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.