Sandoz Hong
Kong and Singapore Submariner-like Models Side by Side
Second major revision June 2004
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Preface
I expected the watches to be more different to be honest. After all that I
had been reading, I expected more significant differences. Both watches have the
same weight of approx. 122 grams, both watches have a very similar bracelet,
although the link pins on the Singapore model seem to be a tad thicker. They are
also push pins. Also the watch dimensions are identical. Please find a short
comparison and side by side pictures below.
Singapore model left,
Hong Kong model right. Watches have the same
dimensions except for the height! This picture should not deceive, but I had to
arrange the watches like this to avoid reflections. Black dials are never easy
to photograph! The obvious
differences from the front:
Major Differences
Submariner Singapore vs. Hong Kong:
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A close-up of the Singapore model. Clearly visible is are the
applied bezel dot, the logo and the applied hour markers, the black is nice and
glossy like on their more famous relatives
The lugs are drilled through on the Singapore Models
Clearly visible the different cases and case backs. The
Singapore (left) model has actually a slimmer case
from the side, although its height is 2 mm bigger due to the different caseback.
This is due to the use of both the nudges and Rolex style indentations on the
case back allowing the use of different case openers. End-links are hollow on
both models. I have heard of at least one customer that put his Singapore model
on a solid end-link aftermarket bracelet. Please ask on
PMWF and you will get answers, thank you.
The logo on the Hong Kong watch (left) is embossed, the logo
on the Singapore model is
laser engraved or spark eroded. As mentioned
before, the clasp and the bracelet are pretty identical with the exception of
the polished middle link parts on the Singapore models
A photograph to point out the differently shaped cases. Singapore model on the
left, Hong Kong model on the right
The Hong Kong model left has a smaller crown.
I have however no problems at all using it. Obviously quite some customers have
bigger fingers and appreciate the bigger crown on the Singapore model right
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Singapore Model left: due
to the higher case back the watch sits a bit higher on the wrist
Dimensions (mm): Weight 125 grams |
Hong Kong Model: due to the flatter case back, the watches more snug on the wirst
Dimensions (mm): Weight 125 grams |
Conclusion
The price difference is USD 64 as of June 2004. Please check the current
prices to make sure. We have been able to reduce the Singapore prices constantly
due to good relationships with Sandoz Singapore and have always passed on those
price advantages to you.
For that money you get a different case back, a sapphire crystal, applied
indices and logo on the watch face. I tried to summarize some decision help in
the list below:
If you are hard on your watches go for the Singapore models because the feature a Sapphire crystal.
If you own a lot of watches and have to wind the watch almost every time you are going to wear it, the Singapore model is probably your choice because the larger crown makes setting and winding easier and faster. I have small fingers and never found this to be a critical argument. But having wound and set both models, I can see the advantage of the Singapore models.
I personally like the case shape and character of the Sandoz Hong Kong watches. I am very good to my watches, so to me the Sapphire crystal would not be a critical argument for one of the other.
Last but not least: besides the price difference, please let your watch heart decide. We tend to forget about technical criteria after a while. But we will see the design differences and different character every time we look at the watch. Thus I would always go for the watch that I like better from the looks. I trust giving advice is not really polite, but this strategy works well for me.
I know this is a tough decision, take your
time and make the right one for yourself
