What's new about Rolex in April 2017?

 

A Like New Submariner 16610LV Flat Four

There has been quiet for a period of time Jan to March as people are watching what new stuff will be launched at BaselWorld.

Well, Rolex will produce a Sea-Dweller Single Red Ref 126600 and prices at CHF10.800 .

New feature are 43mm case, It’s got a Cyclops for it’s 50^th anniversary 1967-2017. I think when it is available price must be higher than HK$110,000.

And I have heard that Rolex has discontinued the production of current Ref 116600 Sea-dweller. So there is a surge of Gray dealer price HK$63,000 last week up to now HK$67,000 this week!

So if you have a BNIB Sea-Dweller. Please keep it and it may hold the price for a period of time and Rise again to above HK$75,000.

Daytona ceramic  2016

Daytona Ceramic Ref 116500LN white stands still at price HK$131,000 where black is HK$126,000 (average)

 

Submariner

More obviously that I see rise of demand on Submariner 50^th anniversary Ref 16610LV Kermit, as In Mong Kok Watch shop, like Kwan Yan, P n F, London’ s watch, Wing Kwong, I have counted there are about 12 prices, these are their prices.

Ref 16610LV NOS or Mint Flat Four full set : HK$110,000

Ref 16610LV sharp four paper and box :HK$71,000

Ref 16610LV sharp four watch only HK$57,000 to $66,000

Price: on the rise.

Submariner Ref 116610LV Hulk

I have noticed that there is little supply at Gray dealer, and price is going up.

Noticeably the gray dealer price is HK$69,000 to HK$71,000

So in my experience, the price of such rise of Hulk indicating lesser supply, I speculate that the Hulk will be also be “Discontinued” soon.

So if you can get a Hulk BNIB at HK$70K, I suggest buy before too late.

HK Snob

 

 

Rolex Submariner Kermit Ref 16610LV on sale

Rolex Submariner Kermit, Ref 16610LV dated Oct 2003, FLAT FOUR bezel, collectible New Vintage.

Full Set, Red tag, Paper, box, booklets, HK AD 888 Watch...

High collectible

HK$103,000

HK Snob





Rolex Daytona Ref 116508 mint condition on sale

Rolex Daytona Ref 116508 Mint condition full set dated Dec 2016 asking HK$212,000 Cash

HK Snob

Rolex New Vintage on Sale

New Vintage
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Flat Four Full set at near Mint condition HK 888 HK$1005,000
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Sharp flu Full Set at 90% used condition Paper and Original Box unpolished HK$68,600
Rolex Submariner Ref 16610LV Sharp Four 95% condition watch only, HK$58,000
Rolex GMT Master 16700 1994 Pepsi with paper and box HK$54,000


New Series
Rolex Date Just II Ref 116334 with Diamond dial in grey dial full set 2014 HK 888 watch
HK$53,000


Omega CK2998 Speedmaster Full Set BNIB Limited 2998 pieces HK$46,000


HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin "Phidias" 18 KT solid Gold full set



Model #48010/967J Retail USD$17,000

Measurement Case 33mm excluding Crown x 40mm lug tip to lug tip.

Come with Full Set, extra link paper and box.



Watch in like new condition, running perfectly.

Wight about 120 grams

HK$62,500

HK Snob

Rolex Date Just II Ref 116334 Full Set Available

Rolex Date Just II 41mm with fluted bezel in 18KT white gold.

2014 watch, Like new, seldom used Full Set.

Grey dial with Diamond, HK AD List Price HK$80,800.

Now only HK$53,500

HK Snob

T25 Dial of a Vintage Rolex

For Vintage Rolex (VR) freak, the right Luminous material on your Rolex dial and hands is a decisive buying consideration.

Over the decades, Rolex had been using different types of luminous material on the luminous dots of the dials and hands.

It is crucial for a Collector that the illuminant used corresponds to the year of the watch (refer to my last posted article).

And it is important to have the same luminous material on the dial, hands and bezel… and if possible, still in the same colour!

Since the previous used luminous material ages severely and they changed brownish and yellowed. Those are described as Tropical dial.

When your Rolex is repaired at RSC, they usually replace the hands and dial to a newer version…

As there is a policy that the hands and dial coated with Tritium MUST be replaced and disposed of because of health hazard for the watchmakers.

There is always a risk that your watch looks new after the repair… coz they have taken away your original T25 dial and hands….

VR collectors should always safe guard his Rolex being ripped off the Original T25 dial and hands…

Friend of mine Allan had beated a 60s Submariner Tritium with HK$800,000 from an auction, later on found that the hands are of later version… meaning that he lost approximately HK$300,000 the value of his watch… so the uniqueness, colour of dial and hands of a VR is very critical to determine overall value of the VR.

In order to preserve the watch value, you should not ALLOW Rolex to change with news hands…Or you should not go to Rolex for servicing VR.

By Right and nature of the material T25 is always preferred as  the new watch with Luminnova or Super Luminnova material always shine, but it must be charged before it glows by a light source, such as LED torch. This luminosity diminished over time in the dark.

