What is The best Collectible Rolex We should Buy Today?

You want to tell about which current model Rolex is the most collectable? And which model is the best selling from each brand? First, best-selling and collectable almost rule each other out. The truly collectable Rolex watches that fetch the highest prices are those that were produced in a very small series or even had a manufacturing default. So Does it mean a Platimum Rolex Date Day is the best Collectible. I don't think so.
A Collectible watch may contain or fulfill this factors:
Always having a Good Movement
A Good technologic Achievement
A Memorial item
A limited number of production A Must
A Hit watch at certain time later, retro Style
Not necessary Beautiful.
A Good Brand Value, Always important factor.
A Rolex Date Day is A Beautiful good Technological Achievement as it is Flag ship of Rolex
But does not mean it is Collectible as generally they are made in Volume production.
It's similar to stamps. The run of the mill stamps are worth nothing. The odd misprint can be worth millions because they are so rare.
Rolex is an ideal case for that because they produce industrially. Thus in principle you don't get collectability from Rolex watches. However, certain versions stand out and are indeed super desirable (Black Explorer, Vanilla Sub, Comex Sub , Paul Newman Daytona, McQueen Explorer II, Ferrari Red Dial). Rolex are industrial but some rare one off watches will fetch up to HKD$1,000,000. The opposite are super rare Patek Philippe 1953 World Time Enamel watches. There are only 3 per pieces. The highest price was around $4 million. This proves that rarity and technical complexity as well as aura are the driving factors in collectability and value.
Thus it is for watches. New collectors should do their own research and they should march to the beat of their own drummer when it comes to collecting watches, but there are still some general trends, histories and situations that influence the long term values of many watch brands and many models of movements.
So what is the Best Collectible Rolex that we should Buy today!?
Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610LV Green bezel green dial
Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570 Orange pointer Black Dial

This is My Suggestion only!
HK Snob

What is the best Selling Model for Rolex In HK?

The Most recognizable Rolex Model is no question the Fluted Bezel Date Just or the Day Date. As the Fluted Bezel stands out amongst the rest of the watch as an Icon of Rolex.
Rolex never published their sales figure on models, base on my understanding, it is estimated that 60% of Rolex watches sold are some versions of the Date Just.
Best Sportive model is Submariner, but it comes with one size, where Date Just comes with 3 sizes Men, Boy (mid) and lady, till 2009 that they introduced the Ref. 116334 Rolex Date Just for men 41mm size. So there are 4 sizes for Date Just, plus a few variants for different strap available, and the material for watch stainless steel, two tones, and Rose gold Two Tone. This creates a lot of variants for different people who does like his style and models. This Successful Strategy makes Rolex Date Just the Most Successful Model.
A Rough estimation this is the best Selling Model in HK
1. Men Stainless Steel Date Just Ref. 116234
2. Men Two Tone stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Date Just Ref. 116233
3. Men Two Tone stainless Steel and Rose Gold Date Just Ref. 116231 mainly because of the Chinese. The Date Just occupies approximately 50% of total Rolex Sales in HK.
The Submariner is very popular for professional divers, youth and sportive woman, celebrity and movie star. Since it has only one size, due to the effect of the Divers, Professionals, executives and Celebrities, Movies Star, the Sales is keep up with the Date Just, but due to one model only, their sales is approximately 6% of Total Rolex Sales units. The Third best Selling model is Explorer II.
So How About Date Day, as you know, Date Day is the flag Ship of All Rolex, only Gold is available, that has been marked as the Icon of the Big Brother’s watch, Presidents watch, CEO, CTO best favourite watch, as no one can afford if you are not the manager’s in the company, and in fact this gives Date Day a image of Older men’s watch. Yes, I seldom seeing men wears a Date Day if he is younger than 40’s.., So Date Day becomes a Status of Watch in your career.
HK Snob

The Rolex Hot item at Singapore Chang Yi AirPort Rolex Shop

Chang Yi Airport Rolex shop has the rare item that HK People is looking for such as The Rolex Explorer II orange Hand white Dial, they are selling at SGD$12,000.00. Price has been deduced the GST 7% already, where as the list price is supposed to be SGD$10300. They have no stock for Black dial which I think is Better than White as the Orange Hands inner portion is black, so the yellow arrow hands looks apparently to be “ floating arrow"!! When I look at it, I feel that it is large, but a bit large than it is needed. I think it is not as attractive as I was thinking of. So I thin I will switch from Black Dial, which I have to see and start to tell how does it looks. May be it is not as beautiful as I am thinking. Anyway, I did not buy the white dial Explorer II Orange hand!
Other rare item is Submariner , they have limited supply of it. There also they have Milgauss orange hand white dial. So why should Singaporean come to HK for shopping for the Rolex!?

