How to tell my Rolex Box is Fake or Authenic or not?

There are fake Rolex Box in the market, and some of them is very easy to tell for his colour is very much different with the original Rolex Box.

But there are Class A copy cat that is very close to the original design in dimension, colour and some of the details.

However Fake is Fake....

Here we are looking at the difference between an Authentic Rolex Box and a Counterfeit.

If There is no apple to apple comparison, I can tell you that the colour is so alike.

The Green Tick is original Rolex Box whilst the Red Cross is Fake.

The Original Box cover has a more clearer stamping mark of the Rolex icon.

The PVC foam sheet is different, original one has horizontal flow lines whereas fake one is having a

lot of small dot marks

Check the inner box paper folding , this is easy to be found... just a closer look. However I think onlt this one has such a obvious defect.

Check the printing quality.

This is obvious, this is hard to copy as original one has a concealed paper ends.

The Original Pillow is fuller, smoother and even seam line.

There is a step at the top of the tray which is obvious.

Good Quality cannot be copy easily. this is the authentic one, the cutting edge is sharp and clear.

The Rolex crown lies flat on the box surface leaving no gaps.

The purpose of this is to help you to identify if the box is fake or not when you buy Rolex not from a very reliable sources or not from an AD.

However, as far as I know, even some of the young Rolex Sales managers cannot tell if he is given just the fake box alone.

If the Box is fake, so as there watch , so you need to beware.

I hope it help you to identify the box, it makes you spending money without worrying buying counterfeits.

HK Snob

www.hongkongwatchfever.com has just been launched

Dear All,


the WWW.HongKongWatchFever.com has just been launched,
more pictures, watch on sale, watch wanted would be published later.


This is a announcement only, we are working on that now.


HK Snob

New Rolex AD operations in Hong Kong

There has been a lot new operations in Rolex HK, they are:

1. Required to remove all Sticker on the watch since Nov 2018.

Since Feb 2019.

1. Required to remove the sticker on the Rolex.

2. Required to Register the name of the Buyer as on the Credit card on the warranty card of the Rolex.

3. Required to remove one or two links fir your wrist.

4. We have to put the watch without stickers, the removed stickers, the warranty card with name printed on and written with the date of purchase, Take a picture and Whatsapp to Rolex Headquarters office.

5. The Watch Buyer must wear the watch out of the Rolex AD entrance.

I don't know about your country? UK., Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Japan, are they strict as Hong Kong?

HK Snob

The Story of Rolex Submariner Onyx

The Story of Submariner Onyx

In my entire two decades of watch collection I have seen two Submariner Onyx and one Submariner Lapis Blue under same the Ref 16618. They are all in solid 18KT Gold.

The Submariner Lapis was on my wrist some 7 years ago one old friend sold me with HK$130,000 in a small restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui.

I did not take that instead I bought a Daytona in Yellow Gold 15628 with HK$130,000!- Big mistakes!

That was my first RolexRegret as the watch was taken for auction and sold in that year at HK$730,000.

In 2014, the same guy sold me another Submariner Onyx 16618 at HK$180,000 but I hesitated in five minuets the watch was sold to an owner of a Pawn Shop in cash…. So I had not more chance to see that again until 2017 the same guy sold me another Submariner Onyx this time I did not think for a second and I not even asked how much I say I buy it…

Next day to went to borrow money from one of my mistresses for that watch….and I started to feel great and happy about it…and You have read probably about the haunted story that Watch owner died when My watch was having problem and stopped in the same week!? Weird right!?

 

Well I sold it to a rich man at HK380,000 and after less then month he sold me back again as he had financial issue and he had to run to Japan he lost 10% of the money and I got the Submariner Onyx again.

Well, Later I sold it to my friend at HK$240,000 and he had been a very Happy time with the watch and he showed to many dealer and even Rolex Service centre asking for proofing it and no one seemed had seen such a watch there. Of course the watch was authenticated later after that they have checked the serial number of that watch was originated with a rare Onyx Dial from HQs of Rolex.

A few buyers had asked about the watch and no one give a step forward and most are tire kickers though some are real collectors who know about it, one mentioned that Onyx dial must come with gold lines instead of white… Another one claimed that the bezel insert colour yellow is too fake!
Another one say there is no such Onyx dial on submariner. They must just want to get it at cheaper which is pretty common in Hong Kong…

At last friend of mine had been contacted by an American who is the Toyota Agent at Utah… very knowledgeable and he has the Submariner Lapis Blue… so within 30 minutes of communication, the deal was set and next day my friend received over HK$3X0,000 and the watch was then sent on courier to USA...

