Rolex prices are falling?

I totally agree with what is being exposed in the video below. It happened a long time ago, not really due to the CV19 pandemic; it is how they play the market—the supply and demand game. I think there are syndicates that are controlling the market. It developed 6-7 years before the pandemic in 2020.

 

Well, because of that, I don't really care anymore about Rolex. It is just the same mechanical watch that you have on your wrist getting appreciated in value due to false perception.

 

Do you want to spend your hard-earned money on pure lust and desire?

 

Or shouldn't you? Your call.

source: Watch Dealer Tells All - Why Rolex prices are falling…should you buy now? + GIVEAWAY!

Brooks GTS 19 - Review (Just feels like home..)

Ironically I'm not a runner to be a fan of Brooks shoes, however, as a long-distance walker, usually with heavy loads on my back. I found out that a good pair of shoes with absorbance and bouncing sole will make my journey less tiring and reduce my backache.

So far, I've owned three pairs of Brooks - and every shoe will last for 3-4 years, and as daily wear, it was excellent to me! My first pair of Brooks I owned was back in 1993-94. At that time Brooks was a name that wasn't famous at all in Malaysia, I bought a pair of it in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, in a torn box, on sale for about RM80.

After so many years, I found out that Brooks is a brand that is not cheap at all, and it was so difficult to find this brand back then. But now in 2020, you can get it in so many (selected) shopping malls - again it is not cheap unless it is on sale!

I can't remember the name of the first pair I bought back in the 90s (it was grey), however, after my 2nd pair, the GTS 13 (as shown in the photo below), I bought a pair of New Balance. I bought a pair of Reebok Classic, and now I got another chance to get a couple of GTS 19...seriously it feels like home...once you are on GTS, you will always go on GTS...it is durable, enough room for your toes, heavy-duty and you will love it...

(I'll wear a pair of shoes until the sole peels off and unfixable...then only I'll ditch it for a new pair)

My GTS 13

Relax...just watch and explore - the same design but different materials.

CASIO PROTREK PRW-S3100-1 SAPPHIRE vs PRG 130T

Finally, its slim design, sapphire crystal, lightweight, functionality and readability instantly caught me! Ageing factor is an adequate replacement for my previous bulky PRG 130T (read here). It is my daily wearer now, resting my Seiko Fieldmaster for now. 

It is not the watch fault- it is very accurate, on the dot with Malaysia atomic clock. It is me who is having trouble seeing the date (I’ll share you my journey and experience (as a truly ‘field-man’ with full and adventurous job scope), before getting the Casio PRW S3100-1 in the next posting. What have I encountered and the story behind it.)

PRW S3100 Sapphire

  PRG 130T titanium band

Sapphire Crystal
100-meter water resistance
Case / bezel material: Resin / Stainless steel Carbon fiber insert
Resin Band LED backlight (Super Illuminator)
Full auto LED light, selectable illumination duration, afterglow
Solar powered Low-temperature resistant (–10°C/14°F)
5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
Hourly time signal
Battery level indicator
Power Saving (display goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark)
Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
12/24-hour format
Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, year, month, date, day
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Approx. battery operating time: 7 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge) 22 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
Size of case: 56 × 47.1 × 12 mm Total weight: 72 g
LED:White
and bla bla bla..

Why the SEIKO SKX007 7S26 is an UNBEATABLE timepiece?

I will give you these simple reasons, in which it has been hard for me to find a replacement for it:

1. Legibility / Readability

2. Day-Date function

3. Screw down crown

4. 200 meters water resistance

5. Robust and rigid body

6. Reliable engine - movement

7. It is cheap

8. Easy maintenance

9. Rugged look

10. Crown guard

11. RICH WITH HISTORY!

CASE Steel | MOVEMENT Seiko 7S26 | DIAL Black | LUME Lumibrite | GLASS Hardlex | STRAP various | WATER RESISTANCE 200m | DIMENSIONS 42.5 x 46mm | THICKNESS 13.25mm | LUG WIDTH 22mm | CROWN GUARD YES |

Therefore, I'm sharing a couple of #wristshot for those who still doubt this magnificent legendary timepiece that once explored and walked the earth. Can I find a replacement for it? (Yes, to buy another SKX007 would be the answer, but I'm not talking about Seiko, but I'm looking for a different brand!)

The search continues!!

Watch Consistency and Behaviour -- no wonder my watch get slower when the weather is hot!

Well, I believed it happens to all type of automatic movements. Fixing the time every day may be a tedious job to do. But that is what a mechanical watch is all about; even my previous Rolex Explorer got delayed 1 minute after awhile -- which woke me up and made me realised that even a Rolex could be affected. It is also a mechanical timepiece that needs maintenance, and of course, it is not perfect! Even our heart sometimes beats at a different time pace, and it also requires reasonable care and maintenance...! So, what the heck with the inconsistency of men-made apparatus?

