Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M NB6004-83E (similar to NB6004-08E, NB6005-05L, NB6006-02X) - A Dive Watch, A Review (plus Video)

Not many brands can be recognized as a premier dive watch designer. By this I mean brands that can come out with iconic designs that are evergreen and a source for inspiration for many other brands to copy and emulate. Seiko with their Tuna design and Rolex with the Submariner design are such iconic examples. Citizen is one such company that is a member of this exclusive group. Citizen's call to fame is its iconic 1982 Professional Dive Watch 1300m. 

 

In March 2021, Citizen launched an updated modern offering of the iconic 1982 Professional Dive Watch 1300m in the form of the BN0220-16E. This latest rendering is powered by an Eco-Drive module and only has a 200 meter water rating (the original is a quartz engine with 1300 meter of water rating). I was able to get one for the collection (click here to read the review).

Also in March 2021, Citizen quietly announced the launched of the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m series. These watches has the NB600X reference code. This new series is not sold widely around the world. What makes it interesting is that it represents a return to automatic movement-based dive watches by Citizen. The automatic movement introduced by Citizen is a new design and designated the Caliber 9051. The movement is a modern 4Hz frequency mechanism with 42 hours of power reserve. The movement is also highly magnetic-resistant.

 

Grand Seiko Insulated Double Wine Bottle Carrier - Visually classy but standard material and build

My favourite Seiko dealer gave me this very unusual watch branded accessory from Grand Seiko; an insulated double wine bottle carrier (or should I say Sake?!?). Made out of faux leather in blue, it has the brand beautifully stitched in golden thread. 

Visually stunning but on closer inspection, the materials used and the build quality is just mediocre. Similar to typical ‘door gifts’ corporations make to give away as a form of brand awareness or public relations.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono H77906940 (similar to H77916920) - This Watch Does Have The Look, A Review (plus Video)

I have been eyeing the Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono ever since it first debut back in 2016. Granted the special complication that the watch was designed for would not be useful to me, I was taken more by the beauty of the design than anything else.

The number of pushers and crowns on the watch intrigues me. Having two inner bezels as well as an external bezel in a watch appears to be an overkill. Nevertheless, the watch has a few ingenious use of the moving parts of the watch to do rather complex computations. In reality, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono (the X-Wind for short) is a mechanical computational device that is already obsolete when computers are already taking over the same job and more. 

Looking passed the question of efficiency, you start to appreciate the way form and function designed into the watch would be able to do such calculations. To me, what makes this watch desirable is the way a mechanical 'calculator' has been made to look like a brilliant piece of art. The X-Wind should be in the collection.

Seiko 5 Sports SRPG29K1 Military / Trench Watch (similar to SRPG27K1, SRPG31K1, SRPG33K1, SRPG35K1, SRPG37K1, SRPG39K1, SRPG41K1 & SRPG42K1) - Another Winner From Seiko, A Review (plus Video)

I have been collecting Seiko 5 series of military inspired watches for many years. These watches are basic, robust and practical. In fact, I would recommend these watches as a good starter watch for someone interested in the world of horology.

The genesis of the Seiko 5 military inspired watches is the iconic SNK805K2 (the link to the review is here). Nevertheless, the journey for me start with the next iteration of the genre, the SNZG09K1 which I reviewed in November 2013 (the link to the review is here). For me, that watch was a great value for money piece of machinery that can handle any situation. From then on, I start to collect the examples of the genre as new models were introduced.

Recently, the brand, under Seiko 5 Sports, launched the latest series of military style watches. There are a number of models to choose from. Although I would usually go for a green dial version, unfortunately, none came with a bracelet. Instead I chose a blue dial version, the SRPG29K1 to take home with me.

Seiko Prospex The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation SJE085J1 Limited Edition - Something Fundamental is Missing, A Review (plus Video)

The first Seiko Alpinist I bought was the SARB017 back in 2013 when I had the opportunity to visit Tokyo, Japan. The link to the review can be found here. Although the Alpinist line is synonymous with the forest green dial and internal map bezel, the genesis of the line - The 1959 Seiko Laurel Alpinist - is dissimilar. 
 
In early 2018, Seiko announced the end of the production for the SARB017. As a replacement, in late 2019, Seiko announced a new set of Alpinist with upgraded specifications slated for worldwide delivery starting January 2020. I then took delivery of the SPB117J1 (click here to read the review). By then, Seiko has been issuing a number of limited edition re-creations of their iconic models and I suspect the original Alpinist will be up for a relaunch in the very near future. I just need to wait patiently.