This is somewhat we should be aware…

HK Snob

T Swiss Made T" or "Swiss T 25" : what does it mean ?

In order for timepieces to be read in the dark or diving under the sea, a luminescent material is laid on the dial indexes and hands.

Generally speaking, the emission of light is either of radioluminescent type (determined by the radioactivity of the material) or of photoluminescent type (determined by a exciting luminous radiation).

Timepieces featuring radioluminescent emission are mostly designed for very specific uses : military watches, professional divers watches, etc. In this case, the use of radioactive material is strictly defined by ISO 3157 Standard which allows only two types of radionucleides : tritium (3H) and promethium (147 Pm). It is important to specify that these radionucleides emit a radiation of low energy.

ISO 3157 Standard allows an optional marking for timepieces emitting less than a certain value. The marking may be made on the dial as follows :

deposits activated by tritium : T

deposits activated by promethium : Pm

On the other hand, timepieces with a higher value, such as divers' watches, must be marked as follows :

deposits activated by tritium : T 25

deposits activated by promethium : Pm 0,5

The indication "T Swiss made T" means that the watch is Swiss and contains a certain quantity of tritium that emits less than 227 MBq (7,5 mCi).

The indication "Swiss T<25" means that the watch is Swiss and contains a certain quantity of tritium that emits less than 925 MBq (25 mCi).

Most of the Swiss watches use a light emission of photoluminescent type. Some of them bear the optional marking "L Swiss Made L" to indicate it.

The light emitted by the hands and index of the dial is the radiation energy deposited in the luminescent crystals by alpha and/or beta particles. Next to no light is due to gamma rays.

Dial is made with Radioluminescent paint consisting of certain radioactive material mixed with a luminescent crystalline powder. The first radioactive material was radium-226 (Ra-226), but it hasn't been widely used.

Tritium (H-3) and promethium-147 (Pm-147) are the radionuclides of choice.

Other radionuclides have also been used such as strontium-90 (Sr-90) and carbon-14 (C-14).

Zinc sulfide powder has been the most widely used luminescent material.

TRITIUM

Tritium (H-3) is a low energy beta emitter with a 12.3 year half-life. It does not emit gamma rays.

So Rolex T<25 dial means it will last for 24.6 years only.

(less than 25 years!)

Luminova and then Superluminova were developed to avoid the use of any radioactive materials whatsoever. Their intent was to replace tritium lume outright.

Rolex Sports or Professional watches (except the Daytona) generally have <T25 and dress watches like the Date-Just are marked T Swiss T.

This is basically down to the amount of luminous material applied to the dial. The more paint, means more Tritium meaning more radiation as minimal as it is.

Swiss

Luminous Material Radium

Used until 1960

Radioactive

Swiss- T<25

Luminous Material Tritium

Used from 1960 -1998

Radioactive, Radioactivity less than 925 MBq (25 mCi)

T Swiss T

Luminous Material Tritium

Used from 1960 -1998

Radioactive, Radioactivity Less than 277mBq (7.5 mCi)

SWISS

Luminous Material Superluminova

Used from 1998 till 2000

Not Radioactive

SWISS MADE

Luminous Material Luminova (Green

Used from 2000

Not Radioactive

SWISS MADE

Luminous Material Chromalight (blue)

Used from approx. 2008
(introduced with DeepSea)

Not Radioactive

These are what I have researched and may not be all correct , however I hope this give a simple illustration on the type of Rolex Dial being used on your and my watch...

I hope it helps for one of my bog fans asking on this... So now you know T<25 dial on Submariner I always prefer for VR (Vintage Rolex) as all are made on the Golden Period of Rolex. 1960-1998.

HK Snob

Rolex Watch For You

From Left to right:
1. Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref 1665 Double Red - Full Set
2. Rolex Submariner Kermit Ref 1661LV- with paper
3. Rolex Submariner Kermit Ref 16610LV- Watch
4. Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Ref 16750- With Warranty Paper


These are on sale.
Call me for more information if you are interested in these Rolex Gems...


K Snob

Rolex Date Just Ref 16018 in Solid Yellow Gold with Warranty Paper on Sale

Rolex Date Just Ref 16018 with Warranty Paper, Rolex Service Paper for Case Clean.

Asking HK$43,000

HK Snob

IWC Ref 3275 Ingenieur Chronograph AMG (42.5mm) in Titanium on sale

An IWC Ingenieur Chronograph is in impeccable condition.

No Sign of cosmetic damages, not dents.

Sapphire crystal, Titanium cases with Warranty card, Box and manual, Full Set.

With a Brand new Alligator strap.

HK$29,600

HK Snob



Cartier Pasha Lady watch in 18KT solid White Gold

90% New Cartier 35mm in solid 18KT white Gold,
Full Set
Price HK$35,000
HK Snob

Omega CK2998 Brand New full set is avilable for sale

Tribute watches are all the rage these days. As collectors become more and more educated about vintage watches, contemporary watchmakers are trying to woo them with modern interpretations of the watches they might be lusting after in auction catalogs. Sometimes these watches are a massive success, capturing the spirit of the original; sometimes these watches are disappointing, taking something we love and mucking it up. With the CK2998, Omega has created one of the most compelling Speedmasters in recent history and a watch that flat-out makes me smile. It was launched in 2016 limited to 2998 pieces as a retro of the 1959 original.

