Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384 Reference 03.A384.400/21.C815 - It has the Pedigree and its Genesis is Remarkable, A Review (plus Video)

The year 1969 was defining period for the horologists as it was the year the first truly automatic chronograph movement was born. In fact, three independent designs were launched that year by the three separate groups. The first was Seiko, the second was Zenith and the third consists of Breitling, Heuer, Buren-Hamilton with the help of Dubois Depraz.

In conjunction to the 50th anniversary of that momentous event, members of all three groups created commemorative timepieces to celebrate that occasion. Seiko created the Seiko Prospex Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ029J1, Hamilton created the 

Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono Limited Edition while Zenith created the Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A384. I was able to acquire the first two and today, finally I was able to complete the 'trinity' with the acquisition of the third piece, the Revival El Primero A384. 

This acquisition is also memorable as this is the first Zenith to join the collection.

Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz Reference H52414130 (similar to H52424130) - A Time When it Became an Industry Disruptor, A Review (plus Video)

I found a tribute watch that represent my birth year (1970). The Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz Quartz Reference H52414130 (let's call it the PSR from now) is a modern reinterpretation of the famous Hamilton Pulsar. That particular model was Hamilton first digital quartz timepiece.

 

Hamilton PSR on my wrist

The PSR was created to mark the 50th anniversary of Hamilton's key milestone of creating the first digital watch. A short history of the milestone can be found in the next section.  

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SBGC201G Sports Collection (similar to SBGC203G) - Quintessentially Seiko, A Review (plus Video)

As a collector, the Grand Seiko brand sits in the a unique class of other exclusive brands, Swiss and non-Swiss that exudes excellence of design and styling. Some would even say that it is the top brand out of all other brands. Regardless how one would rank the brand, everyone would agree Grand Seiko watches are first class.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SBGC201G Sports Collection on my wrist

Marathon GPM Government Black Mechanical Reference WW194003BK, Rough & Tough, A Review (plus Video)

Prior to the Covid-19 lock-down in Kuala Lumpur, I got myself a well-known military watch from a famous Canadian brand, Marathon. The Marathon GSAR Government Diver Automatic WW194006 was purchased from Gnomon Watches of Singapore back in March 2020 (The link to that watch can be found here). That watch is a famous dive watch by Marathon. 

Another iconic design by Marathon is the GPM or General Purpose Mechanical model, a field watch. I decided to get one also and I chose the reference WW194003BK for the collection. This watch is a subject of this review.

This field watch is issued to entitled military personnel especially those serving with ground forces. A no-frill timepiece, the watch provide the two basic tenets of is specifications - accuracy and simplicity. The specifications is based on the US Government Standard MIL-W-46374 specifications which states that a timepiece fulfilling this standard must need to have: 15 jewels (or more) mechanical movement; at least 36 hours of power reserve; has a hacking mechanism; shock resistance; water resistance of at least 30 meters or more; have nylon straps; and have luminous hands and markers that have to glow for 8 hours or more in total darkness. There are other requirements but the one listed above are the primary ones under the standard.

Casio G-Shock G-SQUAD MOVE GBD-H1000-1A7 - Good First Attempt, A Review (plus Video)

Casio has done it again. The Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 is the next step in intelligent watches. Unlike the ubiquitous smartwatches by Apple, Samsung and many more, the Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 (or the GBD-H1000 for short) remains a watch as it core with additional functionalities to increase its capabilities.

Prior to this model, Casio launched the Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F series in 2016, designed for the great outdoors. This series has in its core the Google Wear OS which makes it a mini-computer for the wrist. Charging the watch was via a magnetic USB charging cable. A load of applications can be downloaded for all kinds of activities such as hiking, fishing and tracking. A touch screen makes it easy to manipulate and control the vast number of applications that can be uploaded. This particular model fits perfectly with the definition of a smartwatch.

In 2018, Casio launched the G-Shock Rangeman GPRB1000 series. This is basically a high-end hardcore G-Shock plus additional sensors such as the Bluetooth and GPS. Casio has taken a different approach on the GPRB1000 series compared to the Protrek WSD series. For the new generation Rangeman, Casio kept the 'watch' as the core instead of creating a 'smart watch'. This factor alone resonates strongly with fans. Casio also introduced a dual power charging system: the traditional solar photovoltaic cell as well as a wireless USB charging cradle.