Singapore Snob

What are the materials used to make watch cases?

There are many types of metal to be used for making watch cases, Solid Yellow Gold, Pink Gold, White gold in gold like 9K, 14K and 18K, nowadays, gold case is almost 18K (75%)
Stainless steel is used to be the most common material for case. The High end watch is often made of Platinum or Titanium.
Platinum is a very heavy metal, and gives a shiny white metallic appearance. Unlike gold, pure platinum is fairly hard and resistant to scratches (similar to hard stainless steel). For this reason, it is often used in 95% purity (i.e. Pt 950). However, raw platinum is expensive to be used, not only because of its rarity, it is tough and the tooling has to be changed for not more than 3 cases, so manufacturing cost of high. But also because it is used in higher purities and requires more effort to work into a final shape. So as traditional practice in marking prices of watch, Platinum is used to be the Most expensive line of the Watch, then Pink gold, White Gold, yellow gold.
Take Rolex watch Price as for examples, make it a stainless steel as 1. the Two one is about 1.7X Yellow gold is 4X, Rose Gold is 5X, Platinum is 7X.
Other case materials which one will run across occasionally (especially on the vintage market) are Sterling Silver (92.5% purity silver), Coin silver (80% purity silver), nickel silver or silveroid (not silver, but 66% copper, 24% zinc, and 10% nickel), nickel, and nickel plated steel. Also, more recently, one can even find watch cases made of ceramic (zirconium oxide, Rado has been using for many years as used recently by IWC) and aluminum (used in conjunction with other metals, as currently used by Porsche Design and BVLGARI.)
Titanium is a relatively light-weight metal, with a hardness exceeding that of most steels. It also has a poor heat conductivity character, which means that it won't carry heat away from your skin as quickly as steel or aluminum (i.e. it will feel warmer to the touch - sometimes you'll see claims that titanium "remains at skin temperature" - this is technically incorrect, any more than a small piece of wood stays at skin temperature). Several varieties of titanium are available. Titanium has some interesting mechanical properties: it can "rip" when cut so it is difficult to machine, and two pieces of titanium pressed together can "weld" themselves together.
This latter property is why it is important that watches with titanium cases and backs have the casebacks removed periodically - the threads can actually rip out of the case if left undisturbed too long.
Later trend like AP introduces the carbon Fibre that has to be molded under hi temperature and pressure.
Rado has been using unscratchable ceramic material to make watch for many years..
Plastic watch case has vibrant colour that has no limit at all, but the sweat that goes into the plastic will ultimately changes colour of the plastic, the plastic will become brittle after years. It may crack. So only cheap watch use plastic to make cases.
So what is the best material to make watch cases, my opinion is Platinum as it is precious metal that has a dull silver grey colour. Rose gold because of the colour is beautiful and classical look. White gold as it is like stainless steel, good low profile metal for cases, yellow gold that shines the way forever when you wear it on your write. Titanium is good for sport watch as it seem has it unique colour and super light weight yet strong to resist scratches, Ceramic is not a good material a sit is too cold on my hand. Plastic is limited to be used for low cost watch I believe, though there has been a trend for expensive watch case to have some plastic parts on the watch cases Like AP. But I don't like it at all.
Attached picture is a Rolex Oyster watch case made of solid single piece of 18KT Yellow Gold.

HK Snob

What is a watch winder, and do I need one?

Collectors who have more than one automatic watch may have "difficulty" keeping any one watch going continuously. This leads to increased inconvenience especially if perpetual calendars and moonphases must be reset. A solution has been invented - the automatic watch winder.
The idea is quite simple, to strap the automatic watch on to s socket which is mounted on top of a geared motor, which then moves the watch enough to keep it wound when not worn on the wrist. That way, one can choose to wear any watch at any time, and not have to reset the time or calendars. In theory, this device should be simple and cheap.

