Shots of Thoughts

WWR# 18: Orient Classic Chronograph TT0V004W

2012-01-23T13:20:00.002+08:00

Orient, one of the least popular watch brands globally and one of the brands that I only knew of when I started collecting is also one of the brands that surprises me more often and has somewhat read my mind on what kind of watches I like and would love to see available in the market. And the best part of all, majority of their watches are pretty affordable.

My Weekly Watch Recom for this week is a new model from their Classic Quartz Line. It seems that Orient is churning out lots of Quartz models recently which equals more or less the number of new mechanicals they introduce. Well this watch truly has some classic lines. It has hints and cues chronographs decades ago, so its not hard to like. I also like how the sub dials are not contemporary to chronograph watches today. For example, the continuous seconds hand is at the 9 o'clock position, the 6 o'clock area seems to have a mini clock dial which I assume tells the minute and second chronograph counter, and at the 12 o'clock is for the 1/10th of a second counter. If I'm wrong, please do comment and correct me.

I've handle this piece in person and it's very light, very practical for an everyday beater at the office or trips to the coffee shop or having some drinks with friends later. The case has an all polished finish. Leather strap is mediocre but you can always change it with croc design to give it a more classier look.

Pictures below are the 3 different tones of dial, case, hands and straps that I like the most. Looking for a classy daily beater? You can get this for less than $150 at your retail stores and get an upgrade for your wrist that's more that what you paid for.

Here are some more details from Orient's website.

Analogue Quartz Movement : caliber KFB00
Chronograph in 1/20 second
Chronograph hands (second & 1/20 second), Small second hand
Date indicator

Stainless steel case
Domed crystal glass
Screw caseback
Genuine leather strap
Water resistant to 50m
Diameter 42.60mm
Thickness 10.79mm

WWR# 17: Timex Gents Elegant Dress Watch T2M528

2012-01-15T22:38:00.004+08:00

It's quite or rather a big direction right now that oversize watches, 40mm and above are the norm. Even though it defies the satorial rules of the tastefully inclined, you can see them being brought about in formal wear, denying to be covered on the sleeves.

And so the the industry answered with a boost in dress watches that went out who could make the thinnest watch of course with a mechanical movement. Piaget came out with the Altiplano, JLC with Master Ultra Thin, and then Vacheron Constatin Patrimony Grande Taille, and many others followed suit. But of course, these would all cost more than your car probably, so for a wallet friendly thin watch, I recommend the Timex Gents Elegant Dress Watch T2M528.

This quartz watch is 42mm and 8mm thick and weighs only 300 grams. So basically from the front, it is in town with its size, but will definitely fit under those cuffs. Best of both words isn't it? And you can have it at of course very affordable prize. Lots of em available around. Basically you got all of this, incredible value for money, will take on a lickin and keeps on tickin, and will look good on that tailored suit of yours.

WWR 16#: Seiko SBBN011 Darth Tuna Professional Divers Watch

2012-01-01T17:22:00.000+08:00

In the world of dive watches, there are only a few brands who really have a real rich history with the art and science of diving. In my best of knowledge and opinion, I'm not a diver in any level, there are three types of dive watches in the market. There are desk divers, ISO rated divers, and professional dive watches. Well now of course these watches are really just accessories, dive computers now do the real guide for the divers, but way back then, the reliability and functionality of dive watches under the vigorous environment under water meant life and death for the diver.

Seiko is one of the brands who offers those three types of watches (including a dive computer). And during 1965, they came up with a complete redesign from their usual divers watches and came up with the Tuna. Well its called that by its fans because it just resembles a tuna can. Flashforward to 2010, they now came up with a blacked out version of this Tuna and now with an ever reliable Seiko quartz movement. This is my WWR # 16, the Seiko SBBN011 Darth Tuna.

Specs of this awesome and massive divers watch.

Movement 7C46 Quartz from Japan
Sapphire Crystal
Unidirectional Bezel
Titanium Case, Ceramic Guard
48mm Case Diameter
15mm Case Thickness
1000m Water Resistance

What really struck me about this watch is how it wears on your wrist. Before, looking at pictures of all Tunas, I could just not fathom wearing a hockey puck on your wrist. But when I actually tried this on for size, it seems I could not get it off and the sales lady was expecting me to get it already. It wasn't too big, well for the contemporary sizes of watches nowadays, I mean you could literally wear it casually and not emit some show-off presence that your wearing the monster of all watches, and my watch will it yours kinda type. I believe its size was meant for something. I also like the originality in design that it helms from the classic Seiko divers watch, those arrowhead hands and hour indices, but are bigger, bolder and badder considering its size and functionality. Its standard rubber strap is a sturdier vent type of divers strap that has a blacked out buckles and I would say more comfortable that the Seiko Z22 rubber straps that comes with mose Seiko Divers Watches. Considering this to be 1000m, without a helium escape valve is an extraordinary feat by the case itself. The design of the tuna is also not for fashion or in any sense like that, its not a bling out substance, as it roars for the rough oceans and the pressure of the deep.

Here are pics borrowed from all over the net.

My Seiko 6309-7040 Story

2011-11-19T11:03:00.001+08:00

It was about 3 years ago, just the usual day scrolling around the web for more information about a new found passion: watches of course. And since I only had one Seiko back then, I was completely blown away by how many collectors of Seiko there are and the different styles and lines that Seiko has that people collect. And it was in one image I forgot what forum it was that the owner showed a wrist shot of specific Seiko Diver to which I have never seen before. Well from the watch stores at least. It was the first time I saw it. The image had some title on the bottom, its reference number and possibly the date of the watch, It s 6309-7040 and year 1976 respectively. Since that day on, that that specific reference number has somewhat implanted in my WIS brain and has never left since.

What is it about the 6309? For one, I think it has a lot to do with the cushioned case. Well the 6105 also had a cushioned case but IMO it was too wide for my taste as it pairs its 19mm lugs. The 6309's are just perfect and just right. It's like that perfect curve of a woman on the ratio of the chest to waist to hip, like those on Jessica Alba or Olivia Wilde, and not the Lorno type that you see from the Kardashians (I can't believe I just made reference to a woman's body to watch, what is happening to me!). Well you know what I mean.

