Rolex Ref. 1803 White Gold Brown Dial

A Fine and Very Rare ROLEX Ref.1803 18K White-Gold case & Bracelet. Brown colour Dial with Diamonds-set numbers. Ref. 1803 is one of my Favourite Rolex Date Day as they have the classical history. The Movement is a bit thinner than the latest revision. At that time 1956-1976, a Rolex Day Date is as expensive as a compact Japanese Car. Not easy for most of grass root people like my father to afford to buy. So the number of unit with Excellent condition left is little, with special Colour dial is even less. This watch is estimated as HKD$120,000. As simply, the colour is beautiful and the unit is un-polished at all.
HK Snob

Where to buy your Rolex Watch, AD or Shop for Pre-owned Rolex?

Tricks in Selling Pre-owned Watch in HK.
There are too many smart business men doing watch Business sin HK…
Mainly they have a way to make their money…
If you are not Local HK, people, if you are not Watch Expert, if you do not know the shops well, well, I will not suggest you buy pre-owned watch... as
We know some times. The Pre-owned watch is selling more expensive than New watch
Sometime they also sell new watch in the shops but the watch is actually not new. They have been special handled and treated with some minor punishment. Say a 95% new watch can easily been Make Up to be a NEW watch, selling the price of a new watch.
Some time they may have some watches that has not been completed installed with 100% genuine parts, such as the Strap, they might put local made strap, some good shop will tell you that is local strap, but some do not. Some of the Crystal is not real Rolex Crystal, that may cause you problem in watch resistance.
Also, how can you tell the accuracy of your Rolex is still within +/-5 seconds a day in such kind of shop!?
So, it might be some secure for you going to Rolex AD to buy your New Rolex..
So what is the value of the pre-owned watch shops. Well, Antique or vintage watch, this is one of the source we can buy the pre-owned watch…. Also some of the limited version you might miss in the past, you can only find it again in the pre-owned watch market…
If you are going to buy your first Rolex, no question about it… go to Rolex AD shop in HK.
HK Snob

Where to Buy New Rolex Watch in Hong Kong?

A Singaporean Friend asked me where he should go for buying his Rolex in HK,,
This has been a hot topics for foreigner who do not understand too much about the shops selling Rolex in HK. I hereby put them here as to tell what are the difference between this and that shops.
These are the authorized Dealer of Rolex in Hong Kong.
Artland
Chow Sang Sang
Chow Tai Fook
Dickson
Eldorado
Emperor
Europe
Fung Leung Kee
King Fook
La Suisse Watch
Oriental
Precision
Right Watch
Solomon
Tai Hing
Times City
Times Watch
Wah Hing
Zurich
As some of the Shops have a few branches, there are totally 74 shops in Hong Kong selling Rolex Watch, the watch are guaranteed genuine watches from Rolex.
As for the price, all goes with the SAME list price and almost they offer the same Discount of 4-5% depending on what model you are looking for. If the Hot item like Explorer II Orange, e now they do not offer discount at all.
The difference between those Jewelry shop like Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and Pure Watch Shop like Oriental and Emperor is that the former one do not carry a Rolex service man stationing in the shop, but the later one has a station Watch smith to take care your Rolex. When you buy, you may request to have the watch health check for accuracy before you conclude your order. They usually offer some service for simple health Check for your watch, or even some repair.
That is the Difference between the shops.
Also in those Chow Tai Fook they are usually packed with Chinese People buying gold and jewelry. Where you those Oriental and Emperor, you may enjoy a quiet and decent environment for you to Choose the Rolex you want.
Nathand Road Snob

Rolex Explorer II Orange starts on Sale now Ref 216570

We have heard that some of the branches of Oriental Watch Company had started having supply of this watch already. It is about HKD$68,000.00 last week, then came down to HKD$63,000 beginning of this week. of course no discount at this moment. The Standard price should go to HKD$61,000.00 I guess!. Well, I have reserved one here and another there, see when I can get one at a standard price... I expect no discount already...
If you had ordered this watch, go and check!
HK Snob

Gerald Genta's Greatest Watch Design, the AP RO

Two Important AP Royal Oak
The Swiss Watch Enterprise including AP was almost gone into bankruptcy in 1969 due to the Japanese new Invention on Quartz watch...The Seiko Astron that was announced to be launched in Dec 1969. At that Time Seiko overseas advertisement said “ Someday all watches will be made this way” Well, that was a great invention as it could achieve a accuracy of 0.2 second a day which is a new challenge to the traditional mechanical watch even from Switzerland. And all in sudden people would go crazy to pursue buying one of these Watches. At that time Seiko Could produce about 20 pieces a month with the price for a Car…
However, on the other side of the world Charles Gerald Genta who was requested to design a new Sport watch for AP… the Royal Oak Series, a new bold design by employing 8 screws to tighten up the bezel on to the base chassis, a kind of beauty that shocked the world… and This became one of the Most adorable watch design in the 1972. Whereby triggering big sales revenue that actually saved AP from going into Bankruptcy.
Attached I the First Generation AP Royal Oak in 18Kt… the Movement was special Designed made by JLC... a super thin movement with overall thickness of less than 7mm (inclusing the case of the watch).
On the left side I ns 1997 HK Time Zone AP limited version for HK only in memorizing the Return of HK back to China.
Besides AP Royal Oak, Gerald deigns the nautilus for PP and Overseas for VC... these are now still the Flagship series of these three Greatest Watch brands,
Charles Gérald Genta contributed to the designs of Swiss luxury watch firms including IWC, Universal Geneve, Veraheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, among several others. He was reported in August 2011 that Genta had died at the age of 80.
He is the master of Watches design, and he is the Icon of Swiss watch, Watch visionary. When we wear these Great Wactches we should pay respect to Gerald Genta….
Mong Kok Snob

Rolex Date Day Ref. 18038

This is a special dial with Brown Stone Like Pattern, not too sure if that is a cut out from a fossil stone!? The Colour is just very beautiful.

