Vintage time : Rolex 5513 and why you should buy it over a modern Sub

The Rolex Submariner is perhaps the best-selling and most famous tool watch that has ever been produced. The 5513 is one of the most popular references among the other few. The 5513 was produced between 1962 and 1989. It was one of the best diver in that period as the watch was very simple and easy to maintain. The 5513 is a 200m diver with a lot of dial variations. But, let’s talk about the basics first.
 

 

 

The 5513 is 40mm in diameter and it is a good entry level vintage Rolex. It has a matte dial and no date. It has a domed Plexiglass crystal and tritium markers. Most of the 5513 you can find today have aged markers which are beige in color. A normal 5513 with white dial letters and “feet-first” dial is around 47-50k HKD

 

 

Compared with modern Submariners, the 5513 feels more like a tool watch. It has better curves on the case and there are lug holes. The Maxi dial gives it very good legibility. The fun thing is that you can pair it with different leather straps and watch the watch age. The aluminum bezel insert will fade in color in time to give it a unique look. The dial markers will grow darker in color. It is not cold modern Submariners can compare. You can opt for the gilt dial on which letters on the dial are gold in color if you are willing to pay a premium for the added vintage feeling. The 5513 houses a robust 1530 or 1520 movement which is not COSC certified like that in the 5512. However, as always, Rolex’s workhorses do not fail.

HK Snob

AP watch Owner Wanted, you have got a potential Buyer

Sorry that I lost the original watch owner information for this watch I put ad in March 2016.


Please contact me as there is a Blog read who is interested for your watch.

HK Snob

The color game of Rolex – tricks or real aesthetics?

Rolex, as we all know, is very good at playing with colors. The 116610lv “Hulk”, the 116710blnr “Batman” and the 116660 Deep Sea D-Blue are among the best-selling Rolex watches with “special” colors.

 

The Deep Sea D-Blue has the most appealing aesthetics as it has a gradient blue-black dial with sharp green “DEEPSEA” letters. At 44mm, it is a way more attractive watch than the Deep Sea black. However, the price of it is also much higher than the Deep Sea black after discounts. You may end up paying 20k more than the Deep Sea black. But, it is always worth it if you want to wear something special.

 

 

In the world of Rolex, colors seem to represent a kind of prestige. For example, the Platona (Platinum Daytona) has ice blue dial while the Yellow gold Submariner has blue dial and bezel.

 

 

Other choices? The Milgauss Z-blue and the Yacht Master blue dial are not bad if you are into the color blue. Colors come with a price in the world of Rolex. Different colors are also a sign of prestige, meaning that you are not the ordinary man with a ordinary watch.

HK Snob

PS

We can supply Ref.116610LV Submariner Hulk at HK$66,500 BNIB

Ref.116660 DeepSea D-blue at HK$92,500 BNIB, Batman GMT Master II HK$65,000

 

 

 

 

HKWF gathering 2 July 2016

 

 

 

Happy Gathering
HK Snob

Rolex Datejust 36mm and Datejust II 41mm

The Rolex Datejust has always been one of the most iconic watches in the entire Rolex collection. It is a very practical watch. Unlike the Day-date, the Datejust is also available in stainless steel and the prices are way more affordable. The best thing about the Datejust is that it comes with precious metal bezels no matter which material you choose.

The 36mm Datejust has been around for many years. It is a very elegant and discrete watch that shines on any occasion. The fluted bezel is a show stopper while the smooth bezel is more understated. The 116234 offers a wide range of dial options. These options include computer dials, diamond markers, mother of pearl dials and some very well-designed ones such as the tuxedo dials. At 36mm, it is the perfect size for formal attire especially with Jubilee bracelet.