In practice, it's not as easy as it sounds. First, while an automatic watch has an overwind protection mechanism to avoid damage to the movement, if the overwind mechanism is constantly used for hours at a time (i.e. though constant turning, rather than the unpredictable movement of the human wrist), the lubrication of the mechanism is worn out faster. This means that watch winders must be designed to only make so many turns per day, and to let the watch sit and run itself through its power train. Furthermore, since automatic winding mechanisms vary from watch model to model, the winder must be designed to have an adjustable number and direction of turns per day. Finally, mechanical watches are considered luxury items, which means watch winders are doubly so - due to the small number of people who would actually want one.

An important factors for Watch winder is the magnetic flux leakage. It should not have significant leakage that would magnetize your Expensive Watch. Battery driven motor is preferred as it is quiet and less electrical interference. Two size A battery cells can run continuous for two years. Some of the cheapest one of watch winder is HKD$800 and more expensive Watch Winder is sold at HKD$1,000,000.00.

A Mechanical watch is prone to get easier for wear and tear if they are set to run on timer for more than one year. If I had too many watches I had rather manual set the time before I wear it, only concern is Perpetual calendar that is hard to set-up. I know many people even does not care the day and date on their calendar perpetually at all,

All of this means that manufacturers for the consumer market must not only make their winders mechanically foolproof to avoid damaging watches, but they often construct the winder comparably to a jewelry box. The upshot of all this is that most consumer’s watch winders with programmable winding are expensive - often costing several hundred or thousand dollars.

While cheaper professional models exist, these often do not come with programmable settings, as the maker assumes that they would be used in a watchmaker's shop.

Some Cheap Watch winder has a lousy watch capture and lock device, you expensive watch may drop out and get scratched when you are travelling.

Last word - winders are not a necessity, they are a convenience. You should decide whether they are worth it based on whether you feel inconvenienced resetting your automatics occasionally.
HK Snob

You're not ready!

You’re not ready!
You’re young.
You haven’t been with the company all that long.
You’re not quite sure of your position.
Maybe in a few years, when you’re a little bit established.
But not yet.
Of course, if you disagree, you can visit an official Rolex jeweler!

This is a famous Rolex Advertisement for Rolex Day Date set with Diamonds in 1980’s!
HK Snob

Don't leave home without it!

There was AMEX card Ad in 1986 in HK TV: “Don’t leave home without it?
Now I should say that Don’t leave home without my Rolex!
The attached Rolex Day Date is the all time favourite for works, shopping, Yam Cha, Monday to Sunday. as it is a typical low profile watch because it is white Gold. Matches easily with your clothes, white shirt with aligned harmony, Black shirt with glows of great lustre Contrast!
'From the top of the world to the bottom of the sea, Rolex proves dependable'
Rolex advertisement, 1954’
Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1908, Rolex have always been a manufacturer of firsts; first wristwatch to receive Chronometer certification, first with automatically changing date, deepest sea record, fastest Speed record on bomber jet, first with an oscillating winding rotor as is still used today and the first waterproof wristwatch too. Can any other manufacturer boast this much provenance? No! that is Why Rolex is always my first Choice of Watch!

HK Snob

What does "adjusted", "unadjusted" and "regulated" mean?

An "unadjusted" movement is a movement where no attempt has been made to ensure that the daily error rate in several orientations (positions) have been minimized or optimized across the positions. An "adjusted" movement, therefore, has had some extra care in ensuring that the variance in accuracy between several orientations is minimized.
Watches are typically adjusted to 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 positions. Traditionally, they are ordered as follows:

1. Dial Up
2. Crown Down
3. Dial Down
4. Crown Left
5. Crown Up
6. Crown Right
For example, a watch adjusted to two positions include positions 1 & 2 from the above list (i.e. face up and crown down). Similarly, a watch adjusted for 4 positions has been adjusted in positions 1-4, and so on. Watches can also be adjusted for isochronism (i.e. constant time across varying states of wind) and temperature. Some manufacturers (Franck Muller, and Patek Phillipe) adjusts to 8 positions (the above six plus two half-way orientations); though this is a bit over-the-top, but that takes a lot of works to achieve that position accuracy.
All Rolex Chornometers are adjusted to Five Positions! refer to above Picture.
A "regulated" movement is a when the overall rate of the entire movement (either adjusted or not) is brought into correct absolute timing. Unlike adjustment, this is a simple tweak, which moves the daily rates of all of the positions up or down without intentionally changing the relative rates in positions.