The crown on the 6309 neatly tucks in the cushioned case without needing extra metal for crown guards, the cushion does the cushioning itself. And since it is a tube type crown, unlike the later versions of the Seiko Divers wear it kinda sits on the stem and quite hard to screw in if you done get the grooves aligned right. On the 6309, its such a breeze. The tube under the crown guides your fingers all the way to those nice curvy hips I mean case.

I also like the look better with round/circular indices (submariner influence on me maybe). But they really strike artful balance to a circular dial rather than rectangular indices. And the special 12, 9 and 6 o'clock markers are right on the spot, especially the sword shaped marker on the 12 o'clock, ugh I could stare on them forever.

The 6309/6306 (hacking version type) was also the first Seiko Diver model to have this set of arrow type hands, to which is used in a lot of Seiko Divers and Sports models up to this day.

And, some say the 6309 movement is also a bullet, well can't attest to this for now but I think all Seiko movements are :)

Now going back to my story. So it really didn't come to my plan to get one. I mean, during that moment, it never crossed my mind to get a vintage watch. But as soon as had some sources for one, I tried to check it out.

I met up with the seller to check the 6309 he was selling. The initial information he told me that he had a good condition 6309 that was ready to wear and did not need any refurbish or repair. Upon seeing the watch, I was like "whoah finally a 6309 in my hands" you know kinda star struck. But it kinda quickly went away when I noticed that the dial was too new for a 20 plus year old watch. Yes it was aftermarket. and So was the bezel insert and the hands. The rubber strap was also aftermarket, and you guessed it, so was the spring bar, was thin as hell. It was then I realized that I was kind of a purist.

I also requested the seller to open up the case-back to check if it really had an authentic movement. It did though, but it did not look good. The rotor had brown colored stains on it, may be some dirty pitt but could not be rust I thought.

Here is a quick wrist shot (blurry shot sorry) of the watch (with all the aftermarket parts) when I got it.

So, with all this at hand, I decided to get the watch since the movement was original, the case and caseback was still in good condition, a little WABI but as expected on a vintage watcg. Then I set-out to restore it with orignal parts as possible or where feasible.

For the dial, I requested the seller if he could acquire some old original 6309 dials so I could switch it with the aftermaket. So does with the Bezel insert. I wouldn't care if there were some WABI in it just as long as it was original. And luckily just after a few days, he contacted me and got me a original non-suwa dial with some patina and dirt on the lume and an original bezel insert with minor WABI all over.

Here is the comparison of the original dial and the aftermarket.

Aftermarket Dial - Seiko Logo. Observe the print on the hour indices and Seiko logo is kinda blotchy and thick.

Original Dial with some patina, WABI - Seiko Logo. Observe how the prints on the hour indices and the Seiko Logo is finely printed.

Aftermarket dial with 150m water resist print. The 150m print is still blotchy but the Water Resist print is rather fine in my opinion.

Then the 150m water resist print on the original dial. The Water Resist print has faded to pale yellow but the 150m is clearly in fine print. This is what they call a Non-Suwa dial as clearly there is no Suwa Logo right below the WATER 150M RESIST print.

At the bottom of the dial, bears some writing and references to where it was made.
This is the aftermarket dial and it's writing below. Print still blotchy and not quite clear. the "9" on the 6309 print is even incomplete.

And here is the print on the original dial. Also finely printed and clear after all this years under the sun. From the reference on"6309 Collector's Buying Guide" on watchuseek forum, this dial was made in Singapore.

And the comparison for the bezel insert.

Aftermarket bezel insert. Lume pip sits on top of the insert and the capped "1" on the 10 marker.

And the original bezel insert. Lume pip is embedded on the insert and the correct "1" font on the 10. The dots that make up the minute markers also are bigger in size.

Extensive references where from this link, you'll find this very useful as it did to mine.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f281/how-buy-seiko-6309-diver-collectors-buying-guide-140799.html

Here is the watch head now with orginal dial and bezel insert. The hands are still aftermarket, as original ones in good clean condition are rare to find.

Then I sent it out to Seiko Service Center for a full movement overhaul and for it to be regulated. Prior sending it for repair, it was running +2 mins per day and sometimes would stop running even though I was wearing it.

Initial check-up from the watch technician indicated that the balance wheel and plate need to be replaced. So with the gaskets.

I waited for almost a month before the watch finished it's service. I then requested the watch technician to open up the case back so I could take a cell phone quick shot of the movement.

Here is the pic of the movement, all cleaned up and ready to run.

Here the pics of the old plate. Notice the grime on the rotor ball rollers. Figured this caused the inefficient winding.

And the old balance wheel. Can't really say what's wrong with it but might be the performance that needed it to be changed.

It now runs +20-30 secs per day. Not a chronometer spec but I believe within tolerance to the specs of this movement. I plan to get it back to Seiko to be regulated again as I do believe this can still be improved.

I then strapped it up with some Seiko fat spring bars and a Maratac Zulu Strap, and now here it is, ready for more years of ticking.

Some photo sessions with an old book by Hemingway...

And some pictures with its successors...a 7002-700A Pepsi Diver, and the SKX007.

The Seiko 6309-7040, trusted and loved by so many. A basic divers watch that has truly become an icon in Japanese Horology, capturing the wrists of many WIS from any continent in the world. 27 years has passed since mine got off the production floor, I did not cause its scars, I did not wear its gears, but I believe I have given life back to this watch and gave it all needed attention and care that I hope it could live again for another 27 years...or more.

WWR #15: Ball Engineer Master II Aviator 46mm

2011-11-19T10:27:00.001+08:00

I came across Ball in one of their magazine ads showing some free diver breaking a record dive. Then I saw another one with the Wright Brothers then another feature for another astronaut. Aside from that, I knew Ball as one of the first watches who used titrium gas lights for illumination rather than the usual luminous paint. Most stores I visit who sell Ball watches have this display where the watches displayed have their lights dimmed so that people can see the gas lights working. First impression would be that their brands would cost an arm or leg, but no. I mean for it's basic features, you can't get better value than that.

