Don't expect you can buy these: Submariner Date 116610LN, GMT Batman 116710BLNR, Daytona 116500 white or black!
I have not seen one in three official AD in Shinjuku.

So how about Vintage Rolex


Only one 1665 which has a price of HK$120,000 no paper. Still that is not able to seduce me for Buying because I have a Excellent one with paper.


Well, There is two watch shop you must Go at Nakano (the Mecca of Rolex) : Jackroad and TWC!


However on the day I visited only JackRoad opened, TWC still on new year vacation.


TWC  (The Watch Company)
They have all Tudor, Hamilton, Hublot, many Omega and Rolex


Price of Tudor is Likely very good in Japan.
Next time when you visit Tokyo, Don't miss TWC.
Visit their Web Site to find out more before you go


https://www.thewatchcompany.co.jp/en/


Price can be good in Japan depends on USD/Yen Exchange Rate.
Keep good timing to buy and you may get good deal.


HK Snob

Gordon Gekko is wearing a Cartier Santos Galbee Auto 18 KT gold watch

   

 

Wall Street 1987.

A young and impatient stockbroker is willing to do anything to get to the top, by insider trading on information taken through a ruthless and greedy corporate raider who takes the youth under his wing. A nice story for people to learn today.

The corporate raider Gordon Gekko wears Cartier Santos Galbee Automatic watch in 18 KT solid gold.

I like Michael Douglas movie including this and Fatal attraction! Of course I like his father Kurt Douglas in The Spartacus 萬夫莫敵!

This SANTOS watch design is the trend starter for many watch makers to follow by adding real Philipps screws on the bezel and bracelet even today name it...
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak who should be the first one to put screw on bezel and I think this Cartier Santos is the same designer as AP Royal Oak.

I was not able to buy the solid gold version but I bought the stainless version
As we dare not ask about price of a solid gold Cartier by that time 1985 when I worked as a young sales engineer at Jebsen’s & Co. With monthly income of HK$5,500. The stainless steel version was sold to me in Geneve Watch Company at HK$4,500.

Now I had a chance to buy back what I could not afford 30 years ago.

Share with you this great Creation from Cartier.

Note this nasty stuff weighs 143 grams.

It comes with Size 29mmx40mm as the largest by that time.

But that is even heavier than a Rolex Day Date Ref 1803 of a bigger size of watch.

Amazingly it is super comfortable to wear and it looks slim on your wrist!

HK Snob

Submariner Ref 16618 Onyx dial

Left is a ordinary dial of Submariner in Gold and Right is with Onyx Dial

 There is a thin layer of Onyx seen at the Arrow, the thickness of the Onyx is 0.2mm

and the diameter of the onyx is slightly smaller the inner diameter of the watch perimeter.

 This is a ordinary dial, there is no such layer on the edge

Ordinary dial

There is simple way to tell that the dial is ordinary painting dial of Onyx

1. there is a Gold Trim insert at the Date window of the Onyx dial.

2. There is a thin layer seen at the rim of the Onyx dial, it is very obvious under a 10X eyepiece.

I used my Handphone to capture the detail as shown on top.

HK Snob



Merry Christmas from HK Snob

HK Snob

Rolex Submariner Ref 16618

Two Submariners in Gold.

Left Submariner 16618 with Onyx dial, Ultra Rare item

Right Submariner 16618 in blue patina dial.

HK Snob

HK Snob

Rolex Watch on sale

Running Clockwise

Left Submariner 116610LN BNIB $68,500

Submariner 16800 Patina Dial $58,000

at the centre Submariner 5513 $68,000

Top Right Submariner 16610LN $45,000

GMT Master 1675 long E Fuchsia Pepsi $112,800

Bottom Right Sea Dweller 1665 with paper $222,200

Bottom Left Submariner 168000 $49,800

HK Snob



Rolex Submariner with Onyx Dial ref 16618

Onyx is formed by the deposition of silica in gas cavities in lava, which results in the distinctive bands we see in the stone. They come in varied shades of red, orange, and brown, which often alternate with striking bands of white. The banding in onyx is straight, and is either brown or black and white, while curved bands occur in the variety of quartz known as agate.

