Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Military Beige Reference BRV294-BEI-ST/SF - Character and Functionality, A Review (plus Video)

To be honest, I only have one Bell & Ross watch in the collection. The BR02-92 Pro Diver was a watch I bought more than a decade ago. I just cannot appreciate the square shape of typical Bell & Ross design. Back then, the Instrument line was the primary series of watch sold under the brand. The BR02-92 Pro Diver was different as it more of a cushion shaped watch and fits my taste.

When Bell & Ross launched the Vintage line, I started to be intrigued by the brand. The classic and contemporary design is more acceptable to me and the options available are equally good. The bicompax chronograph design is the one I like but the pricing was not enticing enough.

Recently, one of my dealers ended his shop's relationship with Bell & Ross. He still has a number of the brand's timepieces but they were no longer covered by the manufacturers' warranty. In effect, these timepieces are considered NOS (or 'new old stock'). As the warranty is no longer available and there is no watch-box, the dealer gave a 40% discount as well as a special dealership warranty (similar cover as with any Bell & Ross watches).

One of the watches available is the BR V2-94 Military Beige. I like the vintage vibes it gave and I decided to get it.

 

Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer Urushi Aquamarine Blue NB060-12L Automatic JDM (Similar to the NB1060-04A) - Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship with Modern Watchmaking, A Review (plus Video)

In July 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Japan, specifically the city of Kumamoto on the the island of Kyushu. I was excited as I would be able to get the chance to set my sights on JDMs (Japanese Domestic Models) from the stables of both Seiko and Citizen. 

One unintended question that I got answered is about availability. Contrary to popular belief, there is no Seiko or Citizen AD on every street corner in Japan. The number of ADs in Kumamoto is limited despite the fact that it is a vibrant town with a bullet train station.

Anyway, to cut the story short, my hunt turned out to be a disappointment. Nonetheless, there was a bright spot to the trip as the last location in Japan, before I left, Tokyo Haneda International Airport had a shop with a small selection of Japanese watches.

Not a lot of choices but it did carry JDM models. What caught my eye was the Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer Urushi Aquamarine Blue NB1060-12L. The colour and the simplicity of the design was perfect. I have yet have a Urushi dial watch in the collection and this model is just the perfect specimen for the addition.

As the shop was located in the Duty Free section of the Airport, I was able to get a good deal.

Omega Mooncake - A long tradition of celebrating cultural events, Omega mooncake gift-giving initiative is a nod to the Mid-Autumn Festival

On 14 September 2024, I got a call from a courier service on behalf of Omega Malaysia. A special gift is awaiting delivery. After giving them my location, this arrived.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional with White Lacquered Dial 42 mm Steel-on-Steel Reference 310.30.42.50.04.001 - A Story of Space Exploration, of Craftsmanship, and of Timeless Style, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my Moonwatch. On hindsight, it was lucky for me to have waited this long to get my hands on a Moonwatch Professional. Due to the long wait, this beauty, the Moonwatch with lacquered white dial became part of the repertoire of Omega and hence gave me more options.

My journey in ownership of the Moonwatch Professional had a number of detours which made this acquisition a long time in coming. Prior to this purchase, I was able to get the Speedmaster Reduce and later the Speedmaster Mark II. I though I will be satisfied with these two but in actual fact it fueled my demand further. The Moonwatch Professional is a mechanical winding watch whereas the Reduce and the Mark II are not.

 

When the watch was made available in March 2024, I was interested due to the white dial. I love white dial watches and I have quite a number in my collection. It will take sometime before units be made available for Malaysia. My trusty dealer at the Omega Boutique was keeping an eye out for me and when a unit became available, she immediate informed me.

Unfortunately, Omega Boutiques in Malaysia can no longer offer discounts. I had to purchase the watch at retail price. Nonetheless, my dealer did compensate me with gifts to sweeten the deal.

A Gift from Omega and an Invitation to get the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary Timepiece

Recently, I got a message from Omega Boutique in Kuala Lumpur that they are planning to send me a gift. After a week it arrived. A huge box with the Omega brand prominently on the top of the box.

 

 

 

Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph Mark II Reference: 327.10.43.50.01.001 (Heritage Model, similar to Reference: 327.20.43.50.01.001) - In my view, the most beautiful Speedmaster, A Review (plus Video)

Finally pulled the trigger on an Omega Speedmaster. Not a Moonwatch but something much more sexier (IMHO), the Mark II.  