My Weekly Watch Recommendation #15 is the Ball Engineer Master II Aviator 46mm. Model number is NM1080C-L1-BK. What I like about this watch is that it got the classic edges and hues of an aviator watch but added some design in dial, hands and indices that would make it a Ball Watch. It is powered by an ETA 2836-2 movement that is protected from shocks of up to 5,000 Gs, magnetism to up to 4,800 a/m, water resistance to up to 100m by a wide 46mm stainless steel case. The hands and hour indices are all applied with self-powered micro gas lights that they say light up 100 times brighter than luminous paint for 25 years. You won't expect some patina like a rollie on this after the lights go down but hey, 100 times, thats more than a justification. And the next best thing is that the watch retails around $1,600. I bet if these were stamped with other Brands, the prices would sky rocket a couple of times over.

Ball also has another smaller version of the watch at 44m, for those who like to keep it down low or with smaller wrists.

WWR #14: Mondaine Sports Gents Chronograph Watch

2011-11-07T16:57:00.000+08:00

It's quite a trend now that the market is into more simple and minimalistic design in watches. And so I started last week with one of these type of watches with the Nomos Tangomat, for this week, I'd love to share with you another simplistic round shaped case watch that's nothing too fancy or overstated, but a simple white faced dial adorned by the rectangular hands and the signature red seconds hand from Mondaine

The WWR# 13 is the Sports Gents Chronograph with model number A690.30308.11SBB. It is powered by a the dependable Swiss Ronda Quartz movement and housed in a stainless steel 41mm case. Aside from the dial design that is similar to the Swiss Railway Clocks, is the large date display over at the 12 o'clock position at the dial. And what I like most about this date function is its two window digit display style. Surely not what you usually nowadays with date windows and while trying it on and operating the date function, it's interesting to see how it flips to the next day without the need for the first window to change for days within the 10 digit period. The Chronograph function is also very smooth, the buttons work fine and the shiny case reflects also what is on the chapter ring on the dial thus mirroring the minute indices in a swindling image on the sides. You'll notice it once you try to handle one in person. The leather strap is on the medium scale of design, simple white stitches on the side. The watch wears a little smaller in person vs its spec of 41mm so it should fit any shirt or cuff comfortably. The price for this Modaine is around $600 as i've seen on retail store tags. If you want just a simple daily watch for your everyday job and weekend getaways, perhaps this is the watch for you. Dependable, Swiss, Simple, Elegant and Fashionable...Set it and enjoy it.

WWR #13: Nomos Tangomat GMT

2011-10-23T11:50:00.001+08:00

From a little town in Glashutte, comes my WWR no. 12. which is the Nomos Glashutte Tangomat GMT. Now one of the things that prompted me to choose this brand is that now in our world of complexities and somewhat chaos, a site of simplicity for me is beauty. And that characteristic is visibly clear in all Nomos watches. I chose the Tangomat GMT is that i breaks a way from the normal three handed watch and comes away with the GMT function through a window calendar and its one of the bigger models that Nomos has which is at 40mm. The white dial face is also a sure damn killer. You can pair it with Jeans, or casual long sleeve shirts and jackets, or a tie, fits everywhere. Those blue hands complement the dial so much adding to it the small seconds that really makes everything fit and clear.

The backdrop of this model though is since the GMT function is done through similar to a calendar day ring, the date function is sacrificed. Well whatever works for you, there is a Tangomat Datum that has no GMT function but a large date display on the dial.

This clean minimalist watch is not screaming for attention but gains a lot of respect to where it is due. Just look at the back. Seldom do you see in-house manufactured watches these days.

WWR #12: Halios Laguna 500M Watch

2011-10-02T11:38:00.002+08:00

I saw a prototype of this model months back from another dive watch website and it instantly captured my WIS senses. It's design that is perfectly simple and yet unique is what attracted me to it. It kinda reminds me of a BMW M3, sedan on the outside, outstanding sports car in the inside. The Halios Laguna looks like an ordinary 3 handed watch from the front, but surprise you, this thick and big watch under that simple dial can go 500M.

What i love about it?
- Big and thick casind, 43mm and 14.5mm respectively
- 4mm thick sapphire crystal
- Simple dial design with inner rotating reflector, doing away with the usual divers external bezel
- Excellent lume
- Screw down crown design (watch it from the video review)
- Case design is unique
- WR500M, and doesn't look like one
- And the price at $670

Specifications from Halios Website:

Comfortable, modern size: 43mm width, 49mm lug-to-lug, 14.5mm thickness
Highly scratch-resistant 4mm sapphire crystal
Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement
Internal rotating bezel operated by non-screwdown, bi-directional crown at 2 o’clock
500M water-resistance
C3 Superluminova-coated hands, dial and bezel markers for optimal low-light visibility
Ships with: HALIOS bracelet, genuine Isofrane® 1968 rubber strap and tools

All in all, this is really a value for your money. And you are sure this ain't any next door Rolex or Timex that you would see from your neighbor's wrist. Something you can uniquely call your own Laguna.

Here's an excellent review by James Stacey from WatchReport.com.

That's all for this week. Hail to Halios for this impressive watch!

How to Make it in America: Season 2

2011-10-02T09:41:00.001+08:00

They said that How to Make it in America will replace Entourage in the HBO tv offerings to bring about another version of bromance or a show for guys and their adventures in this world. Well, seeing season 1 of HTMIIA, I instantly loved it. But it wasn't the next Entourage. It was entirely different on it's own. Entourage brought about the dream life of guys, you know, girls, girls girls, hollywood, living with your bros, cars, suits, bucks minimum of 5 digits, not to mention lots of cameos, and Sasha Grey, Alice Eve, Emmanuelle Chriqui and countles hot women. HTMIIA was about the real world, the struggles, adventures and success in views of two friends who dream to make it big in New York. Yup, what place but New York, the center of all life on earth! And now, Season 2 starts airing tonight, and they promise a bigger load from season 1, sex, drugs and money. Surely got my juices pumped up, right in time after the finale of my well loved Entourage. Keep it coming HBO!

WWR# 11 - Casio Edifice Red Bull Limited Edition Watch

2011-09-25T08:33:00.000+08:00

F1 fan you are? Well look no further. F1 has it's youngest champion yet, and the most advanced F1 watch yet. The Casio Edifice Red Bull Racing Limited Edition watch EQS-A1000RB is the Weekly Watch Recom for this week.