ACCURACY: CONSISTENCY! - this will be the correct word!

Seiko claims an accuracy rating of -15/+25 seconds per day in normal temperature conditions (between 5 – 35 degrees C).

Seiko says this about accuracy:

• The accuracy of mechanical watches may not fall within the specified range of time accuracy because of loss/gain changes due to the conditions of use, such as the length of time during which the watch is worn on the wrist, arm movement, whether the mainspring is wound up fully or not, etc.
• The key components in mechanical watches are made of metals which expand or contract depending on temperatures due to metal properties. This exerts an effect on the accuracy of the watches. Mechanical watches tend to lose time at high temperatures while they tend to gain time at low temperatures. (Malaysia is hotter nowadays)
• In order to improve accuracy, it is important to regularly supply energy to the balance that controls the speed of the gears. The driving force of the mainspring that powers mechanical watches varies between when it is fully wound and immediately before it is unwound. As the mainspring unwinds, the force weakens.
• Relatively steady accuracy can be obtained by wearing the watch on the wrist frequently for the self-winding type and winding up the mainspring fully everyday at a fixed time to move it regularly for the wind-up mechanical type.
• When affected by external strong magnetism, a mechanical watch may loss/gain time temporarily. The parts of the watch may become magnetized depending on the extent of the effect. In such a case, consult the retailer from whom the watch was purchased since the watch requires repair, including demagnetizing. (Your computer may affect your timepiece too)

source: https://calibercorner.com/seiko-caliber-6r15/

Seiko Alpinist Prospex 6R35 - Great! But....

photo source: https://gearpatrol.com/2019/12/21/seiko-prospex-alpinist-watch/ 

Well, I am speechless! I don't know what to say about the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist. Why? Because it has a magnifying glass on the date. The design(exclude the cyclops) reminds me of my Rolex Explorer; which is so expensive nowadays! And I think due to the Covid-19 virus predicament, the world economy is slowing down. 

From my perspective, during this GREAT RE-SET, people are inclined towards food security, the safety of family, mental and physical health, and others instead of luxury items. How can people enjoy luxuries during this challenging time and spending more and knowing that there are people in the world in needs of foods, joblessness, and so on? 

However, some of us tend to spend more when stressed; it is called shopping therapy! I might fall into that category if not properly handled. 

Anyway, from the options above, despite all these great specifications: 

1. Rugged (Emmm...not really!) 

2. Sapphire crystal (Yes) 

3. 200m of water-resistance (Yes) 

4. 39.5mm (Yes I like this) 

5. The magnifying glass over the date, or "cyclops" (YESSS Thank you!) 

6. Compass (Yes...a toy) 

7. Seiko 6R35 automatic movement (70 hours of power reserve)... 

I still prefer the black dial, but it has no Arabic numbers (it has to be classic)! So, I'll put this watch in my KIV list, until Seiko Corp release one Alpinist that really catch my eyes in which I don't hesitate to spend (to replace my Explorer) during this economic downturn, or maybe not? 

The SARB and SARY...is also in my list...perhaps the elegant yet robust Tudor 1926 too...in which I hope doesn't have legibility issue with its dial and window date that I found too small to see without my glasses! 

 So, that's it, and yes, so far my Seiko Fieldmaster keeps fantastic and accurate time on my wrist.

Hamilton Khaki King Powermatic 80 - Interesting indeed!

As you got older, your eyesights tend to get weaker too. Sometimes you can’t see the day date on your watch. Without glasses, I am struggling to see the date on my Seiko Fieldmaster (so I look at my phone instead), the date window on my Seiko Fieldmaster is so tiny.

Therefore, Hamilton Khaki King got my attention. It looks rugged, and it has that sapphire glass on it although I hate see-through back case; indeed, this guy is intriguing! As a field watch for my age now, I can see the day-date function without my glasses. It is a plus point for me!

I just knew that there are two versions of these Hamilton, 1. The powermatic 80 hrs power reserve, without regulating pin (good inaccuracy?) 2. Classic ETA with regulating pin 38 hrs power reserve.

However, this watch comes with only 50 meters water-resistant. Hmm, I wore my 200 meters water resistant Seiko, but still, I never go below 1 meter in swimming pool :-) again I have had a bad experienced with a 5 bar water-resistant watch (it reminded me of my ex Tissot PR50) in which it got foggy after being exposed in heavy tropical rains routinely. So that is the only setback of this Khaki King for me, afraid of getting a misty prone watch again!

But, if I want to give a reason of getting this timepiece, I would say that the 5 bar issue that I had with my Tissot PR50 last time was due to my mistake, maybe I didn’t push down the crown properly when wearing it last time that’s why it got foggy...maybe? I can’t remember either.