                                             Natural Onyx

 

Natural and Commercial Onyx

Since ancient Egyptian times, onyx has been stained to improve or change its color. Natural black onyx is rare, so the commercial black variety is usually agate that has been stained by the sugar-sulfuric acid treatment, soaked in sugar and then heated in sulfuric acid to carbonize the sugar. It may be banded or solid black.

Where Onyx is from?

Natural Onyx can be found in Uruguay, Brazil, Afghanistan, India, Madagascar, Peru, California and Northwest Mexico.

Ornament

Onyx was also traditionally used for carving cameo brooches. Onyx was widely used in the past as bases and handles for gold items and inlay work. Onyx seals were very popular with the Romans.

Onyx is the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail” because these veins resemble the colors of a fingernail. The marble is still called “onyx marble,” being less valuable and softer than onyx which has a hardness rating of 7.

Myth

The origin of onyx says that the goddess Venus was resting on the banks of the Indus River. As she slept, Cupid used the point of one of his enchanted arrows to give her a manicure. The parings of her nails then fell into the waters of the sacred river. Since the nails were of heavenly origin, they sank to the river bottom and were metamorphosed into onyx!

As a Protective Device

Onyx is a protective stone worn when facing adversaries in battles of conflicts of all kinds.

In classical ceremonial magic, the image of the head of the god Mars or a figure of the hero Hercules was engraved on onyx and carried for courage.

Indians and Persians believed that wearing onyx protected them from the evil eye, and that placing onyx on the stomach of a pregnant woman in labor would reduce the labor pain and bring on earlier delivery.

Harmony and mental calmness

Onyx is also used as defense against negativity consciously directed towards you. It has also been used to reduce uncontrollable sexual impulses. The close union and yet strong contrast between the layers of black and white in some varieties of onyx may suggest its connection with romance.

In India, Gemologists recommend Onyx as a protective measure for harmonious relationships, thus keeping away any probability of disturbances or differences between the couple. Onyx as a birthstone provides the structure and authority you crave. It can help you be the master of your destiny and strengthen your confidence. It provides support in difficult times and centers your energy in times of mental or physical stress. It also offers the gift of wise decisions. As many ancient ring are set with Onyx wearing on your left middle finger which is closest to your heart!

Moreover throughout history, onyx has also been thought to reinforce the knowledge that there is no death, aiding in the understanding of the wheel of birth, death and rebirth. It brings about the knowledge that separation is an illusion and reunion will come. It aids psychic contact with those who have died, facilitates séances, brings messages from the dead, and aids past-life and between-lives regression work. It helps future life progressions, and prevents and removes spirit possessions. 

Power and Stamina

Contemporary authors say the onyx brings increased vigor, strength, stamina, and self-control. It alleviates worry, tension, and nervousness and eliminates confusion and nightmares. It is used to provide glimpses of that which is ‘beyond’ and activates one’s memory of one’s roots and reality. Medicinal applications include the treatment of bone marrow diseases, teeth, foot, blood and bone problems, and soft tissue disorders. It is also believed to aid in ailments such as epilepsy or glaucoma and is known to have powers to rectify damage done to cells.

Use in Analogue Audiophile

Japanese Cartridge manufacturers Kiseki and Koetsu had been produces valuable Cartridges with solid Onyx shell for pickup minutes signal in the magnitudes of grooves of the Vinyl. Attached is the Koetsu Onyx Platinum cartridge.

Koetsu Onyx Platinum MC cartridge US$9,995.00

 Rolex watch with Onyx dial.

Rolex has been doing a few watch models with Dial made of Onyx.