 

Moral of this articles is, there are many Rolex varieties that even Rolex Service centre people haven’t seen it. There are many things we need to earn from the gurus and experts and try to explore more we can as a Watch Hunter…

In HK colloquial saying: “Never be wrong to buy expensive…. but always a mistake bought it cheap..!”

Worth a Thought!

HK Snob

Patek Philippe Ref 5711 Would reach another new High price in 2019

Getty Picture

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/5712 would reach HK$650,000 in the year. 

Ask the average Peron what is the most luxurious watch is and he or she might give you a reply of “Rolex”.

There is another brand making his way into the mainstream because of its record setting and resale price and rising amongst the culture setting of celebrity and influence of certain Hip-hop artists.

That is no question the Patek Philippe…Patek Philippe is religion say some of the international head of auction houses.

Patek Philippe represents the finest watch humankind can make since it was founded in 1839.

The brand has set up itself apart from all others with a unique combination of craftsmanship, function, style and some of the most complicated mechanical watches.

With small volume of watches made that one year Production Volume of Rolex would be more than the total number of all watches Patek Philippe made over their entire 180 years of history.

Within one year the price of Nautilus Ref 5712 Blue was increasing from HK$440,000 to current price of HK$500,000, note that the SRP is just HK$298,740.

What do you think if there is another surge of price in end of 2019, everything goes up must come down, right.

But I think it is reaching a very high price , well, speculator is still looking for another price up whilst Patek only make less the 2,000 such watches a year.

Patek Philippe Produces 50,000 -60,000 watches a year and there are 10-12000 steel watches and most of them are Twenty Fours and there are 441 AD World Wide from Patek.com and here I assuming every AD may get 2 X 5711 and 2X 5712 a year.

That means they produce about 2,000 of 5711/5712 total mix in a year, and may be less than 50% in Blue Dial.

So with this equation on, base on the current buying habit and people spending ability, Hong Kong people will be paying premiums even up to HK$650,000 for a such a watch.

Don’t quote my word as this is purely more estimation and I have long forgotten to think of this two animals already since I got on 5712 at SRP in May 2018 after waiting for 2 weeks, patiently…

I still expanding collection of Patek more on white gold or yellow gold simple watch function, partly due to my financial ability to, and expensive service charges on complicated watches.

Of course that is that is purely my personal habit, if you can afford a 6m Patek and a 4m Lambor, you are not likely the frequent reader of this blog…

HK Snob

Black dial H. Moser & Cie

Black dial H. Moser & Cie

A typical minimalist returns to the fundamentals of traditional watchmaking with a timepiece removing hands from the dial, a Dark Dial, telling time only by Its Repeater. A new manual-winding HMC 901 form calibre, with its delicately hand-decorated bridges and plates. Sorry that I will not spend this kind of money buying a watch which is 80% alike a Apple Watch.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

New Ferdinand Berthoud 2019

Ferdinand Berthoud

Directly inspired by an astronomical pocket watch that was designed by Ferdinand Berthoud then assembled in Paris, in 1806, by his pupil, Jean Martin, the Chronomètre FB1 – Oeuvre d'Or lavishes new decorations on the very first watch by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. The gold dial is hand-patinated with line engraving. Turning the watch over reveals the collection's first pyramid-motif decoration, cut free-hand with a graver across the three half-bridges. Last but not least, the sides of the white gold case are discreetly adorned with baguette diamonds, making this the first gem-set case from the brand. Beneath this new aesthetic, a tribute to a watchmaking legacy, lies a precision movement whose many technical tours de force include a tourbillon with a fusee-and-chain constant-force transmission.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

New Piaget 2019

The Limelight Gala's asymmetrical curves together with its retro-contemporary style have made this one of the brand's iconic collections. The hand-engraved bracelet on this new model is a reminder that Piaget is also a specialist in textured gold. Its "Décor Palace" pattern is a hallmark of several outstanding Piaget watches since the 1960s. This particular tour de force by the brand's artisans is beautifully paired with a banded dark green malachite dial. A cascade of diamonds, in a new "open" setting, around the bezel and along the lugs takes advantage of larger stones that appear to hold each other in place.

Piaget has imagined how light and shade can play on the scales of an exotic animal, and reproduced this rippling effect in pink gold on the Extremely Lady watch, which adds to an already rich collection of textures inspired by nature and wrought in gold. Each scale is brushed by hand, in delicate touches and with minute differences in angle and pressure. The result is a shimmering bracelet whose scale decoration continues on the gold dial, a nod to the signature aesthetic of Piaget's 1960s and 1970s watches. The bezel, set with 24 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.46 carats) and the pink tone of the gold lend a vintage touch to this charmingly elegant watch.

