bernard cheong
7182
Bally, an office, my watch boxes and IWC (3 of 10)
Hello friends!
Land is SCARCE in Singapore.
What ever, I will high light how important "small" sized as well as hardy objects will become much more relevant to collecting.
This is because fine objects are usually collected only by the wealthy and here, in Asia, they usually live in cities. Country abodes are like Patek Grand Complications, never unwrapped.
Space is expensive.
Showing a collection is more flexible if the collection can be carried to a dinner or another friend's home.
You cannot do this with anything else.
Hence..the wristwatch will play a part in preserving history from this decade onwards.
It is a perfect match of demonstrating technology and history, two topics which never go together till now.
I am NOW, meaning as of September 2011, totally enamoured with hand leather work with Hermes and LV. Two very separated levels of course, to the ladies.
But, I discovered, like a guy who sees his first Tag as a watch superior to a Journe or a Patek..sigh.
First, a tip of something I think all ladies KNOW:
Buyers should be encouraged, by older Birkins in pristine condition; the craftsmanship of the older bags is superior to the more recent newer Birkins of today. Birkins are also "serviced", the word is "Hermes spa" like wristwatches to NEW...even if made in 1984.
I bought a 32 cm HAC Birkin is in GREEN Ardennes leather. This intensely coveted and stunning color is no longer produced; it is one of the loveliest greens produced by Hermès.
In addition, Ardennes leather is also no longer in production, though it is a considered one of the best wearing leathers available.
Ardennes leather is more rigid than Togo, but has a softer hand than Chevre. It is scratch resistant and water resistant; it also holds and maintains the shape of a Birkin better over time. The grain is large and flat; it creates a lovely texture. Overall extremely durable and desirable.
Green is a truly excellent neutral with a bit more depth and interest than basic black. Brass, unplated hardware is a warming accent to the total package. In fact, brass hardware has become more desirable than ever due to its more inviting tones.
Double rolled handles are carried in hand or at the elbow. Green (goat skin) lining with one side zippered pocket.
This Birkin has an Y within a circle blind stamp for that year of production. The bag spent 3 weeks in a spa, and is now restored by hand at a cost of $1900 usd. Inexpensive, considering the work.
Why is the picture of the Birkin not here?
Because I bought a 50cm 1997 travel sized Birkin in Navy blue as well..also in spa.
Imagine, how wristwatches will age.
Incredible.
Further examples of great beauty, thanks to LVMH looking after them…I have now an "almost complete set" of LV luggage, vintage from 1933 to 1997.
Plus a surprise LV trunk, custom made at a height of 7 feet, 3 feet deep and 39 inches broad. Restoration took a year.
This makes my mind go to the IWC…it is like a cross between the Hermes Birkin and the LV wood sided trunks with the aged wood.
IWC dedicates its service department to restoration.
In 2004 to 2007, my pictures with IWC and work done have been distributed across the net and the media…and hopefully enjoyed.
This year, I hope to focus on building the trust for brands/makers that will benefit…as investments…education is the top investment, then family, then friends, then money.
Somehow, when I took things THAT way…money came before I even harvested the benefits of the first priorities.
Life is sweet. It will be so, if I can help it.
Enjoy:
Now…I have to relook at my old trusty Bally briefcase, bought way back in 1993.
It is made in Switzerland…amazing! In box leather. I have not treated it well.
But it looks and feels GOOD and aged.
Remember the days when watch advertisements were limited to Rolex?
Or a handful of quartz watches made by no one who bothered to see watches as any more than a good toothbrush?
Or a cigarette lighter?
Playboy will be good proof..I read them for the women, and learned WAY before any friends that shaved is good.
Tan lines great.
Lingerie is a pre requisite to fine finish....the details and angles!!!!!
Ahh..these watches, I took out just days ago for 2 talks I gave, one in Bali and another in Singapore's Malmaison.
Both serious seminar types, Bali was a 3 day event...and Singapore a 2 hour soiree...just networking.
Most of all...looking at ALL these..which 3 will you sell?
What price?
To a dealer? Understanding he needs a margin. I have never "dealt" or "dealed" or "flipped"...how does it work?
Moderators will censor this? Or will they? This is a forum for folks, not like me, to learn...and I ask questions that I know the answer...but my answers are not always right.
I don't need money, but I need experience and knowledge. This is where your opinion counts!
Part 4 soon!!!! Meanwhile, I SWIM down to 10 meters with the de Grisogono at home!!!! Part 2 of 33.
Liquidating a non big brand can be hell...but it is rewarding from those who do it.