Seiko Presage 2020 Limited Edition SPB127J1 Tribute to the 1964 “Crown Chronograph” (similar to SPB129J1 and SPB127J1) - Well Sized, Fairly Weighted and Comfortable to Wear, A Review (plus Video)

In October 2019, Seiko launched Seiko Presage Chronograph 55th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ031J1 (or SARK015 if you are in Japan). This special model was made to commemorate the brand's first mechanical hand-wound Caliber 5719 chronograph movement in 1964. This movement was paired with the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph, Seiko’s first mechanical chronograph watch.

A lot of write-ups about that limited edition timepiece advocate that Seiko was 'commemorating' the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph. However, it was the movement that was being recognised (for more, visit this article I wrote). I was actually surprised that a lot of people got that wrong. Even the design of the SRQ031J1 looks different when compared to the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph.

This time around, Seiko launched three specific models with different dial colours to commemorate the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph. These models are limited editions and only 1,964 units of each model will be produced. Visually, these new limited edition models have more in common with the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph than the SRQ031J1. Nevertheless, these new models are not chronographs unlike the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph.

Seiko Prospex 4th Generation Monster SRPD25K1 (or SBDY033) Dive Watch (similar to SRPD27K1/SBDY035 and SRPE09K1/SBDY045) - The Quintessential Tool-Watch, Review (plus Video)

In 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation Monster dive watches. In the initial release, three models were launched, the blue dial with bracelet SRPD25K1, and the black dial with silicone strap SRPD27K1, and the wavy blue dial special edition with bracelet SRPE09K1 (In Japan, the references are SBDY033, SBDY035 and SBDY045, respectively).

In my collection, I already have a model under each of the earlier generation. Gen 1: SKX779K1 Black Monster; Gen 2: SRP311K1 Sunburst Black PVD Monster; and Gen 3: SZSC005 Jade Monster. Although I should have made a decision back in 2019 to get one, I had to re-prioritized my acquisition plans as a number of other timepieces took precedence.

During the current unpleasantness of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to re-look at my original plans and I decided to get the SRPD25K1 to complete the Monster family.

Seiko Presage SRPE15J1 Cocktail Time "Mockingbird" Green (similar to SRPE17J1 and SRPE19J1) - A Beautiful Dress Watch, A Review (plus Video)

Since Malaysia instituted a lock-down strategy to stop the Covid-19 on 19 March 2020 (known officially as the 2020 Malaysia Movement Control Order or commonly referred to as the MCO), all shops were required to close. Watch shops suffered financially as they cannot sell products the traditional way. Even online watch merchants faced the heat as buyers prioritized spending habits to basic necessities only.

After many weeks under the MCO, the Malaysian authorities started to ease some restrictions. On 4 May 2020, shops were allowed to open subject to a set of crowd control measures that must be instituted by the businesses. To support my favorite AD, I decided to visit and buy at least one timepiece to help.

I was eyeing the SRPE15J1 when it was announced earlier this year. The dial is so mesmerizing. I bought this piece when I found out it was available.

I actually got something similar. The SRPB41J1 has a blue dial and is nicknamed the "Blue Moon" after the cocktail recipe (Blue Moon consist of ice, gin, Creme de Violette and lemon juice). It was bought in 2017. For more information, please click here.

Homage Series: Citizen Automatic NY602151E Diver => Rolex Submariner No-Date

This is the first of the series where I present a famous iconic watch and its homage. If you are into dive watches, a famous iconic dive watch is the Rolex Submariner Steel Black Reference 114060. The Citizen Watch Company made a homage to this watch is the form of the Citizen Automatic NY602151E Diver.