After 62 years, Seiko finally decided to re-introduced the original via The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation with reference number SJE085J1 but under the Prospex line. Seiko decided against resurrecting the original Laurel line. A pity actually especially after Seiko re-introduced the King Seiko line recently (see the review here).  

I was made to understand that my dealer only ordered one. Earlier, I have already instructed my dealer to immediately put in an order when the watch is available for sale. My dealer executed the order perfectly and he was able to immediately confirmed my booking. I waiting for four months before it finally came.

Citizen Promaster Marine BN0220-16E Eco-Drive Diver Super Titanium 200 meters (similar to BN0227-09L & BN0228-06W) - A Unique Designed Beater Watch, A Review (plus Video)

In March 2021, Citizen announced a launch of three new set Eco-Drive powered marine models under the Promaster line. These 200 meter dive watches have design features similar to the legendary Citizen 1,300 meter Professional Diver watch of 1982; a watch with the deepest depth rating at that time. 

Honestly, I was intrigued by the shape of the casing. The lug free design and the four very distinctive bezel guards gives the watch a visual perception of toughness as well as uniqueness. Despite the bulk, the weight is deceivingly light due to the use to titanium which I am fond of. 

There are three models to choose from.  I decided on the BN0220-16E (BN0220 for short) as this model closely resembles the 1982 icon. Although this model is available from a local vendor, I decided to go through my favourite Japanese vendor, SeiyaJapan. 

After taking into consideration the importation fees etc., the watch still turned out to be cheaper than getting it from a local vendor.

I did not have to wait long. The courier was very efficient, settling all the import taxes quickly and delivering the watch to me within 72 hours after making the order.

Timex M79 Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 'Batman' Reference TW2U29500ZV - A Recipe for Success, A Review (plus Video)

Timex, the Waterbury, Connecticut-based watchmaker launched Timex Q re-editions in May 2019. That series of watches caught the attention of the watch community due to the evergreen design and ties to the classic 1970s Q-watches. I was keen to get one but unfortunately, the distribution network of Timex is rather poor in Malaysia. Those watches came with quartz movement and I have a feeling, very soon, an automatic movement will be added to the line.

In February 2020, Timex did just that. A series of mechanical watches with the Miyota 8205 movement was added thus the "M79" range was born. The "M" stands for mechanical while the "79" was the year the original Q was released.

I tried getting one in Malaysia but unfortunately, with the Covid19 Pandemic starting to bite, it was likely that the only way I was to get my hands on one is via international online merchants. I waited for over a year and finally made my order via Amazon.

I had to make a choice between 'Batman' (black and blue bezel combination) or the 'Pepsi' (black and red bezel combination). Although I like both, I finally decided on the 'Batman', reference number TW2U29500ZV.  

Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive Air Diver SBGA229G - A Handsome Watch and Due to its Flexibility, Proves it Value Beyond Doubt, A Review (plus Video)

Out of the blue, my dealer sent me a short message that he got allocated one unit of the Grand Seiko Sports Collection Spring Drive Diver SBGA229G (let’s just called it SBGA229 for short). I have been looking at something similar for some time now. The original model I was interested in was the SBGA029. That model was first launched in the market in 2008.

The SBGA229 is essentially similar to the SBGA029. In 2017, Seiko decided to make Grand Seiko an independent brand. Hence, before 2017, the model was called the SBGA029 where the generic ‘Seiko’ tag was still prominent, sharing space with the ‘Grand Seiko’ tag on the dial. From 2017 onwards, only the tag ‘Grand Seiko’ is provided thus the change in reference to the SBGA229. 

I quickly took delivery as I heard from the grapevine that Grand Seiko has stopped production for this particular model (can anyone confirm?).

The Series

For the longest time since the Grand Seiko brand was reintroduced back in 1998, the only dive watches under this brand were the SBGA029 and the SBGA031. The former is made out of stainless steel while the latter is made out of titanium. Only after the rebranding exercise in 2017, Grand Seiko decided to introduce a few other dive watches to expand the range. Even so, the original pair continued to be produced under new designations (replacing the digit ‘0’ with ‘2’). Major differences between the two models are the material (stainless steel versus titanium), weight (201 gm versus 137 gm) and price (RM24,300 versus RM27,900).

Seiko Prospex Land Tortoise SRPG13K1 - The Right Size, A Review (plus Video)

For 2021, Seiko came out with a new sub-range of sport watches using the classic 'turtle' casing for land use. Although having the same overall water resistance to the dedicated diving models, this new set of watches have bi-directional bezel with compass bearing instead. To differentiate, this new sub-range has been give the nickname 'Land Tortoise'. There are current four models available: SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1 and SRPG18K1.

