Service & Maintenance - Seiko SNM035 "Land Monster" - The First Service

This is the first watch in the collection to be serviced. I bought the Seiko SNM035 via Amazon in February 2012. The Land Monster has (over the years) faced progressive opaqueness on the dial crystal.

This year, I decided to send it in for service and maintenance since it has been more than 12 years since I got the watch. I sent it to the authorized dealer in Malaysia, Thong Sia Watch Company. Although no longer under warranty, as official distributor of Seiko watches, the company will have the resources of the brand to repair anything that may need repairing.

After a month, on 20 November 2023, at a cost of RM200 (+RM4 for credit card payment), I got it back.

 

 The watch looks like new and timing has been impeccable. Below is the watch on my wrist.

 

My advice is that, whenever possible, send your watch back to the brand. Private service outfit may be able to do it but they may not have 100% in terms of parts especially for older watches.

Cartier Santos De Cartier Large Watch Automatic Sunburst Jade Green Dial Ref. WSSA0062 - Feels Natural on the Wrist, A Review (plus Video)

The first Cartier in the collection. I am officially old as I have suddenly fallen in love with the design of the Santos. I used to smirk at the Cartier styling as I find it to be of a bygone era. Anyone that appreciate the design must be of an older generation. A bit of 'age-ism' on my part I must admit. Nevertheless, the design does have its good points that can slowly turned a 'hater' to an 'appreciator'. It happened to me.

The colour green pushed me over the edge to truly start liking the Santos. While browsing the Cartier Boutique at the Gardens Mall, I made friends with one of the dealers. She is also loves the hobby and we both clicked. Despite not an existing client of the boutique, she offered me the green Santos when it become available (June 2023). I took her up on the offer. In the back of my mind, I have my doubts.

 

True to her words, I got a call from her. When I said that I would come immediately she was surprised as the only example they have is a display unit. Anyway, she immediately made an order for me. A week later and the watch allocated to me was at the shop.

 

Unfortunately, the acquisition process got delayed again. As she was expertly showing me how to replace the bracelet and how to re-size the bracelet she noticed the gears for the manual winding wasn't engaged to the crown. She was so embarrassed that she apologized profusely. She insist in getting a replacement instead of repairing the watch.

Wrist Time - Part 1 - Going through the motions

As a collector, it is also important to give some wrist-time to each and every watch in the collection. In my case, this is a cycle that takes a long time but necessary. Below is the first batch of 20 watches that I wore which took about 20 plus days to complete. If you want to know more about the watch, just click on the image and it will bring you to the review I wrote about it (some may not have a link as I have yet to write about them).

Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face III Limited Edition Reference H32876550 - An Ingenious Solution, A Review (plus Video)

The Jazzmaster Face 2 Face is a unique series by Hamilton. First launched in 2013, the series have gotten a reputation that has split the watch community. Although having two faces is deemed positive, the case design has the complete opposite effect to watch aficionados. 

Already in the collection is the Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face II. When Hamilton came out with the version 3, I was delighted as the design was more in-lined with what I felt needed to be changed in version 2. Having a horizontal oval shaped watch casing on the version 2 alienated a vast majority of watch enthusiasts. The revised version 3 corrected that problem as a round casing is more acceptable to most fans.

 

In early 2023, Hamilton launched the version 3 in the form of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face III Limited Edition. Only 999 units were made available and I had to wait for sometime before an allocation was allotted to Malaysia. I made my order and waited for about a month before a call came in to collect the watch. What was told to me by the dealer that only three units were allocated to Malaysia. I am so happy that I got one of them.

Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M Green Dial 'Seaweed' Ref.: 210.30.42.20.10.001 - An Elegant Timepiece that Belies its Tool Watch Functionality, A Revew (plus Video)

After many years of wishing, I finally gotten myself a Seamaster Professional 300M diver. I have been eyeing this model for years. When Omega launched the Seaweed version i.e. the green dial model, I was committed to get one.

