Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary Reference 310.32.42.50.02.001 - Celebrating a Piece of History, A Review (plus Video)

The Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary watch was officially launched on 5 October 2020. Since the four years of launching, I have only seen one with my own eyes. I was made to understand the delivery of these watches has been slow. It didn't matter to me as I didn't think I would be in the position to own one.

 

Recently, I was contacted by the Omega Boutique in Kuala Lumpur that a small gift is being prepared for me. When I got it, it was a box filled with a plush toy in the form of the beagle Snoopy as well as a cryptic message that read; "In 14 seconds your beagle will safely land in Malaysia. Please contact your omega Boutique sales associate to collect your Speedmaster 'Silver Snoopy Award' 50th Anniversary timepiece. See you soon!"

 

What a cryptic message. Did Omega just gifted to me the Speedmaster Snoopy? I immediately called them and Omega clarified that I have been chosen to be given the opportunity to buy the Snoopy. Only the plush toy is free!?! After 24 hours of thinking about it, I decided to get one.

 

For transparency, I love the Omega Speedmaster chronograph design that comes with 3 sub-dials. Currently in the collection, I have the Reduce 3150.50, the Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001 and the Moonwatch.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green Titanium Limited Edition Ref. CAW218E.FC6565 - Iconic Style, Modern Technology and a Comfortable, Lightweight Feel, A Review (plus Video)

The first TAG Heuer to grace the collection. It took me sometime to decide to get one. As a fan of Formula One, I note that TAG Heuer is a major sponsor of The Red Bull Racing Team and the watch associated with the Formula One champion, Max Verstappen is the Monaco series. When TAG Heuer decided to launch the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green Titanium in 2024, I was hooked and the time was right for me to get one.  

This particular watch is a striking new addition to the iconic Monaco collection, blending the vintage charm of motorsport with modern craftsmanship. This timepiece, launched in the later half of 2024, stands out due to its use of titanium and a bold racing green dial. It is also a limited edition model. 

I visited a number of authorised dealers around Kuala Lumpur before I decided togo to the TAG Heuer Boutique in The Gardens Mall to get one.

This particular model is a limited edition timepiece with only 1,000 units made available. Due to reasons only known to the manufacturer, this watch does not have a serial number that signifies its number within the batch of 1,000 units. Instead, it has a typical running serial number nomenclature used by TAG Heuer manufacturing. More about this later.

Citizen Series 8 890 Mechanical NB6060-58L (similar to NB6069-53H and NB6066-51W) - It is Reliable as it is Beautiful, A Review (plus Video)

Citizen is ramping up their mechanical watch game. A new sub-series under the brand Series 8 line was launched in March 2024. The 890 is the fifth sub-series to be launch (the other sub-series are the 830, 831, 870 and the 880). I am fortunate to have in the collection the formal 831 NB6010-81E and the adventure GMT 880 NB6031-53E. 

For the last decade I seldom took the time to explore Citizen’s offerings. Then, Citizen was more incline to promote their Eco-Drive technology. With the success of Seiko and other brands that focused on mechanical movements in terms of sales and brand awareness, Citizen has started to explore this market space. As a fully integrated manufacturer, this should not be a problem for them. The renewed focus on mechanical watches has produced a number of interesting timepieces. The Series 8 is one such line dedicated solely to mechanical movement.

The 890 is the first dive watch range under the Series 8 line. It is interesting to note that Citizen’s designers chose an internal bezel design to kickstart their dive series. I suppose they wanted something different from the more recent 880 design which has a typical external bezel.

 

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.

Seiko 5 Sports SRPK17 55th Anniversary Limited Edition - The Evergreen, A Review (plus Video)

This is one watch that I nearly didn't get. The SRPK17 is part of the 55th anniversary celebration by Seiko to celebrate the launch of the iconic Seiko 5 Sports line back in 1968. Throughout 2023, there were a number of limited edition launched. Due to the frequency of releases under the 55th anniversary celebration, the SRPK17 slipped my radar screen for many months despite it being made available since July 2023.

In honesty, I wasn't paying much attention to any of the 55th Anniversary models by Seiko 5 Sports. Throughout 2023, I was focused on acquiring higher value timepieces such as from Tudor, Cartier, Rado and Omega. It was only at the end of 2023, after reading up on major news of year that I stumbled on the year-long celebration by Seiko 5 Sports. After going through the multiple releases, one model stood out, the SRPK17.

I went to one store which has the model in stock but no store discount was given. I turned to by trusty dealer and he got me one after sourcing from another branch with store discount too!