As a collector, it would be good to have at least one of the models. I had the opportunity to see all four at once and the most stunning to me is the SRPG13K1. It didn't take me long to decide that the SRPG13K1 will follow me home.

The Series

The new watches look like the Sea Turtle (generally they are known as 'Turtle' but since the new series were given the nickname 'Land Tortoise', I suppose 'Sea Turtle' would be more appropriate), only with different hands, dial and bezel designs. It also has been downsized from 45 mm to 42.3 mm which would be more wearable to a bigger group of fans. When my dealer informed me that he has the set in his shop and showed me some pictures, I was intrigued by one of the photos that showed the case-back. It was reminiscent of the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster SBDC011 and the Seiko Prospex Automatic Field Watch Green SRPD33K1 which have similar case-back graphics. 

King Seiko Travelling Pouch - Not Sold but Gifted

I recently bought the limited edition King Seiko KSK SJE083J1 and I was gifted a signed travelling pouch. Nothing spectacular about the material used (faux leather). Nevertheless, this item is not available for sale and hence having it is kind of unique. If you want to know more about the SJE083J1, please click here: https://easternwatch.blogspot.com/2021/04/king-seiko-ksk-sje083j1-limited-edition.html

A Book on Wristwatch Complications

This is an online book about watch complications. Very informative. Please note that the copyright remains with the author. The purpose of uploading this is purely for information purposes.

 

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King Seiko KSK SJE083J1 Limited Edition (or SDKA001) - First Class and Carries itself Well Beyond its Price Point, A Review (plus Video)

A century is a long time. In 2021, Seiko will be celebrating its 140th years in operations since it was first established in 1881. To mark this momentous occasion, Seiko has in store a number of new and exiting models. One of the most anticipated release is a revival of one of its famous sub-brand and model, the 1965 King Seiko KSK.

The last time Seiko recreated a model under the old King Seiko sub-brand was in the year 2000 with the launched of the SCVN001 as part of the Seiko Historical Collection of that year. Twenty years later, on 8 December 2020, Seiko announced the second official recreation of the King Seiko line.

This second recreation is designated the SJE083J1 (in Japan the reference is SDKA001). Called the King Seiko KSK, it is based on the 1965 model of the same name. KSK is an abbreviation of the name “King Seiko Kisei-Tsuki”. This special limited edition watch revives the 1965 Reference 44-9990, or the “44KS”. I was fortunate to get my hands on one via my good friend at AWG in Mid Valley.

Tissot Heritage 1973 Limited Edition Reference T124.427.16.031.00 - Tissot was able to Capture the Essence of the Original, A Review (plus Video)

The last time I bought a Tissot for the collection was in 2011 when I visited Switzerland for a family holiday. All this while, I have been eyeing a number of its classically designed models under the Visodate range. Unfortunately, these models were never up there in terms of priority. However, in 2019, Tissot launched the Heritage 1973 limited edition timepiece to commemorate its involvement in motorsports back in the 1970s.

In 1976 Tissot entered the world of F1 when the brand became the official backer of young driver called Loris Kessel. Although Kessel isn't as well known as some of his contemporaries, he was a true motorhead. He not only raced, but also created Kessel Classics, a Swiss shop that specializes in campaigning classic race cars in historic races around the world as well as running a Swiss motor racing team under the same brand name. The operation is located in the canton of Tessin, Switzerland. Tissot is currently in partnership with the racing team, Kessel Classics. The Tissot Heritage 1973 was introduced to celebrate the Tissot’s relationship to motorsport and the Kessel branding.

Daiso Military Style Quartz Watch - Cheap but Versatile, A Review (plus Video)

When I got my SeiyaJapan watch recently (see the review here), the package also included a free watch. A cheap watch but a watch nonetheless. It it a watch sold by Daiso Industries Co. Ltd. of Japan. Daiso is famously known as “the Japanese dollar store”, where all items on sale are kept under a certain price. In Japan it is typically YEN100 per item. In Malaysia it is RM5.90. This watch came straight from Japan and is listed for YEN500.

The Watch

Made out of plastic, the watch is 38 mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug length of 41 mm. It comes with a boxed clear plastic window which bumps up its height to 12 mm.  

The crown which happens to be the only metallic on the watch casing is located at 3:00. Although the watch casing is black, the crown has a bright polished steel look to it.

