Orient Sports SK Legendary Diver Retro 70's Automatic RA-AA0B03L (similar to RA-AA0B01G and RA-AA0B02R) - Affordable Modern Vintage Inspired Wrist Candy, A Review (plus Video)

Nothing much was expected under the Orient brand for 2019. However, out of the blue, the brand presented a re-crafted model of their famous SK diver of 1970s. The SK design in question is the Super King series (a lot of people mistaken the SK to stand for Sea King). When I saw it, I was intrigue and I immediately got one for the collection. The one I chose was the dark navy blue version, the RA-AA0B03L.

I was made to understand that this will be a limited run series. Production started from June 2019 and is expected to end by March 2020.

It would appear that Orient is adopting Seiko's 're-craft' strategy. Identify older iconic design and re-issue them using the latest technology. This strategy is dicey and requires careful planning. Milking the historical interest of yesteryear's design can only go so far. You can already see the danger in this strategy the way Seiko has been treating its iconic 'turtle' and 'tuna' divers. They have totally flooded the market with numerous iterations and fans are getting uncomfortable with the current development. Orient should stick to the strategy adopted under Seiko's 'Recraft' series instead - short and sweet production run with limited iterations.

Casio G-Shock GA-2000E-4DR Limited Edition Analog-Digital with Carbon Core Guard - The First for the Collection, A Review (plus Video)

I have been a latecomer in the G-Shock scene. I've always dismissed the G-Shock as cheap beater watch fit for school kids (due to their almost indestructibility). However, after I delved into the history and technology of the G-Shock, I was amazed with various capabilities it can muster.

When Casio announced the used of a new technology called the Carbon Core Guard (the case is made of fine resin that incorporates carbon fiber for light weight along with rigidity that is superior to that of resin), I had to have one for the collection. I chose the GA-2000E-4DRas this is the only model available that came with two additional straps. It is also has analog-digital display which appeals to me personally.

I must admit that it took me a long time to finally get this watch. What made me hesitate is the use of battery to powered the module. I have a (irrational) dislike for battery powered watches as I tend to associate battery power with mass-produced basic timepieces.

I don't hate quartz movement per se. I am fine with solar powered, kinetic or even spring drive quartz movements but not if battery is involved. It is because I happened to suffer a number of battery failures over the years (not in watches) which caused destruction due to acid leakages. This phobia remains.

Steinhart Ocean One Black 3D Ceramic Bezel Gnomon Exclusive - Candidate for a Beater Watch, A Review (plus Video)

The Ocean One series by Steinhart Watches is basically a homage to the iconic Rolex Submariner. All this while, I have refrained myself from getting them as I had a goal of getting a Submariner one day. However, I realised that goal would remain a dream as the current supply and demand situation for the Rolex Submariner remains unabated from historical highs. As such, I decided to look at homages.

Steinhart Watches has one of the most comprehensive set of models as homage to Rolex sports watches including the Submariner. The Ocean One series is the line that caters predominantly to the Submariner genre. After looking at the offering via Gnomon Watch Company out of Singapore, I decided to get the Ocean One Black 3D Ceramic Bezel Gnomon Exclusive model. It is a typical three-hand automatic analogue watch with a date complication but with a rather unique unidirectional bezel.

Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex SLA033J1 Limited Edition 1970 Diver versus 6105-811X Homage Athaya Vintage AV002 Lamafa Diver

The classic oyster case divers from Seiko have been fan favorites for decades. Since the original 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 extensively copied by many watch brands.

(L) Seiko SLA033J1, (R) Athaya Vintage AV002