This watch is really the cream of the crop for quartz lovers. Seeing the specs below, I bet you won't even use 50% for regular folks like us but the marvel of engineering to fit all those in analog watch is pure advanced and innovative electronics and mechanisms. I mean I seldom see these features on a high-end Master of G, G-shock watches, but no, its on a Casio Edifice with only hour, minute and second hands. The mystery of how it works and how it all fits in this simple watch is what makes this very interesting. Plus, this has the tough solar technology, similar to Seiko Solar and of course the popular Eco-Drive from Citizen. This is probably the priciest Casio yet at around $700, but I bet all my collection that this is the most high-tech, full featured, most accurate watch of all F1 branded watches. Especially that majority of which are mechanicals, really, though I am in love with mechanical watches, do you really think that F1 teams use a mechanical watch to capture lap times up to the most milliseconds? Not a chance. If the price is too steep for you, there are a lot of Edifice models to choose from sans the Red Bull Logo.

Specs from Casio:

Case / bezel material: Stainless steel / Aluminum
Stainless Steel Band
One-touch 3-fold Buckle
Solid Band
100-meter water resistance
Mineral Glass
Neobrite
Screw Lock Crown
Partial ion plated
Solar powered
World time
29 time zones (29 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off
1/20-second stopwatch
Measuring capacity: 59'59.95''
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
1/20-second stopwatch
Measuring capacity: 59'59.95''
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, lap time
Memory capacity: Up to 5 records
Other: Fastest lap
Countdown timer
Measuring unit: 1 second
Input range: 1 minute to 60 minutes (1-minute increments)
Other: Auto switching to elapsed time measurement (1-second units) when the end of a countdown timer operation is reached
Daily alarm
Low battery alert
Power Saving (hands stop to save power when the watch is left in the dark)
Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
Date display
Regular timekeeping
Analog: 3 hands (hour, minute (hand moves every 10 seconds), second), 1 dial (TM (mode))
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
Approx. battery operating time:
6 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after full charge)
31 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
Size of case/total weight: 51.6 X 46.2 X 14.3 mm/193 g

Here is a quote from the Champion himself:

"Let me share a secret with you: to win in Formula One, you need to be ready for new challenges all the time. Whether you’re a driver, designer or engineer, the commitment is the same. You only need to look at casio edifice watches to understand that they have a similar philosophy"

WWR# 10: Rolex Sea Dweller

2011-09-17T19:41:00.000+08:00

I recently just decided that for every 10th post at Weekly Watch Recom, I will be choosing either high end or haute horology watches or "Grail" watches that shall address the serous watch collectors or consumers who have deeper pockets than the most of us.

And for the first special WWR #10, it will be none other but from most popular luxury watch brand in the world, before, now and forever into the future. ROLEX. Everybody knows the brand. Even the homeless guy over the street to the nerdy computer geek who has never worn a watch in his whole life. It's that thing that brands the person with a reputation of achievement and success likewise an automatic respect from the eyes of all mankind. And you may expect that the Rollie that I will be recommending is the superman of watches, the Submariner, then I would cease this post to be too predictable. Therefore it is the other stronger brother of the Sub, the SEA-DWELLER. One of my own personal grail watches.

For normal folks, they wouldn't tell the difference from the Sub,but for Rolex fans and WIS, they would view both entirely differently. What I would note now are the differences that I like.

One noticeable difference is that this is the only Rolex without a date magnifier. To which one of the things I don't like about Rolexes as for me, they give give an old man's watch look. I mean I don't need my dates with lenses to be able to read them.

Next is by the name itself, a sea dweller would give you an instant perception that this watch can withstand more what what the ocean can offer. And yes by water resistance, this is guaranteed 1,220 m (4000ft) vs the Sub's 300m WR. And most importantly, this has a helium escape valve, really for one serious diver.

The case of 40mm is the same with the sub, this the SD is thicker to accomodate the helium escape valve. Thus adding more wrist presence.

And lastly, in the accounts of two sides of the coin or is a pro and a con at the same time, this model is already discontinued and already replaced with the bigger and badder Deep Sea Dweller, thus adds more uniqueness to those who own it. Vintage collectors surely will try to get their hands on these in the coming years so if you ever get a chance to bid one at the bay or see it for sale at forums or watch stores, grab it if you can. You won't regret it. And you won't have to live by the thought that you just purchased one of the most common watches that people wear, but something that shares its classic beauty but with added oomppff! you can brag about.

WWR# 9: Orient Ray Diver Watch EM65009D

2011-09-12T10:11:00.020+08:00

You may think that I have any link with Orient or anything but I just can't help but recommend another watch from the brand after finding this over the net and just stuck with me to share it to rest of the public to know.

Another thing Orient is popular with from the views of WIS like me is the cool names that they name their watches for easier identification for watch fans. Their most popular watch I have to say is the Mako. It's a diver style watch with a 40mm diameter, auto movement 46946 and is available with quite a range of dial/bezel colors, blue being the most popular. By 2010, the Mako was upgraded to it's bigger brother and named it Mako XL which is by far one of the best sellers to date from Orient. I also did a review of the Mako XL in my previous post (check it out). And just last night, while hunting the net for horological species, I found this. It's the new diver watch called 'Ray'. And by the looks of it, it's another upgrade from the Mako.

The bezel and case is very similar. The hour and minute hands are upgraded and I like the ones on these better from the Mako. By far the best hands I've seen from lower end Orient diver watches. The other thing I like are the round indices that are inspired from their pro-saturation divers. The bezel insert is a mix fusion with the Mako and Mako XL, and has remained the lume pip on the 12 marker. The bracelet now is slightly decorated with polished lines which gives it a classier look. The specs read it has a 41mm case diameter and 22 lugs. The price is at $215 (same with the Mako). Below are the pictures from Orient. If you are looking for your first or next affordable mechanical diver, look no further.

for comparison sake, the Mako, Mako XL, Pro Diver and the Ray in order.