Rolex Submariner 16618 with Onyx Dial X Series. 1992 year

We can tell onyx dial by the window of the date, there is a Golden Frame insert under the Cyclops glass. It takes a block of 2 kiogram of onyx to be cut and grind into a thin layer of Onyx of 0.2mm thick and adhere onto the bronze support plate, drill the eleven holes to insert the circulate hour Luminous dot, and mill a square window on the date at 3 o’clock position, insert the rectangle gold trim insert.

We could see that these MUST be done by hands and the production yield of this kind of dial is about 10%. 9 in 10 pieces would fail by having even hair line crack that could not pass the Rolex inspection criteria.

So the cost of making this kind of dial is extremely expensive…

Rolex Collector is looking for some watch with specialty, double name, Comex Submariner, special stone, Lapis Blue, Onyx, Coral, Sodalite, marble, Meteorite, jade…etc. 

If you are Rolex collector you should feel what I am feeling right now the joy of having such kind of watch.

HK Snob

 

 

 

 

Rolex market in Hong Kong Dec 2017

Two Sea-Dweller Single Red Ref 126600 

NEW watch

GMT Master Blue Black Ref 116710BLNR  SRP$67,300.

After a while, when the Batman price was little bit higher than SRP, many people was shock and when I announced price of it touching $70,000 line back in July 2017. People was laughing saying that is crazy. And said who will buy? But Everyone bought it…

Well, now if you can get a Batman no matter imported or HK AD one below $74,000, you let me know.

How about Hulk?

Hulk, the Submariner ref 116610LV  SRP $68,100

Well, it is sitting at Hi level now a Brand new one is $86,000, there is tendency for people to try to sell as high as $88,000 but there is no many solid transactions made. 

How about Sea Dweller 126600 Single Red?

SRP $88,000

When it was appeared in Hong Kong, it started for price like HK$132,000, that is 1.48X higher!

Now what is the price?

Highest I saw and made a deal is $105,000,

Lowest is about $102,000.

Submariner Date Ref 116610LN SRP $63,900

How about Submariner that is once the most desirable watch for a new Rolex owner!?

Market is Quiet, I think people are all looking at GMT and Sea Dweller, then Submariner Hulk and or submariner Black

What is next?

I think more people will tend to buy Single Red 126600 as the size is really good for certain people who tends to go for bigger watch than Submariner.

Price for 2018

I think they remain the same, Hulk will be high as usual $84000-87000.

Batmen $76000-79,000

Submariner $68000- 69,000

Provided Rolex do not increase their Production Output. 

NOS (new old Stock)

Submariner 16610LV Kermit Flat Four F series $150,000.

Submariner 16610LV Kermit Sharp Four $120,000.

Submariner no date 14060 $70,000.

Submariner 14060M $75,000.

Daytona 116520LN $120,000

Explorer II 16570 White $50,000

Sea Dweller 116600 $90,000

Sea Dweller 16600 $89,000

Vintage One

Daytona 16520 A series Black is $230,000 

What is in your mind for buying a Rolex?

New ,NOS or used?

All price here is HKD, (1 USD=7,78 HKD)

HK Snob

Meeting a Freind on Watches

I met a friend who has been talking over a long time on Whatsapp till we met today at Central, Glad to see his watch show here on the right:-

A beautiful Day Date Ref 118208 with Cacholong dial on oyster bracelet.

The Center one is my new toy Submariner 16618 with Onyx dial.

The left one is the Day Date 18348.

So which one you like here? Left? Center one ? or Right!?

HK Snob

Rolex Submariner 16618 with Onyx Dial

The 90’ were an inventive time for watches. Watch giant Rolex taken his experience from the renowned colourful Day Date series trying to experimenting some interesting attraction on their sport lines typically the Submariner!

Rolex Began to use hard stones to make their dial on Submariner model 16618.

Take his 1991 x series 16618 Onyx Dial as a case study.

Rolex watch markers delved into the painstaking process of trimming and lapping a two kilo Rock into a 0.20 mm thick piece of Onyx to be mounted onto the copper base plate.

These dials are entirely hand made as they are brittle and not machinery friendly.

And the onyx dial production yield is as low as 20%.

