Happy New Year

Wishing all a Happy New Year. May 2018 be a blessed year for you and your family. 

Merry Christmas

Wishing one and all a Merry Christmas. 

Lume shot... with a twist

It has been sometime since I last did a lume shot. Here is the Wired watch I got recently.

Unlike the watch of old, the light is white instead of yellow. :)

Wired...

I was at Costco today when I saw this watch. Looks interesting and kind of reminded me of vintage Seiko watches from the 70s. 

The watch...

The Seiko watch from the 70s...

Photograph: shameless borrowed from the Internet

So while waiting for the missus to do her shopping, I quickly searched the Internet about the watch. Interesting. The watch is part of a series of watches Wired produced in collaboration with Beams. The other watches in the collection..

Photograph: shameless borrowed from the Internet

The model on display is the AGAM701. The watch is also know by various names, so far I found that it is called Seiko Basel 2017 Limited Edition Wired x Beams, Seiko Solidity Beams produce, Seiko Wired x Beams Solidity and the list goes on. 

So far, I have established this is Limited Model produced in collaboration with Beams and it is a Limited Edition of 1,600 pieces. 

So I got two. One for me, and the other for my brother. 

I have to say the watch is rather unique and I like it. 

Oh, before I forget, one of the watches below appeared in a Bond movie. 

Photograph: shameless borrowed from the Internet

Bracelet resizing..

I was resizing some Seiko watches the other day. The most important thing to watch out for when resizing the Seiko monster bracelet is the locking collar and pin that hold the bracelet links together. Seiko use the pin and collar locking system and the collar is plenty small. 

The pictures below, don't serve as a step by step guide. Apologies for poor quality of some of the pictures as the background is not the best in the world... 

The Seiko Monster SZSC003 Blue Ocean.

Disconnect the bracelet from the clasp.

Mount it on the tool to punch out the pin.

The removed link, pins and locking collars. See how small the locking collars are.

All done.

The watch, Seiko SZEN006.

Note the direction to punch out the pins. 

Disconnect from the clasp. Note the spring bar. Don't lose this. :)

The link removed. Note the pin and locking collar. 

Reconnect the bracelet.

Pin in position. 

How time flies...

I have a unique way to measure time, especially how long I have been in Taiwan. It helps that when I first came to Taiwan, Casio was celebrating its 25th. Anniversary of the G-Shock. Fast forward and Casio is celebrating its 35th. Anniversary. So it has been 10 years. 

As with any celebration, Casio have released a number of Limited Edition Casio G-Shock to celebrate this. 

My friendly local watch shop sent me this...

Yes, these are the 35th. Anniversary Big Bang Black series. The collection consist of 4 watches, The GA-135-1A, GA-735A-1A, GA-835A-1A and the GG-1035-1A Mudmaster. 

Photograph: Casio

But wait, there are 5 boxes. What is the other one? 

The other watch is the GW-5035A-1 which according to sources will only be available in Japan, China, Taiwan and America. 

Photograph: Casio

Casio will also be releasing another collection to celebrate the 35th. Anniversary. The collection is the Gold Tornado Collection. It consist of 3 watches.

GWF-D1035B-1. I like...

GPW-2000TFB-1A

GST-B100TFB-1A

Photograph: Casio

There are other models released in this celebration. As usual, Casio will work with Eric Haze to release a Casio x Eric Haze collaboration model.

GA-700EH-1A

Casio is also collaborating with Chinese Fashion brand Sankuanz to celebrate the 35th. Anniversary. The Casio X Sankuanz model.

GA-700SKZ-7A

Photographs: Casio

I guess we will be seeing a number of mooks to celebrate the G-Shock 35th. Anniversary. 

For more information:

G-Shiock 35th. Anniversary Models

Bell&Ross BRV Aeronavale

Bell and Ross have released two new watches in the BRV Aeronavale. 

Right from its inception, Bell and Ross has been passionate about the history and values of the military. To progress as far as possible in its quest for excellence, Bell and Ross has made aeronautical instrumentation one of its primary sources of inspiration, both in terms of design and technology. This is why its watches meet the functional and ergonomic criteria required by pilots and all users of professional horological instruments. Featuring the colour codes and rich detail of the naval officer's uniform, the BRV AÉRONAVALE symbolises military excellence and tradition.