To me this is one of the five most beautiful lady watches in the year.

Ever since the manual-wind 9P calibre, released in 1957 and just 2mm high. Piaget needs no introduction as a master of extra-thin movements. During the 1960s, the brand was also acclaimed for its original hardstone dials. This year, it carries on both traditions with the introduction of three models featuring meteorite dials in its Altiplano collection. The meteorite has been given a galvanic treatment to impart a golden, blue or anthracite colour, depending on the model. The blue dial version also has 72 diamonds (approximately 1 carat) around the bezel. Piaget has equipped these 40mm-diameter watches with the automatic-winding 1203P calibre, which stands barely 3mm high. All three are proposed as limited editions.

I was once a fan of Piaget especially those special hardstone dial, Onyx, tiger eyes. I am still a fan of Piaget too.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

Rolex Day Date 2019

Rolex presents its iconic Oyster Perpetual Day-Date with a fresh aesthetic and a new-generation mechanical movement, Calibre 3255, inside a 40 mm case. From a design perspective, this new Day-Date features refined lugs and case middle, a large dial opening, and an exclusive return to the President bracelet that is more closely integrated into the Oyster case. The movement has COSC certification (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) yet in fact complies with precision criteria that are twice as exacting. It incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement which combines high energy efficiency with dependability. Made from nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The oscillator has an optimized blue Parachrom balance spring. New barrel architecture and the escapement's greater efficiency ensure a power reserve of 70 hours.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

New Cartier Watch 2019

Cartier revisits the tonneau form, which made its first appearance in 1906, with this skeletonized rendition displaying two time zones. Crafted in platinum, the manual-winding 9919 MC.

The shape of the movement has been modified, aligning the wheels in the gear train to follow the curve of the case and using the bridges to create sub-dials for easy reading of the two time displays.  100-piece limited edition.

Cartier Santo-Dumont

When a timepiece is this modern in temperament and design, it's hard to imagine that it's actually celebrating its 115th anniversary this year! The new Santos-Dumont watch honours the one which Cartier first imagined in 1904 for the pioneering aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont. A pink gold case, Roman numerals, visible screws, beaded crown and a blue cabochon carry on the legacy of this truly classic watch. Quartz movement having an automomy of 6 years. I would prefer an manual winding more.

Panther

Cartier creativity and expertise come to life on a grid-like dial whose every miniature square has been hand-painted to recreate the fur of Cartier's beloved feline.

When darkness falls, all that remains are the panther's piercing eyes, which are highlighted with SuperLuminova.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

New Vacheron Constantin Watches 2019

The First tourbillon Overseas shows hours and minutes, while small seconds are on the tourbillon carriage which is openworked in the shape of a Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Manufacture.

Calibre 2160 whose extra-thin profile measures 5.65mm high (and barely more than 10mm high for the case). Such slender forms of a watch that delivers a comfortable 80 hours of power reserve. The distinguishing features of the Overseas collection are perfectly respected, with the characteristic six-sided bezel and a blue dial whose colour is brought out by the steel case. Beating at 2.5 Hz, lovely design as a Sport Watch.

On the Vacheron Constantin’s 260th anniversary, it returns to its roots by enriching its Métiers d’Art collection with two new timepieces equipped with entirely hand-engraved movements, the plates and bridges of the manual-winding calibres 2260 (14-day tourbillon) and 4400 (hours, minutes) are adorned with delicate floral motifs echoing the engravings that embellished the first pocket watches developed by Vacheron Constantin from 1755 onwards. Housed in a platinum case, these two in-house-made movements feature traditional tone-on-tone motifs. These mingled scrolling and arabesque patterns pay tribute to the acanthus flower, a source of inspiration celebrated in all art forms since Antiquity.

65 Days Power Reserve

Vacheron Constantin breaks new design with this perpetual calendar; an ostensibly classic complication – except that the watch is equipped with two gear trains, each with its own balance. One vibrates at a high frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vph) while the other maintains a frequency of 1.2 Hz (8,640 vph). By pressing the pusher at 8 o'clock, the wearer of the watch can switch between frequencies by "Resting" one or other of the balances. Switching to the lower frequency when the watch isn't worn means significantly less energy consumption, thereby extending the power reserve from four to 65 days.

What an innovative design!

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

Foundation High Horology

Investment on Watch

Whilst Real estate is going flat a bit this two months January to March 2019 and over the year had dropped 15% in HK, besides Real estate, do you want to invest in watches?