HK snob

What does "17 jewels" mean?

Higher grade watches use a jeweled movements, which means that jewels were actually been used in the movement. These jewels are functional - they are used as the bearings for the wheel trains and in high wearing parts such as the escape lever and impulse jewel.
Most manual wind watches will have a standard complement of 17 jewels.
Automatic winding movements will add about 4-8 jewels to help most efficiently transfer the relatively small rotor forces into winding the mainspring. An automatic Winding watch will normally have 25 jewels.
Special Movements with additional functions such as chronographs and calendars, can up the total number of jewels tremendously. For example, the IWC Il Destriero Scafusia (claimed to be among the most complicated wristwatches) has a total of 76 jewels to accommodate the time, perpetual calendar, rattrapante chronograph, repeater, and tourbillon functions - and this is a manual wind watch.
Why do they use synthetic ruby?
Ruby is significantly better than steel in handling the forces involved, never wear out easily and providing a super low friction surface suitable for both high-load as well as high-speed motion. With modern production methods, they are cheap USD$0.1
Ruby is technically known corundum, and is a crystallized form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). In pure form, corundum is white in colour; trace impurities are added to change the colour - to red in the case of rubies. It should also be noted that any other colour of corundum (including clear) is known as sapphire. Ruby is used because it is an extremely hard and provides a smooth surface for the wheel pivots (and other steel components) to operate on. In a mechanical watch, there is a constant force applied to the pivot of every wheel in the wheel train, which is applied by the wound-up mainspring… Without any jewels, the steel wheel pivots would very quickly wear away the bridge and plate material until the wheels came out of alignment, and the movement would crash to a halt. In the inexpensive watch of yesteryear, the pivot holes may have been provided with hardened metal bushings.
Are more jewels better?
Not necessarily. As noted above, a typical hand-wind movement today will have only 17 jewels as a full complement. Some really high-grade or ultra-thin movements will add a few extra jewels to further protect against any wear, but even these top out at 21-23 jewels.
Only those pieces of the movement which are between the mainspring and the escape wheel are candidates for jewelling, as these are the movement parts that experience the higher forces or relatively higher speeds of the mainspring or escapement. Other components, such as the motion works (i.e. hour and minute wheels), calendar mechanisms, and winding train are not under this constant stress, and thus arguably do not need jewels.
One will occasionally encounter a quartz movement with 4-6 jewels in it.
As a historical note, there was a "jewel craze" about 50 years ago, where manufacturers, under the belief that the public thought more was always better, came up with 75 or even 100 jewel movements. They are decorative Jewels.

HK Snob

Seiko Kinetic Watch

The capacitor is inserted under Copper plate at 7 O'clock position.

Is Seiko Kinetic Watch does not carry battery!
The answer is, No, it does not carry a battery,
But instead it does carry a Capacity!
The Kinetic watch power is relied on a mechanical rotor to generate electricity when we move the rotor. It will charge up the capacity and that battery will be used to maintain the power of the Microprocessor and all the steppers driving the analogues display.
When the watch is un-touched or left behind more than a 24 hours, the hands of the watch will stop, that is going into a hibernate mode to save power. That is a very good feature of Seiko Kinetic. When you pick up the watch again, the hands will be moved to the current display time.
The beauty of the Kinetic watch is mechanical movement for power generation and runs at the accuracy of the Quartz Watch at about 0.3 seconds a day.
The Draw back of the Kinetic Watch is that still it contain a Capacitor that you might have to replace after 6 to 10 years after the capacitor wears out. And it is quite expensive. The watch that I have shown here is required to replace the capacitor for HKD$280 after 7 years.
Next time I would like to buy a pure mechanical watch instead of Kinetic version from Seiko!

HK Snob

How to replace battery and get it started for a Citizen Minute Repeater

This is the proper way to change battery of the Citizen Minutes Repeater (limited to 1000 pieces).