The prestige of the uniform In the cockpit of a Rafale, a naval air force pilot wears a flight suit covered in pockets, for practicality and comfort. During official ceremonies, his attire changes to display military prestige.

The blue of the uniform evokes the sea. The gold of the wings, trim and buttons conveys poise, nobility and victory. The blue/gold combination is also found on VINTAGE BR AÉRONAVALE models, which feature all the symbols and motifs that appear on naval uniforms.

Reflecting the prestige of the ceremonial uniform worn by naval officers, the VINTAGE BR AÉRONAVALE models will seduce fans of timepieces rich in both colour and values.

Two new models have been added to the BRV AÉRONAVALE collection: a chronograph and three-hand small seconds. The 41 mm diameter polished steel case exudes retro chic. On both versions, the gilt skeletonised hour and minute hands stand out starkly against the navy blue sunray dial. The contrast between the two colours offers a refined air and excellent legibility. Designed for pilots, the BRV AÉRONAVALE Chronograph is a time measuring instrument that marries functionality and elegance. It has two additional counters with snailed guilloché decoration and a 60-minute graduated bezel in blue anodised aluminium.

The ultra-curved sapphire crystal underlines both the classic style of the watch and its strength. Made in Switzerland and renowned for their reliability and accuracy, the mechanical movements with automatic winding that drive these two versions are visible through a transparent case-back.

The watch comes with either a distressed blue calfskin strap with cinnamon stitching, or a midnight blue alligator strap with a pin buckle clasp. The shiny alligator strap of the BRV AERONAVALE exudes classic sophistication, while the satin-like texture of the calfskin, with distressed effect and overstitching in contrasting colours, makes for a very sharp, on-trend look.

Bell and Ross BRV Aeronavale is retailing from RM13,000 to RM20,700. 

The technical Specifications of the watches:

BR V2-92 Aeronavale

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.302. Automatic mechanical. 

Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds and date. 

Case: 41 mm in diameter. Polished steel. Rotating steel bezel with anodised blue aluminium ring and 60-minute scale. Screw-down crown. Sapphire case-back. 

Dial: blue sunray. Gilt applique numerals and indices. Gilt skeletonised Superluminova filled hour and minute hands. 

Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-refective coating. 

Water-resistance: 100 metres. 

Strap: satin-polished steel or ice blue calfskin. 

Buckle: folding. Satin-polished steel. 

Photographs: Bell and Ross

BR V2-94 Aeronavale

Movement: calibre BR-CAL.301. Automatic mechanical.

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o'clock. Date. 

Chronograph: 30-min timer at 9 o'clock, central chronograph seconds. 

Case: 41 mm in diameter. Polished steel. Steel bezel with anodised blue aluminium ring and 60-minute scale. Screw-down crown and push-buttons. Sapphire case-back. 

Dial: blue sunray. Gilt applique numerals and indices. Gilt skeletonised Superluminova filled hour and minute hands.

Crystal: ultra-curved sapphire with anti-refective coating. 

Water-resistance: 100 metres. 

Strap: satin-polished steel or ice blue calfskin. 

Buckle: folding. Satin-polished steel. 

I would like to thank Bell and Ross Malaysia for the information.

Redux Watches

Recently a good friend pointed out this new micro brand out of the USA. The brand is called Redux Watches and they started off as a Kickstarter project. 

I have to say that their product offering is interesting. They offer historical aviation based military watches with a 'modern twist'. They have (so far) 5 watches on offer.

The watches is available in either Grade 5 or Grade 2 (interesting) titanium. All the watches comes in at 39mm in diameter, 13.7mm thick and have 20mm lugs. All their watches have lug holes. The watches are powered by the Seiko NH35A automatic movement. 

All their watches have rotating bezel, with the Grade 5 having 90 clicks (unique) and Grade 2, 120 clicks. The grade 5 titanium watches are water resistant to 20 ATM white the Grade 2 watches are rated to 15 ATM. 

Prices start at USD395 for Grade 2 titanium watches and USD450 for Grade 5 Titanium ones. 

The watches...