It is a Ref. 18038 with Cal. 3055. 18Kt yellow gold unpolished watch, In Excellent condition. Unpolished at all, I feel Drooling to get one like this...

HK Snob

Shopping Technique for Pre-owned Rolex watch in HK.

Lately we had mentioned the precautions in buying used, pre-owned Rolex in HK.
We can see that a used Explorer II can have a price range from HKD$22,000 up to HKD$45,000.00 There is a wide range of price, and that we should take extreme care in the choice of the watch or you may buy a Cocktail Rolex.
Learning from Andy Tan that if the Rolex is not 100% genuine parts being installed on, there is not service support in Malaysia. Whereas in HK, the Rolex centre has a bigger tolerance on the degree of Cocktail parts.
As if in HK, if the movement, dial and the case is not genuine, they will not service, But they can accept for servicing if the Sapphire, the Strap lock pin, the Leather strap is not original, they will tell you before they consider to service it.
Of course there may be the case that they will charge more a bit and they will not normally have warranty on the water proof, ever all parts are original, they normally do not warranty on waterproof function.
When we buy a Rolex
We should take note on the Source, from who you buy from, Shops, dealer, or private owner. We should always buy fro a Trusted source, do not buy surprise –cheap Rolex as they might have problem. The watch might be a stolen One. It may give you a Great Nightmare!
If we buy, make sure we should buy from trusted Shops
The older shop is usually having high credibility.
They are always asking more if the Watch is pegged with Original Invoice, Waranty card, Boxex, booklet and original Shopping bag!
We should look what is being stated on the Invoice that usually indicate the extent for the warranty, and what if there is problem, how about servicing...
Check carefully on the watch for the degree of usage by checking the hand for scratches or oxidation, scratches mean they have been gome through a lot of service, especially by non-Rolex-Certified Technician.
Check if the case has been polished, some are not properly polished that will cause water leakage! A lightly scratched watch which has not been polished is always preferred that one looks so shinny and new but had been heavily polished, especially the Vintage Watch.
Accuracy
I will like to test the watch by either machine checking on the heart beats for accuracy.,
if they do not have, check for minimum 6 hours see how accuracy it is…within 6 hours There should not have any significant change in time. If that has 2 seconds of gaining, the watch may gain 12 seconds a day, that is out of the Specification of Rolex standard for Chronometers.
All my Rolex has a daily accuracy of not more than 3 second gaining or losing time,
That is the normal accuracy of a good Rolex.
When there are two Rolex which has the same exact Ref., Say Date Day Ref, 1803.
One has full genuine Case dial, bezel, Sapphire, Strap, Diamond Bezel and strap lock pin which comes in Plated Gold and Solid Gold. This watch may take you HKD$150,000
But if the Strap is not the original, it will be much cheaper as the Strap is almost 40% of the cost of the Whole Rolex.
If the Diamond bezel is not the original, it is about HKD$6,000, but if the diamond bezel is Original it is about HKD$30,000.00
If the Dial is not original its just a few hundred HK Dollars, but if the dial is Original Like a Ferrari Red Dial of a Date Day, they may ask for HKD$100,000.00!
If the Strap lock pin is original Solid Gold Pin, it is about HKD$3,000, but of that is a fake one, it is about $800 for Solid Gold one…
So you can see that two identical outlook watch of the same model may have a different price tag of HKD$120,000 and HKD$70,000!
So Don't be so happy when you buy a Cheap Rolex… there is always a rationale.
Buy the worst case is you spend HKD$120,000 for a cocktailed Rolex that is only able to sell in the open market for HKD$60,000.!
So if you do not know how to check by ocular Inspection., you had better go for the Rolex AD to buy a New Rolex
Sometimes there may be a chance that the price is below the market value If you know the things and Trick, that is why it is A GREAT Fun to buy the used Rolex!
HK Snob

This might be Only One in Hong Kong: Rolex Ferrari Red Dial Ref. 1803 with Rivet Oyster Strap

This is a rare watch that we took over years to collect. The Watch is date Day 1803, Circa 1969 , but the dial is Ferrari Red with Diamonds, the date and Day is in Chinese Character. The Strap is Oyster 18KT Solid Gold Rivet type strap. That can be extended by pulling the strap at two ends..It is extremely rare. So this watch is made of the favourite selection of the Date Day Ref. 1803, Ferrari Red Dial and the Rivet Oyster Strap. This is My favourite Date Day. The Black Dial Date Day is Ref. 18338 Circa 1992, with diamonds on the shoulders.

HK Snob

Rolex Date Day Burgundy Red Dial with Diamond

Burgundy Red is real, Burgundy Red with 48 Pieces of almost identical Diamond is rarer for the Dial on a Rolex Date Day. This is it...HK Snob

Geneve Seal, The Poincon de Geneve

There is always the term “Geneve Seal Hallmark”, and or the Poincon de geneve mentioned on some of the Highest Quality Watches from Switzerland.
The Stringency finish requirement by Poincon de Geneve quality hallmark bears witness to its determination to raise the level of quality well above average standards, and to its desire to cultivate the Swiss tradition on fine watchmaking professions in-house.
Each of the movement will be submitted to Geneva Watchmaking School for approval. This authority of Geneva, is the only one entitled to grant and apply for his hallmark; the selection criteria are listed below
There are 12 commandments for Watch making!
Fine Workmanship
1. The fine Workmanship of all the parts of the caliber, including those additional mechanism, must meet the demands of the Geneva Voluntary Watch Testing Office.
Steel parts must have polished bevels, drawn down flanks, smoothed visible parts, polished r circular-grained screw heads ( with beveled rim and slot).
Jewelling
2. All movements must be equipped on the gear-train and escapement with jewels with polished holes. N the bridge side, the jewels must half-polished with polished sinks. There are no stipulations regarding th fourth wheel jewels on the plate.
Regulator Stud
03 The balance spring must be affixed by means of an inserted cover plate with a stud featuring a round neck and head. An adjustable mobile stud-bearer is acceptable.
04 Inset of split indexes are acceptable in conjunction with a holding system, apart from ultrathin Calibres where this system is not required.
05
Regulating systems featuring a balance with a variable moment of inertia are acceptable as long as they fulfil the requirements specified under article 3, point 1.
Going Trains
06
The wheel sof the going chain must be chamfered above and below and have a polished sink. In wheels 0.15mm thick or less, a single chamber is allowed on the bridge side.
07
The pivot shanks and the faces of the pinion leaves must be polished.
Escarpment

08
The escapement wheel must ne light, not more than 0.16mm thick in large calibers and 0.13mm in calibers under 18mm, and its locking face must be polished.
09
The angle Traversed by the lever must be limited by fixed banking walls to the exclusion of pins and studs.
Shock Proofing
10 Movement fitted with shock proofing are accepted
Winding Mechanism
11
The Ratchet wheel and the crown wheel must be finished according to registered patterns.
Spring
12
Wire springs are not permitted.