Homage	Icon
Citizen Automatic NY602151E Diver	Rolex Submariner Oyster Reference 114060
Specifications Case Material: Stainless steel 316L Crystal: Sapphire Bezel: Stainless steel with aluminium insert Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with push-button lock and safety latch clasp Complications: Day & date Water Rating: 200 meters Production: Made in Japan Weight: 163 gm Width: 43.5 mm Length: 49.5 mm Height: 13.4 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Movement: Caliber 8203 automatic with hand winding but no hack function Jewels: 23 Accuracy: -10/+20 seconds per day Power Reserve: Approximately 50 hours	Specifications  Case Material: Stainless steel 904L Crystal: Sapphire Bezel: Cerachrom insert in ceramic Strap: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system Complications: None Water Rating: 300 meters Production: Made in Switzerland Weight: 155 gm Width: 40 mm Length: 48 mm Height: 12.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Movement: Caliber 3130 automatic with hand winding and hack function Jewels: 31 Accuracy: -2/+2 seconds per day Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours

The Citizen Automatic NY602151E Diver was introduced to the market in mid-2011. I got the watch in 2013.

Based on the specifications, the Citizen Automatic NY602151E Diver is a relatively low end homage to the Rolex Submariner 114060. In fact, one can safely wager that one is not a homage to the other.

Head-To-Head: Bracelet Square G-Shocks - Composite (GW-M5610BC-1JF), Stainless Steel (GMW-B5000GD-1ER) and Titanium (GMW-B5000TCM-1JR)

In this short article, I will highlight the specifications of three square Casio G-Shocks made from three different materials. The watches are (from L to R): the Composite GW-M5610BC-1JF, the Stainless Steel GMW-B5000GD-1ER and the Titanium GMW-B5000TCM-1JR (click on the underlined to go to the full review of the specific watches). Although they look generally similar, there are a number of subtle differences.

Homage Series: Athaya Vintage AV002 Lamafa Diver => Seiko 6105-811X Diver

Since the Seiko 6105-811X dive watch (either 6105-8110 or 6105-8119; both are exactly the same, the last digit in the reference number indicates in which market the watch was originally sold) was introduced to the market in 1970, the design has been widely copied. Athaya Vintage, an independent watch company in Indonesia has made a homage to this icon. Its interpretation is the Athaya Vintage AV002 Lamafa Diver.

Athaya Vintage AV002 Lamafa Diver	Seiko 6105-811X Diver
Width - 44.3 mm Length - 48 mm Height - 13.5 mm Lug width - 20 mm Complication - Date (hidden) Movement - NH35A; 24 jewels Material - Stainless steel Strap - Rubber Crystal - Domed sapphire & AR coating Water rating - 200 m Crown - Screw-down Bezel - Unidirectional 120 clicks Weight - 107.4 gm MSRP - USD350 Produced - 2015	Width - 44 mm Length - 47.5 mm Height - 12.5 mm Lug width - 19 mm Complication - Date Movement - 6105B; 17 jewels Material - Stainless steel Strap - Rubber Crystal - Dual-curved Hardlex Water rating - 150 m Crown - Twist-and-lock Bezel - Unidirectional 60 clicks Weight - 70 gm MSRP - USD75 Produced - 1970

As you can see from the specifications, the AV002 Lamafa is closely aligned with the 6105-811X in terms of dimensions. Athaya Vintage does provide options of a watch with date aperture or otherwise. I chose not to have a date window (the date wheel is still there nevertheless). If you would like a real likeness to the original, you can order one with the date window as per the 6105-811X.

If you are a collector but may have problems getting an original 6105-811X. The AV002 Lamafa is an excellent proxy to the original.

Head-To-Head: Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E versus Citizen Promaster Tough Chronograph CA0720-54H

This is a head-to-head between the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Black Dial Bracelet Watch BN0211-50E and the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch CA0720-54H. Both watches are part of the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster series that has the designation of "Tough".

Homage Series: MWF-Gruppo Gamma LE Watch => Panerai 1940 Radiomir 1940 Case

The MWF-Gruppo Gamma limited edition watch was based on the design of the famous G Series by Panerai which was issued in 1940. Made for The Royal Italian Navy, the Radiomir 1940 Case is a simple design with a sandwich dial and two hands.

MWF-Gruppo Gamma	Panerai Radiomir 1940 Case
Made out of 316L stainless steel Screw down solid case back It is 44 mm diameter A lug width of 24 mm Miyota 8215 automatic movement	Made out of stainless steel It is 47 mm diameter Produced in 1940

Although the size of the homage is slightly smaller (44 mm versus 47 mm), I can more-or-less get a sense how the watch wears.

