RIP Asia No 1 Watch Collector Mr Alain Chung and his top 10. What is yours?

[IWCking]

Well, for those of you who read chinese, I guess you probably read Mr Alan Chung Wing Lum's Watch Critic magazine before. Someone described him as Asia No. 1 watch collector. Guess his collection definitely can rally bernard cheong if not more. However, sad to learn that he passed away few days ago. Have been reading his review for many years. Hope he rest in pece. 

anyway, he had left behind many golden words and advice for many chinese purists such as "every man ought to have 3 watchese at least, one daily beater, one sport and one formal. If your means allow, multiple the three..."

"If i could only own one watch, it must be a rollie."

Also back in 90s, he caught people's attention by ranking his top 10 watches.

1?PP
2?VC
3?AP
4?Breguet
5?IWC
6?Piaget
7?Cartier
8?JLC
9?Rolex
10?GP

These were his top 10 back in 90s. I think he would probably redo some of the ranking if he were to do it again.

Well, I guess i will rank my top 10 watches as follow. Nothing scientific about this and just purely on my perception.


1?PP
2?AP
3?VC
4?Alange
5?Breguet
6?IWC
7) JLC
8?Rolex
9?Panerai
10?Omega

What's your top ten?

[Godzillaz]

Fine craftsmanship                             
1. DeBethune                                                   
2. Lange                                                           
3. JLC

Hidden Jewel
1. VC
2. Breguet
3. GP

Popular Collectibles
1. PP
2. Rolex
3. Panerai

Innovative
1. Seiko
2. AP
3. UN


There are a few misfits which I don't know where to put them, Chorpard, Nomos, Blancpain, GO, Omega and IWC

Regard
Tyler

[chrisyen]

I'm fan of watch critics... So far this is the only magazine that's the editor speak from its heart... Especially when u found every watch n brand is good in other magazine!!!

Love to read his comments on the auction results especially...

RIP

[takashi78]

RIP

Although i have never heard of him, but from the news thats coming in he seems to be well respected.

[tonykpk]

RIP Alan Chung..

[SeaDwellerR]

Rip

[IWCking]

I'm fan of watch critics... So far this is the only magazine that's the editor speak from its heart... Especially when u found every watch n brand is good in other magazine!!!

Love to read his comments on the auction results especially...

RIP

Exactly mate, most other watch magazine will just write a lot of rubbish. He really has very extensive knowledge in watch making and collection, apparently he has over 100 PP and 400 fine watches all together in his collection.

[IWCking]

Fine craftsmanship                             
1. DeBethune                                                   
2. Lange                                                           
3. JLC

Hidden Jewel
1. VC
2. Breguet
3. GP

Popular Collectibles
1. PP
2. Rolex
3. Panerai

Innovative
1. Seiko
2. AP
3. UN


There are a few misfits which I don't know where to put them, Chorpard, Nomos, Blancpain, GO, Omega and IWC

Regard
Tyler

You quoted so many names without RM, FM, Van Cleef & Arpel, Urweck, Roger Dubuis, MB & F, Piaget? 

[Godzillaz]

RM are basically AP on steroid, FM ... well ... what about FM?

VC&P is same as Harry Winston and Hermes. They hired outside consultant to build their watch

RD have some nice movement but suffer the Nataf era Zenith syndrome. The loud design are easy to become thing of the past.

Urwerk and MB&F are interesting but seriously they only make 2 or maybe 3 watch. The rest are all variations of case materials or minor aesthetic change. 

Piaget, well it's really belongs to one of the misfits. I love the movement of Polo 45 chrono and the 12 series ultra thin autos.

Regards
Tyler

Fine craftsmanship                             
1. DeBethune                                                   
2. Lange                                                           
3. JLC

Hidden Jewel
1. VC
2. Breguet
3. GP

Popular Collectibles
1. PP
2. Rolex
3. Panerai

Innovative
1. Seiko
2. AP
3. UN


There are a few misfits which I don't know where to put them, Chorpard, Nomos, Blancpain, GO, Omega and IWC

Regard
Tyler

You quoted so many names without RM, FM, Van Cleef & Arpel, Urweck, Roger Dubuis, MB & F, Piaget? 

[IWCking]

RM are basically AP on steroid, FM ... well ... what about FM?

RE: hahahahaha. I dun mind to have that AP on steriod.  . However, i personally wont hate RM. But for some reasons, I really dislike Hublot which i always think its neither here nor there.


VC&P is same as Harry Winston and Hermes. They hired outside consultant to build their watch

Re: Well, but VC& A dial and design lately are very impressive. I personally have no issue that other people designed the dials for them though just like how GG designed RO and Nautilus. But VC & A has not convinced me to buy them other than asthetic reasons reason alone.


Urwerk and MB&F are interesting but seriously they only make 2 or maybe 3 watch. The rest are all variations of case materials or minor aesthetic change. 