I have always loved the Mark II. This series by Omega has a very interesting backstory and development but has never taken on the same level of enthusiasm as the Moonwatch. In fact, in the last five years, supplies of Mark II was not made available to authorized dealers in Malaysia despite being listed on the website. When I went around asking about availability, a number of dealers indicated that Omega 'no longer makes' the Mark II.

The last dealer I asked about this watch took the effort to contact Switzerland to inquire availability and surprisingly, Omega confirms that the Mark II is available and can be shipped to Kuala Lumpur. It didn't take me long to commit to one. After putting in the paperwork to order one (plus a deposit) on 23 January 2024, I finally received the watch on 27 February 2024.

I already have the Speedmaster Reduce (click here for review of that watch). Using this as a comparative reference, I find the Mark II to be better designed. Having the tachymeter scale internally instead of externally, allows for a bigger dial hence making it less ‘busy’ on the eyes.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 42 mm Explorer II White Dial Reference 226570 Polar - After 10 years of waiting...My Grail Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I have always resisted buying watches from anyone apart from authorized dealers. Today, is the day I finally bought my first watch from a grey dealer. The pricing is way above the MSRP but this watch is a grail to me and the premium paid is something that I can live with. Today, I present to you the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 42 mm Explorer II White Dial Reference 226570.

 

This is the first time that I bought a watch from a grey dealer.  After many frustrating meetings (for many years!) with Rolex ADs and their promises to put my name on "waiting lists", I've decided to search for an alternative source. The watch is legit and is covered by a Rolex warranty but the warranty is already running instead of being effective the day I bought the watch. The only snag is that the price has a premium above the MSRP. Nevertheless, this watch is on my grail list. Screw the premium. This watch is definitely a keeper. 

Of the two options available, I love the white dial the most. The other white dial Rolex in the collection is my Daytona 116520.  

Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK023K1 (similar to SSK025K1) - A Great Value GMT Watch that Exceeds its Price Point, A Review (plus Video)

GMT is the new buzzword for Seiko. For the last couple of years, Seiko has been introducing many new models with GMT functionality. In the collection, for the last two years, I have added the SSK003K1 and the SBGM247G and today, I would like to introduce to you the SSK023K1.

When this watch was highlighted on Seiko's website at the end of 2023, I was immediately drawn to the design. The genre, size and the functionality all fit into a watch design that is practical, comfortable and handsome. Thankfully the 2-watch series (for regions other than Japan, 3-watch series in Japan) does not have a limited edition option and therefore sourcing should not be a problem. 

 

A few weeks after the official launch, stocks of the series were made available to the local ADs in Kuala Lumpur. After conferring with my favorite AD, I brought home an SSK023K1 for the collection.

 

Revelot Gentus 40 Automatic Aventurine Steel Integrated Bracelet Watch R15-16V1B1B1 - Solid and Affordable, A Review (plus Video)

This is the fourth Revelot and my third Nautilus-style timepiece in the collection. Already in the collection is a model from Yema and a model from Steinhart.

Revelot has been coming out with many interesting designs recently. I must admit that the designs are similar to famous iconic timepieces. Nonetheless, such products do fulfil a need of the vast majority of enthusiasts that does not have the financial capacity to obtain an actual icon. ‘Homages’ help bridge this gap.

Personally, I am not embarrassed wearing a homage-no one should anyway. The fact of the matter is that these designs are practical and fulfil a specific need precisely. This is why the Submariner is the most copied dive watch design ever. 

Revelot is able to focus on two items that budget conscious collectors crave for - design and price. In that regard, the Gentus fits these criterion perfectly.

Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Automatic Reference H24585331 - Unique and Practical, A Review (plus Video)

I love weird shaped watches. I had my eyes on the Ventura for many years but only now have I taken the opportunity to get one for the collection. Currently, some of the oddly shaped watches in the collection are Hamilton Face to Face II and the Seiko Prospex Giugiaro Diver.

 

The only beef I have against the watch which stopped me from getting one earlier was the proprietary strap design. Although there is one option for a bracelet, all the models available at the shops uses rubber straps. Unfortunately, such straps will deteriorate over time and the only option for replacement is getting back to Hamilton. 

Over the years, I have come to a conclusion that such risk is something that I must bear. Having noted that the strap is a silicone compound (which should last much longer than pure rubber), I finally decided to get one.

Having looked at the various options available, I have decided to go for the Elvis80, a model slightly smaller than the biggest Ventura model current available, the "XXL" series but bigger than the "S" series. The model I chose is the Reference H24585331.