Glycine Airman SST 43 GMT Automatic Black Reference GL0311 (similar to GL0309, GL0310, GL0312, GL0313, GL0314 & GL0315) - A Touch of Nostalgia and Coolness, A Review (plus Video)

This is the second Glycine example in the collection. The first was the Glycine Combat 6 Vintage GL0122 which I got in May 2019. That particular Glycine is from the Combat range. The second Glycine is also a vintage inspired design. The historic Glycine SST collection is one of the most coveted vintage timepieces by the brand and Glycine has decided to relaunch it with some modern improvements. This particular timepiece is from the Airman range.

 

The Glycine SST GMT series was officially launched in 2021. It was listed on Gnomon Watches Singapore then but I did not get it as there were other priorities and the price was rather on the high side. It was only during the Christmas season of 2023 that Gnomon Watches Singapore had a special seasonal discount that it became feasible acquisition for me.

With an offering of a 17.1% discount from MSRP, I quickly put in an order. The model I got is the Glycine Airman SST 43 GMT Automatic Black GL0311. Typical of Gnomon Watches Singapore packaging service, I received the package four days later.

Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titaniun Eco-Drive Green BN0241-59W (similar to BN0241-59H) - The Ultimate Universal Watch and a Good Buy, A Review (plus Video)

The Citizen Promaster is the series of watches from the brand designed for sports and the outdoors. Under this series there is a sub-series that has the designation of "Tough" which has the capacity to absorb even more rough usage. I already have in the collection the the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Black Dial Bracelet Watch BN0211-50E and the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch CA0720-54H. Today, I was able to add another member of the 'Tough' family into the collection; the Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titaniun Eco-Drive Green BN0241-59W.

I must say that this new model is a true titanium watch. Although the previous two are also deemed to be made out of 'Super Titanium', in truth, the base material is stainless steel with a thin covering of titanium alloy. Hence, their weight does not reflect a watch that is titanium based.

I got this watch from my trusty dealer, Aiman. Through his sources, he was able to not only procure one from the brand but also offered it to me with a good discount.

Citizen Series 8 880 Mechanical GMT NB6031-56E (Similar to NB6030-59L & NB6032-53P) - Has Wrist Presence, A Review (plus Video)

It was in June 2023 when Citizen announced a new series under the Series 8 line. This new sub-group is designated the '880'. I already have the NB6010-81E under the 831 sub-grouping. For this new sub-group, Citizen is introducing a new automatic movement, the Caliber 9054, that has a GMT complication. What is more importantly, the series is catered as a field watch instead of a dress watch of the previous Series 8 lines (831, 830 and 870).

The new design is very refreshing and incorporate a lot of key designs that helped the Promaster line (a range under Citizen) become famous. The addition of a timing bezel as well as a GMT complication increased the functionality immensely. 

Personally, I love the watch due to the integrated bracelet design. It looks elegant and sophisticated. Moreover, it is not often that Citizen comes out with an automatic watch powered with a new movement. In this case, the Caliber 9054 with the GMT function is new to the collection and I am quite excited to review this watch.

Revelot R10 Admiral GMT Army Steel Green - Handsome and Very Capable Watch, A Review (plus Video)

This is my third Revelot watch. I got the R12 and the R11 in the collection. The R10 Admiral GMT is the third diver from the brand but with many firsts. The addition of the GMT complication as well as a new bracelet design with a special micro-adjustment system in the clasp makes the R10 a model that I would like to have in the collection.

To be honest, I should try to get a unit via Revelot’s website. It’s cheaper and there are a number of free gifts thrown in a purchase. However, going to a traditional brick-and-mortar shop is so much enjoyable with physical connection and interaction with the dealers. Unfortunately, one need to wait for sometime after the official launch to see a model in-person at the shops.

All my Revelot acquisitions came from Timekeeper in NU Sentral. They usually do not the whole range for sale as the Revelot only consigned models still not sold out from their webstore. If I recalled, there were only five out of the nine models available. Based on what's available, the green dial (R10 Admiral GMT Army Steel) was chosen.

Steinhart Architect Green - My Favorite Design, A Review (plus Video)

The Steinhart Architect Series is the first integrated sports model design released by Steinhart in 2023. It is a homage to the Gerald Genta integrated sports model design of the seventies that has become iconic and evergreen. 

In recent years, I have started to be more interested in formal watches instead of the typical diver or sports watches. The style of formal watches I like is the integrated bracelet design. Currently, I have five such models in the collection. They are The Citizen Series 8 GMT, Yema Wristmaster Traveller, IWC Ingenieur IW3236, Tissot PRX and Tissot PRX Chronograph.

