Timeless Luxury or Pre-Owned Swiss Horology

John K Lindgren

Timeless Luxury or Pre-Owned Swiss Horology

Fed up with the el-cheapo Patpong ‘LOLEX’ replicas – can’t yet afford the real McCoy - try an authentic pre-owned Rolex of Geneva.


For many, buying a second-hand car, home or even an electric appliance is a common transaction. But when it comes to luxury items, the general assumption is that the brand new is the best. For aficionados in the know, however this couldn't be further from the truth, with a growing number of people setting their sights on used hand or pre-owned luxury wrist watches.

In our helter-skelter world on innovation and rapid change, more and more discerning customers want to own a timepiece that represents something more traditional and has lasting value.

" Some people buy them as an show-off investment", says Somsak Naranong, owner of three Swiss Ulysse Nardin chronographs, "but other people simply want to own a piece of history, something that lasts and has meaning".

For some, movie memories come with the watches for example when they see a heavy duty Rolex Submariner, which Dustin Hoffman traded for a yellow NYC cab fare in the 70s Hollywood thriller Marathon Man. maybe it's Cindy Crawford displaying an Omega Constellation Quadra on the pages of a thick glossy international lifestyle magazine. Or perhaps Bruce Willis wearing a TAG Heuer in the action ‘shoot-them-up’ blockbuster Die Hard 2

Surprisingly, these vintage time pieces are not that hard to find - and we're not talking about the fakes, the "replicas" that can be found on countless Bangkok street stalls. Right here in the city there's a second hand luxury watch shop that can hold its own against the best shops in Britain, France and the US.

It's called Leng Narikaa ( Narika means "watch" in Thai), and its housed in a non-descript two story shop house opposite Khao San Road, in Banglampoo “backpacker” Lonely Planet area.


"Leng narikaa" is home to a vast array of pre-owned, internationally recognized, coveted brands such as Chopard, Cartier, Breitling, IWC, Omega, Patek Philippe, Panerai and, of course, the leader of the pack, Rolex of Geneva - and most for less than half of their original purchasing price.

"Many Thais buy second hand watches like Rolex because they are cheaper than buying them new,: says Kasemsit Pathomsak, a Bangkok real estate and hotel owner. "But other purchase them for their investment value. Fine watches, especially mechanical watches always appreciate in value".

The Leng Watch Group (LWG), a family owned Sino-Thai company, was founded in 1976 by Mr S. Leng. Their Leng Narikaa showroom and service center area is startlingly bright with elegant teak wood floors.

It's almost like entering a golden palace. No music, just precious metals and alloys: white, pink, yellow, and rose gold and there's titanium, platinum and polished stainless steel. Glittering gems and diamonds embossed on solid watch cases sparkle. Display cabinets are filled with row after row of glimmering shiny Rolex wristwatches. Security is provided two fit and stern looking uniformed and armed guards plus close circuit TV cameras.


If you're interested in the golden age of Swiss luxury watch making try an Audemars Piquet in pink gold. Founded in 1875 by two Swiss engineers, Jules Louis Audermars and Edward August Piquet. The watch connoisseurs call it "AP" for short. The brand is known for their complicated calendar, repeat mechanisms, “tourbillions” and chronographs. Price range THB 400,000 up depending on the complications.

"The best selling time pieces here," says Namkaang, Leng Narikaa shop manager, "are still the solid gold Rolexes and the two-tone or 'half-gold' models. “The two-tone Rolex is popular among the Thai ladies as well as Breitling” explains Namkaang.

Rolexes comprise 80 percent of the displayed watches. But the shop also carries the great models that were linked to war and sport and are still in manufactured today - the classic square Cartier Tank originally from 1917, the legendary Omega Speed master, the over sized Italian navy Panerai Luminor, TAG Heur Carrera, named after the “Panamericana” South American road-race of the 50s. - IWC (International Watch Company) Second World War big pilot watch "Fliegerchronograph" and, of course, Rolex Submariner, the iconic "James Bond Rolex" robust, mechanical and still going strong.

Many of Leng Narika's watches are as "good as new" such as the entry level steel Rolex Steel Oyster Date just at THB 91. 000 with a 12 month warranty. And in case you want to trade your Steel Oyster in for a solid yellow gold Oyster Datejust, Leng will trade your steel Rolex for 90 percent of the purchased value and you hand over another THB 220.000 and you're the owner of heavy golden Rolex, the ultimate piece for the ethnic Chinese taokay - boss. A gold Rolex on the wrist and a grey Mercedes (not BMW!) in the garage.

The next step on the ladder is the diamond encrusted gold Rolex, a cool half a million THB.

Business is good, in spite of the economic downturn and political uncertainty.

Two years ago Leng opened its flagship store on Petchburi road next to Pantip Plaza computer wholesale centre. This elegant second-hand haute horology showroom-cum-boutique stands up to any of the Emporium, Gaysorn or Siam Paragon high end watch boutiques.

Some international and local movie stars are also customers. It has been rumored that Nicholas Cage was seen purchasing a vintage Vacheron Constantin while Thai soap opera stars “Marsha” Wattanapanich and “Sam” Yurarnan Pamornmontri are regular Leng customers.

And while you won't find any fakes here, when it comes to payment, Leng takes the same approach as its street-based counterparts. "We don't accept credit cards. Cash only", says Namkaang".

And on her wrist I see the metallic glimmer of a two-tone 'date just' lady Rolex chronograph.

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