Why the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M diver (will now refer it to just Seamaster Professional 300)? Despite being a model that first came to light in 1993, the design is evergreen and looks modern even today. Although changes were made throughout the life of the series, the shape and the more importantly, its dimensions remain the same. The last part is key as the size of the Seamaster Professional 300 sits in a zone that has been universally accepted as perfect for most wrist sizes. It is practical, not flashy and comfortable to wear.

 

The Omega brand is not new to me. Click on this link to know more about the Omega models in the collection. At this moment, the majority of the Omega  watches in the collection are sport watches.

Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Diver Sunburst Lacquered Blue Dial R32144202 - A Universal Watch, A Review (plus Video)

To be honest, I have been brooding over this model for more than two years. When it first came out in 2021, I was so keen to immediately get it. However, I realised that I already got a Rado Captain Cook (please click here to go to that watch). Nevertheless, the draw of having a casing and bracelet of a watch made out of ceramic appeals to me immensely as it will be a first in the collection. I've decided to continue to the search to find one that has a different design than a Captain Cook.

Although Rado has a number dress watch designs using ceramic, they don't attract my interest. Finally, after some soul searching, I decided to get a Captain Cook ceramic version. However, the price quoted was too rich for me especially when I already have a Captain Cook in the collection.

Although I was on the market for one, I was still looking at getting one at the best price possible. Recently, I was given a good offer of 30% off the MSRP for a new watch which I immediately took. The model on offer is the reference R32144202 which has the solid sunburst blue dial. A stroke of luck as this particular model has that blue dial that matches the smokey colour of the ceramic casing and bracelet which I believe to be the most eye-catching of all the solid dial versions of this series. 

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic Reference H77825331 - The Ultimate Beater Diver, A Review (plus Video)

When Hamilton relaunched the Khaki Navy Frogman in 2016, I was immediately taken by the crown guard designed. I was particularly interested in the Titanium model but due to other commitments, it wasn't priority. On hindsight, it could also be because I had some negative views about the crown guard design (love versus hate; weird isn't it?). 

In 2022, Hamilton introduced a revised design to the Frogman that actually appealed to me. The original crown guard was redesigned to be more symmetrical and give a better protection. Immediately, this model went up the priority list.

I visited Hang Thai Watch outlet in Bangsar Village. They have a good collection of Hamilton watches. There was the light khaki green strap version which I fancied and I decided to bring it back home.

To be honest, I would preferred to get a model with a bracelet. Nevertheless, I could live with a strap version.

 

Omega Ballpoint Pen

When I got my Omega Seamaster 300m Diver a few months ago, the Omega Boutique at Gardens Mall did not have the latest door gift to give me. A few days ago, a new batch of door gifts were delivered to the the store and they called me to pick one up. 

 

Omega Ultra Deep Planet Ocean 6000M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 45.5 mm Seamaster O-Megasteel White Dial Reference: 215.30.46.21.04.001 - A More Flexible Diving Monster, A Review (plus Video)

As you all know by now, my first love, in terms of style of watch, is a diver. Over the years, this love affair has its ups-and-downs but the interest remains. One area that is close to heart is the technology used. Divers with 1,000 meters or more water rating pique my curiosity and I have collected a number of dive watches with such capabilities (please click here to learn more about them). 

In 2019, I read about the dive done by explorer Victor Vescovo onboard the mini-submarine DSV Limiting Factor. He dived to 10,927 meters down the Mariana Trench. Attached to the outside of the mini-submarine was the specially made Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional. In March 2022, Omega announced the launch of the 6,000 meter capable Ultra Deep Planet Ocean Seamaster series to the general public.

In December 2022, the first batch was delivered to the Malaysian market. I happened see one and I was keen to have it. Unfortunately due to Omega taking over the dealership of their watches from the major dealerships in Malaysia, in the last few years, I can't used my network of friendly dealers to source for one. As such, I had to approach Omega like any walk-in customer.

Hamilton Thermos Tumbler from Hamilton

Recently I was given a nice door gift, a thermos tumbler from Hamilton.

