Those who'd like an alternative to the wristwatch have a few time-keeping options to choose from, say the experts. Carson Chan, managing director of auction house Bonhams, recommends investing in antique pocket watches. 'These are undervalued and, in addition to looking great, will appreciate in the future,' says Chan. You can find a basic pocket watch in good condition at auction for about US$300 to US$500, Chan says, and it has the potential to appreciate by up to four times its value within the next five years. The standard-issue Rolex military pocket watches from the second world war are also worth a look, he says. Chan suggests checking out auction houses in Hong Kong and abroad for pieces such as these. If you like something being auctioned elsewhere, you can contact the auction house and arrange for someone to bid on your behalf or fax your bid in. If you prefer something modern, check out the pocket watch options from makers such as Rolex and Omega. Rolex continues its pocket watch tradition with the solid gold Cellini pocket watch with a gold snap cover and a diamond-set watch face (HK$230,260). Omega, the official timekeeper for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, recently launched a limited-edition pocket watch to commemorate the Games. 'These are classic and a bit sporty - a good option for younger men who may find traditional pocket watches too dowdy,' says Mimi Chun from Omega. Available in yellow gold, white gold or rose gold, the pocket watch (HK$781,200) is stylish and contemporary. Perhaps the grand master of pocket watches is the Patek Philippe white gold Calibre 89, suspended from a white gold chain and featuring 33 complications. The firm says it's the world's most complex watch and only four were made. One recently sold at auction for US$5 million - the second highest price ever paid for a watch. Chan also suggests checking out auction houses for antique cufflink watches from the 1950s and 60s. 'These are great for wearing with formal attire, such as tuxedos,' says Chan. Alternate options to wristwatches needn't always be investments; they can also be fun and stylish. Both men and women can opt for pieces such as Hermes' unusual Kelly Clochette watch necklace by Martin Margiela (HK$11,000). The leather necklace, available in colours such as white, black, red, orange or brown, has a leather 'bell' case with a gold-plated or stainless steel watch tucked within. Shopping list Omega 19 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2504 0266 Rolex from Chow Tai Fook Shop G2, 29 Queen's Road Central. tel: 2523 7128 Hermes, Shop G07-8, the Galleria, 9 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2525 5900