WWR #8: Orient Power Reserve Dress Watch DJ0200

2011-09-11T18:51:00.016+08:00

What of the things that I look for when choosing watch brands is the way how they are able to meet the demand of the consumer which is me of course. What I mean is, we as watch idot savants or watch consumers have needs. We have specifics that we want a watch that has an inhouse mechanical movement, perpetual calendar, chronograph, power reserve indicator, tourbillion, platinum casing, etc etc..blah blah blah. But of course, most of the time, those needs are not met because of the constraint of our capacity to pay our credit card bill after a month's purchase. And it surprises me when there is a product our there that meets my needs, and at the same time I can demand (I can afford I mean). And this is one example that I will recommend for this week. The New Orient Power Reserve Dress Watch.

Mostly, low to middle-end watches that come from the land of Japan have basic automatic movements and features non decorated movement which some do not hack or wind. It may feature day-date and thats it. For this watch that I recommend, it has that, plus a real GMT hand function, a power reserve, and a winding and hacking function to complete a jetsetter yuppie's demand of a classical timepiece. To add to that, it has a Sapphire Crystal and a see thru exhibition caseback for the view of the decorated new movement.

Here are the tech specs of the watch from Orient's site.
Mechanical Movement : ORIENT caliber 40P51 Made in Japan
Self-winding & Hand-winding movement
22 jewels
21600/hour vibrations
Power reserve indicator, Date indicator
24hour hand (Dual-time function)
Second hand halt mechanism
Stainless steel case
Sapphire crystal
See-through caseback with crystal
Stainless steel bracelet
Water resistant to 50m
Diameter 40.40mm
Thickness 11.98mm

The thing though is, I haven't yet seen one in the wild so I cannot validate the price and the value, but with the experience with the brand and its value and affordability always in mind, I'm sure it will meet my demands and expectations.

If you have this actual watch, please send me a message on your thoughts about it and pictures of it, I would gladly update this post with your shared pictures for everyone to see.

Revelator by Tedeschi Trucks Band

2011-09-10T14:26:00.003+08:00

There is something about collabs that spike interest to aficionados of any kind or following. For music, it has been that case. From MJ and Paul, to Aero and Run DMC, to P.Diddy and Sir Jimmy, they fuse what they have and create something, not entirely new, but a mixture of something. Now, does it work? Well not always. Really not all of em. But for the collaboration of Trucks and Tedeshchi, what will it do? Let's find out.

The Revelator album came out last May of 2011.

The union of Susan and Derek in an album was inevitable. Aside from being married together, they collaborations was so perfect that its like it didn't need any practice. It was like they could go straight at the studio and record a week's session and you'd get good tape out of it for sure.

Midnight in harlem is smoothly mellow but Susan's Voice didn't mix well, i dunno

Bound for Glory is too predictable and standard. It's like you know what happens after the next riff.

Ball and Chain's partial riff sound's like an excerpt from the Meter's "Yeah your right".

These Walls starts with an indian inspired tune in slow tempo waiting for Susan's claim on the lyrics. I dig this track, it's the most right mix in the album so far.

Mike Mattisons voice is amazing and simply powerful and unique, its explored again on love something else to say.

The album is called revelator. I can't connect. And most tempos are too dreary and similarly sound the same.

TTB is a great idea. It has proven it's formula in various live performances and features in each albums, but for this one, it has that lesser blues and jam strenght versus their own albums. It's too mellow, the crunchy soulful voice of Susan doest reach the pivotal piont. Derek's limitless slide tones are like trapped in a musical box, not hitting one's soul. Why do I feel this way. Why do I feel sleepy after listening to the album. I've listened to these guys for years and they've rocked my ears down straight hitting the hunger in my musical soul. They're a rare gem to music today. Is it possible I have set my expectations to high for them to reach. Or are they premature amidst the vast experience and talent they have. They still have to work on. Don't hurry up ttb to produce one. Wait. Let it come to you. And of course I see you must enjoy. Yup recording maybe fun, but the music you made is lesser that your potential. You have so many talented people working on this, thus we really expect something spectacular. But really thanks for the music as always, this is way way lot better than the norm right now. Awaiting your follow-up album.

My thoughts.

WWR 7: Seiko BFS SNKF09

2011-08-11T06:49:00.018+08:00

Hello everyone, apologies for the unannounced hiatus i did on this blog but now I'm back and have much to catch up.

For the pas few years, the big watch industry has been a new fad and lots of rival entries coming up with bigger and badder models. From the most popular Panerai, to squaris aviator bell and ross, to the evreythng is big TW steel, and to the italian bad boy Uboat, they size up from 44mm to around 55mm. With the hug fad and market follwing such, almost everyone from the industry wants to join the wagon. Seiko, for entry level offering has their SNKF09. Dubbed by WIS in forums as BFS (Big Freakin Seiko). This actually is an old model from Seiko and I just couldn't go without recommending this watch. This one is kind of hard to find nowadays and I think Seiko has already stopped its production, thus making your own personal search more challenging.

The case of the BFS is 42.5mm without the crown and has the bigger 24mm lugs from the usual 22's from Seiko Diver's. The first time I saw this watch, I was quite confused to which it belonged to, but from my opinion, it would rather fit on the Pilot watch category with it's big lume arabic numbers, large distinct flight style hands, thick leather options, big white dial face. I believe all compliments to a person airborne.

The movement is bulletproof 7S26, 100 meter water resistance, all stainless steel case, day-date features, and a very affordable price. I'm sure you can find one not more than $150.

*pics are borrowed from Seiko Watch Forum. Thanks!

WWR #6: J. Crew X Timex Andros Watch

2011-07-22T23:23:00.022+08:00

The Timex and J. Crew collab has been very successful with the military watch model that you can see it in most fashion magazines or websites or simply people buying it aside that it has quite a hefty price for a Timex.

And with its new piece from their partnership, the Timex Andros Watch is our 6th Weekly Watch Recom. When I first saw this watch, I didn't expect it to be a Timex, well to think that Timex really doesn't have a consistent design, they adapt to the market, and upon seeing the Timex Logo upfront, guessed it right, it was another J. Crew. And boy does it look good. It has an matching ocean blue color for the dial, rotating bezel and the neat nato strap. With matching explorer style markings and a pilot inspired hands, this is a sure winner.