Marathon GSAR Government Diver Automatic - Rubber Reference WW194006 - A Lot to like and Very Little to Fault, A Review (plus Video)

When I first started my deep-dive into the world of watch collecting, the Marathon Watch Company was one of the first few brands on my radar screen more than a decade ago.

The genre that started the interest in this hobby was the diver and military styles watches. As such, Marathon's Government-issued Search And Rescue (GSAR) Diver’s Automatic watches are some of the most practical mechanical tool watches around. These watches are akin to the PROSPEX line by Seiko. Unfortunately, there wasn't any authorized dealer in Southeast Asia and I wasn't that comfortable to buy online for the amount being offered.

A decade later, Gnomon Watch of Singapore got the dealership from Marathon and I was instantly hooked. Currently there are only two models on offer on Gnomon's website (at the time I made the purchase on 20 March 2020), the bracelet version and the rubber strap version. An introductory price to celebrate the new dealership arrangement between Gnomon and Marathon was also on offer.

Rado Captain Cook 42 mm Automatic Green with Bracelet Reference R32505313 - Green Goodness, A Review (plus Video)

Rado started as The Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland. It was founded by the brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner in 1917. The company began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. After coming out with a number of iconic series such as the Golden Horse collection (1957) and the Green Horse collection (1958), the company came out with its first proper dive watch collection, the Captain Cook series. From 1962 to 1968 Rado produced the Captain Cook series with a patented case capable of 200 meters of water resistance.

Rado reintroduced their iconic Captain Cook line in 2017 with an reproduction. That model was very close to the original in terms of size (37 mm wide), material (steel) as well as the small touches like the red numerals on the date wheel and spinning anchor in the logo present at 12 o'clock. The watch also came with Old Radium SuperLuminova paint to complete the vintage look. Nevertheless, Rado did distinguish the new from the old with "HYPERCHROME" added to the name.  At the same time, a bigger brother, 45 mm wide and made out of titanium was also offered.

Steinhart Ocean One Vintage - A Beautiful Homage to the 6200, A Review (plus Video)

I have a number of Steinhart watches in the collection. The Steinhart Watch Company is a small outfit in Augsburg Germany focusing mainly on homages with a few of their own unique designs. Currently in the collection, I have the Ocean Vintage GMT, the TRITON 1000 Titanium Titan, the Ocean One Titanium 500 Premium and the Ocean One 3D Ceramic Bezel. Today I have the pleasure to add another of the brand's offering, the Ocean One Vintage or O1V for short.

The O1V is a homage of a popular old model, the Rolex 6200. The Rolex 6200 was one of the very first Submariners introduced in 1954. Before that point in time, dive watches were very large and provided the diver with no other additional functions except the current time. The addition of a rotating bezel enables a diver to accurately monitor the dive times. Nevertheless, despite having a similar dial, markers, bezel and crown designs, the watch is definitely sized to current contemporary dimensions unlike the original Rolex 6200 which only has a width of 35 mm compared to 42 mm for the O1V.

Seiko Superior SSA005K1 Flight Computer CYCLOPS (similar to SSA001K1, SSA003K1 & SSA007K1) - Classy, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Superior Flight Computer CYCLOPS series were first launched in 2011. Back than I was relatively NOOB in the world of horology. I did come across the series in the course of researching watches but I did not make an effort to get one. Back then, there were other 'grail watches' higher up the list of wants.

Nine years later, when browsing in the watch section in a major departmental store in Kuala Lumpur I stumbled on a gaggle of watches deemed as 'old stocks' with a 40% discount. In the middle of the pile was a SSA005K1. I couldn't pass up such an opportunity and within a few minutes, it was mine (definitely impulse buying <LOL>).

The Superior line has an illustrious history. Back in the days of the quartz watch revolution in the 1970s, Seiko has always equate precision with this line of watches. Unfortunately, after a rationalisation exercise of Seiko's sub-lines a few years ago, the brand has decided not to continue with the Superior line.

The nickname CYCLOPS was given to the watch by fans as the 24-hour sub-dial looks like a single eye on a face. Officially, it is called the Flight Computer due to its ability to calculate relatively complex mathematics using the circular slide rules incorporated in the bi-directional bezel.

