Q2 Apr - Jun 2026 Review

 I have been consolidating my watches and I have decided to take it very slowly and I have started the process to review what watches to consolidate and what watches to let go and lastly, what watches to be added to my collection. 

For the second quarter, I have started with a West end 24 hours military watch with a jumping second and a Zenith WW1 Pilot watch. Initially, I was aiming for a vintage Blancpain but in the end, I have managed to find a nice full set Rolex 1655 explorer 2, mk 5 instead. 

Rare West End 24 hours military watch with jumping seconds (13/5/2026)

Zenith WW1 Pilot Watch (1/6/2026)

Rolex 1655 Explorer 2 (5/6/2026). This is one of my important buy for the year.

 

Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer World Trip (Jun 2026)

Watches found in 2026 (15 watches)

1. Jan 1 : Lemania nuclear submariner chronograph
2. Jan 2 : Citizen Crystal Date, Parawatet AUDS 52802-Y 8050202Y Hk$8576
3. Jan 2 : Citizen SUPER JET AUTO DATER 39J 腕時計 自動巻き 6070209 SADS5120-Y  Hk$4,581.96 HKD to tenso 株式会社
4. Jan 12 : Alain Silberstein Bauhaus Krono 2 HK$35,000 Jan 26 
5. Jan 27 : Citizen Watch co Day Date 4-822145 0010371, G-N-04-5 512273 
6. Jan 27: Citizen 4-540115 ORO, serial 9062760 
7. Jan 27 : Citizen 512273 4-822105 Y 00210916
8. Feb 6 : Titus Calypsomatic ref 7085 
9. Mar 25 : Jaeger Futurematic 18k gold
10. Apr 25 : North Korea Moranbong 
11. May 13: West End 24 hours plus jumping seconds
12. Jun 1 : Zenith WW1 Pilot Watch 
13. Jun 5 : Rolex Explorer 2 ref 1655
14. Jun 19 : Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer World Trip 
15. Jun 22 : Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer World Trip 

Wish Lists 2025-2026:

1. Lemania Nuclear sub chronograph (2026)

2. Rolex Explorer 2, mk5 full set (2026)

Watches sold in 2026 (15 watches)

1. 3 Jan : Sold Rolex 9659 樹 
2. 20 Jan : Alain Silberstein Krono 
3. Jan 21 : Omega Dynamic  
4. Feb : Dragon watch 
5. Mar 17 : Sold Russian watch 
6. Mar 24 : Sold Russian watch 
7. Mar 25 : Rolex Bubbleback 
8. Mar 26 : Sold Russian watch 
9. April 9 : Universal Geneve 
10. April 25 : Universal Geneve 
11. Apr  26:  Lowenthal Mono Rattrapante Chronograh
12. May  8 : Titus Calypsomatic Hk 
13. May 15 : Rolex 6082
14. Jun 1 : Rolex Helmet
15. Jun 3 : Morangbong Watch

Japanese “James Bond” Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer O-19762A

This watch is often referred to as a Japanese “James Bond” timepiece. It appeared in the 1965 TV drama *Spy Catcher J3*, worn by Agent J3—a character styled very much like Japan’s answer to James Bond. Given the show’s release, this model was likely manufactured in the mid-1960s.

- Case dimensions: 40 × 47 × 18 × 11 mm  

- Movement: Orient Caliber 670 (a higher-end line for the brand at the time)  

- Performance: Serviced, running at approximately \( \pm 10 \) seconds per day  

- Features: Non-hacking, hand-windable, date adjustment via the 21:00–24:00 method  

This is my second Auto Orient Swimmer world trip watch made famous by Japan own Bond-like hero. In *Spy Catcher J3*, Agent J3 drives a flying Corvette Stingray—but just as compelling is the watch on his wrist: the Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer Worldtrip.

While Seiko’s appearances in James Bond films are well known, other Japanese brands also made their mark on screen. The Orient Calendar Auto Swimmer Worldtrip is a standout example—bold, creative, and ahead of its time.

At a time when most watches were modest in size, its 40 mm diameter was striking. The bezel design is particularly distinctive: it hugs the case tightly while extending slightly beyond it, creating a sleek, medal-like appearance enhanced by a flat crystal.

The dial is a masterclass in restrained creativity. It incorporates familiar elements—minute track, date window, and lume markers—yet presents them in a uniquely cohesive way. The minute track remains uninterrupted, blending seamlessly with silver-ringed hour markers. Trapezoidal accents at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock add balance and visual interest, especially alongside the date window at 3 o’clock.

The hands are equally distinctive. The hour hand resembles a small bird with a subtle beak-like tip, echoed by the sharply pointed minute hand. A lollipop-style seconds hand completes the design. Over time, the lume has developed a charming contrast: the dial retains a minty tone, while the hands have aged into a sandy brown—an authentic patina rather than a flaw.

Worldtimer Functionality

The “Worldtrip” designation refers to its world-time functionality. The watch combines a world-time bezel with 24-hour markings on the dial, offering practical utility alongside its visual appeal.