 

When I recently saw the model featured on Gnomon Watches Singapore's website, I got the urge to get one. Luck would have it, Gnomon Watches Singapore had a year-end sale promotion which made the deal more affordable.

 

To be honest, I didn't expect Steinhart to create something formal and looked so similar to one of Gerald Genta's iconic design. The brand has a lot of homages but mostly sports or dive watches. I do tip my hat to Steinhart as this is an area that many people are interested in. 

There are three dial colours to choose from and I decided on the green as it is my favorite colour.

Seiko Prospex LANDMASTER 30th Anniversary Limited Edition SLA071J1 - A Disappointment, A Review (plus Video)

Seiko has loads of series. One of the series that I follow closely is the Landmaster series, a range of watches that caters for adventurers. First introduced in 1993, the series has evolved in interesting ways (to be explained later). I was given the chance to have an exposure to the series when I got the SBDB005 back in 2013 and five years later, the SBEJ003 in 2018. Another 5 years rolled by before the SLA071 was introduced in 2023 which I quickly snapped up.

I must say that the SLA071 is not something that I expected after owning the previous two offerings under the Landmaster series. I sense that the designers in Seiko had a free rein in the design process which may or may not sit well with a number of enthusiasts. 

Personally, I am conflicted somewhat on how I truly feel about this watch. Although it has all the best offerings from Seiko, the combination is something that only a few people can appreciate. More about this later.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer ‘Panda’ 1972 Chronograph Re-interpretation Limited Edition Seiko 100th Anniversary SRQ049J1 (similar to SRQ047J1) - Wears Well and Look Nice, A Review (plus Video)

Seiko's repertoire of iconic designs from its past have been a good source of reference for new launches. For its 100th anniversary, a new watch has being introduced following the same line of the classic 1972 Seiko 6138-8020 Panda Chronograph.

Back in 2019, Seiko launched the Seiko Prospex Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ029J1. This watch was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Caliber 6139. When launched in 1969, it was the world’s first automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch. I was lucky to get a unit for the collection, the number 766 out of 1,000 examples.

For the SRQ049J1, I got the number 333 out of 1,000 examples. I also got an additional leather strap with the watch-box.

Although it appears there are a lot of similarities between the newer SRQ049J1 and the older SRQ029J1, there are also some differences. Further into the review, I will go through through the subtle differences in detail.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Limited Edition SPB409J1 (similar to SPB377J1 & SPB379J1) - A Great Candidate for the ‘Best General Purpose Watch’, A Review (plus Video)

The sub-series Alpinist has been one of my favourites. In the collection, I have the first modern Alpinist, the SARB017, the digital model SBEB013, the modernized SPB117 and a special re-creation, SJE085. 

For the 110th anniversary of Seiko's first wristwatch, the company launched limited edition timepieces in a number of sub-lines. One of the sub-lines is the Alpinist. This new variant comes with an added twist - a GMT movement while still retaining the DNA that makes the Alpinist famous.

Seiko has been vary prolific in 2023 when it comes to GMT functionality. A number of new models with their new GMT movement was launched throughout the year with a lot of positive feedback. The Alpinist was also given the GMT option.

I decided to get the silver dialed version which is a limited edition design withhas a total circulation limit of 3,000 units. I got it from AWG Mid Valley

Wrist Time - Part 2 - There is a clear favorite in the batch

This is the second part of my wrist timing with the collection (see the previous part here). There may be some of the watches where I have yet to published a review. In this batch, my favorite is the PRX.

Tudor Black Bay Pro Watch M79470-0001 (Similar to M79470-0003 and M79470-0002) - The Ultimate Adventure Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I was back in Scotland to send my son to university and to commemorate the occasion I decided to get myself a watch. Originally my target was something else but as luck would have it, my eyes fell on the Tudor Black Bay Pro.

It happens that the Rugby World Cup was on and in one of the British tabloid I was reading there was a full page advertisement featuring the Black Bay Pro as Tudor was the official timekeeper for the games. I was instantly drawn to the watch as it reminded me of one my grail watch, the Rolex Explorer II.

Although this model was launched in 2022, I did not give it much thought as Tudor in Kuala Lumpur was getting as snotty as its bigger brother Rolex. Most watches in the boutique was only for display purposes and if interested, must sign up under a list to wait for a call from Tudor. However, in Scotland, the AD is first class and all models were available. Had a great experience. Got the watch plus a very elegant walnut watch box for six slots. 

 

This is not my first Tudor. In the collection, I already have a Heritage Black Bay and the Pelagos Titanium. This is the first of the brand that comes with a GMT complication.