Seiko Prospex King Turtle Diver SRPE03K1 (similar to SRPE05K1 & SRPE07K1) - An Upgrade, A Review (plus Video)

Currently in my collection there are three Seiko Turtles. The standard Turtle RP773K1 bought in January 2016, the Mini-Turtle SRPC37K1 bought in March 2018 and the re-crafted Captain Willard Turtle SLA033J1 bought in July 2019. All three are under the Seiko Prospex line.

The Seiko Turtle is a classic. When the first Turtle was introduced to the public back in 1970 with the launch of the now iconic Seiko 6105-811X dive watch (either 6105-8110 or 6105-8119; both are exactly the same, the last digit in the reference number indicates in which market the watch was originally sold), the watch buying public couldn't get enough of it.

The winning combination of technical capability and pricing put that Turtle and its progeny a 'must-have' in any self-respecting collection. Its simplicity, the wrist-hugging design and ruggedness give it an aura seldom seen in the watch world.

In early 2020, Seiko announced another series of Turtles for the market with a few major improvements or upgrades over the previous iterations. For the first time, sapphire crystal and ceramic inserts are now standard on the new models.

I was very surprised by the changes. The Prospex line is the professional tool watch line of Seiko and every material and design features are tailor-made to do a practical job and not for fashion-sake. Hence the continuous usage of Hardlex crystal (slightly less scratch resistance but better shatter proof and definitely cheaper than sapphire) and aluminum inserts for the bezel (not as scratch resistance but easier to manufacture and cheaper than ceramic). By replacing these traditional materials with sapphire and ceramic will undoubtedly affect the production cost and final pricing of the end product.

Gruppo Gamma Venturo Field Watch #2 - A Standalone Design, A Review (plus Video)

One genre of interest in my collection is military style watches (see here for the set of military watches in my collection). One of the more striking vintage military style watches (as well as rare) is the Rolex 3139. In 2020, Gruppo Gamma has decided to scratch-the-itch of military watch collectors by offering a close reinterpretation of the 3139 with some modern tweaks. The Gruppo Gamma Venturo Field Watch #2 is the design the brand came out with.

This is the second Gruppo Gamma watch in my collection. The first was a model from a collaboration of 50 pieces made for the Malaysia Watch Forum Group (or MWF) which was delivered in December 2013 (see here). I just realised that 2013 was also the year of establishment for Gruppo Gamma. I am very happy to note that the manufacturer MWF chose for that special project has grown into a proud brand.

I booked the watch when a pre-launch announcement was made for an introductory price of US299. The 200 meter water rating, the box sapphire crystal and the use of the SII NH35 automatic movement makes the introductory pricing look like a steal!

Head-To-Head: Seiko Chronograph Historical Collection 2019 - Seiko Prospex SRQ029J1 & Seiko Presage SRQ031J1

The 1960s were exciting times for Seiko. That decade introduced the brand's first mechanical chronograph movement as well as the brand's first automatic chronograph movement in 1964 and 1969, respectively.

The first milestone is the 1964 Crown Chronograph (see below).

1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph 

Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB117J1 (similar to SPB119J1, SPB121J1 & SPB123J1) - An All-Rounder, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Alpinist is a living icon. It was a series of watches designed in 1959 for Japanese mountain climbers and it started with the Laurel Alpinist. Today, the most famous of all the Alpinist and a cult classic, the SARB017 is the face of the series. In early 2018, devastating news came out from Seiko when it announced the end of the production for the SARB017. The fans were disappointed to say the least and Seiko was inundated with countless request for a stay of 'execution'. This caused a spike in the price of SARB017 still available with dealers as well as prices in the second hand market.

In late 2019, Seiko announced a new set of Alpinist with upgraded specifications slated for worldwide delivery starting January 2020. The fans were elated as Seiko decided to offer four different models. Three areas of improvement over the predecessor are in the movement, the crystal and the case-back. More about these things later. It is also important to note that all the models are made in Japan.

I was presently surprised that Seiko Japan allocated a number of units from the initial batch to Malaysia. My AD called to asked whether I would like to have one and I quickly agree to get one. Since I already got the SARB017 (click here to go to that review) with the deep British racing green dial, I chose the black dial version with bracelet, the SPB117J1.