The CK2998 limited edition is inspired by the original 1959 Speedmaster ref. 2998, the archetype for the Speedmaster as most of us know it. It was the first model to feature the black bezel commonly associated with this watch (previously the bezel was steel) and the little dial details, hand shapes, and case profile all make it a benchmark in the Speedy's history.

The watch we have here is 39.7mm across and 14.37mm thick, meaning it feels a little like a vintage watch right off the bat. The steel case has straight and simple pump pushers at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. The most immediately apparent difference between the CK2998 and older Speedmasters is the color scheme. For this watch, Omega chose a new blue and silver combination that's reminiscent of a black and white panda dial. The ceramic bezel (with luminous markings), subdials, minutes track, and strap are all matching blue, while the ground of the dial has a semi-iridescent silver finish. In most lighting conditions, the combo reads more like navy and cream than bright blue and silver, but whatever you call it the colors are downright “handsome!”

This is limited to 2998 pieces, and I got two, one sold and this is the one carries a better Serial number 198X…

I am eager to sell it at a special Discount of the list price HK$47,800.

I have only one and I believe this is the one day brand new full set available in HK.

Interested party, please whatsapp me ASAP for more…

HK Snob

Watch Trade

 Watch to sell


Pre-owned Rolex Submariner Kermit Green Bezel 50th Anniversary .Ref 16610LV
never been polished, with Paper. HK 888 Watch Dated 2007.
HK$68,800


Rolex Submariner Two Tone Blue dial Ref 16613 90% new 1997 Watch no paper
HK$45,500


Pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller Double Red Ref 1665 full set 1977 watch.
Excellent Plus condition.
HK$380,000


Watch Wanted
A Lange Solid Gold with moon-phase full set preferred HK$140,000 cash


Please Contact me via whatsapp +639989811111


HK Snob

Is Hong Kong Still a Shopping Paradise for watch?

Is Hong Kong still a Shopping Paradise?

There has been saying HK is the shopping paradise.  In fact it was.

Nowadays still there are mostly honest watch sellers in Hong Kong.

You know why some of the dishonest people running for fast money as if they want only to have, what they have sold the whole say is not able to cover the daily rental fee of the shop, sad!

On the other hands, many of Rich buyers are tire kickers; they negotiate down two digit dollar for a $100K Rolex.

Back in 2013, It was Rado that holds a record high HK at Causeway Bay of monthly Rental of hefty $1.6M .. .

Imagine how many Rado watch they have to sell in order just to cover the rent?

In HK there is a lot places that they sell watches… there are about 80 outlet selling Rolex AD watches. There is so may boutique and AD agent selling other Swiss Branded watches not mentioning over 300 dealers working at Facebook and network sales.

The largest Rolex Boutique in Asia, say the HKIA Rolex shop, I guess that they have to pay $3M a month for rent. And guess how may watches they sell every day? No one will tell you but you can stop by and count, most of the time the number of Staff is more than the visiting client.

Any Risk in buying brand new watches in AD

I can say, there is zero risk at all as the shop are properly managed by larger company, mostly public listed, same for gray dealer who has good reputation.

What I am trying to say us these shops selling pre-owned watch … And sometimes they are looking for prey for buying their “Frankenwatches…”

I trust that they all know the situation of the watch… but there is still many cases reported by PWC members to me that there is some mis-operation on watch sales in HK…

Someone was buying a Rolex with Warranty card, but when the watch was submitted to Rolex Philippines after his return, it was rejected for reason of 1: the crystal is not Rolex Original, and 2, the bracket is not the matching model of the Rolex watch. The customer later called the shop and saying that bring the watch there will replace the bracelet with the original matching one… but how about the crystal? Problem is he won’t come to HK before August.

The Moral of the case is: =

 

1 . A Rolex watch with a warranty card does not guarantee that watch is not a FrakenWatch.

2. On the Invoice it was printed, once watch is sold is not returnable nor refundable, but how can you know beforehands?

3. Rolex service slip is also crap, as once after the watch is authenticated truly real good stuff at Rolex Service centre, you he she can also take out the bezel, hands and whatever… what can you do?

4. More Risk is the watch is selling at a “good price”!

So next time when you buy Rolex … check the comment of the shops first or go to a more reliable shops.

So I get back to the topics, is Hong Kong Still a Shopping Paradise for watch? I could say Yes.

HK Snob

Classic Watch Repair's latest Watch Examination Report service

This is a sample of Watch Examination Report of a Rolex Explorer 1016.

In case you need this service you can go to Classic Watch Repair or thru me if you are in the Philippines.

This is critical that if you have a potential buy of a Vintage Rolex and this Authentication may give you a clearer picture of what kind of watch you will buy... or you shall not buy!

HK Snob