Now the price of this piece is a bit high for a Timex ($175) at this level, but I do believe that brand and exclusivity add another value that is hard to find these days. Fully justified you think? If you have the funds, I think it is. Timex is known for providing dependable, robust and quality watches that will take a licking, add that with a classic uniqueness and simple class from the J. Crew group, I think that is a good back-up for your fashion getaway.

There aren't too much info on the J. Crew site except for the obvious 100meter WR rating from the 330ft indication on the dial. A quartz movement and a functional rotating bezel. I would assume it has luminous hands, but for indiglo, I doubt. But none the less, I'm pretty sure this watch will serve a proud owner for many many years and will become a collector's classic in the future on.

And from this on, we'd only hope that Timex and J. Crew to continue what they are doing.

Pictures from the J. Crew Website.

WWR #5: Steinhart Nav B-Uhr automatik F0304

2011-07-16T08:54:00.024+08:00

It will come to a point in time when your watch wearing purpose is to tell time and to match the suit you wear or to the even you are about to go. This time will be when you are more knowledgeable about the world of horology, the industry moving it, and the addicted drug called watch collecting. And with that, one will come familiar different types of watches depending on what it was made for etc etc.. And indeed, the Pilot watch is one of them. Dig into google and you'll get tons of these models lying around. And so my 5th WWR is a pilot watch. There is one very particular style of pilot watch comes from the Beobachtungs-uhr design from the war era. Big bold and a defenite classic.

Now Steinhart is a German Watch brand that has quite a collection of watches and why I chose this one? Aside from loving the design of classic timepieces, it is because Steinhart watches are value for your money watches. It's equipped with an ETA movement, wide at 47mm, superluminova, sapphire crystal, at a price of $500 or less....and not to mention a sterile dial, truly a classic timepiece.

Here are the specs from Steinharts website

Model: Nav-B automatic
No.: F0304
Movement: Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic
features
Jewels: 25 rubies
Hour and minute hands with white superluminova C1
Central second hand
Case: Brushed Stainless Steel
Rear: stainless steel screwed (with engraving)
Diameter: 47 mm
Height: 14.2 mm
Weight: 112 g
Dial: Black
Glass: domed sapphire crystal, interior anti-reflective coating
Bezel: Stainless Steel
Indexes: white superluminova C1
Band width 22 mm
Band: brown calf leather, with double rivets
Clasp: screwed Stainless Steel buckle

WWR# 4: Seiko Automatic Watch SARB071

2011-07-10T20:57:00.013+08:00

Seiko is well known over the world for their cheap auto dive watches, and their kinetics too. But little do only know that Seiko was truly the first to bring to the market the quartz wristwatch way back in December 25, 1969. And aside from that, Seiko also does manufacture middle to high end mechanical timepieces which are of majority offered only to JDM (Japan Domestic Market). And so my WWR for this week is from the latter. It's a mid-range JDM Seiko, which is the SARB071 Automatic Dress Watch. Why this watch? well from browsing along Seiko's offerings, this one's look sung out to me. For me it's got that vintage japanese design similar to the world's first quartz watch and commemorative edition...

Seiko Astron 1969

Seiko Astron 40th year Commemorative Edition 2009

...powered by the mid-range 6R15 movement which can also be found in the popular Seiko Sumo diver's watch. That sleek and lean design of the hands and hour indices enclosed on the semi cushioned case is something truly Seiko design. The crown has that "S" logo and the exhibition case back marvels you with the robust and dependable automatic movement. And yes, apart from the low-end Seiko movements, this one hacks and winds.

Here are some pics of the SARB071 (courtesty of www.seiyajapan.com)

Here are the specs:

Made in Japan
Case: SS
Dial: Black
Crystal: Sapphire
See-through back: Hardlex
Diameter: 38 mm (without the crown)
Thickness: 11.2 mm
Weight: 77g
Movement: 6R15 23J Automatic (with Hand winding and Hack function)
Accuracy: +25/-15 sec/day
Power reserve: 50 Hour
10 ATM water resistance

Need I post more details? Oh yeah I almost forgot, it's tagged at $454 in SeiyaJapan.com website. A definite win from powerhouse watchbrand Seiko!

WWR #3: Orient Diver Watch UN9P009D

2011-06-28T21:13:00.010+08:00

My Weekly Watch Recom for the week is the an affordable quartz diver watch from Orient. Yes it's quartz, and with the price, it's an obvious choice for a good beater.

Men / Women:Men
Crystal:Mineral
Movement:Orient Quartz Movement
Crown:Screwed-down
Water Resistance:200m
Case Material:Stainless Steel
Dial Color:Blue
Calendar:Date
Band Material:Vent Rubber Strap

3 things I like about the watch. First is it's vintage cushion case popular on Japanese watches way back in the 60's and 70's. The blue dial and bezel with the yellow accent, not you see everyday on Japanese watches. And lastly, that magnified crystal on the date window. They just fit everything. But I do advise to replace the vent strap with that dolphin logo on the sides, replace it with clean rubber straps or better some nato or zulus that have that blue/yellow colors. If only this had an automatic movement in it, it will be a true classic. With the quartz movement, it allows for the thinner case so it won't go in the way with normal wrist movemenbts. Having a quartz one isn't that bad at all. A beater whose price won't run deep in your pockets, set it and forget it, and a unique design with the usual simple hues of Orient Watches, it's a sure recommendation from me.

