Price race of new and vintage Rolex watches

Obviously we can see there is a drop of demand on Vintage Rolex, so as their price is adjusting towards lower side whereas the new Rolex price is jumping up astonishingly fast! Their price are running in opposite directions.

Vintage Rolex collection

Too much knowledge on Vintage Rolex Collection to tell and there are too much tricks from the dishonesty sellers.

Is that the original bezel of your 1979 Rolex Submariner, or arguable MK III of Mark IV of your GMT Master. This is puzzle to some of the newbies or green Rolex collectors.. But it would affect the price significantly. Though this had not been the role of Rolex to tell you.  Since Rolex announced that don’t want to authenticate vintage watch at RSC in 2020, that would give a negative impact to the vintage Rolex Market. 

More people would prefer buying new Rolex or neo-vintage instead of vintage.

Such as Daytona 116500LN or 116520, their earlier generation 15620 Daytona would be the cut off line of new and vintage Daytona. Daytona 16520 price had stopped rising up as fast as 116520… not mentioning older Daytona such as 6253, 6265.

Similar case of Vintage GMT master 1675, more people preferred buying 16710 as they are known to be less “troublesome or arguable” on the watch market.

New Rolex

All new Rolex price has been shot up 30% in past 6 months.

New Daytona gold watch on silicon strap is $500,000 or more

New Daytona gold watch on gold bracelet is $700,000 or more

New Daytona green 116508 is now $800,000-950,000

New Daytona steel 116500 White is $400,000!

How about the colorful OP 124300 41mm

Well, Tiffany blue is still leading the race $275,000

Red is $140,000, green and yellow is $135,000.

So what is your choice in this Rolex Price Race?

I always buy those watches that is currently understated and keep them.

So what is your target in your mind now?

This was an interesting questions someone posted to me in the last few days

HK Snob

Remarks

Unit here is HKD, Hong Kong Dollars, 1 USD=7.76 HKD

Price shown here is just rough reference as they change everyday 

What is new trend for watch size?

I think we had a common preference for larger watch in 1998-2015, at that time we are looking for bigger watches starting at 40mm, 41mm, 44mm, for Rolex. we had such a prejudice on some of the "Small watches" such as 34mm to 36mm. I can say the cut off line was 36mm, as anything smaller than 36mm is classified as "Small",  36mm-40mm is "medium", 41-47mm is "large", there is exception that size like Audemars Piguet T3 is giant of 54mm!

By that time 2008-2014, we could see ladies with smaller wrist would go for Rolex Yacht Master II or Deepsea sea dweller Cameron 44mm,  and that was a hit.

Almost all the beautiful golden proportion dress watches in the range of 33-36mm were being boycotted as they say that is "too small" or even described as "dwarf ugly" so as their prices going low. If you were smart to buy off those good watches at that time, you are super rich now. As Breguet and Vacheron Constantin had made beautiful Tourbillon with 36mm in 2000. That was cheap to get by 2015 and now their price had been up at least 40%.

The time is changed and people is changing their taste and feel "bore"" wearing the bigger watches!

Starting from Panerai who used to make bigger watches started to slim down their watches in 2017.

By 2018 they launched a 45mm slimmer automatic 3 days watches limited 100 pieces,  1940 PAM00694, followed by 42, 40 mm for meeting the market demand.

Rolex launched a retro Explorer I with 36mm size 214270 in 2021 which is an iconic move of a traditional watch maker Rolex.

A price is reflecting the demand of the majority of watches collectors. the attached AP Perpetual Calendar is 36mm, I bought that in 2017 with $60,000 and I sold it to a gym manager with merely $57,000 in 2020. well, the people taste has changed rapidly and price of it rose significantly from $100,000 to currently $230,000. That is a great news for a small watch to come with, more people in favour of getting this beautiful watch.

In fact the most important thing is what you feel about the watch "appeared to be" on our hand.

Rolex Day Date 41mm is replaced with Day Date 40mm as their new Day Date line side by side with Day Date 36mm.  Also we can see the vintage Day Date 36mm price is gong up, that means more people is looking for smaller diameter format of the Day Date

On the other hand, Vacheron Constantin launched a 2300V which is 37mm diameter line side by side with a larger line 4500V 41mm. to meet the demand for both larger and medium size of the watches.

Now I think this is the size changes to smaller diameter by 3mm. 

Some of the watches with 37mm is not small at all.

Some of the watches with size 44mm is classified too large, really?

Again, size is one thing, matching your wrist is the another big thing.

More important is the dial design, some watches look as if it is very larger comparing with some watch with the same watch diameter of different dial design, also how the design of the lug width and bracelet would change the perception of how "large" or "small" the watch looks like.