 

 

 

 

The 41mm Datejust II Ref.116334 has received some new members this year with Jubilee bracelet in two tone models. The 41mm Datejust II offers bigger dials and therefore is more eye-catching. The whole watch reflects light sharper than the 36mm version and offers you a good option if you find the Datejust to be too formal. However, the 41mm Datejust II does not offer many dial options. It is a pity as the Datejust II can be more successful with more dial options especially those with diamond markers.

Either the 36mm Datejust or the 41mm Datejust II will be a very good choice for you if you are looking for a dress watch with a reasonable price.

 

HKWF can get less 20% off the list price for you with cash deal.

 

Specify your specification and we do get the watch delivered into your home.*

 

 

HK Snob

 

PS * Hong Kong, Manila, Alabang and Makati only.

 

 

HK Snob's Rolexs' Fantasy

BREXIT, Rolex Price Up, recession and what Shall we do else with the depreciating money?

A UK Friend knows this because he has a banking background. So anyone who has the same experience will or can relate. On a few points. I don't have much gold but like to trade watches for gold coins nowadays rather than money (paper), cuts all the rubbish out.

London Rolex Authorized dealers have already increased it prices on Gold watches 5-8% so in theory we have had price increases throughout this year within 6-9 months. Following on, BOE is yet to raise its rates, the IMF will dry up, eventually. Prime Minister has no obligation to Europe accept its cousins (Royal descendants, aristocrats) typically as business men would say after doing you out of a deal! "Its business"

Now David Cameron has jumped ship! Correct Hilary battle axe will be president and its down hill from there onwards, for those who have stored up so much New pieces, good if you have the capital but only time will tell. "The water bed is drying" which is going to force a harsh decline. I'd rather any 60s-80s YG or WG full gold 14k, 18k watch over a steel any day. At least scrap value has some value to it and if you paid $7k and was to scrap as a worst case scenario you'd gain at least 50% against the weight maybe more to what you paid. But try and do this on today with any of the new watches it will be like trying to resale a diamond stone and we all know you always lose 75% of cost unless it’s flawless, same with exceptional time pieces! However for the average or majority who have thought to invest in newer and over produced pieces, many may be upset with my comment view and they are well within their rights to disagree.

Valuable metals is the global currency always has been has never failed, every countries foundation of economics still believes it to be viable.

Gold will soon increase to $2,000 very soon.

A UK Big Rolex Gold Watch Collector, 28 June 2016

Anyone who has gold 22k 1oz coins in exchange for GOLD WATCHES please contact me and l will notify him!

It is a Chaos when the economic is bad, especially the rich does not want people come to take their food on the plate free… Who knows After Britain, then France, Italy, and Sooner the Big brother Germany will declare to leave EU?

Who will be the finial beneficiary!?

US, yes in the role of world Police, Japan? No, They cannot go back to the tie they were in 80s

Russia and China may tie up into a closer relations to declare brotherhood, China may export more Super Rail, factory sets-up support to countries like Philippines, East European, East Africa, Pakistan, South America.

So at that time another generation of Rich Chinese will have extra money to buy toys…

By 2025 China GDP is same as if no close  to USA, become world No.1  economy System,.

How to spend the money for the Middle Class… buying crazy stuff Like Italian Horse and Bull or luxury watches is a MUST!

As Chinese Rich people like to Show-off…  At that time your Submariner 16610LV Flat 4 may be able to reach HK$200,000. The Submariner NOS Ref.116610LV Hulk will be selling at HK$180,000

A Daytona A series Ref.116520LN will be HK$250,000

The Daytona Ceramic Ref.116500LN will be easily HKD$200,000.

The GMT Master Blue Back will be HK$250,000.

Oh the First generation AP Royal Oak A series will be HKD$500,000 (sorry I sold off last year for cash already)

How about Ref.18039, 18038, 1803, 1807… all goes up X4 times as of the value today…

Time will tell….

By the way, by 2025, Norkor has been unified as one Korea, become one family… One Rich Family.

HK Snob

The above article is purely my personal thoughts about what would happen in 10 years.