However, only time can tell.

See you again with the update!

 Hamilton Khaki King 

Seiko Fieldmaster Solar SSC293P1 (sharp and accurate!)

  #SeikoFieldmasterSolar #SSC293P1 wristshot

Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot: LIMA 2019 Limited Edition

I saw the watch advert displayed at Langkawi’s Airport during LIMA exhibition. It looks nice from afar. So, how does it feels in reality? My say would be:

1. Handsome

2. Rugged

3. High visibility for those with short-sighted

4. Quite big on my wrist - 45mm.

5. Not so thick, just nice

6. 100 m water resistant

7. Sapphire glass

8. Day date function

9. Nice wrist band - grey with stainless steel clasps

10. Would I buy this pricy timepiece? Due to the quality (Not sure of the COSC and accuracy),  I want the LIMA logo due to its 500 pieces of limited edition series. “This is a luxury item, I can get a good 150 cc motorbike with the same price,” I told the salesman. “Yes...it is a luxury item,” as the salesman seems to agree with me.

Seiko Prospex SSX293P1 Rough Edged!

Ruffedged mode...

Seiko Solar Fieldmaster SSC2293P1 and Automatic Samurai Air Diver’s

Seiko Prospex Solar Fieldmaster V172 calibre & Samurai Blue Automatic 4R35...no comment🙂 the Fieldmaster get more of the wrist time now...need to see how it performs on the field as daily wearer...I have no qualm on the automatic.

Seiko Solar Prospex Millitary Alarm Chronograph In Hollywood

The timepieces can't be missed in the toothy thriller.

...At the other end of the price spectrum is the watch worn by Ruby Rose. Her character, Jaxx, a scientist and engineer, wears the Prospex Men’s Solar Military Alarm Chronograph by Seiko. The 42mm watch seems to have been chosen largely for its bold look and the distinctive numerals that you also can find on more expensive timepieces by brands like Panerai and Bell & Ross. The retail price on this Seiko is just $395; the style has been discontinued, though it’s still available through sellers on Amazon. A rep for Seiko confirmed that the production didn’t go through the brand to secure the piece, saying its inclusion in The Meg“seems to be organic.” What a treat.

*well I was lucky to secured a piece of this discontinued timepieces...😊

Read more: (1:28 PM PDT 8/14/2018 by Laurie Brookins)
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/meg-dive-watches-ruby-rose-li-bingbing-jason-statham-make-an-impression-1134859

Seiko Prospex Solar Powered SSC293P1: The Adventurous Fieldmaster

*FIELDMASTER SSC293P1

Solar powered Seiko Prospex. I’ve never came accross this particular timepiece before, so it was love at the first sight. In someway the Adventure Fieldmaster reminded me of Omega Speedmaster (Speedy and Reduced) but with the date function and reasonable and affordable price tag. The curved hardlex cristal gives it the rugged-classic looks.

To me, the most important feature that must have on every adventurer, explorer or diver watch is the fully covered stainless steel caseback! With the chronometer functionality and 1 time alarm sound, the Fieldmaster reminds me a bit of my previous Casio Protrek.

This military style analog solar watch SSC293P1, has a twin which is called the SSC081P1; with only couple of slight differences in styling (SSC081P1 comes with calf skin leather band with the word chronograph on the face, anyway I prefer the SSC293P1 ProspeX).

THE FIELDMASTER SSC293P1 and SSC081P1 also shared the same capable of 100 meters water resistant depth, same engine VT172 with 6 months of power reserves with +- of 15 sec of accuracy. Not to forget the manual winding compass feature (will be useful in certain way, not in the bright daylight city, no! You will find this tool useful only when you find yourself lost in a jungle with all your batteries and electronic devices and gadgets are ‘kong’ dead). Its tiny second hand also ticking beautifully, so it will be your only ticking friend during your loneliness time in the field.


Thus, with it looks and features, I think in the long run its gonna be another affordable sought after watch next to the SKX007 Divers. Finally, as stated in Seiko website “This watch is exactly that, supporting the adventurer every step of the way”.  The only question is, are you adventurous enough for the Fieldmaster? I bet you are!

Fieldmaster on brown military Nato band

Fieldmaster on black Nato band

Fieldmaster close-up

Fieldmaster meeting the submarine

Fieldmaster on the field

The Fieldmaster watching the sky

Seiko Fieldmaster Solar SSC293P1 #wristshot

Seiko Divers meeting the Submarine...finally!

Come and meet the real divers...nothing much to say...speechless...

SSK 01 - KD TAR (Scorpene)

Crown Guard Matters!

Now I realised that one of the things that matters to me when looking at a timepieces is the crown guard...A crown without guard is not a crown...😉