......
Refer to Roger Dubuis Operation Manual
HK Snob

My Roger Dubuis MuchMore has received a revision in RD factory

Well, my Muchmore has been running for a couple of years, though the time it runs on my wrist is less than 500 hours. It is a Perpetual calendar, there are 152 parts inside, it has been very accurate that it never lose or gain more than anything I could possibly notice through the hand and dial.
I decided to send to RD for a total revision,… at their Swiss Manufacture.
After 4 months, the beautiful sales lady called me for collection, surprisingly; they gave me a “NEW” watch… exaggerated… in fact, they polished it to the same polishing as to a New watch. And was certified with a letter that allows this watch to enjoy 12 months of WARANTY!
This is the lifestyle of Enjoyment of buying a good watch, not necessary expensive, but they treat you like other of their important Customers Bill Clinton, Nicolas Cage and Britney Spears who wear the RD as I do, Bill Clinton used to own the Roger Dubuis MuchMore but not my Salmon Colour…. …. This is no other Brand can possible being go in par with... well of course this is Roger Dubuis… I like the Watch first before I like the brand, as every Roger Dubuis carry the Genève Seal on every of their watches… and their design is so unique, fashioned and daring!
The team is so professional that you may find you are not as good as they are when you talks about watches… especially the senior sales associates and the managers.
Moreover, they treat you like friends, and you can chat as free as you can. Friends of mine haven been received some dirty eyes in other shop of other brands whereby telling you that is a watch value more than 1 million… and they do not even offer you the watch to try out on your wrist.. Of course, this is Hong Kong.. We can not omit that there are shops that run in their rule of games… especially to someone they don’t know much.
16 years ago, when you speak Mandarin, the shop Keeper might not serve you, how if you dress lousy like I and Speak Cantonese like I… you may not be served… Times has changed, I have seen a Chinese man buying One bottle of Balvenie whisky with cash of RMB700,000 in HK Airport… Who can beat them with money!? May be Mr. Lee, Mr. Lau, Mr. Kwok….but definitely not a poor sales man like me!
Next time, when your next Watch buy is not yet determined, and you may have a lot of Rolex, Patek Philippe, AP, VC, JLC,…Try out this Roger Dubuis… before they go too expensive Tomorrow! Or if you do not have many good watch at all, go Buy one from Roger Dubuis... they have some good for money watch that makes you drooling...
Your Roger Dubuis is likely one of the most beautiful Elegant Watches from Switzerland.
HK Snob

How to buy a good Pre-owned Rolex in Hong Kong?

There are a lot of Tricks and fraud on selling Rolexes since 70’s; nowadays I can not rule out that there is not such practice… But the Concern is even the Seller bought Fake Rolex before they sell to you. There are so called Cocktail-Rolex in HK, though the percentage is very low but hey, Who knows!? As Even Rolex Service Centre some times had to consult expert in verifying the Authenticity of the Rolex they receive for repairing. Imagine they are under age of thirty in average, how can you expect they can have that kind of knowledge…The master watch guru is just too busy to handle all the Enquiries.
Experience and the knowledge on the watch is needed if you want to buy good valued-pre-owned Watches. Some of my advices and advices of the Rolex Collectors:
Go with a pro
Ask Local people t buy together with you
Also tricky people may look at the buyer, say if the buyers is inexperienced people and they may tend to give or recommend them "Less Good Quality Stuff" to them. This is the General practice for people who do business. That is why; ALWAYS go to some trustful stores for the Rolex.
Reliable Shops
Prefer to go the trusted Shops that have been running for many decades in HK, unless you know the shop keepers.
Price
Remember no free lunch, and No Cheap Rolex
If the price is too low, I will not buy. You know what I mean!
The price of a Rolex can be determined by it model, market demand, the Originality, condition and the accessories such as birth Certificates (Warranty card), Boxes, and even original purchase invoice.
Ocular Inspection
I will check for the usage, means that how Rough the watch has been used...
Check the outer screw thread for traces of abuse used if the tread is badly worn off.
Check for the dial if that Night Glowing Dots is original or not
Check for the Hands are bent or have been oxidized
Check for signs of the Cases has been polished or not: So Call FAT Boy is the good original case, of the case has been polished, it is “Thinner”.
Open and See
I Will ask if I can Open and see the movement, well, that is tough for you and even for me in some of the shops in HK
Buy from Dealer
I used to buy from Dealers....who can open the watch and show me... and Most of all, Dealer is cheaper.
HK Snob

If the Sky has love!

Does it recall you memory of the 90’s? It was a famous watch for the grass-root class people of HK made in the 1991-1993 by Solvil en Titus, It is no Swiss Made. Probably in HK at that time. Remember the TV ad that Andy Lau and Ng Sin Lin were playing as lovers, Andy Went to war whilst Ng waited at home. ... And the Chinese word engraved on back written “If the Sky has Love, it would last forever" touched many people hearts including you and me…
This is one of the one that my sweetie Ice has kept it until today. Ice, I always love you!