RE: Urweck made quite a number of models, more than 3 for sure. As an independent small wrist maker, they really have limited resources to come out with big scale production. But i do see that they are facing bottom neck now. I do hope that I am able to pick up one of their pre owned piece at auction if the price is good. Mb&F again is very innovative. You should try their frog. It will make you sleepless. really. 

Piaget, well it's really belongs to one of the misfits. I love the movement of Polo 45 chrono and the 12 series ultra thin autos.

Re: They make very impressive slim movement. But somehow, i just find them a bit too bling bling for me.

[skygan]

R.I.P  MR.Alan Chung...

[IWCking]

[Godzillaz]

RM are basically AP on steroid, FM ... well ... what about FM?

RE: hahahahaha. I dun mind to have that AP on steriod.  . However, i personally wont hate RM. But for some reasons, I really dislike Hublot which i always think its neither here nor there.

I wouldn't mind having one either if the discount is 70% 
RM002 and RM004 are great watches, RM4 is my favorite, the rest I'll pass.
 

VC&P is same as Harry Winston and Hermes. They hired outside consultant to build their watch

Re: Well, but VC& A dial and design lately are very impressive. I personally have no issue that other people designed the dials for them though just like how GG designed RO and Nautilus. But VC & A has not convinced me to buy them other than asthetic reasons reason alone.

The whole watch is done by outsider, dial, case, movement everything. I might be wrong but I think only the assembly part is done internally and this is for those quartz model. The highend stuff like Lover's bridge is all done by Agenhor but boy are they pretty 

Urwerk and MB&F are interesting but seriously they only make 2 or maybe 3 watch. The rest are all variations of case materials or minor aesthetic change. 

RE: Urweck made quite a number of models, more than 3 for sure. As an independent small wrist maker, they really have limited resources to come out with big scale production. But i do see that they are facing bottom neck now. I do hope that I am able to pick up one of their pre owned piece at auction if the price is good. Mb&F again is very innovative. You should try their frog. It will make you sleepless. really. 

Nah, tried the frog, HM2 and HM1. The HM1 and MH2 are basically the same watch just with different case. The frog is basically a HM3 with domed saffire glass. Then we have the HM4 and LM1. Ooops you're right that's 4 model.

Urwerk only have 1xx series and 2xx series and the Cobra beside that they make a one off pocket watch. Not more than 3. Maybe if you count the torpedo then we have 4.

Piaget, well it's really belongs to one of the misfits. I love the movement of Polo 45 chrono and the 12 series ultra thin autos.

Re: They make very impressive slim movement. But somehow, i just find them a bit too bling bling for me.

I feel the same.

Regards
Tyler

[Alvin-8880]

I read Alan Chung's Watch Critics for many years. That is the magazine I bought every time in HK. He was knowledgable not only in watches but many other subjects. But most importantly, he spoke the truth. Sometime on politics too.

RIP....

[horomas]

RIP altho I have not heard of him before

[Kennypane]

Sad to hear this unfortunate passing away of someone who is frank and honest about his horological opinions. I believe his watch collection can easily outbeat anyone's out there. Here is my little tribute for him from my bookshelf. It will be great to see his collection which often than not, are purchased through global auctions. Imagine the value and rarity of his pieces.

[Dickson Lim]

RIP Alan Chung. Apparently, his magazine is one of the best.

[Kennypane]

His name is actually Alain Chung.

[IWCking]

You are right Kenny. Its my bad, I was about to correct it, his name is Alain Chung and not Alan Chung.

Anyway, I cant help to share with you guys which is probably his last "alain's word" as editor in chief, sep issue of watch critics. He was writing about PP 5235. I am not going to rewrite his entire article. But I am extremely touch and feel kind of disheartening especially his last two paragraphs....

[IWCking]

"I feel sad as i could not land a 5235 (he was promised to be the first recipient if they do issue 5235). But i am so touched after learning the reason behind (Mr Stern is not satisfied with the fact that 5235 could not reach the standard of regulator in terms of stability and accuracy. To the brand, 5235 is not merely a piece with regulator-styled hands, but a real regulator). There's no other brand, no other person in the world who would be so insistent in upholding watchingmaking traditions and pursuing quality. no before, no after.
I am so touched that i have to stop here. Many people say i only know Patek Philippe but indeed i really hope other brands would touch me in similar ways. i only go after good watches, no mater which brands they are. Just dont let me waiti again, wait in vain. Please." 

[Kennypane]

To the late Alain Chung, to our last breath, we must always uphold what we believe in.

[IWCking]

To the late Alain Chung, to our last breath, we must always uphold what we believe in.

"i only go after good watches, no mater which brands they are. Just dont let me waiti again, wait in vain. Please." 

Life is short, cherish every moment and we must live our life with no regret

[Kennypane]

Carpe diem to all brothers.