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Seiko Prospex SFK003J1 Sea Sumo Solar GMT Green (similar to SFK001J1) - Additional Benefit of Solar and GMT, A Review (plus Video)

After launching a number of watches with just minor changes from previous offerings, earlier this year Seiko presented a new refreshing watch with a number of firsts. Based on the common "Sumo" design, these new SFK series uses a new movement that is both solar-powered and features a true GMT (i.e. local jumping hour) function.

As usual, there wasn't any fanfare for the launch. The market only started to noticed when bloggers and watch journalists started to write about it. To be honest, I only found out about it mid-February 2023. Even then, the Seiko website for the Malaysia region does not list the watch. Nevertheless, the global Seiko website has the watch listed. Meanwhile, the watch is now available at all the dealers in Malaysia. 

I already have the SBDC003 (the first generation Sumo) and the SPB103J1 (the third generation Sumo). To be honest I am not sure whether we can quantify the SFK003J1 as the fourth generation Sumo. Despite it having similar shape, dimension and concept (diver watch), the use of a different type of movement and having an additional GMT function may put this model in a class of its own.

Omega Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Commemorative Lapel Pins - Eight Unique Designs

I was given this gift from the Omega Boutique earlier this year. Something from Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympic. 

How much do you think it is valued at? Put your estimation in the comment section below.

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Revelot R12 Hexmariner 39 Radium Storm Steel - Looks Great and Affordable, A Review (plus Video)

I recently bought the R11 Hemariner 42 Artic White Steel. I was made to understand from the dealer that the R12 was about to be launched which is smaller at 39.0 mm wide. I was intrigued and a few months later I visited the same shop (Timekeeper, NU Sentral) where the R12 was available. Although there are a number of models under the R12 series, there were only a few models available at the store (Revelot encourages internet purchases from their website).

 

After reviewing the models available, I set my sight on the Radium Storm Steel model. This model has a nice dark blue colour on the bezel and dial. From the photo, the watch looks more black than blue. However, in person, the dark blue really pops out.

This watch is great homage to the Rolex Submariner. The quality and materials used belies the price point that Revelot sells the watch at. For this watch, I only need to pay RM1,299. This factor alone makes it a very compelling watch to get. 

Ingersoll Balance Wheel Cufflinks - For the Gentleman Watch Enthusiast

Recently, when I bought my Revelot R12 from Timekeeper in NU Sentral, I asked whether the shop would be willing to give me a door gift as the watch was sold at retail price. Surprisingly, they agree to give this nice cufflinks from Ingersoll.

Seiko Sportura Kinetic Direct Drive SRG021P1 Black PVD (similar to SRG017 & SRG019) - A General Purpose Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I have two Kinetic watches, the Seiko SKA475P1 and the Seiko Prospex GMT SUN019P1. Both uses the first generation Kinetic technology whereby the internal battery or capacitor is charged only by the movement of the internal flywheel rotor. 

 

The Direct Drive is a second generation Kinetic technology introduced by Seiko back in 2007 where the wearer can not only charge the internal battery or capacitor by wearing the watch but also by turning (or winding) the crown.

 

Over the years, I have always kept my eyes out for a worthy specimen to join the collection but truth be told, I wasn't that committed to get one, until now.

 

While browsing at a Seiko Boutique store in Mid Valley Megamall, I happened to noticed this Black IP-coated Sportura. It was going for cheap as it has been in the store for years. I immediately snapped up the SRG021P1.

This purchase tick two boxes for me: the first Sportura and the first Direct Drive Kinetic in the collection.

 

I suppose you can also say that this is a NOS (new old stock) model. Based on the serial number, this particular watch was made in 2014. Nevertheless, the dealer assured me that everything is still in perfect working order. The standard warranty is still given. Even the leather strap has been replaced by the dealership beforehand. 

Marathon Officer’s Field Watch Mechanical (OFM)/Stainless Steel General Purpose Mechanical (GPM-SS) NGM Reissue Mechanical Ref. WW194003SS-NGM - A Very Flexible Watch, A Review (plus Video)

This will be my third Marathon watch. Although the watches of Marathon are designed as utilitarian time pieces able to withstand abuse, they are not as easily available when compared to the widespread interest in these kind of watches. Hence, the price for a Marathon watch has a (perceived) high premium attached.