HK Snob

Citizen's Minute Repeater

This is a good piece of watch, only if you do not mind it was made of Electronics. Well, a cheapest mechanical Repeater is selling at least HKD$500,000.00. This is only 5% of it when I bought it in 1992. Recently Citizen produces a new repeater but so thick that you do not want to buy!
It is A Limited Production from Citizen, Perpetual Calendar. For the music tone is absolutely no mechanical watch can produce… it is crystal clear and loud enough to wake you up!! As it is generated by 16 bit music tone generator IC chip, water proof, Super accurate.. Just one thing, it take 30 minutes to replace the battery, it has to go through series of set-up before the watch can be used. I taught the repair man to replace the battery as the Japanese had problem in writing clear English instruction on the back of the bottom cover. I doubt Citizen dealer also had to scratch their head to replace battery and they may charge you HKD$400 for such a battery of 20 dollars.
Anyway, I am a poor snob, but at least I have a Minute Repeater!! How Can you do not have an repeater and calling yourself a Watch Collector… Don’t mock at me Mr. Rich coz I am just a honest little staff in a big Company… my monthly income is a disgrace!
HK Snob

Tissot Touch Sport watch for Hiking

I have had three Tissot Touch, my comment is good-easy-to-use watch, neat, sharp and beautiful., I like pure Titanium for all three of them. Light and durable. And I like the one on the right most as it is bigger, more futuristic design rather than all-circle-round shape that every one is making... But one thing I had to remind you, they are not too reliable as I had two failure that I had to change for the enture piece of PCB-board, it costed me HKD$650 two years ago and now HKD$1450.00. delivery 8 weeks!
This kills the customer as Why They have to take so long to replace a defective main-board!?

HK Snob

Malaysian Rolex Date Day Collector

Andy is a serious collector and Lover for Rolex, he came to HK and discuss with us on his collection and how, where to buy his beloved Model about Date Day. He made a Sucessful deal at Kwai Yan for a White Gold Rolex Date Day and a Yellow Gold Rolex DD from my friend Paul. Of course he got eagle eyes and decerning taste on his purchases.

Well, it is interesting to see that more and more people is starting to collect Rolex. As he has similar TASTE of what I have... Gold Rolex...Especially Andy is very young, who knows one day he might have 500 pieces of Rolex DD!? Allow me to show some of his collection to you...

HK Snob

Rolex Explorer II Orange is on Sale Now

There is news that Hour Glass Singapore has some limited Supply of Rolex Explorer II Orange for Sales, The Black Dial is more attractive as I was told by my friend, of course he is Singaporean.
They are asking SGD$10,000.00, that is an equivalent of HKD$62,000.00., VAT included.
In Dubai, there in Rolex AD selling at AED$31,000, that is HKD$66,650.00.
So in that sense the official price for this Explorer II Orange is approximately HKD$62,500 I guess on Hong Kong. In the first two months I Don't think they have any discount offered for you. I think by End September, the HK should have this latest invasion from Rolex.
HK Snob

Rolex Buckle Real and Fake

Attached two pictures of the Real and Fake Rolex Buckles.

On both pictures, the one on the right side is Real.

One Way to tell easily is the stamper characters are very clear and Sharp.

Next time when you buy the Rolex especially a pre-owned one, check carefully!

The Real one say Gold Plated one is Over HKD1,000.00 the Fake one is just HKD$150.00.The Solid Gold one is HKD3,000 and the Fake one is 1/10 of it....So don't be happy that you get some discount from the Shop keeper but what you get is a Watch with a Fake Buckle!

HK Snob

Rolex Oyster Collections

There is a lot of Serious Collectors in HK. And There are a lot of Rich people in HK Collecting Rolex. Someone just talked to me I have a PP that is worth 5 Millions HK Dollar, with more than the whole case of your Rolex. Yes… But do not forget that the joy of Collection is in the way on how to search and find for these Watches. New Blog Friend Andy from Penang came to HK to talk about these watches Today, he is also a serious Rolex Collector. And He knows the sweat in finding these pieces of watches… Well. It take years to do so. And I believe also there are a lot of colourful dial of Rolex Date Day found in Google, but who know how many of them are the original!? Thanks for Paul to show me some of his Collection Today!
Which one do you like Most!?
PS There are Two Cartier in the box.

Tsim Sha Tsui Snob

What Watches do the Presidents wear!?

China Great Leader Mao Ze Dong used to wear an Omega Seamaster with leather strap, a gift from Guo Moruo (1892-1978).
Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan worn Rolex Day Date.
Some sources say that President Eisenhower was actually given a Datejust (not Day-Date) with the presidential style bracelet.
JFK’s one was a gift from Marilyn Monroe in 1962.
That is why The Day Date earned the nickname the "President"
President Bill Clinton only wore the Timex while in office, and then proceeded to unveil his extremely sizable watch collection upon his retirement.
He owns at least three Kobolds-limited-edition watches from a tiny company in Pittsburgh that has attracted such buyers as actor James Gandolfini and newsman Brian Williams. Kobolds start at $2,850. Clinton has also been spotted wearing a Cartier Santos-Dumont ($12,600), a Panerai Luminor ($13,000), and a Roger Dubuis Much More ($62,000).
Clinton Foundation Equation of Time
More impressively, Clinton actually launched a limited edition watch with legendary watch maker Audemars Piguet called the "Jules Audemars-Clinton Foundation Equation of Time". Only 42 of them were ever created and they sold for between $98,000 and $137,000. A significant portion of the proceeds went to the Clinton Global Initiative, total roughly $3 million.
It has also been reported the sitting President George W. Bush was given a $13,000 Franck Muller by Silvio Berlusconi, but only wears it on special occasion. So that he will have a spare watch other than his Timex.
Vladimir Putin (Former Russian President) wears a PP Perpetual Calendar. Putin's Perpetual Calendar features a self-winding movement, with a leather band, that retails for approximately $60,000.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wears the most expensive watch worn by a foreign head of state: a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar. This manual movement timepiece has a 37mm platinum case, leather strap, and multiple complications including: Minute Repeater, Moonphase, and Perpetual Calendar, and retails for an astounding $540,000.