 

UK Collectors' Day Date

 

 

 

Price of a Rolex depends much on the dial especially on Day Date.

 

Onyx is a kind of gem Rolex used to put it as dial on some of the Flag Ship watch in the 80s.

 



Day Date Onyx, Submariner Onyx carries a price 2X to 2.5X 

than an ordinary dial of the same model.

 

Look at these watches, are they rare?

 

Yes they are, The creamy Explorer II is also adorable,

 

For more information, you can Whatsapp me.

 

HK Snob

 

 

A thin white gold, Patek Phillipe like Ferdinand Marcos'

 

The same watch of Patek Philippe Ref.3528/3 white gold watch that Ferdinand Marcos worn on his 58th Birthday.

This belongs to a collector from Miami, Florida.

Does it look great still after 40 years?  It would be perfect if there is no oxidation stains on the dial.

Refer to my prior post on the real Ferdinand Marcos watch kept by a Collector.

http://watch-fever.blogspot.hk/2013/05/president-marcos-58th-birthday-watch.html

HK Snob

Where to Repair my Watches

 

 

I had my first car 1990 BMW 318iSA, I had encountered a couple of incidents, while  it was running on highway it stopped everything, no engine, no brake, no power steering… it shocked me!

I went to BMW repair they told me, Oh it is the Computer problem, changed it as a whole new module with HKD$30,000 will do… Man, in 1996 HK$30,000 can buy a Daytona Watch!  Finally I went to a garage shop friend told me to… the chap told me…” buy me a coffee and give me two minutes!”… he took out a hand held tool with BMW logo on it and pushed into somewhere on the microprocessor “reset” he told me… DONE!

That problem happened no more that Crazy problem before the car was stolen at Wilson Car park….!

Have you ever been sending watches for servicing in Hong Kong?

These are some of the episode about watch repair in HK:-

Long queue on the line at the Service Centre of XXX, no one comes to talk to you, just wait for your turn… and they close early.

Battery Changes of a XXX Watch HK$850. 

(I changed it myself HK$20)

Inspection of a XXX Watch HK$1,000,  movement Cleaning $8,000  for 3-4 months. If Complicated watch must be done in Switzerland!

XXX Manual Wind Watch overall HK$8,000, take 2 months.

XXX Perpetual Watch Overall HK$40,000, 5 months in Switzerland as they are having Summer holidays.

XXX perpetual Calendar Watch repair HK$50,000  and it takes more than 1 year. The Chinese Customer went into the shop and yelled!  You know the Richer customer is usually the more aggressive one!

Quartz Battery Change, supposed to be Free but they will ask you for changing the O-ring, or the crown as it seems there is water resistance issues, and end up you have to pay HK$4,000 and three weeks.

A Friend of mine send his Quartz yellow gold to service centre for Inspection, check, and part replacement and requesting to add two more links as his wrist is large, Quotation came out asking changes on the Crystal, Crown, Overhaul, and two sections of the bracelet, total Charges is HK$55,000… Amazingly!

I just sent a 1970’s first generation yellow gold watch to XXX Boutique for a cleaning of the movement as it is not running smoothly after 6 years…last week.

They told me that is a watch over 25 years, has to be shipped to Switzerland for the repair and cleaning, basic cleaning cost is HK$8,000 …Oh, since I am the good friend of the shop manager I got less 20% discount! Good Mercy.

Excluding parts, they would like to say the final price could be something that would make me stretch my tongue long to touch my nose!

This is just a few examples of Watch repair experience over the past 5 years!l

For most of the Cases I will send to some HK renowned repair Centres, expert …. As I know them Well, I understand where they are from, and they have the part, patience and Skill. and Most of all, I get my Watch Return with Satisfaction.

The story is totally different…

For Rolex Oyster Quartz Battery Changes, God… HKD$20, workmanship Free!

For the Perpetual Calendar Cleaning HK$7,000 may be in two weeks only.