Although Marathon has a number of models on offer, there are three designs I like. The GSAR, the GPM and the OFM. I already have the first two and now I complete the pack with acquisition of the OFM/GPM-SS.

The OFM was always available on Gnomon Singapore website even at the time when I got the GSAR and GPM. I took my time to acquire the watch as I was focused on acquiring others first. 

It so happened that I got a discount coupon that allowed me to finally get the watch below MSRP on Gnomon. I immediately logged into the website and made my booking. It didn't take long before the watch was on my desk.

 

Damasko DS30 - Excellent Legibility and Blends Naturally Without Excessive Wrist Presence, A Review (plus Video)

German watch brands have always intrigued me. The likes of Sinn, MeisterSinger and others have some design features that I find interesting and useful. Damasko is no exception.

I was first introduced to the brand many years ago. The unique Damasko’s proprietary ice-hardened steel compound used for its watches impressed me immensely. Nevertheless, I never got down to search to get one for the collection. To be honest, the pricing was too rich for my budget. Recently, I noticed that a low-entry level DS30 was available that fit my budget. Moreover, a special Christmas sale pricing made the offering hard to pass. 

The Brand

As this will be the first watch under the Damasko brand to join the collection, I will introduce the brand in detail. 

 

Damasko was established in Germany in 1994 by Mr. Konrad Damasko. The brand's unique value preposition was several. The first was the creation of a proprietary ice-hardened stainless steel case. The second was a patented free oscillating balance wheel coupled with a poly-crystalline silicon spring. These materials are insensitive to magnetic fields and resistant to any damage caused by pressure and temperature changes. More importantly, the timepieces are extremely accurate too. 

 

Yema Wristmaster Traveller - Awesome Beater Watch With Classic Look, A Review (plus Video)

I love integrated bracelet designed watches. I have the
IWC Ingenieur IW3236, Deep Blue Pro Seadiver, Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph, Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Hamilton American Classic PSR, just to name a few. When I first saw the Yema Wristmaster Traveller, it immediately appealed to me.

The vintage aspect of the design is also visually pleasing to me. The octagonal shaped casing is seldom seen and gives that 'uniqueness' to the watch.

This watch was launched as a Kickstarter campaign in November 2021. I should have participated but instead I waited to see how well the campaign went. I was very impressed that interest from the public was overwhelming and all the units offered were taken. I had to wait for another year before the watch was available again.

As I have owned a Yema before (click here to see the review) I am quite comfortable to the quality of the watch even though I have yet to see one in person.

Gnomon of Singapore carried the brand and when it was available on the site, I didn't hesitate and immediately put in an order.

 

Revelot R11 Hexmariner 42 Arctic White Steel - A Modern Interpretation of a Submariner But Affordable, A Review (plus Video)

When the brand first started, I bought a simple quartz dress watch for my daughter. Back then, all of Revelot's offering were quartz powered. It was just a few years ago that I noticed the brand started offering automatic models as well.

 

While browsing in a watch shop in NU Sentral, I was introduced to the newest automatic powered model from Revelot; the R11 Hexmariner. I was impressed because what the watch offered in terms of materials used as well as the manufacturing process done to it belies the ridiculously low price its offered at. A stainless steel 200 meter diver with a bracelet that has many surfaces, sapphire crystal on the front as well as on the display case-back plus the use of an NH35 automatic movement - all for just RM1,299 is just incredible.   

After some discussion with the friendly dealer at Timekeeper, Ms. Era, I walked away with the R11 Hexmariner 42 Arctic White Steel. This is the first Revelot watch to join the collection.

 

The State of the Collection 2022 - Year of Gain and Loss

The year 2022 is bittersweet for me. This is the year that I lost 2 of my watches (due to theft). Nevertheless, I did add 12 watches into the collection.