HK Snob

Celebrities and Their Preferred Watches

Arnold Schwarzenegger wears an Audemars Piguet watch such as T3, IWC Big Pilot, Rolex and Panerai.
Barack Obama- Most experts saw a light-dialed TAG-Heuer sports watch . . . probably either a Series 1000 or Series 2000. The common quartz watches of the mid-1990's. Then after 2007, he changed to a Jorg Gray 6500 chronometer.
Ben Affleck – Harry Winston
Bill Clinton is a huge fan of Roger Dubuis watches. On the cover of Time Magazine he was wearing a Roger Dubuis Much More watch.
Britney Spears wears Roger Dubuis watch. However, among her favorites there are also Chopard Montres Dame and Breitling watches.
Elton John wearing a fartload of jewelry with skulls and a gold ladies Chopard...
Halle Berry – Franck Muller Casablanca 2852
Harrison Ford – Breitling Aerospace
Isaiah Washington of Grey's Anatomy wearing an unindentified Panerai
Jay-Z loves Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. He is also a big fan of AP Grande Complication.
Jennifer Anniston – vintage Cartier and Rolex Date Just
Jessica Simpson – vintage Rolex
Jude Law, the most unbutch guy you can imagine..., wearing a big old 3717
Larry King – Ulysse Nardin GMT
Leonardo DiCaprio was seen wearing a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Minute Repeater for $175,000. and Panerai
Mark Anthony – Roger Dubuis
Marky Mark Walhberg wearing an unindentified watch
Nicolas Cage wearing his Sub (wonder what his chum to the right is wearing? Looks like a Roger Dubuis)
Orlando Bloom – IWC Big Pilot
Robert Redford- Rolex Explorer II
Roman Abramovich, the owner of the English club Chelsea, has a wide range of Rolex watches. Among his favorites there is a Rolex Daytona and a gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner.
Silvio Berlusconi, former Prime Minister of Italy wears an extremely expensive timepiece from the world’s oldest watchmaker Vacheron Constantin. The price of the watch is $540,000.
Simon Cowell – Chopard Mille Miglia
Sylvester Stallion- Rolex and Panerai
The future King and Queen of Spain, on their mobiles (wonder if they're calling each other?) showing off his Special Forces watch again.
Tom Cruise – Audemar Piguet chronograph
Usher – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Usher pulling a Maradona, with two Audemars Piguet
Victoria Beckham was seen wearing on her wrist an iced-out Piaget watch.
Vladimir Putin has a $60,000 Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar. This is a really expensive timepiece if compared to George W. Bush’s Timex for $50. However, the US president has a personal inscription on his Timex.
Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow wears a Patek Philippe Calatrava
From these data, we could see that the most popular watch is Rolex, AP, Roger Dubuis, Chopard and PP.
…
Three US Presidents Bill Clinton worn Roger Dubuis Much More (limited 28 pieces, USD$80,000.00), Bush a USD$50 cheap Timex watch and Obama wears a Tag Hauer probably valued USD$200.
Now you can see how bad the US economy would be… From USD$80,000, down to USD$200.00! We have to be prepared as the worst economy yet to come… Hmm!
HK Snob

Megan Fox and Her Rolex Date Just

This is The sexxy lady appreared in Transformer, Megan Fox.
The Body Guard like stocky man is Brian Austin, her boy friend.
Note that Megan Fox worn a Rolex Date Just!
HK Snob

Does Rolex Oyster Watch have Transparent Base!?

Answer is " Yes"!
Ref. 1675, GMT-Master, Transparent Back Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual, GMT Master, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified," Ref. 1675. Made in 1961.
Cal. 1560, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws.
Dial, case and movement signed.
Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 13 mm.
Price $20,000-30,000 asked in an Auction.HK Snob

Back To Future

I have seen a lot of funny watches being used in the movie!
in " Kill Bill II", Uma Thurman Worn a Rolex Daytona that has Date and Day Display! A Fake Rolex!
In The movie "Amelia", more than two times in close up that Amelia Earhart worn a Quartz Watch, well that was talking about her long haut flight in 1937. First Quartz was invented by the Seiko 35SQ Astron, introduced to the Japanese market on Christmas Day, 1969! Another back to Future Watch in the movie Amelia!?
Please do not underestimate the ability in scrutinization of some of the Movie goers… The movies were multi million investment, how can this happen!?

HK Snob

Everything About Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and Panerai

http://www.collectingwatches.com/en/

This is a great site that you have to go and find what is in your mind about your designated collection of either Rolex, Patek Philippe, Panerai, and Omega.
They supply Different topics in form of beautifully printed Book about the watches.
Interviews with the important people in the watch Industry. Picture, stories of the greatest Collection of Rolex Collections, and whatever you can think of about Rolex, the entire collection of individual Model…
Either you are expert, armature collectors, dealers, connoisseur and appreciator of Rolex, you got to go and look at this website.
HK Snob

What A Rolex Submariner would Look like after lost hidden 40 years in a beach?

This is an interesting story, a legend of a super strong Oyster case and Rolex quality movement would survive like it was 40 years ago in a beach… even more beautiful…because...
Rolex had produced the early model of Submariner with appeared all share the
same unusual characteristics. Not one of them has a serial number; all have the previously unknown model number 6540 stamped inside the case back and then carefully crossed out. All bear the manufacturing stamp for fall of 1957;
All have most unusual bezels and Explorer-style 3/6/9 dials. These were the first Rolex military Submariners; they were issued only to the elite Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines (the inspiration for the US Navy SEALS)
The case has rudimentary fixed bars; the case back has engraved with full military markings and is further marked by many years of a nylon G10 strap being in the same position.
It seems that in 1961 the British Ministry of Defense ordered that all dials using radium be withdrawn and replaced by dials using tritium. The watch shown here retains its original dial due to the fact that it was lost on the beach….
The story is amazingly interesting: a beachcomber with a metal detector found it buried beneath a foot or more of sand on his local beach. Unbelievably, the Oyster case had protected the watch from the action of the tide for over 40 years, that keeping the movement dry and clean. The original glass was completely opaque as the sand being washed over it with the tides had acted like fine sandpaper. However, the glass required only the lightest of polishes before it sparkled like new.
This Watch was asked for USD$175,000 to 250,000 in an Watch Auction 2008.