Just follow the instruction on the label on the back of the watch cover as shown.

You can set-up yourself in less than 5 miniutes. No need to send to Citizen Service Centre.

I have done these three times already. The battery can last about 4 years.

HK Snob

How Much the Accessories of your pre-owned Rolex Valued?!

Sometimes, the pre-owned Rolex can be more expensive than the new Rolex,, why as because that is discontinued, or those were limited production.
We have to go for shops buying these pre-owned or used Rolex Watches...
How to tell the value of the accessories?

This is purely a reference only
For example for Date Day
If the strap is not from Rolex… it value will be 1/3 of the original strap a Original pre-owned Rolex President strap is approx HKD$40,000. Whereas a local made Rolex Strap may cost about HKD$12,000
Original Box – HKD$500
Original Warranty certificate- HKD$1,000
Original Purchase invoice HKD$300
Rolex booklet and operation manual, HKD$500
Leather Passport holder HKD$500
Rolex Oyster Seal HKD$100
So a fully equipped Rolex may ask you for HKD$100,000
But purely a same Rolex without the accessories, come with local watch strap may just cost you. HKD$60,000 or less estimated… Sometimes the Rolex Repair slip that is also an important Reference as it tells you Rolex has accepted to service the watch, as only if Genuine Rolex will be serviced in Rolex Service Centre. Attached a sample of Rolex Service Slip on a Rolex DD.
Next time when you buy….check the watch carefully! HK Snob

How to tell a Rolex Case has been polished or not…

Well, if you find a beautifully Rolex which looks like new… whereas there is another one may have lines of scratches and traces of usage… everyone will pick up the new one first, but I do hesitate… all we have to check the case has been polished after leaving Rolex Factory.
As if they have been polished many times… though it looks like NEW, but the Rolex oyster curvature and profile may be lost. And the watch looks a bit “Thin”. When you pick up a new Rolex, is “Fat” meaning that they have muscle on all corners, slugs, and it look wider.
The how to tell a Rolex case has been polished? I usually look at the for surfaces of the slugs. If they are original un-polished, it has a rectangle shape with shape corner edges. if the watch has been polished , especially by non-professional operators, they look filmsy and the rectangle will be gone.. If a professional operator could polish the case removing all scratches and lines and at the same time restoring the rectangle, yes, it can, but the overall watch length will be shortened.. Experienced Watch collector can easily tell by comparing two Rolex side by side to tell the length of it…but most of the cases, the about check can tell how much the case has been polished and is good to serve our purposes… and most of the case, the Shop keeper will be hesitate for a customer to do such a stringent body-checks!
A polished case will lose it value. But not too much if they have been polished lightly. But if we are buying that Rolex for Collection, of course the first choice if going to the un-polished one…
In another cases that non Rolex AD Rolex may be Restored… so you do have to check also see if that has been undergone some polishing works to restore the original luster with trade off of the "Fatness" of the Oyster.
HK Snob

A Very Enchanting 14K Solid Gold Omega Seamaster De Ville with Art Deco set-up

A Vintage OMEGA Seamaster De Ville. 14KT Yellow-Gold, automatic with Date indicator! I believe it was made in the 60's whereas Omega watch making manufacturing technology was at the summit of the whole 20 Century. Who will resist this Art Deco Watch Dial Design? The case is very Excellent in condition and likley not to be opened not more than 2 times. One minor flaw is that Watch was a gift from wife to the husband.... Or a rich lady given to the beloved man... This Gold Omega may be sold in HK at about HKD$2,800 in the 60s' that is an equivalent to some Clerks 9 months salary! Now it is about HKD$7,200. Case, Crystal, Dial, crown and Movement is Original. Can you buy an Automatic Gold Watch of the current production with this amount of money?
HK Snob

Rolex Ref, 1803 Yellow Gold

ROLEX Ref.1803 18K Yellow Solid-Gold. "Fat case" 3 Hall-Mark. Original Dial with Diamonds-set numbers. Looking from the end of the four slugs on the picture to reveal the rectangular shape of the End Surface thus to tell the case has not been Polished, if polished the end surface area will be reduced... this is one way to tell the case has been polished or not. Below HKD$40K!
HK Snob

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