Find a watch with the appropriate size is more important just the figure of diameter itself.

HK Snob

Updated price of Rolex hot models

 GMT Master Batman Jubilee Ref 126710BLNR $202,000

Starbucks Submariner 126610LV $200,000

DeepSea Sea Dweller 126660 Blue Black $147,000

Daytona 116500LN White $395,000

Date Just Palm 36mm 126234 $165,000

The price is insane and I always ask myself would this be a bubble?

My reply to the question is "Yes" But when the bubble will burst?

I told myself, I really don't know as imagine say a price of 2 Daytona White is the price of a second hand Ferrari  F430. 

Will you spend money on two Daytona or a Ferrari?

You make the choice.

HK Snob

Some of my Rolex watches

Rolex is a kind of watch that 60% of watch blogger are talking about.

They are successfully and mostly recognized brand in luxury watches. of course seriously, Rolex can't be categorized as the top 3 watches in Switzerland in terms of craftmanship and brand history. But Rolex is very successful in marketing.

So most of watch collectors might have a few Rolex in their collections.

Worth to note is that the recent Rolex price is increasing high exponentially especially within these last two years.

The one shown in front is 126348RBR Day Date Turquoise was HK$497,500 in December 2021, Now it is above HK$600,000. 

The one I am spotting for appreciation is the Date Just Palm 126334 in olive, That is now above HK$130,000 and soon I speculate that it will reach HK$180,000.

HK Snob

Some of my Vacheron Constantin watches

These are some of my collection on Vacheron Constantin watches.

Yes, I love these watches and all my bad was sold off some of the best such as the 222 in solid gold, also the first gen Overseas chronograph in solid yellow gold...

Reason I like them, simply because of the long history of the company, their patents on design, and 

the handcraftsmanship of swiss best watches... The Maltese cross is another reason. It is so much full of blessing. The Bracelet is the top amongst the Nautilus, Royal Oak bracelet in aesthetic cosmetics, and wearing comfort.

The 222 was auction with a hammer price of HK$1.1M, wow that the guy who bought from me must be lucky one as I sold at HK$170K only two years ago. So I told myself VC price s going to be up and I think I will not sell these unless I need extra money to support my next toy buy!

Never the less, we are just the keeper for some watches for my life, they will be passing to the next generations. Once I have possessed them is my destiny already. No regret!

HK Snob

Will Rolex bubble burst?

There are numerous saying that Rolex Bubble will burst!

This is my understanding:-

1. Exponential rise in demand.

2. Increase interests in luxury watches in the general public.

3. Not just Hong Kongers, US, EU, but Chinese, Taiwanese, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Myanmar are coming to join this game.

4. A relatively small supply.

5. Money is nothing and bank interests is a joke comparing with the money invested on hot watches.

6. Record-breaking auction prices.

7. More collectors, celebrities, investors are treating watches as an investment.

8. Rolex and many other makers are shutting down factories and manufacturing facilities due to COVID-19.

9. Promotion from watch blogger, watch youtubers, watch sites.

10. Watch is a small, artistic, valuable items that can be used for show off as social status.

11. Watch itself can be a new currency for people to move their asset.

12. Watch trade is simple and easy, of course background check on buyer is needed.

13. Many people spend their time in watch trade during this COVID-19 as they can't travel, they have accumulated a lot of spending power.

14. Many middle class of Chinese are prioritizing watch to real estate as in investment.

Price of watches

The Rolex Hulk 116610LV is now $330,000, unbelievable high, Daytona 116500LN White is $400,000

Patek 5711R is $3m, 5712A-001 is $1.3M...

Will the bubble be bursted? 

I don't think so as watches like Rolex with all the inflated value on the 200,000 (not all Rolex watches is under the hype) hot watches made a year is just about US$1.5B, that is nothing as that is only one week's printed output of the Federal Reserve'  De La Rue money printing machines. 

HK Snob

 

 

Former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos' Patek Philippe

This is a watch that was the properties of  former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos

Birthday watch

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

To what I know Marcos time, while in power he implemented wide-ranging programs of infrastructure development and economic reform. At that period of time, Philippines was the second richest country in Asia. President Marcos has celebrated his 58th birthdays. Macros flew by helicopter to Barrio Pandi joined farmers harvesting rice, took breakfast in a hut with the peasant’s family and held a cabinet meeting under the shade of a mango tree. 1975 is a special year for the first family, as the First Lady was the guest speaker in the U.N. in New York for women's right before heading back to Manila for the president’s 58th birthday. It is key interests to know what essential watch he likes… Marcos was ahead of time wearing white gold as one of his preferred metal on watch. He loves Patek Philippe and Rolex watches.