Courg Type A 39mm

Courg A-11 39mm

 Courg Minimalist 39mm

Courg Type B 39mm

Courg Zero-Hour 39mm

Photographs: Redux Watches

For more information: 

Redux Watches

Do visit their site. It is a pretty interesting site. 

Omega Ploprof 1200

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to 'play' with a watch I really like. Actually, I saw the watch on the day before I left for a holiday. The watch is the Omega Ploprof 1200. 

I have always liked the Ploprof, regardless if it the 600 or 1200. But of course the 600 would be awesome. But I got to see is the 1200. One of the main problem I have with the watch is the name. I always get the spelling wrong. 😊

The watch...

The watch is pre-loved. I like the watch. It comes in at 55mm in diameter and 48mm in height. Lug width is 24mm. This watch is the 2009 reissue of the original Ploprof 600 from 1970. 

The Ploprof or Plongeur Professional (French for Professional Diver) was introduced by Omega for use by the divers from COMEX and also used by the divers of Jaqcues-Yves Cousteau. It is was also used and tested in Operation Janus.

The watch on the wrist. The beautiful thing about the watch is its lugless design. This makes the watch wearable even on small wrist. Trust me, its not that big. The only problem is its weight. This was resolved (somewhat) in 2015 with the introduction of the Ploprof case in Titanium. 

Yeah, Omega added to the collection a few more variations to the watch. Different colors, different case, different movement. The basic change is the introduction of the Master Chronometer Caliber 8912 (vs the 8500 in the 2009 reissue). Omega also introduced the ceramic bezel insert as opposed to the sapphire crystal bezel insert. The date display was removed and a display back was also introduced in 2015.

As far as I understand, both the original 2009 reissue and the 2015 (updates) are being offered, but thus far, I have not seen many boutiques or shops carrying this watch. 

The lume shot. I like the lume bezel.

As luck would have it, a friend has one and I hope to do a review of the watch soon.

The watch fitted with Ted Su's French Ammo strap. 

The French colors forms part of the stitching. I like. Most appropriate don't you think so.

Magrette is 10..

Magrette is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Congratulations to Magrette. 

In conjunction with its 10th. Anniversary, it will be releasing a Limited Edition watch in the Moana Pacific Professional Kara. 

More about the watch...

The Moana Pacific Professional Kara is Magrette's latest premium dive watch and celebrates the brand's 10-year anniversary. Kara (pronounced "cat-rah") is Maori for "flag" and references the use of New Zealand blue, red and white as the color palette. Blue also represents the surrounding waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The association with the national flag and colors underscores the deep pride Magrette takes in being a New Zealand watch brand.

This watch introduces a Grade 5 titanium case (noted for its superior tensile strength and surface hardness) for the first time in Magrette's dive collection. In addition to titanium's exceptional corrosion resistance and high strength-to weight ratio the Kara is built for the toughest aquatic environments with a water resistance rating of 500M, large screw-down crown with safety alert collar, scratch resistant sapphire crystal, and engraved ceramic bezel insert. The Moana Pacific Professional Kara is powered by the automatic Caliber STP-11 from Swiss Technology Production SA. This movement along with a new custom winding rotor is visible through a sapphire casebook, another first in the Moana Pacific Pro legacy.

The specifications:

MOVEMENT: Swiss Made Caliber STP-11 automatic movement with hacking seconds, 28800bph, manual winding, Incabloc absorption and Nivaflex NM mainspring. 

CASE DIMENSIONS: 44mm excluding the crown, 53mm lug-to-lug, 15.3mm tall, 24mm lug width. CASE FINISH: Brushed Titanium grade 5 (brushed) with stainless steel case back. BEZEL: Ceramic (matte finish), engraved and fully lumed. CROWN: Screw down crown with red safety alert collar. CRYSTAL: Sapphire (double domed), AR coating. DIAL, HANDS & BEZEL: Super Luminova BGW9 (blue in color). WATER-RESISTANCE: 500m/1650ft Water resistance. Viton gasket used on case back. STRAP: All new blue FKM rubber integrated strap with logo, name and customized deployant buckle. For more information: Moana Pacific Professional Kara Photographs: Magrette