Casio G-Shock Square Titanium Camouflage GMW-B5000TCM-1JR - The Ultimate Practical G-Shock Square, A Review (plus Video)

I have in my collection two Casio G-Shock squares. The all resin GWM5610BC-1JF and the all stainless steel GMWB5000GD-1ER. You can read a review I wrote on a head-to-head comparison between the two here. It was a long wait for me before I got the metal G-Shock due to the overwhelming demand.

While waiting, in February 2019, Casio announced the ultimate G-Shock Square, the 18 Karat Limited Edition Gold G-Shock 'Pure Gold' G-D5000-9JR. Only 35 pieces will be made and this has an MSRP of YEN7,700,000 or USD70,000. I was definitely interested but the pricing definitely it out of contention.

Around the same time news came out that Casio will also be coming out with a titanium model. What got everyone talking was the expected price point of the new model which has been estimated to be three (3) times more than the standard stainless steel unit. Immediately, a lot of not-so-nice comments were made on social media platforms complaining about this (no one commented much about the price on the Pure Gold version though). Since the pricing is not too exorbitant, I decided to hunt for this as well.

Seiko Prospex Green Sumo SPB103J1 (similar to SPB101J1) - Continuing the Tradition with Further Improvement Possible, A Review (plus Video)

The third generation of the Seiko Sumo divers were recently released during Baselworld2019. The latest iteration has the two biggest changes in the design specification. First was the introduction of the new 6R35 movement to replace the workhorse 6R15 used in the previous two iterations. Second was the use of sapphire crystal instead of Hardlex crystal also used in the previous two iterations.

Unfortunately, this fact was not lost to fans and the demand for the watch went ballistic. Shops practically sold out even before they got the chance to display on their shelves (the pre-order market was just incredible). I tried to get one but I was not high enough on the order list to get one from even the first, second or third batches to be delivered. Not many watches have such a high level of demand upon launching. This could be an indication how this piece be acknowledged 30 years from now.

Sometimes it is good to have relationship with a few authorised dealers instead of just one or two. In this case, the many relationship I made over the years with a few vendors proved invaluable. One of them came through and got an allocation which was quickly set aside for me. Debra of Style Watch, Mid Valley Megamall, a big thank you!!!

Orient Star Sports 200 meter Air Diver Blue Power Reserve Reference RK-AU0302L - Simplicity is Strength, A Review (plus Video)

When Orient announced in August 2019 the launch of their new Sports Collection under the Orient Star brand, I was intrigued. For the last few years, the corporate restructuring involving Orient and Epson has taken a toll on the company's ability to offer new models. Compared to the other two famous Japanese brands such as Seiko and Citizen, during that period, Orient's offering was rather pathetic. However, 2019 appears to be a change. A couple of interesting series have been launched which are very interesting. For this review, I will be looking at the Air Diver series.

At first glance, the Air Diver series which consist of five models appear rather basic. They look like many of the run-of-the-mill dive watches available in the market. However, on closer inspection, these watches have been designed to almost perfect dimensions, able to perform many other tasks beyond being just a dive watch. Of the five models, I chose the sunburst blue dial version with reference number RK-AU0302L.

Although the design is rather contemporary, for Orient, it is a departure from its traditional design philosophy when it comes to dive watches.

Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono Limited Edition Reference H51616731 - A Great Tribute Watch, A Review (plus Video)

Recently, I was fortunate to get my hands on a 50th anniversary timepiece from Seiko that commemorates the brand’s first automatic chronograph movement launched in 1969. The Seiko Prospex Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ029J1 was made in honour of the Seiko Caliber 6139. It was a major milestone for Seiko but it also was part of a gigantic battle by big watch makers to come out with the first truly automatic chronograph. In fact, three competing designs were launched in 1969 by the three competing teams. The first team was Seiko, the second team was Zenith and the third team consists of Breitling, Heuer, Buren-Hamilton with the help of Dubois Depraz. I am happy to note that I also just gotten my hand on the 50th anniversary timepiece to commemorate the third team’s first automatic chronograph movement, the Caliber 11 Chrono-Matic. The Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono Limited Edition is the timepiece that Hamilton would like to remember that momentous event.