Rolex  12

Rolex 12 is the collective name of twelve of the closest and most powerful advisers of President Ferdinand Marcos during the martial law years in the Philippines from 1972 to 1981.

During the latter years of his second elected term, Marcos conspired with various leaders of the military and Philippine Constabulary. The goal was for Marcos to gain full authoritarian control of the country during his declaration of martial law in 1972. Marcos gave the military leadership powers during martial law, taking over from democratically elected officials and court judges.

The origin of the name Rolex 12 came from a widespread story and some sources that each associate received a Rolex watch from Marcos himself, although this remains unverified. Some contend that the gifts were actually Omega watches, but despite this confusion, the name Rolex 12 stuck and is still used to refer to these twelve Marcos associates. Some of them fled with Marcos when he and his family left the Philippines in 1986, while others like Enrile and Ramos were instrumental in the coup against him.

History on this watch

We believe that this is a watch as a gift from his beloved Imelda. During his 58 years old birthday on 11 Sept 1975. And this watch was later given to one of the Rolex 12 members who fled to USA and sold into the pawn shop or jewelry buyers.

One of the US citizen brought that watch at Tourneau NYC with US$11,000 in 2009. He kept this watch and sent for Patek for a movement overhaul in 2013. And he contacted me as knowing that I am watch blogger and like to have this precious piece of watch, we had established discussion on selling the watch since 2013 till 2018 for 7 years. Due to tax and logistic concern, we did come up to a chance that I could get to a law firm amidst the hectic Makati city to buy this watch with certain amount of money directly from hands of his wife. I was so amazed.

The watch

It is a Patek Philippe Ref 3528/3

This Patek Philippe was entirely made in 18k white gold with a smooth and finely made mesh bracelet. A stunning Sunburst Anthracite dial. Length is uncut 7.75 inches. Manual winding movement. Ref 3528-3. With Patek Archive papers. This watch was produced by Patek Philippine in 1971.

This Patek Philippe watch has a 25.5 x 29.5 mm case with a rectangle caseback with stick dial. This is an exceptional piece of artworks from Patek Philippe. Condition is like super excellent, time taking is very accurate, the manual winding is ultra smooth.

A watch that was made 51 years old, but it is not outdated in shape and size at all as a dress watch. Of course the value is not just the watch itself but the memorial value of the most powerful man in the Philippines in the 80's. And, mots of all, this is a Patek Philippe.

We have been trying to contact Imelda but personally I don’t know her and naturally I had issue to contact her. Though I have two friends who know her in persons. but due to COVID- 19, Imelda did not show up at my friend's jewelry stores. My purpose is to ask to re-recognize his watch and sign a document to authenticate it.

We would like to sell it in public auction and would like to donate certain big portion not less than 50% to the charity of Philippines after deduction of all administration fee and auction commission. I believe this is one of the contributions from the former president to the people of Philippines.

HK Watch Fever

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Some of my watches are on sale

Patek 5396G with archive paper 

AP 26320ST 41mm Blue dial 2013 year, used (Sold)

Rolex 126334 Palm 2020 Full set with box

Rolex Yacht Master NOS full sticker with card and box (sold)

Rolex Day Date 1803 Watch only, dial is changed into brown slightly

Rolex Submariner 116613LB April 2020 watch, with card and box 99% new (sold)

Ask me more if you are interested on the above watches, additionally I have may other watches on sale.

Whatsappl 852-51229994

HK Snob
 

Rolex Date Just 126234 Palm

 This is Date Just Ref 126234 Palm in olive colour. 

I have seen only three such watch in the dealer groups and one in a Rolex boutique in 2021.

So I think this is a rare watch.

Due to the shortage of watches from Rolex, I think this particular Rolex will have a insane price over HK$150,000 in 2022.

Lets keep an eye on it.

Happy new year 2022

 It is the time when we reflect with gratitude on the past and set our actions for the days ahead. 

What's more, a new year gives us an opportunity to reinvigorate our enthusiasm for pursuit of goals and dreams.

Happy new year

HK Snob

Ladies' Rolex

 These are watches of these ladies : 

Hailey Bieber is wearing Rolex  Day Date Ref 128348RBR Turquoise 36mm, 

Shum Lai Heung is wearing Rolex Submariner 16610LN, Neo vintage Submariner 40mm

Joey Tyee is wearing Rolex Day Date 118238 black dial.

These are watches for men, now being used by ladies, so this is one of the reason why the watch demand is getting high.

HK Snob

Rolex Price increase 1 Jan 2022

 All Rolex watch price increases as an average of 3.4% in Hong Kong Boutique starting today.

Effect is all grey dealer price increases accordingly. 

