Rolexes in Hong Kong

[Beef]

As always, these Hong Kong threads are fun and informative. With Adam's encyclopedic knowledge of HK Rolex history and all of the current and former HK residents, I learn something new every time. Even if its about what to do and see in Singapore!

[calbee673]

I would love to add my 2 cents worth to this thread because what's been explained by various members is largely true.

Even the translation of "Rolex" into Chinese - 勞力士 - says a lot in itself. Commonly, HKers refer to Rolex simply as a "勞" - sounds phonetically like "lo" which is also slang for "to do well", "done well", "work well" etc.

Past history has shown that HKers whom have succeeded or "done well" would go and buy a Rolex as symbol of having succeeded. This has carried on till this day.

And as rollee1 correctly pointed out, blue dial Rolexes are less common in HK - auspicious HKers in the past would have refused to buy this colour because blue ("larm" in Chinese sounds quite similar to difficult/tough ("larn"). So essentially, if you buy a "Blue Rolex" ("larm lo", it chinese it would sound like "difficult/tough to do well" ("larn lo").

Similarly, you can apply the same logic to the popularity of gold rolexes in HK. Gold ("Gum" in chinese) sounds similar to enduring/continuity or "Cum" in chinese (lol no j/k). Colloquially, a gold rolex is referred to as a "gum lo" which sounds awfully similar to "cum lo" which translates to enduring success/continuously do well).

Hopefully this will give you all a bit more insight into the enduring popularity of Rolex in HK!

[Old Expat Beast]

There's also thread on old Hong Kong shop and advertising signs here if anyone's interested: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=346892

[milgauss2232]

Those who stay in hongkong, could I ask if you have ever been given bad service for wearing a Tudor, or less?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by milgauss2232

Those who stay in hongkong, could I ask if you have ever been given bad service for wearing a Tudor, or less?

Bad service where? For what? What is "less"?

[Chanieish]

I visit HK regularly with family. I love it there. Bought my first and second Rolexes there. I have never seen so many watch/jewelry shops so concentrated in an area like HK, especially the more upscale areas. Why they are more common than Starbucks! Service there has been on point for me whether actively buying or just browsing.

Not sure how the prices compare between HK and US, but I'm guessing they are similar.

Regarding bad service, you mean in a watch store? I've gone in wearing no watch and have been treated the same as when I wore a nice watch. (speaking of Emperor stores)

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Chris1974

Interesting thread. I would imagine HK would be similar to other places when it comes to Rolex or other high end things. For example, in the US If you see a guy wearing a Rolex working as a waiter in a chain restaurant and driving a Honda Civic chances are good the watch is fake.

But a guy in a nice suite dining at the restaurant and driving a BMW would probably be wearing a real one.

So I guess the question is, how do so many working class people in HK afford a watch that could cost $8000-$12000?

My guess is a lot of the bling watches are bought secondhand.

It's the same here in Singapore - people by and large may be reluctant to wear fakes but they wouldn't be averse to buying used, especially the solid gold models since the discounts tend to be more generous.

[Jeronimo]

Very interesting thread, Gentlemen.

Given that I'm married to a Taiwanese and pass Hong Kong several times a year, it never ceases to amaze me how very peculiar and different the HK culture is.

I completely love HK, it is, in my modest opinion, one of the most interesting places in the world, and I sincerely hope it remains that way.

I never get tired of roaming the streets and taking in the surroundings, and I feel that particularly for us, watch addicts, is almost overwhelming.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and experiences! I keep on learning.

Great thread!

[Jeronimo]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There's also thread on old Hong Kong shop and advertising signs here if anyone's interested: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=346892

Love that thread, Adam.