HK Snob

Frederique Constant Moonphase Men's watch

This was a watch that I bought once I saw it Art Deco Dial design when I Visited the Shop at Kowloon Tong Shopping arcade 14 years ago. The Layout and Design pleased me at that time, and even today, Frank Muller and Roger Dubuis is trying to Apply similar Roman figure design on their dials. During that time, the size was just right, but if using today's eyes to measure watch size, it is a bit too small. Today I went to order a thicker strap to make the watch a bit larger. It never tell lies about time as it was running Swiss Quartz movement. It was quite a good time piece when One day you find you have fed up with the R, P, A, C , V and P...Try this " FC" ...Fredrique Constant.
It was taken together with the Ranger II, so that you can see the Size!

Kowloon Tong Snob

Rolex, AP RO Offshore, AP RO Foundation Limited

From Left to Right... The Rolex Day Date Yellow Gold 36mm, Royal Oak OffShore 25970ST.0.1010ST.01 (Time Zone "Hong Kong") 38mm dia, Limited Edition of 100 Pieces Only. The AP Royal Oak Foundation blue dial 36mm dia. 14990ST00789ST01-limited 250 Pieces.

HK Snob

Extremely Rare Tudor Ranger II

This is the most desired watches of the 70’s TUDOR range II...to wear a RANGER is to understand why! This dial is sunken, blue and striking having huge, Arabic luminescent numerals... very prominent and eye-catching...a simplistic design that makes this deal the best looking in the TUDOR Ranger II, The hefty stainless steel case with steel fluted big bezel and ROLEX crown measures 37mm...shimmering... sitting high on the wrist...commanding attention...having a solid and heavy linked original TUDOR integrated bracelet. The black dial with date readout is also perfect...retaining its' original hands and vibrant, orange sweep seconds. The automatic winding, ETA TUDOR movement has just been cleaned and is keeping perfect time. Most of the Tudor Ranger II found on internet is not real at all on every parts of it, this one is completely correct all around...with exception of the dial has been touched up a bit I guess. But who cares, this is perfect Blue Colour I like! These models were marketed as an experiment for Rolex in the 1970's and 1980's in both automatic and quartz versions. The watch measures 38mm wide by 43mm long. This is the Tudor Explorer II equivalent of Rolex. It has Rolex Oyster Case, Rolex Crown and Rolex Buckle... An Extremely Rare collection if everything goes original. More Eye-catching than anyRolex Explorer I or II!

HK Snob

HK Snob's passion for AP RO

As I say so, Royal Oak was a greatest Invention for a Watch of such Uniqueness and beauty, and that is going to be the most beautiful watch from 1972 and onward for Audemars Piguet. 2012 will be the 50th Anniversary for the Royal Oak Series. Let's Watch Out for what important Royal Oak Memorial and Limited version will be launched in 2012.

HK Snob

China's Sea Dragon in diving to a depth of 5038 Metres

A Chinese manned submersible Sea Dragon carrying three people successfully reached a depth of 5,038.5 meters during a test dive conducted in the Pacific Ocean at 0357 27 July.
China, initiating the Jiaolong project in 2002, is the fifth country to send a man 4027 meters below sea level, following the United States, France, Russia and Japan.
23 Jan, 1960 US Navy’s experimental bathyscaphe, the Trieste, descended into Mariana Trench successfully to the deepest known on the Earth’s surface at record of 10916 metres, with Pressure of 1 metric tone pressure per square Centimeters! Being a Chinese, I feel great though we are late comer on this but we have to go for next trial for deeper. People may think that we have been late for Going into the space after 41 years Apollo 11 landed on Moon, though there is debat recently shown on Discovery that some of the landing video might be fake. China started its first Aircraft Carrier after Cheng Wo conquered the South China Sea and Indian Ocean after 602 years. But Don't laugh at that as there will be always the Mission Impossible in China.

Don't forget 10 years ago no one could expact a Black People could be President of The US.No one could imagine that China could be the biggest US debt holder. according to World Bank, by 2045, China economy scale will be THREE times of USA!
Back to 1960, The Prototype Rolex was attached at the outside of the Trieste and was found working normally after surface, I did not see both US Lieutenant Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard (Swiss) worn any Watch or Rolex on his wriest!
I doubt if the Chinese inside JiaoLong worn a Rolex DeepSEA or not!? DeepSEA can stand down to 3900 Metres under water, insofar, the best professional divers watch for general purpose. But one thing for sure a Brand Name is hard to copy, Like Rolex... Who can make a better and Cheaper Deep Sea Divers watch commercially!?

HK Snob

PS The upper picture is Trieste 1960, the lower one is China's Jiaolong 2011.