Images found on Orient Watch USA website:
http://orientwatchusa.com/un9p009d

WWR #2: Citizen Automatic Dress Watch NP3000-54A

2011-06-28T19:55:00.006+08:00

Citizen has been popular these days with offering numerous models of their very successful Eco-Drive watches, which are quartz watches powered by solar technology. But for my Weekly Watch Recom for this week, it's from their mechanical products which is simply stunning as a dress watch with a very reasonable price tag. It's the model number NP3000-54A. This watch has that clean white face dial with small 24 hour time dial on the 9 o'clock position and 3-day view date at the 3 o'clock. Now prior to giving my reason why to get this, here are its features:

Metal : Stainless Steel
Movement : Automatic
Citizen Gents Automatic.
Caliber: 4166 - 21 Jewels
Sapphire crystal.
Made in Japan.
Stainless steel case & crystal caseback.
With matching bracelet with DB buckle.
Water resistant 100m
Lugs width 21mm
Case width including crown: 46mm
Case thickness: 12.5mm

You should get one of these since first, it comes from Citizen, a very reputable watch manufacturer and a true in-house movement. Aside from the lots of quartz watches they have, Citizen long before has been making mechanical watches which are at par with Seiko. And with this dress watch, you get a clean looking white dial, elegant and uncluttered, a reliable made in Japan movement that is decorated to allow a more craftmanship rendition of the view from the caseback. This watch also looks better with a black leather strap, to match your ties and suits. The case width of 46mm may be a bit bigger than the usual dress watches but it doesn't look that big in actual fitting. The movement is also handwindable and hackable, a very usual feature for watch rotation geeks. And one of the best bargains is the price, at around $400-$500, it's a sure winner. A definite win from Citizen.

Pics grabbed from this forum thread:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/citizen-np3000-54a-some-photos-445289.html

WWR #1: The Hamilton Khaki Field Officer H70615733

2011-06-19T14:19:00.015+08:00

For the first weekly watch recom its model number H70615733 Khaki Field Officer Auto from Hamilton. The american watch brand who now belongs under the Swatch Group umbrella continues to provide us with offerings that are still true to the American style it was created and being under the powerful Swatch group, means you can't go wrong with quality, durability and class. Specs of the watch are as follows.

Dial window material type: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Case: Stainless-Steel; 44mm;
Case back: Exhibition Caseback
Lug width: 22mm
Band material: Black Leather Band w/ Rivets
Dial color: Black; 24hr Subdial
Calendar: Date
Movement: Automatic ETA 2824, Handwind and Hackable
Water resistant depth: 330 Feet

Why buy this watch? If you don't have a military inspired watch yet, this is a good starter. Aside from lots of offerings from Japanes watch brands, if you want something with a 'Swiss Made' badge and has an ETA movement that hacks and winds, this one will definitely do. This won't break the bank. I've seen some shops offering this at around $600. The design is simple, modern and will hold on for a long time. So surely it will be a keeper.

What I love about it, the big hour markers with inner military hour markers and outer minute markers, a sure military look. The hands, simple and effective. Brushed case finish for that rugged look. Decent leather strap, thick and sturdy (thanks to the double buckle hole system) to compliment the whole watch. Will definitely look good on natos or zulus! And it's fathers day today, buy your dad one, or if your one, treat yourself!

Pics were borrowed from this site:
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/hitparade/item/10019120/

View the watch at the Hamilton site:
http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gents/khaki/field/officer-auto/H70615733

TV Series: Outsourced

2011-06-12T10:46:00.011+08:00

Usually, we have lots of TV shows capturing the usual story lines that either blows up your tubes with gun fires and explosives, fogs up the screen with steamy and cheesy stories, saddens us with drama, or the popular tickles from comedy. In the new comedy TV series Outsourced, it's plot begins when an American is sent to India to manage a call center. That statement alone brings lots of interest.

And so as the story progresses with comedy as major in lines of love, indian/american culture, jokes, jobs, singin/dancing, sex...and everything that goes with life. It's quite nice to see a new show that grasps the reality of life right now. Recession, global outsourcing, the difference in cultures and its possibilities all bottled up in one comedy show.

Be sure to watch out for Gupta!

Weekly Watch Recom

2011-06-11T21:08:00.008+08:00

Starting this week, I will try to publish a new watch every week that I would recommend for any watch lovers or watch seekers to buy. I got the idea since mostly, the only WIS in my circle of friends, they frequently ask me about what watch to buy, where, and most importantly WHY. And it gives me one of the highest fulfillment that they eventually buy the one I recommend or by just the fact that I was able to impart to them any new knowledge in the world of horology. And one of unique things the way that I recommend watches to them, is that I look into the person and somewhat fill their shoes, and analyze what watch is right for them. I don't recommend to them my favorites, I give them the watch that would match their personality, style, taste and if possible their pockets. So now, I'm sharing it to the rest of the world.

And if you ever find my future posts helpful, drop me a note, I'd be glad of the news.

Cheers!

Timex Ironman 100-Lap T5E231 Review

2011-06-10T22:14:00.019+08:00

It takes a lickin and keep on ticking...That famous line from the watch brand that started way back 1854 with their 1 dollar watches. Well, you can't have those watches on that price scale in these ages but Timex still offers the affordable watches around the world. Timex, is one of the few brands that really have diverse styles in their watches. It's like there is always a timex for every kind of person in this earth. Sports, Dress, Quartz, Mechanical, Casual, Outdoor, you name it, they have one for everyone. And one of the most popular line is the Ironman. Ironman watches are designed for athletes in triathlon and marathon.

The unit that I will be bringing some thoughts to day is the Timex Ironman T5E231. It is one of the current models today in the 100 Lap category and currently has like 200+ user comments on the amazon website (yes believe me, check it out).

The case:
Case is made of resin plastic with stainless steel caseback. Diameter is at 40mm. It has a black plastic painted bezel up front and about 18mm lugs. This watch doesn't have the shock resist features unlike other ironmans. It's really a standard case design with 4 buttons on the sides and one top button for the convenience of start/split. I had quite bad experiences with their buttons on previous ironmans, they just fell off for no apparent reason, so I hope it doesn't happen to you.

Dial:
The lcd dial is protected by mineral crystal. LCD display is big and easy. Like you can read the time even if the watch is on the other side of the room or even other side of the road. Which is one of the biggest points considering you are targetting runners and marathon athletes who would never want to waste an extra amount of effort for just reading the time. ANd yes, the bright and effective Indiglo is on.

Band:
The rubber band is quite normal with other timex watches, but still on the doubt if the quality and durability of the bands have improved. I have other rubber bands from timex before, all of em breaking within a year or two, and I'm no ironman athlete, just a normal watch freak who has a daily job and jogs like 2 or 3 times in a week. So don't expect to much on the band. I advice you check em regularly like every month for some signs of wear and tear, you don't want your watch to just fall out of your wrist suddenly without any warning. When you check, don't just look at it, try to bend the band opposite from its usual form, and if you see some cracks or so, stop wearing em and replace em immediately.

