Remix X Allen Wes X G-Shock DW-6900 MS-1

Just got some information on the launch of this watch. It is a collaboration between Remix (a clothing store here in Taiwan), Allen Wes (a singer) and Casio. The watch, DW-6900 MS-1 is basically a DW-6900 MS with a embossed band and custom printed case back. The design on the band and case back is based on a tattoo from Allen Wes. The watch was launched yesterday (30/01/01) and it is a limited edition run of 150 pieces. The watch retails for NTD 4,000 or USD 125.

The watch can be purchased from the Remix store here in Taiwan. For more information:

http://www.remixtaipei.com/

The watch.

The case back with the Remix/ Allen Wes Tattoo.

The band.

The package. It will come with the custom outer box, tag and CD. The inner tin can is the same can as the 25th Anniversary gold colour can.

Photographs: Remix

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver

This is one cool watch. I have always like the Royal Oak series of watches from Audemars Piguet. I like the clean simple look of the Royal Oak and the Royal Oak chronograph because I like the tri-compax layout of the chronograph sub-dial. So when AP released the Offshore, I was very happy. A more robust Royal Oak. Sadly, I did not like the layout of the chronograph sub-dial.

This year however, AP has released the Royal Oak Offshore Diver, reference: 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01. This watch is, to me personally, very nice. Finally a 'true' diver watch from AP. The unique aspect of the watch is that the overall design of the watch has not changed. The bezel to show dive time has been moved and placed inside the watch. This inner bezel is operated by the crown at the 10 o'clock position. This crown has to be unscrewed before it can be used. I like the fact that AP has decided to maintain the overall design of the Royal Oak true to the original. AP could have gone with the 'super compressor' design adopted by JLC, Longines and IWC but did not. Time to start saving.

The case is still stainless steel. It measures 42 mm in diameter and is 13.75 mm thick. It's water resistance rating is now 30 ATM. AP has made changes to the gaskets, thickness of the case back and the front crystal to ensure the watch is guaranteed to be water resistant to 30 ATM. In addition to the increased water resistant rating, the watch is also design to meet the standards for anti-magnetic, shock and thermal variation resistance.

The other interesting aspect of this watch is the dial and hands of the watch. The Swiss dive watch 92-11 norm requires the watch to be readable in the dark from a distance of 25 cm/ 10 inches. The watch achieves this with the faceted luminescent hour marker and hands. In fact if you look closely, the hour hand actually have 3 luminescent bars as opposed to the standard one. Even the sweep second hand is luminescent. This is important as it indicates that the watch is still working.

The design of the dial further accentuates the readability of the watch. The dial has the black 'Mega Tapisserie' motif. This looks like the hob-nail dial design. The date window is at the 3 o'clock position.

AP has chosen the Manufacture Audemars Piguet automatic winding calibre 3120 movement to power the watch. It is good that AP has decided to do away with unnecessary complications and only offer the date complication. This movement offers a 60 hour power reserve, quick-set date display, hacking second and beats at 21,600 A/h. This movement is hand assembled in AP facilities in Le Brassus.

The watch will come with a rubber strap. Even the strap has been redone by AP and now offers the ability to withstand forces up to 200 N. This has been achieved by redesigning and resizing the pin buckle. Even the studs and the rubber strap have been reworked to guarantee a secure hold.

Photographs: Audemars Piguet

6325 update

If you remember, some time ago I disassembled my Unitas 6325. Well I decided to get it professionally cleaned and lubricated.

The movement in pieces....

I am glad I made the decision to go professional. The finish product. We missed out the hour wheel.

Another view.

Very happy with the result. Now to look for a case and dial for the movement. Anybody?

Casio G-Man, a bit OT.

I got this in the mail today. It was given out in the recent Casio G-Shock Party held here in Taiwan. I understand about 200 of these were given out. So keep a look out for these at the popular auction sites if you want one.

The box.

Opening the box.

And what's inside?

The base where the G-Man stands on.

The DW-6900 G-Man. It is the same size as the one that comes with the Limited Edition DW-6900 Toy Series, the purple G-Man. The G-Man is 8 cm tall. It is black instead of purple. The position or pose of the G-Man is different. I wonder what other G-Man were given out.

Close-up view of the face. There is a plastic crystal over the 3-D face.

The G-Man, posing.

The back of the G-Man. The overall finish is pretty good. The G-Man is made in China.

Unlike the larger G-Man, the smaller G-Man does not wear a watch.

And a couple of close-up shots.

A big Thank You goes to Casio Taiwan.

MD-703 Bezel cleaning

I decided to clean the bezel of my MD-703 Casio watch. I have serviced the other watch, so I thought I might as well do this one as well. This is one long blog entry....

The watch.

Removing the screws on the bezel retainer.

The bezel retainer (screws attached).

The watch with the retainer removed.

DNA and rust.....

The underside of the bezel. Removal is easy, lever it out. Very dirty.

The ratchet mechanism. Simple but works.

The gasket that provides some friction.

DNA, grime, etc.... the watch is 20 years old.

Note the thick crystal.

Rust on the contact point on the bezel retainer.

Cleaning done. Equipment? Used toothbrush, toothpaste (not the gel type), soft soap and eraser.

The eraser (soft type) is used to 'erase' the rust on the metal.

Looks like new, well almost.

The bezel retainer and bezel, post spa treatment..... :) .

Fresh clean ratchet mechanism.

The assembly begins.

Don't forget to give the gasket the spa treatment as well. Lots of silicon grease. It would be better if I could replace the gasket, but Casio did not have the parts.

The bezel back on. The bezel on this watch click back on easier as compared to the other MD-703.

The screws.

Bezel retainer back on. Don't forget to diagonally tighten the screws, and finish it off with once around.

Completed. The bezel feels fresh and click sharply. I am a happy person.