Only Watch Project

Only Watch project was established in 2005, a Bi-yearly event for a Charity Auction in Monaco – Only Watch Offers 40 One-of-a-Kind Watches.
40 renowned watchmakers created and donated their one-of-a-kind-unique-watch to the Only Watch charity auction. It will take place in Monaco, on 22 September 2011. This special event is organized by Antiquorum Auctioneers, Geneva and the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies (AMM), in order to help Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. Only Watch has donated 2.5 million euros to 18 organizations with 90 researchers, clinicians and chemists in last event in 2009. It will be a great opportunity for the lovers of luxury watches to visit Monaco and donate money for a great cause.
This year is the Fourth Auction that will be organized during the Monaco Yacht Show, under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II,
40 brands are Audemars Piguet, Bell&Ross, Blancpain, Blu, Bovet Fleurier, Breguet, Cyprus, Celsius, Chanel, Chaumet, Chopard, Corum, De Bethune, Delacour, De Witt, Franck Muller, Frédérique Constant, Girard-Perregaux, Glashutte Original, Harry Winston, Hermès, Hublot, Ikepod/Marc Newson, Jaquet Droz, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Vuitton, Maurice Lacroix, MB&F, Mont Blanc, Patek Philipe, Piaget, Richard Mille, Tag Heuer, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vulcain, Zenith. Click on the ling below to see a complete list of models and their images http://www.onlywatch.net/index.php/watches-and-auction.
Before the first touch with lucky owners, these watches are going to travel the world, displaying their beauty to watch lovers in:
Singapore (The Hour Glass): 30 August
Hong Kong (Antiquorum Auctioneers Ltd.): 1 September
Shanghai (Antiquorum Shanghai): 3 September
Beijing: 5 September
Tokyo (The Hour Glass): 7 September
Los Angeles (Westime Beverly Hills): 9 September
New York (Antiquorum Auctioneers Ltd): 12 September
Milan (Orologerio Luigi Verga): 15 September
Geneva (Antiquorum SA): 16 & 17 September.
Note that the Country starts from Asia, USA and Europe, that you can see Asia is the biggest end users for Finest Swiss Watch, replacing USA as the biggest importer for Swiss Luxaury watch before. Amongts all the watch I like this Richard Mille.
Richard Mille
Richard Mille offered the uniqueness on a different way. Instead of producing unique form, it has given the world unique spirit, throughout the watch that Rafael Nadal was wearing, during his champion’s run inMonte Carlo, earlier this year.
Rafa’s personal timepiece is even more authentic, since it is a pre-production prototype model that had been under serious tests, before the line was released. However, this watch pasted the most serious tests on Nadal’s wrist, during professional tennis games. Since it is unbelievably light, just 20 grams with a strap, the RM 027 doesn’t affect its extraordinary precision, as well as the game has no effect on the perfect work of the watch. I have always mentioned that good watch should alao be string and tough enoughjt o go for the sport you do… Tennis is a tough game that swing your arm to hit the ball for a 100KM/hour speed. No watch with Tourbillon could possible stand and work without any damages. Richard Mille designed this watch with the toughest and lightest material, toughj could be indistrutibel light to reduce the inertia and impact force on the Balancign gear and other precision parts inside this watch. I think this watch can go up to Euro 620,000 on the aution!
A 48mm x 39.7mm case of Richard Mille RM 027 is crafted in a composite of mostly carbon, matching a polycarbonate strap. The most striking part of the watch is inside the case. A Caliber RM 027 hand-wound mechanism with a tourbillon has a low weight under 4 grams, thanks to its construction, made of titanium and a rarely used metal alloy, called aluminum lithium.

Monaco Snob

Citizen Appleseed XIII Eco-Drive Satellite Watch

It is Battery-less, with Accuracy of the Atomics Clock, it works anywhere on the Earth for receiving Satellite Signal. This is what an ideal watch should equip with.
The First revolutionary Citizen watch with the ultimate precision, named the Citizen Appleseed XIII Eco-Drive Satellite Watch will be released in fall.
Solar power and extreme precision combined are the insurance that you don’t have to worry about the maintenance, because the Citizen Appleseed XIII functions perfectly, precisely and endlessly.

HK Snob

1974 Grand Seiko Hi Beat

GRAND-SEIKO HI-BEAT Ref.5646-7010
Function: Hour, Min & Sec Hands with Date & English or Kanji Day Wheel
Caliber: 5646
Production Year: About 1974's
Cal: 5646 (Hi-Beat) 5 Position. Adj. Automatic Winding with Manual Winding & Hacking. (Stop the Sec Hands)
Jewels: 25 Jewels
Dial: Cream Color Dial
Crystal: Original Glass
Smooth Bezel
Original GS Crown.
Case: Stainless Steel (Some Fine Hair Scratches)
Dimension of Case: 36 x 41 mm (Excluding Crown)
Band: Original Bracelet (With the Gold GS logo on the Clip)
Condition: 90% New, Used, Working, Very fine in as found condition as you can see at the Pictures Service: I have tested it gains 1 second a day when Lying with the crystal face up, and Gain 1.5 seconds when Crown Facing Down after 24 hours.. It is a Superb Accurate Mechanical Masterpieces made by the Japanese Craftmanship in the 70's Highly Collectible.

HK Snob

Why Rolex Oyster Watch is So Durable and Reliable!?