The fact is, even if a watch is going to appreciate, it’s not going to do so by a huge margin. Compared to property, classic cars, painting, old jades or fine wine they’re just not worth the time it takes to research the subject. Still, there, there is the bonus point that they rarely drop in value.

A good watch shouldn’t really degrade that much. It’s not a Ferrari F40 that may involve high cost on maintenance, after all If you keep it regularly serviced and avoided being hit by a bicycle at night or metalsmith’s hammer!

The problem is that watches, unlike most other investments, they follow trends. They’re high-value mechanical marvels, men’s accessories, but when you boil it all down they’re simply an accessory on the wrist. And while trends are cyclical, you just can’t wait another 30 years for your watch to come back as the Fashioned models. Unless yours is the Vintage Rolex whereby the demand is always there and they are growing!

Up to now, if you still insist on putting your cash on watch investment a try, there are a few ways to go about it.

Try this if you are having a deep pocket; Patek Phillipe Ref 5711/1A or 5712/1A (these two models are selling in the HK market about HK$500,000) Nautilus which is the most sought after NEW Pateks in the market. However if you are not those people who are being “RECOGNIZED” at the Potential owner by Patek General Manager in HK. That you are almost impossible to buy at SRP at Patek Boutique unless you have the patience to wait for 5 years.  Then Try the second Approach, the Rolex Approach.

 

Rolex Sport Models

Well, everyone now what is hit in the market but being a newbies, what is the best investment item on Rolex?

These are my suggestion

Best 6

1. Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN White
2. Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN Black
3. Batman GMT Master II Ref 116710BLNR
4. Submariner Hulk Ref 116610LV
5. GMT Master II Green Pointer Ref 116710LN
6. Explorer II 216570 Black 

Whatsapp me for more if you want to invest on Rolex or HKWF!

HK Snob

Repairing your Vintage Rolex at Rolex Service Centre

New Policy set–up over the past ten years had been taken places.

By all means to deny vintage Rolex servicing at Rolex Service Centre.

They seem do not like to take care of their products shipped from the door of Rolex Factory…

In my interpretation Rolex is the Last four of the Top Four Brand in Swiss watch…

My Choice of preferred brand

Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audmars Piguet and Rolex…. 

Patek Philippe can take care of their products shipped out from the factory back to 1880….

In fact you can send any Patek Philippe watch to them, they will do service for you regarding of price. At least they have Intention to maintain the Satisfactory of the watch that had been passing down through generations, but with exception on enamel dial which Patek Claims they have lost that technique many years ago though I doubt as they still making watch with Enamel dial.  Same For Vacheron Constantin, recently the have recalled some of the old vintage watches form 1930 to 1970 and fully restored and selling it into the market at his HK Boutique. Those are beautiful watches Vacheron Constantin made in that Period of time.

 

I had the first Royal Oak Jumbo 39mm in Solid Gold wit S/N 075. I was offered by the AP manager offering a full service for me… Well, that was the first generation Gerald Genta Design Royal oak made in 1972….Can you see the difference?

 

Whereas Rolex is trying to say there is not such parts anymore to your GMT that you bought in 1984? Not even mention watches from 1972 or 1956.

What is Vintage Rolex VR?

1. Anything  beyond year 1989 would likely classified Vintage in the eyes of Rolex (T<25)
2. Model number Ref of 4 digits such as 6542, 6539, 1675, 1655, 1665, 1016, 1019, 1503, 1501, 1803…
    
   So what shall we do about our Vintage Rolex?
   If you want to take these to repair, they will give you a lots of questions or dump all the responsibility to you such as there is no liability in case the dial, hands and are accidentally cracked, lume fallen out, cracked, you have to agree by signing on papers that Rolex will not shoulder those liability before they consider service your watch.
    
   There are no more parts for you on your vintage watch and if there is only the Replacement Dial or hands to be used whilst the original rare and expensive dial hands will be confiscated.  Replacement dial mean the dial that is available on that Model of Watch but of the latest available version, and or dial that had been reworked or restored as replacement purpose… That your Vintage Rolex value would be depreciated.
    
   
   True case
    
   I had a friend who took his non-vintage Day Date Coral Dial Ref 18038 for services, I don’t know what made him doing this and service what. End result was the coral dial was cracked after the servicing…he came home with a heavy heart and sad for weeks
    
   My Friend was though a lucky guy and after 1 year and a half , Rolex called him that they found a Coral Dial asking him if he liked to install on the watch or nor? Of course he has to say “Yes”, then he paid HK$15,000 for the dial and got a Service paper on this Watch…. Congrats, this isa exceptional rare cases my friend!
    