HK Snob

Xmas Greeting to all watch lovers

Day Date 1803 Year 1978 for sale

Day Date Buckley dial NFS

Day Date Buckley Dial NFS

Explorer II 16570 with patina dial

1929 Solid gold Oyster 31mm with hidden crown California dial manual winding 

IWC 18KT manual winding 34mm 1950 For sale

Daytona 16528 inverted 6 white dial

Day Date 128348RBR Turquoise with dial, I suspect this will be the hot item in 2022

Date Just 126234 Palm Brand new with paper on sale 

Roger Dubuis Easy Dive 46mm with box paper on sale 

 

We had a wonderful X'mas gathering yesterday, we had some of the watches sharing and would have an update on the latest trend of watches, and the speculate price trend in 2022.

HK Snob 

What will be the watch market in 2022 Q1?

 

Discontinued model

Rolex Daytona steel 116500 was speculated to be discontinued by Jan 2021, price was raised to $310K highest ever by Dec 2020. Now the price of it is still moving around $280K. I think it will not be discontinued by Q1 2022.

Tiffany Blue

Since Patek Nautilus 5711 steel Tiffany blue hit a auction price of $40M. All watches come with Tiffany Blue because the target of all watch lovers, flippers and dealers, it reached price of $670K yesterday.

Today another seller is asking $1.8m! I can’t believe my eyes. Well, I think there might be people buying but there are still many cheaper offer from $200K to $600K… he has to wait for all the lower price watches been sold first. He may have patience to. But I cannot underestimated the operation fo Rolex

They might have controlled not to produce as many as Patek 5711 Tiffany blue 170 pieces.

That is killing all watch lovers and we think Rolex is the new currency now. Cash in bank gets no interests but Rolex can make 200% in one year.

What is next after Tiffany Blue?

I think there is a hidden diamond under the palm tree, yes the Date Just 126234 Palm green with jubilee bracelet as I have seen juts three pieces in the past 8 months in Hong Kong.

Well, I am looking for another one

General market situation

Generally we see more buying and trade in these November and December due to Xmas season and new year, and I think price is better for December, as no one want to keep a watch over the year, it will become 2 years old after December 2021.

If you want to buy watch from open market get it now, price is usually lower for Date Just or non-popular models. For those hot items, the price will be getting higher after January as factories are closing for Xmas and new year vacations.

HK Snob

Tiffany Blue magic 2021 on Patek, Rolex and UNDONE

On 11 Dec, 2021 Philips had an auction on a Patek Philippe Ref 5711 in Tiffany Blue with a hammer price of US$5.5M! It was a shock to most of the watch lovers and possibly not for some of the auction insiders. To me it’s a disappointment as it will be impossible for me to buy this piece of watch.

That is in fact another record high for a plain modern Nautilus stainless steel watch… there will be total 170 pieces of such watch will be made as the Company’s 170^th anniversary watch.

This was only trigger of the Tiffany Blue magic. Rolex had launched the OP 36 and OP 41 Tiffany blue in September 2020. 

That has two model ref 114300 41mm with SRP $46,400 and Ref 126000 36mm with SRP $43,400 only as the low price tag of all Rolex.

In the past 12 months, I have observed that OP41 was rising up to $140,000 whereas OP36 is floating around $120,000 for more than 3 months.

But after Dec 11 Philips Auction on the Patek Tiffany 5711 Tiffany blue, we have obviously seeing abnormal price up on these two Rolexes. Well, as of today, I could see the OP41 is selling from $250,000 to $679,000 that is over 14 times the Rolex SPR.

Even people speculate the price will further moving upwards further, but i cant tell as this is absurd price to me already. 

I think these are some of the reasons behind.

     Many people could not get the Patek 5711 Tiffany blue, in fact only 170 pieces of such watches will be made, so get hold of the Rolex OP41 or OP36 as second choice. Economy is still able to support the crazy price at this level.

I really cannot tell what is the next level of price up and the number of buyers actual had confirmed the order.  

Recently UNDONE has launched a Stella dial watches made of 316L steel DLC coated running with Seiko VK series Mecha Quartz movement, one is in Tiffany Blue and one in pink. They are produced under Limited number of 300 pieces each colour.

As a fan of UNDONE, I am the early bird to purchase through walk-in to the HQs of UNDONE at TST for two pieces both are under S/N 007/300, I simply like it as its nice in Tiffany blue colour, functional , sportive, and affordable for me. Price may be up soon but not as crazy as Rolex OP or Patek 5711 for sure.

So what is in your mind?

HK Snob

Rolex Tiffany Double name

These three watches were bought in 2020 Q1 with HK$630,000 from a private collector.

How much do you think it worth now? I think it is about HK$1,000,000!

HK Snob