For the 1970 watch cleaning … man…. HK$2,400 only.

Of course if you had money and patience to wait for 6 to 14 months for waiting your watch repaired… please do so sending to the original factory…

HK Snob

PS
XXX stands for DIFFERENT HI End Watch Brands in HK.

 

 

 

 

 

Submariner, Seadweller is still No.1 hot selling item from Rolex

Some of my Watches as stock

 

 

Submariner Ref.116610LN with Date
Submariner Ref.114660 no date
Submariner SeaDweller Ref.116600

These are the hottest cakes from Rolex as far as an average market survey of the market segment
In Philippines, seems the batman is my No,1 top seller in the past 12 Months.

HK Snob
HK WF

Vintage time : Rolex 1675 GMT Master

Whether you have owned a GMT Master or not, one of the most accessible vintage GMT Masters is the Rolex 1675. The watch is like the 5513 or the 1680 for Submariner collectors. At around HK$40k, what do you get?

 

 

The 1675 was first produced in 1959 replacing the 6542. It has acrylic crystal and either oyster or jubilee bracelet. In the early 1970s, the black bezel version was introduced. After the late 60s, the small GMT hand became large GMT hand. Dials from 1965 to 1980 are matt dials.

 

The 1675 is one of the more original references of the GMT Master. The watch comes with a bi-color bezel with the blue part representing the night and the red part representing the day. The aged tritium hour markers together with the matt dial give you a very vintage feeling. The best thing is that the GMT function does not fade away in time. The 1675 can still serve you as a reliable GMT watch.

 

 

 

Some of the bezels have faded in color and that is another interesting thing about the 1675. If you are tired of the conservative designs of modern GMTs, you may visit the 1675, which has lug-holes and is a true tool watch.

 

A New Old Stock 1765 Full Set is about USD$13,000.

HK Snob

HKWF Selected Watches for sales

HK$48,000

HKD$45,000

 

HK$47,000

 

HK$450,000

HK$32,000

 

 

HK$40,000

HK$1,850

 HK$20,000

 

Price including hand carry delivery into Philippines Alabang, Cash deal.

HK Snob
HKWF

IWC Portuguese Perpetual CalendarIW502306 Pink Gold

 

A massive solid Pink Gold in 18KT Portuguese watch from IWC.
Perpetual Calendar that can run till 2499 Dec 31, that your grand grand grand son need to change the year Display for 25XX year.

This is a 7 days Power reserve, a piece of ART.
62 Jewels, 5 Positions Adjusted
HKD$380,000 as MSRP.
HK Snob

Rolex Daytona Ceramic Ref.116500 White

As I have found most of the AD has this Watch now as of Today. As I talked to one of the major AD at Nathan Road today, they have just got one white Panda Today.

Price is HKD$140,000, well, I should not work as Blogger, but a fortune teller as two months ago in my blog I had mentioned that the price of HK$140,000.

There is a chance to have the price lower, but don't forget under limited supply of Rolex,
When the price is lowered to say HK$130,000, the demand surges, and the price will up again.

A bit not to be optimistic that this watch price will likely remain HKD$140,000 till September.
If you want to get a lower price one, may be buying from Gray dealer, there may still has a chance to go lower to HK$135,000 with in these two to three weeks time.

Let's see

HK Snob

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Stainless Steel verison on sale

 

From what I know the TOG was introduced in 1955 as an award given to US Air Force pilots returning from combat missions.

 

The US Air Force has an exhibition flight team called the Thunderbirds that was started in the 50s and I believe the name was taken from that. Recently, probably due to the discontinuation of this Watch, many PWC members and HKWF members asking this watch.

These are three watches that we have had located in Hong Kong.

They are Blue, Black and white, unique movable bezel, red second had and date! Three lines, outstanding Look!

The Blue one has paper too. Interested parties can contact us for more price information.

 

HK Snob

HKWF