   
   There is recent a case friend of mind took a Submariner Onyx watch for checking and in fact wanted to get the service paper. Note that this is recent watch X series, (1991), the watch smith says that the watch bezel is not Rolex and said that there is no such watch under that S/N carrying the Onyx….
    
   And the lady called my friend saying that Come to get the “GMT master II, what GMT master II?” That is a Submariner… later they confirmed that S/N is actually been installed with Onyx Dial on the watch. Friend of mine asked me should be proceed to open and take out the dial and check, I told my fiend Don’t do that…. As there is 50% they will break your dial, don’t know why, this always happen on certain expensive watch dial, maybe I am too much spook on the paranoid that someone may make it as purpose…coz they may drooling on the dial.
    
   A watch Submariner 16618 with Onyx dial may be US$50,000, a Submariner with ordinary dial is US$20,000!
    
   My friends Day Date 18038 with Coral is now worth US$60,000, if ordinary Day Date is Just US$10,000!
    
   Next time if you really want to take the watch for Rolex for servicing, Please make sure you will prepared not to see the watch coming back as it was before…. You may be getting a new replacement dial from them.
    
   So what should we do with our VR, bring to some private watch expert to repair, they will exercise with utmost care on your watch. And normally minimum damages would be happened on it.

HK Snob

Some of Patek Philippe Watches

Patek Philippe's Headquarters building and retail shops in Geneva. View from the Lake.

I had a chance to visit all floors by invitation last May 2018.

I saw a lot of Stern family's own collection of paintings beside beautiful timepieces.

A selection of Men's and ladies gold Nautilus model.

I like the one in blue at the middle.

Patek Philippe Model 130 (1941)

Watch with Chronograph and 30 minutes timer.

Silver Dial with raised gold Breguet Figures and Tachymeter scale.

Movement No. 862345

Patek Phillipe Men's Model 3700/1 "Nautilus" with Date display.

Case Water-resistant up to 120m.

Calibre 28-255C.

Designed by Gerald Genta and launched in 1976.

It is now worth HKD$1,500,000 nowadays.

Up to now Nautilus is still the iconic sport watch from Patek Philippe.

Model 5712/1A has a waiting list of 7 years at Patek Philippe Headquarters.

Patek Philippe Men's Large watch (1919) Third Quality: 15 Jewels bimetallic balance; flat hairspring; ebauche by LeCoultre.

Roger Dubuis' Much More has 50% resembling this Patek Design.

The Skeleton Watch

I wonder for how many hours they have to spend making such a piece of Art.

I think this is the minimalist's favourite Complication watch.

Model 3448 in 1967.

Underneath the dial would unveil the beauty of Patek Philippe watch making tradition since 1839.

The name Patek Philippe would arouse fascination and enthusiasm among watch collectors.

Timepieces manufactured by Patek Phillippe represent the best that one can buy for personal time keeping.

Patek Philippe Model 2497 in rose gold (1953)

Patek model 1554 (1942)

With this kind of condition it would likely reach a hammer price of HK$3.4M at Auction.

What can you say about this watch?

Too Small?

Too complicated?

Not Water proof?

No, nothing you can say anything at all except "just too Expensive"

This is Model 2499 (1951) John Lenon.

Life is too short for a beautiful Watch!

Patek Philippe ideally keeps the spare parts for more modern Calibre from mid 1930.

Even though there is no spare part, they an make one for you.

Of course Price is another issue.

So basically your Patek can last forever.

There is an exception that those enamel dial would be an issue such as the famous 2526 of the 1950's because such craftmen specializing in this skilled enamel work are virtually extinct!

HK Snob

Daytona price trend 2015-2020

Price of Daytona Zenith Black A series full set
Used with 90 % condition
2015 $140,000
2016 $160,000
2017 $180,000
2018 $220,000 after two major international Paul Newman auction record high
2019 $240,000
2020 $260,000
2021 $ TBA

NOS A Black dial
2016 $230,000
2017 $280,000
2018 $350,000
2019 $400,000

Price of Daytona 116520LN V series White NOS
2016  $110,000
2017 $140,00
2018 $155,000

Price of new Daytona Ceramic 116500LN
Feb 2017 $129,000
Feb 2018 $140,000
Feb 2019 $180,000
Feb 2020 $ 200,000

Price is an average reference base on my experience in selling in these years.
There might be 10% variation between different countries, exrate and or gray dealer or AD goods!

The above Daytona Left is W, middle and Right is A series.
It comes with papers, box, hang tags and if needed booklets
W is Pateizzi  HK$280,000
A is Hk$240,000

HK Snob