Shock Resistance Capability of a watch
Early watch say before 1934 did not have any shock resistance design and is liable to get damages very easily. Before the widespread use of shock protection devices like Incabloc, broken balance staffs were a major cause of watch repair service visitsThe major defect besides the scratches in the casing and Crystal, is the main balance staff that would be broken, or chipped. That would cause the watch to lose accuracy and or even stop. Some of the balance staffs of watch have a diameter of merely 0.15mm. They have to be made hard using steel, they are small especially the contact between the tip and the jewel bearing so as to reduce friction. That is an essential design to increase watch accuracy by reducing friction. So it is necessary to be protected from damages by accidental drops on the floor.
Incabloc
The Incabloc shock protection system is the trade name for a spring-loaded mounting system for the jewel bearings that support the balance wheel in a mechanical watch, to protect the wheel's delicate pivots from damage in the event of physical shock. Incabloc design model prevents shock damages on the shaft of the balancing wheel by allowing the jeweled balance of the watch to move laterally and vertically within a spring-mounted setting. Incabloc was invented in 1934 by Swiss engineers Georges Braunschweig and Fritz Marti, at Universal Escapements, Ltd, Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It is currently manufactured by Incabloc, S.A.
Incabloc is used by many movements including most modern ETA and Omega movements.
How Does Incabloc Work?
The Incabloc system uses a "lyre-shaped" spring to allow the delicate bearings to shift in their settings under impact, until a stronger shoulder of the staff contacts the strong metal endpiece, so that the fine and delicate pivots and bearings don't have to bear the force of the impact. When the impact is over, the springs guide the parts back to their original positions. The staff itself does not move relative to the jewel bearing, but the whole bearing is carried in a metal bushing that is free to move in the metal endpiece, under the control of the spring. The watch equipped with Incabloc does not mean that it could stand a very strong impact, if the impact force is greater than the strong shoulder could stand, the balance staff would be broken too.
Other Shock Resistance Design
Other techniques for shock protection include Parachoc, Kif, Unisafe and Novochoc. KIF is a Rolex Design Shock resistance system, ETA's Etachoc, Seiko's Diashock, and Citizen's Parashock.
These are the known types of Watch Shock Resistance System, It may have more…
Antichoc, Bidlingm, Contrachoc, Cymaflex, Diashock, Duofix, Durobloc, Duroshock, DuroSwing, Etachoc, Farr, Forester, Herucles, Incabloc, Intrabloc, Junghams, Kif, KifA, Microflex, Monobloc, Monorex, Novochoc, Parashock, Parechoc, Resomatic, Rubyshock, Rufarex, Shockresist, Shock Stabil, Super-Shock-R, Super-Shock-Res, unichoc, Unishock, Uwersi, Vibrax...
Comparison between KIF and Incabloc
The primary difference is the shape of the spring which holds the cap rubies (s) down. Both let you remove the cap jewel without totally removing the spring - it kind'a hinges up and out of the way without having to take it completely off.
Most of the higher end brands use Kif: AP, PP, Rolex, VC, JLC, Chopard, etc.
From the design Incabloc has just two contacts in the jewel bearing whereas Kif has three balance at each 120 degrees along the whole circumference for the jewel. Under strong shock impact, the Kif may survive better in maintaining the Ruby jewel bearing in a balanced position. As Kif using three-point contacts that it will have a self-aligned effect on the position of the bearing. Two point Incabloc may have a possibility to shift the bearing a bit to one side in case the spring is not in a co planarity or flat. So I think three points are best… two points is insufficient, and 4 points is not working, some what Like the Hi Fi System that only we put three Nails under each amplifier, we seldom put four.
ISO Standard of Watch Shock Resistance
The International Organization for Standardization issued a standard ISO 1413 Horology for shock resistant watches which many watch makers have adopted.—Shock-resistant watches specifies the minimum requirements and describes the corresponding method of test. It is based on the simulation of the shock received by a watch on falling accidentally from a height of 1 m on to a horizontal hardwood surface. It is intended to allow homologation tests rather than the individual control of all watches of a production batch.
Shock Resistance Test
In practice shock resistance is generally tested by applying two shocks (one on the 9 o'clock side, and one to the crystal and perpendicular to the face). The shock is usually delivered by a hard plastic hammer mounted as a pendulum, so as to deliver a measured amount of energy, specifically, a 3 kg hammer with an impact velocity of 4.43 m/s. The watch must keep its accuracy to +/- 60 seconds/day as measured before the test.
Rolex is Likely One of the most Durable Watches on the World!
The Solid Oyster case is circular in shape, due to the shape of the oyster case once there is force impact onto it, the cylindrical surface will transmit portion Part of force onto other end of the case instead of the impact is direct acting on the movement inside, and the case is hewn from a single solid pieces of metal using 60 tons of pressure. It will not break and would likely last for life time. On the Other hand Rolex is famous for their ruggedness and all of their movements are based on their KIF shock Resistance System, mounted 3130 movements...3135 for a date, 3186 for a GMT function, 3131 for a Faraday cage and some non ferrous parts.
The exceptions are the 4130 Chronograph movement in the Daytona, and the 3156 movement in the Day Date II which has their own, new Paraflex shock system. Moreover, Rolex has invested on both the Balance Wheel staff and Lever Escapement Shaft. I call it double Shock Resistance System, only a few watches in the world have been equipped double Kif System in one watch.
When I was working on board merchant vessels, I asked why the Chief Officer, Quartermasters, oiler, carpenters, sailors, and Engineers used Rolex Oyster watches, no matter, Date Just, Air King, Or even Oyster Precision. The only Answer is “Rolex is reliable!”
Oyster case in fact is made in high precision with 162 operations from a solid metal or Gold. Great care that are present throughout the manufacture of an Oyster result in a case that is virtually a miniature safe, extremely strong and practically indestructible, the movement is installed inside the seal safe with double Shock resistance system to guarantee the watch will be used in the harsh condition like Polo, Horse Riding, Golf, Diving, will no incur that possibility to create and damages to the watch.

HK Snob

Is Rolex considered a conspicuous consumption item in HK?!

Yesterday when I went to CitiSuper Gateway TST intending to shop for some Japanese beef for my daughter, when I entered the pay line. I was shock to see that there is having 6 persons wearing Rolex… really that is more or less a watch show. It was probably co-incident m but I noticed what watch people wears. They are White Gold Rolex Daytona on leather strap on a young lady’s right wrist, mid size Stainless steel Rolex Date Just with pink dial, Rolex Submariner black dial and bezel, Rolex Date Just two tone boy size. Rolex Thunderbird stainless steel, a Panerai. I was wearing my Rolex Yellow gold Day Date Purple dial.
Well, those area are usually you can see a lo of middle class people and It was Saturday, a lot of shoppers.
Since we have been labeled Rolex for many years as the most luxury brand in Asia, after Louis Vitton. More people is intending to buy a Rolex if he does not yet have one, to buy more as is he is a Rolex lover… to buy many if he is serious collector.
The reason why people like Rolex? It can retain its value, as even after you have been using for 10 years still you can sell it at a rather good price.
On the other hand, the service support is very good at Rolex Authorized Service Centre, they are efficient.
The other major reason is Rolex has a good reputation of durable, reliable, accurate, functional and beautiful, it does not need Tourbillon, or perpetual calendar, or repeater. it is a simple time telling function, extremely watch-proof! And Rolex never go out of Fashion!
As Far as I think, Rolex watches can not be considered as a conspicuous consumption in HK. It is an Investment, a man's accessory, a piece of Swiss WatchMaster egineering works.. Rolex is a life time investment. A honest beautiful time piece for many many years.

HK Snob

Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon

A Flying tourbillon, winding the movement through a circular rack mechanism. Inside bezel 48 diamonds and 12 Blue Sapphire, 41mm. Limited in 99 pieces in Platinum.
HK Snob