Meaning out of 10 pieces of dial only 2 could pass the Rolex quality standard.

So as the cost is very high!

We don’t know how many pieces were made but this is the second piece that I have seen for the past 25 years in Hong Kong.

And I know that they will not make again on SUBMARINER!

Look at the special ultra flat surface and an added gold window frame for the date display, this is to tell this is onyx dial.

This is my new collection item.

HK Snob

Hong Kong watch fever

Market Situation and Price

1675 Pepsi Fuchsia Long E

Sea Dweller 1665 with paper, Box and Books

NOS Explorer II Polar with inhaut Engrave

1665, 5513, 16800, 16610, 168000, 16610LN

With HS Index touched the ceiling higher 30,000 last week with Chinese cash dumping into the inferno stock market of HK

People seems has more cash for spending n Luxury products.

With the higher growth demand of the Chinese on Rolex and the production reduction of Rolex

All Price is still high

If you go into any AD in HK, there is no way to buy these watches, Daytona, Submariner GMT, Sew Dweller, Sky Dweller, Explorer, Sea Dweller. Only few white gold or yellow gold Sport models.

This is the average dealer price of the Rolex for current Production

BNIB, official or parallel import.

Batman 116710BLNR HK$77,000

Single Red 126600 Sea Dweller HK$104,000

Submariner 116610LN HK$69,000

GMT Black 11671lLN HK$66,000

Daytona 116520 Black HK$150,000 (discontinued)

Hulk 116610LV HK$90,000 

USED

50^th Sub anniversary Kermit used 16610LV $90,000 

NOS

Explorer II Polar 16570 HK$60,000

Sea Dweller 116600 HK$86,000

Kermit 16610LV HK$150,000

Daytona 116520 Black HK$160,000

HK Snob


Whatsapp me 852-51229994 for more
many other available watches not listed here

Kowloon City and Sea Dweller 1665 in the 80's

Today when I picked up this Rolex Sea Dweller ref 1665 and the picture of old Kowloon City.

It seems to me time has stopped. 

I spent most of my childhood in Ngau Tau Kok which is just opposite the 城寨 “Forbidden City”.

It was great fun to go to the airport Radar station to play when I was in primary school. Now, I think the Radar station has be demolished already.

Kowloon City is the first stop and gathering place for Thai ladies after married with HKers and they ran restaurant business in 1985 with the very first one name “Thai Wah Thai Restaurant “泰華” followed with the renowned Wong Chun Chun “黃珍珍” three years later. I used to eat at Thai Wah for my Thai food.

Nowadays, basically the outlooks of Kowloon city unchanged since 30 years ago, as it seems do not have many tall buildings, and those people are still as nice as before with exception they get older.

As the buildings are mostly still there with exception there are more or less 50 Thai Restaurants. Kowloon City has transformed itself to be little Bangkok in Hong Kong.

You can also join them to pour water on anyone there in the Thai Songkran “new year” 13 April.

Back to my Rolex, the legendary Sea Dweller is as new as nice as it was shipped from Rolex S.A back in 1983.

Just there we can see how Rolex build a product

almost close to perfect with the best available material at that time.

Look at the crystal, it is basically a dome which was designed to magnify the dial under Sea. Time left for remaining oxygen is vital to the diver.

It was made with synthetic material with high toughness under water pressure at level of 2000 feet!

It is like a Yuan Po ( 元寶) and I really can see an oyster shaped dive watch....

The new Sea Dweller Single  Red ref 126660 carries

No more dome lens crystal. Watch case is enlarged to  43 mm instead of 40 mm. Buckle clasp for the bracelet which is less comfortable as the older design.

The Sea Dweller is as new as nice as it was shipped from Rolex S.A back in 1983.

But this is also a nice design movement with a lot added jewel bearings new improved main spring. friends of mine all claim that the watch has am accuracy within 2 seconds a day. Amazing!

Price the ref 1665 is approximately HK $200,000

The new 2017 Seadweller is selling in open market HK$102,000 to HK$105,000

HK Snob