Features
Well you have the stopwatch. Which has the Lap time, memory recall up to 100 Laps. Yes 100, and that's more you would need for a serious sportsman. Timex beats everybody out on this junction.

Then there is the interval timer. 9 of which from the product descriptions. I can't say much bout it since I was only able to handle the watch for a couple of days, but I think it is capable of having a timer with intervals like cycles for possibly doing some reps on the gym or so. Pretty neat really. Another plus.

Of course you have the alarm modes.

Water resistance is 100M. Swim with it, just don't push the buttons underwater.

The flix system, where just by flicking your wrist, the indiglo night light activates. I still don't see any use to this feature as I find the button pressing a lot more easier and more normal. Good thing about the indiglo feature is that when you activate the indiglo button, and start operating the modes and the functions, the indiglo night light continues to light up, up to the point when there are no more button operations going within 3 secs interval. Very neat and useful.

In summary, its a good watch for the price. If you just want a dependable watch to accompany you in whatever sporting hobbies or professions you have, this Timex will definitely do the trick. Well the design maybe to much of a triathlon look for me, so I would only wear one when in the gym or pool or jogging. When I take-off my running shoes, I take this off too. I mean, you don't wear running shoes or shorts or spandex casually right? I hope not. As any gym bag or locker should have an ironman in it. On durability, some swore theirs lasted for many many many years, others just died for a couple, I can't really say since I haven't owned digital Timex watches that long, but truth I can say that it is an understanding that when the battery of your timex goes out, people just buy another one. Like its consumable, not the right term but you get the point. It's not a collectible watch but it just gets the job done.

Casio G-Shock GD-100-1ADR

2011-05-09T21:12:00.037+08:00

It's been 28 years that the world has experienced the ruggedness and durability of G-Shocks. Attributed to the need of a shockproof watch after his watch got damaged upon falling to the floor, Kikuo Ibe, an engineer in Casio went to his lab started experimenting on a shockproof watch. Testing it by dropping the prototypes out the window of the 3rd floor until one survived. By it's humble beginnings, the G-Shock line has garnered huge success and has now hundreds of styles to choose from.

For this post, I can present to you one of the latest models in the market. Officially released in Japan last September 2010, this watch is part of the Classics line and is more of a spin-off of the X-Large Combi Series of GA-100.

My review of the all digital Casio G-Shock GD-100-1ADR.

Case:

Dimensions of the case is 50mm in width, 52mm from lug to lug and 17mm in thickness. The durable plastic resin casing protects the watch from shock and water resistance up to 200 meters. The stainless steel case back is screwed to the case with markings of where it was made, model no., module no. and G-Shock trademark logos. What I love about the case, quite possibly one of the selling points of the watch is the large size for that modern hey my watch is bigger that my wrist look but hey not that ben10 comic look. The crystal is nicely guarded by four indices in the case that serve as bumpers. The buttons are safely secured under the case guards to prevent the plastic buttons from damage or being pushed accidently. Buttons are also big, that allows for easier operation, not convenient but effective. The case also has that large markings of G-SHOCK PROTECTION which I love. It's like a constant reminder of it's main feature or a tattoo of Superman on Shaq.

Movement:

Module no. 3263 Casio Quartz movement. Battery lifespan is estimated to last for 7 years considering normal watch operation.

Strap:

The rubber strap is attached through screws and a spring bar. Width of the strap is 28mm from the case, then tapers to 21mm at the ends. The thickness of the straps thins out from 2mm to about 1.5 mm at the tip which then allows it to be flexible and comfortable. It also uses the two hole buckle design for added lock and fit.

Dial:

The dial is an all LCD display that has two eyes on the 3 o'clock side and connects to 3 indicators all the way to the 9 o'clock position. The indicators divides the LCD into two. Upper portion displays the day, date, milliseconds, modes and settings. While the lower portion gives you mostly time keeping information. Another selling point of the watch are the 2 powerful LED lights that makes the watch face glow in the illumination feature. The neutral face with the LEDs make this a watch easier to read than other Gs.

Features:

For the timekeeping mode, it's pretty standard. What you see is what you get. The numbers are medium size, not an easy grandpa read but will do. And it comes a setting of four multi-timezones for timekeeping that's a basis from the world time function.

You have the World time, which covers 48 cities in 31 countries which includes UTC and the very useful daily savings time.

The timer, which is capable of counting down from 24 hours. Pretty neat.

The Stopwatch function is still the same as with other G-shocks. Elapsed timing, split time, and the 1st and 2nd place times. Still lacking is the Lap Timing and Memory recall for those runners and anybody timing laps or cycles. That's one wish I'd definitely like Casio Genie to have bestow on this watch.

The Alarm has 5 independent alarms that can be set to daily or one time only. That's it, no setting of weekends or weekdays only or anniversaries and others. The volume of the beep of the alarm is medium, not loud enough to wake me up, just able to let me know that it's time for kitkat.

Then there are the Flash alerts which you could set for you alarm or hourly chimes and all.

The watch also has that Auto Light Switch where the Super LEDs light up every time the face of the watch is tilted to more than 40 degrees or the viewing angle. It's a cool feature but I tried using it while driving or just doing the normal things, the watch lights up everytime of course and I could only guess when the battery will run out. Pretty useless I think, same with Timex's Flix system. Only useful if you're like paralyzed from the neck down and the only thing you can move is your wrist.

Price:

Stated 89$ on the gshock.com

In summary, the watch has its strengths and weaknesses. Bad news first, no lap time memory recall (Timex IM +1), useless Auto Light Switch, and Alarm feature has no weekend/day setting. Good points or I'd rather say great points goes to of course, the tried and tested gravity shock protection, extra large case that enables larger buttons for easier operation without sacrificing durablity, built like a tank, strong materials, super LED illumination, world time, 200m WR, affordable and of course you'll get a lot of respect from the fashion, music, sports, celebrity, military and WIS following all over the world.

This G-Shock GD-100 is not the jack of all traits, but what ever it provides, it's the best at it.