Like the Seiko commemorative timepiece, the Hamilton design is actually an interpretation of a 1972 model called the Chrono-Matic E GMT Countdown instead of a model designed in 1969 (Seiko chose a 1970 model instead of a 1969 design for their commemorative timepiece). Nonetheless, it was a great choice by Hamilton as the Chrono-Matic E is a classic and much sought after by collectors today.

Orient Star Sports Outdoor Green PVD Reference RK-AU0208E - Clean Dial but Stiff Leather Strap, A Review (plus Video)

Another new offering from Orient Star under the Sports series is the Outdoor group. Consisting of seven models, this group caters to adventurers. The design is not as aggressive as a dive watch but more substantial than a standard wristwatch. In fact, the design of the crown is more in-line with a pilot watch.

Orient describes it as a field watch. However, at first glance, what most people would notice (me included) is the strong “Flieger” or German pilot watch design of the Second World War that has dark matte dial, brightly luminous sword hands and equally bright Arabic and line-shaped markers. The  onion crown is also another give-away to its aviation-style DNA. Nevertheless, what sets it apart from a pilot watch and to be in-line with the brand's official definition is the size and the fact that it has a power reserve indicator. More about these later.

I chose the PVD green model with reference RK-AU0208E. This particular model comes with a black painted casing, green dial and thick double-layered leather strap.

TRIPLE TREE Watch Roll (Travel Watch Case for 3 Watches) - Well Suited for Bigger Watches, A Review

I've ordered a faux-leather travel watch case that fits three watches by Triple Tree via Amazon. It has velvet sections to prevent the watches from knocking each other while in the box. Paid RM82.24 (all in) for it. After redeeming a gift card that I got from Amazon, the total transaction was only RM55.39.

BALL Engineer II Skindiver Heritage Blue Limited Edition Reference DM3208B-P1-BE - A No-Nonsense Dive Watch, A Review (plus Video)

As a watch company, the BALL Watch Company has been making watches since 1891. Back then, it specialises in railroad timepieces. However, like many watch companies in the world, dive watches was an area that was worth looking into. The BALL Skindiver timepiece conceived in 1962 in response to the increasing popularity of underwater diving in the United States.

To commemorate that milestone in the company's history, BALL launched the Skindiver Heritage series in the form of three distinct groups that are differentiated by the movement used. The most affordable group features BALL's RR1102 automatic caliber with a day-date complication (built on an ETA 2836-2 base); the middle group uses the BALL's RR1102-C caliber with COSC-certification; and the most expensive group used the BALL in-house RRM7309-C movement with 80-hour power reserve and COSC-certification but drops the day for a date-only complication.

After looking at the three options, I ended up with the most affordable option available, the model featuring the base movement RR1102 without COSC certification and paired with a rubber strap. The DM3208B-P1-BE was the model I chose.

The Year In Perspective - What a Rewarding Year 2019 was to Watch Hobby's Social Medial Presence

I must say that 2019 has been a good year for my social media presence. The following are my social media accounts:

1. http://easternwatch.blogspot.com/
2. http://westernwatch.blogspot.com/
3. http://knifecollectionhobby.blogspot.com/
4. https://twitter.com/watchhobby
5. https://www.instagram.com/watchhobby/
6. https://www.youtube.com/user/63672674

During 2019, I was able to record the following statistics:

Postings during 2019
Blog 01: 55 postings
Blog 02: 0 postings
Blog 03: 12 postings
Twitter: 1,120 postings
Instagram: 686 photo postings
YouTube: 312 video postings

Viewerships during 2019
Blog 01: 455,152 views
Blog 02: 35,250 views
Blog 03: 4,658 views
Twitter: 508.2K views
Instagram: n/a
YouTube: 559,890 views

Followers as at end 2019
Blog 01: n/a
Blog 02: n/a
Blog 03: n/a
Twitter: 3,979 followers
Instagram: 1,641 followers
YouTube: 1,346 followers

Number of Reviews during 2019
Blog 01: 32
Blog 02: 0
Blog 03: 12
Twitter: n/a
Instagram: n/a
YouTube: 66

Earnings during 2019
Adsense: USD164,84
Amazon: USD45.31
YouTube: USD357.20

May 2020 be a better year for all. Happy New Year from me!