Although labeled as a “Swimmer” with 4 ATM water resistance, this classification is somewhat optimistic. Still, the diver engraving on the case back adds to its charm.

Wearability and Presence

One of the most surprising aspects of this watch is its size. A 40 mm case was uncommon in the 1960s, giving it a modern wrist presence even today. The bezel’s slight overhang adds perceived diameter, while the flat crystal enhances its “medallion-like” profile.

Short lugs ensure a comfortable fit, and the signed crown is well-proportioned. The watch feels both vintage and contemporary at the same time.

A “Japanese Bond” Story

There is limited verified English-language information about this model, aside from its introduction in 1964 and original price of 12,000 yen. What makes it especially fascinating is its connection to *Spy Catcher J3*.

Agent J3 worked for TULIP (The Undercover Line of International Police), battling the organization TIGER (The International Group of Espionage and Revolt). Like James Bond, J3 had access to advanced gadgets, provided by a character similar to Q.

His Corvette Stingray could fly, glide on water, and launch missiles. According to some accounts, his Orient watch even featured fictional built-in gadgets such as a winch or bomb launcher integrated into the crown—adding to its mystique.

Market and Collectibility

Prices for the Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer Worldtrip have been steadily increasing, with some examples exceeding US $2,000. Once overlooked, this model is now gaining recognition among collectors.

Its appeal lies in its originality, historical context, and wearable design. Whether in black or gold-tone variants, it offers a distinctive aesthetic that stands apart from more mainstream vintage pieces.

Owning this watch is not just about its design or mechanics—it is also about the story. Discovering that a piece you admire was once part of a cinematic world adds a deeper layer of enjoyment. It may not change the watch itself, but it certainly enriches the experience of wearing it.

The Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer world Trip, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful diver cum world time watch. My first watch was found in December 2019 from US. After six years, I have finally managed to find the next variations as follows:

There is a third version in gold filled.

This is the third one below which is under restoration

Restoration of a vintage Calendar Auto Orient Swimmer World Trip

In my hobby of vintage watch collecting, one of the greatest joy is the restoration of vintage watches and giving it a second life. 

This vintage  watch was bought from Japan in its all original unrestored condition. The watch has not been serviced as the back case is so tight that many watch technicians are unable to open the case and have given up. However, the watch is still able to move when shakened. 

When KK Sifu tried opening the watch using all kind of tools, it has refused to be open. This is the main reason why the price is so cheap. After soaking it in the cleaning chemical for a period time plus using the brutal strength, it was finally opened!

After dismantling and cleaning of the case, the next is to restore the movements and replace the old non usable parts.

The next step is to service the watch movement and find a replacement crystals. Thank goodness, the gilt dial is still in wonderful condition.

Antique trench watch

This is a vintage watch that has stood for over a century, presumably dating from between 1910 and 1920. Its design blends typical trench watch features with the early transitional style of the Art Deco period—a time when watchmakers were attempting to transplant classic pocket watch elements onto the emerging wristwatch.

Most captivating is its unique hexagonal case—a geometric form that was popular in early Art Deco. Paired with a flawless white enamel dial, a delicate small seconds subdial is positioned at 6 o'clock. The numerals on the dial are large, stylized Arabic numerals, and the faint yellowish-brown marks within their outlines were originally filled with radium luminescent paint—standard in military and early wristwatches for legible readability in the dark. However, this material naturally ages and darkens over time. The hands should be made of blued steel, and the hour hand features a minimalist design, showcasing ingenuity.

The crown presents a striking small "onion" shape. Originally, watches with linear lugs like these typically came with leather or canvas straps. Today, I've paired it with a stainless steel strap from the mid-20th century, commonly known as a "ladder" strap.

Back then, many of these antique watches didn't have the brand marked on the dial. I remember over thirty years ago, my wife and I visited our university classmate, Han Cheng, in England, and together we went treasure hunting at Portobello Market. This market, located in Kensington and Chelsea, was established in 1870, initially selling fresh food and daily necessities. Since the 1940s, it has transformed into one of the largest antique markets in Britain.

Today, the market boasts over 1,000 stalls stretching along Portobello Road and Golburn Road, divided into five main areas: secondhand goods, fashion, home goods, fruits and vegetables, and the most captivating antique section. Every Saturday is the market's main open day, with all five sections open simultaneously, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The market's current prosperity can be traced in part to the "Swing Sixties" of the 1960s—when a group of fashionable and creative individuals began to gather and shop here. Since 1966, Portobello Road has also been the venue for the world-renowned Caribbean cultural event—the Notting Hill Carnival. The films *Notting Hill* and *Paddington Bear* further enhanced its fame.

Of course, with the passage of time and the rise of online shopping platforms like eBay, these kinds of watches have gradually become rare in Portobello Market's physical stores, especially those rare pieces with well-preserved dials.

Gazing at this watch's unique hexagonal case, one can almost touch the vibrant creativity of the early 20th century. The evolution of wristwatches is deeply marked by two historical currents:

World War I (the trench watch era)—amidst the chaos of war, watchmakers were forced to hastily convert pocket watches into wristwatches. Practicality was paramount, leading to the development of the "onion-shaped" crown for easy winding while wearing gloves, and radium luminescent paint for soldiers to read the time in the dark trenches.

