Breitling Aerospace battery change..

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Breitling battery change..

Well, the owner decided to ask me to change the battery and it was pretty late at night when the request came... That also explains the quality of the photographs. :)

The new battery provided by the owner. The correct battery is the 399 but the 395 is a suitable alternate.

The back of the battery.

The watch in question, the Breitling Aerospace.

Out with the case back opening tool. 

Everything on the table, ready for the operation. :)

The first task is to locate the slot to insert the blade of the case back opening tool. 

You can see the slot...

Disconnect the bracelet so that you have the space to work on the watch.

The blade...

The case back. You can see that the information on what battery to use is engraved on the inside of the case back. The white spot is the 'speaker'. Also note the gasket on the case back.

The movement. ETA E10351 7 jewels movement. Please note that the movement in this Breitling has been replaced with the upgraded SQ movement.

The old battery is a Sony.

Closer view of the movement. 

Information on what battery to be used is also on the movement. 

Clean the area around the back of the case and don't forget to lubricate the gasket. Also check the watch is working before you close the case back.

Out with the manual to adjust the watch. Be aware that it is not an easy task to readjust the settings. Great that the watch has a long battery life. 

All done. 

Bespoke watch straps at Wotancraft...

The guys at Wotancraft are introducing bespoke straps in their new Shell Cordovan collection. Unique to the collection are the new colours. There are 6 colours. Looks like a visit to Wotancraft could be in the works...

The new Shell Cordovan straps in 6 luxurious colours...

Black.

Cognac.

Burgundy.

Whisky.

Dark Green.

Deep Blue. 

Photographs: Wotancraft

Straps start from USD 179 with free International Shipping. 

The straps features the following:

SHELL CORDOVAN LEATHER

A rare & expensive type of horsehide, don't crease when bent, the surface is smooth and glossy with a marble-like color saturation.

TRADITIONAL SADDLE-STITCHING

Intertwined hand-stitching with thick thread to create the right WOTANCRAFT vintage vibe.

SEALED LEATHER EDGES

The leather edge is first sealed with edge paint for humidity resistance, and then repeatedly layered with iron-heated waxed coating.

S-SHAPED BUCKLE PIN

When you fasten the strap, curved buckle pin prevents the buckle from pressing too hard against the leather.

For more information:

Wotancraft Shell Cordovan Straps

More battery change...

As can be seen from the video, the EOL indicator on my Precista W10 watch has been activated. Time for a visit to the friendly neighborhood watch guy...

The battery is the SR927 battery or its equivalent. 

RJ ARRAW 6919

On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft successfully landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man” and “one giant leap for mankind.” Fifty years later, Swiss watchmaker RJ pays tribute to the Apollo 11 astronauts who first walked on the lunar surface with a new DNA concept tribute timepiece. The RJ ARRAW 6919 is made with authentic material sourced from the original Apollo 11 spacecraft and featuring a patented Moon movement. From the moon to the wrist, the RJ ARRAW will inspire wonder for anyone who is fascinated by science, mechanics, and the vast universe of space.

Each RJ ARRAW 6919 watch comes with an authenticity certificate by the Association of Space Explorers. The spacecraft material is encased within a super light, high-performance acrylic composite, created specifically for the ARRAW 6919, which forms the timepiece’s bezel. Marco Tedeschi, CEO and Creative Director, looked to the Apollo 11 command module for design inspiration, creating a metal grid that would fasten the acrylic composite bezel to the case securely without covering the historic spacecraft DNA it preserves and displays.

At 12 o’clock, the patented RJ Moon Phase mechanism displays a three-dimensional moon rotating 360° during a complete cycle of 29.5 days. The hour and minute indications at the center of the movement also indicate the location of the earth. All settings (time, moon indication, and date) are manipulated via the crown. The date set at 3 o'clock can be read with +4/–4 when the moon is between the gibbous moon and the first crescent.

The ARRAW 6919 is available in three different materials: polished and satin-brushed grade 5 titanium, ceramic and 5N+ red gold, and each variation offers water-resistance up to 100 meters or 330 feet. Each colorway is limited to only 100 pieces.

Photographs: RJ Watches

The ARRAW 6919 is equipped with a waterproof polyamide strap engraved with linear designs that recall the pattern made in the powdery lunar surface by Armstrong’s space suit when he first stepped onto the moon. The rugged ARRAW strap system is also interchangeable and allows the strap to be released with a simple ‘click’ by pushing simultaneously on the two lug screws. The clasp and deployment buckle are just as easily removed with the push of a lever, no tools required.

For more information:

RJ Watches

About RJ:

RJ designs, produces and constructs high-end Swiss watches. Our iconic core collection, RJ ARRAW, is distinguishable by its highly recognizable RJ Bumpers. RJ Collaboration watches are inspired by the most famous comic superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man, or the most iconic video games like Super Mario, Space Invaders or Pac-Man. Inspiration for our RJ DNA concept watches comes from the deepest oceans to the depths of space, bringing materials that have made history to your wrist, be it the steel from the Titanic or genuine moon dust.

Gruppo Gamma Divemaster...

Gruppo Gamma will be launching their Divemaster Gen II soon, like in a few days.

From their website...

The 1950s was one of the most exciting periods in dive watch history - Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms, Zodiac introduced the Sea Wolf and Rolex introduced the Submariner. 

First rolled out in 2016 and now in its second generation, Gruppo Gamma's Divemaster draws inspiration from these legendary watches in much the same way that different watch designs in times past have influenced one another. 

Divemaster DG-01

Divemaster DG-02

Divemaster DG-03

Divemaster DG-04

Divemaster DG-05

Divemaster DG-06

Divemaster DG-07

Divemaster DG-08

Photographs: Gruppo Gamma

So what can you expect from the Divemaster?

ETA movement, ceramic bezel, Super-Luminova, Horween strap, 500M water resistance, helium escape valve and 8 models to choose from.

For more information:

Gruppo Gamma Divemaster

I have to say that the watches do look good and I am tempted to get one. 

Yes, its another unboxing...

This time its the MKII Hawkinge. The watch is a homage to the IWC and JLC Mk watches. In fact the watch is a mix of the design of the IWC and JLC Mk watches. 

The watch comes well packaged and protected. 

The usual MKII Pelican type box. 

 MKII logo and website address at the side of the box. 

Documents that comes with the watch. The certificate of guarantee and timing chart. 

Inside the box, you find the watch. It comes with extra slots to carry other watches if you need to carry other watches. How cool is that. It also comes with a couple more things. But  more about that later. 

Closer view of the watch. The front crystal is protected by a piece of blue plastic. Not the best but it works. 

The watch comes with extra spring bars, 3 sets actually and the tool to remove the straps. Not something you see in many micro brands or for that matter from more established brands. A nice touch no?

The back of the watch. The leather strap is Made in Germany. 

I do like the design of the watch. But then I have always been partial to the design of the Mk Pilots watches. 

On the wrist. :)