WATCHPOD-Style Single Watch Travel Case by AWG - Fits even oversized watches, A Review

I was given this Watchpod-style single watch travel case by AWG when I visited the store recently. This is part of the company's 60 anniversary commemorative gift to their loyal customers. I don't believe it will be for sale.

Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel “Devil Diver” Reference 98B320 - A Beautiful 1970s Dive Watch Reproduction, A Review (plus Video)

The Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel was given the nickname “Devil Diver” by virtue of its water rating of ‘666’ feet. Launched in 2018, this model was a reissue based on a design made in 1972. Unlike other famous watches in that era, the Oceanographer was not as spectacular. In reality, the timepiece can be construed as a typical basic tool-watch. Nevertheless, it has that classic 1970s vibes that is unmistakably cool and attractive.

I have been eyeing the watch ever since it was introduced to the market in 2018. Unfortunately, the Bulova brand is not well covered in Malaysia. It is only via Amazon US that I was able to acquire one. As Malaysia is currently in a lockdown due to Covid19, I was apprehensive in making the order but thankfully, the package arrived safely and earlier than originally scheduled by Amazon.

This is the first Bulova to be part of the collection.

(Very) Short History on Bulova and its Dive Watches

Bulova is an American watch brand founded in 1875 and owned by the Citizen Watch Co of Japan. It is based in New York City. Some of the famous lines under the brand are the Accutron, the Computron and the Apollo 15 watch. I decided not to provide more information about the brand as the same information is already available elsewhere. For more, please visit www.bulova.com. 

SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic Prototype 15pcs New - The Ideal Design By The Brand Owner Himself, A Review (plus Video)

Back in 2017, I ordered SeiyaJapan's first designed watch, the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic A167-A (Dial Type A). The watch was officially offered to the public in the later part of 2016. SeiyaJapan has two options available, the Type A is more vintage in appearance while the Type B is more contemporary. The major differences are in the style of hands and the design of the time scale. For more information about the watch, please refer to this link.

In 2020, SeiyaJapan came up with another option but with a few tweaks based on feedbacks received as well as personal preference by the owner of brand itself, Mr. Seiya Kobayashi. To be honest, I did not noticed this new offering by SeiyaJapan until I received a personal email from Mr. Seiya.  

After reading the listing on SeiyaJapan's website, the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic Prototype 15pcs New (let's call it the Prototype from now on) was designed based on Mr. Seiya's own personal preference. There are a number of departures from the two earlier models.

Within a week of the email, the watch arrived in Kuala Lumpur courtesy of Mr. Seiya Kobayashi.

YEMA Digidisc Black YDGD2020-AM (similar to Yema Digidisc Brown YDGD2020-UM) - The Bracelet is a Disappointment, A Review (plus Video)

Today I would like to introduce the second watch brand from France into the collection (the first was Bell & Ross). YEMA is a French brand established in 1948 in Besançon, in the Doubs, the cradle of French watchmaking. The model in question is the Digidisc Black, a 1970s throwback design.

The period between this purchase and the last is about three months. This has been a longest time I have not indulged in getting a watch for the collection. I suppose the current Covid-19 health pandemic has taken a toll on my hobby. Nonetheless, I opened 2021 with a purchase of an interesting design that represent a time when 'groovy' was a thing.

Futurism was chic during the 1970s. The space race and the rapid advancement of technology in everyday life made it 'cool' to be futuristic. Art and design embraced the modernity wholeheartedly and watch styling was no exception.    

The YEMA Digidisc Black YDGD2020-AM has a time display using discs that rotate instead of moving hands like most contemporary watches. This styling is just so 1970s.  

The Year In Perspective - What a Bittersweat Year 2020 has become

The year 2020 is about to come to an end. What a year it has been. The world faced a pandemic while I faced an important question about my watch collecting future.  

Historically, I started collecting watches (as a serious hobby) back in 2010. Since then, I have accumulated 222 watches into the collection. I took the hobby seriously and I made it a point to write a blog posting on every watch I got; a sort of owner's review.

Since the pandemic hit, it was difficult for me to visit my watch dealers. It was also difficult for me to buy watches online as my office is not operating normally (I decided against sending it to the house as no one is there constantly as well). Hence, I was forced to curb my buying cycle.

After many months of this self-imposed shopping freeze (I did get some watches but it was not as consistent as before), the urge to acquire watches started to fade. 

 

Oh well, I suppose this is a Covid-19 symptom for watch collectors. Hopefully, this is temporary.

Anyway, just want to wish all of you a Happy New Year and may all troubles disappear in 2021.