The Art Deco movement—in the 1920s, geometry, symmetry, and clean lines became the aesthetic trend of the era. Watchmakers abandoned the traditional round pocket watch frame, boldly embracing avant-garde shapes like the hexagonal one seen on this wristwatch.

Every era has its unique resilience and character. Looking back at Hong Kong, which has weathered countless storms, it has always stood firm amidst numerous challenges. We believe that this economic crisis will eventually be overcome...

Rolex 1655 serviced

My recent find, the Rolex 1655, last service was in 2015. As such, I have sent the watch for a service so to enable it to run for a long time.

After some waiting, my watch is finally serviced and according to my watch technician, the watch is still water proof and is able to be used for swimming.

Before  service 

After service 

Rolex Explorer 2 reference 1655 from 1981

During the weekend, I was bidding and closely monitoring the sales of a Blancpain No radiation watch at Antiqurum and I was hoping to get it around HK$150K. However, it went to HKG$220k and after adding the 25% commision, the price is HK$275k, which went beyond my budget.

As I was looking to buy one of my last watch for self collection for the year. I was contemplating between a Rolex Daytona Chocolate versus a full set Rolex 1655.

It was a difficult choice as I could only choose one between the two and I have decided to seek help from Ai. Choosing between a modern Everose Daytona and a vintage "Freccione" Explorer II is an excellent dilemma to have.

Since your primary goal is **long-term investment and price appreciation**, the horological market strongly favors one of these options over the other.

Here is a straightforward breakdown of how these two distinct pieces perform as investments.

Comparison:

| Feature.             | Explorer II 1655 (Full Set)                            | Daytona 116515LN (Chocolate) |

| Era.                    | Vintage (1971–1985)                                    | Modern (Neo-vintage to current) |

| Supply                | Strictly finite (exceedingly rare as a full set) | Higher volume / Modern production |

| Market Volatility | Low (insulated from modern hype cycles)     | Moderate to High (subject to current trends) |

| Asset Class        | True collector's antique                                 | Modern luxury commodity |

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 (Full Set)

For pure long-term investment, the 1655 is the superior choice.

 * **The Power of the "Full Set":** Finding a vintage sports Rolex from the 1970s or early 1980s with its original box, punched papers, and booklets is incredibly difficult. Collectors pay a massive premium for complete provenance, and this premium compounds over time.

 * **Finite Scarcity:** Rolex is never making another 1655. As time goes on, fewer of these exist in good, original condition due to damage, loss, or replacement parts during servicing.

 * **Market Stability:** Vintage Rolexes with strong provenance are considered blue-chip collectibles. They do not experience the wild price spikes and subsequent crashes seen in the modern watch market over the last five years. They appreciate slowly, steadily, and reliably.

 * **Condition is Everything:** To realize this appreciation, the watch must have an unpolished (or very lightly polished) case, an original dial (no service replacement dials), and matching tritium patina on the hands and markers.

Rolex Daytona 116515LN (Chocolate Dial)

While a stunning piece of modern horology, it functions differently as an asset.

 * **Trend Dependency:** Modern precious metal Daytonas are highly desirable, but their secondary market prices are tied heavily to contemporary hype, stock market performance, and macroeconomic factors. They saw massive inflation in 2021/2022, followed by a significant market correction.

 * **Lack of Rarity:** While you cannot easily walk into a boutique and buy one at retail, Rolex produces a significant number of modern Daytonas. It does not have the intrinsic scarcity of a discontinued, 40-year-old reference.

 * **Depreciation Risk:** If you are buying it new at retail, it will likely hold its value well immediately. However, if you are paying secondary market premiums, you are exposing yourself to the risk of short-term market softening before you ever see long-term gains.

The Verdict

If your absolute priority is wealth preservation and long-term appreciation, secure the Explorer II 1655 Full Set. It is a piece of horological history with a proven, decades-long track record of financial growth.

Following the advice from AI, I then asked myself, why the Rolex 1655? I used to have two Rolex 1655 Explorers and one restored in Taipei when I was working in Taipei and another fully restored in Rolex HKG. 

Along the way, I have let one go to my brother in law and decided to keep the fully restored one for myself and this has always been one of my regrets. As such, for my last high costs watch to get for the year, I have decided on the rolex 1655 in full set to celebrate my bonus and at the same time fulfillment of my dream and removal of my regrets. This Rolex 1655 will also fit nicely with my family of Rolex Explorers consisting of rolex ref 6610, 1016 gilt and matt dial, 1655, 16550 creamdial, Canadian Explorer 5501, 5701 (with Date)  plus the Tudor Ranger watch.

Based on compiled Rolex serial number databases, a serial number of 7119xxx dates the watch's production to late 1981 or early 1982. However, owing to the poor sales, the watch was only sold in 1984.

Following which, I have sent the watch for a good service as the last was done in 2015