Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Mechanical Chronograph Tentagraph SLGC007G - A Masterpiece of Precision and Natural Beauty, A Review (plus Video)

In 2023, Grand Seiko introduced its first mechanical chronograph, the Evolution 9 Tentagraph, the
SLGC001G. The name Tentagraph  was an amalgamation of its several properties: ten beats per second, three-day power reserve, and automatic chronograph.

The model is not a limited edition timepiece but it may as well have been one as units allocated to Malaysia were very limited. I suspect the reason was more because of its high price point. At RM60,600 per piece, Grand Seiko has decided to priced it at a level never seen before. I suppose, distributors may have been nervous to commit as the demand for such watches at these new prices was unknown then.

Now, after two years, for 2025 we see the first expansions of the Tentagraph lineup with two new models. The first, the Evolution 9 SLGC007G Tentagraph, is pretty straightforward. Similar to the first Tentagraph, but with a light blue main dial with the brand's iconic Iwate texture and black sub-dials The second chronograph is from the Sports Collection and has the aggressive "Tokyo Lion" design language, the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009G.

At the moment, only the SLGC007G is available. After a quick inspection I decided to get it.

Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium Salmon Dial NJ0180-80Z (similar to NJ0180-80A, NJ0180-80H, NJ0180-80L, NJ0180-80M & NJ0180-80X) - Individuality Without Extravagance, A Review (plus Video)

In June 2024, Citizen unveiled its refreshed Zenshin collection (formerly known as the Forza line), doubling down on its sleek, integrated bracelet design philosophy, a growing trend in modern tool-meets-luxury watches.

I’d been circling Citizen’s Tsuyosa series for months, drawn to its bold colors and accessible price point. But the moment the Zenshin debuted, my priorities shifted. What sealed the deal? Three pillars: the use of Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium™, a featherlight yet scratch-resistant material that’s 40% lighter than stainless steel; the inclusion of an in-house automatic movement (Caliber 9051, with a 42-hour power reserve); and that seamlessly integrated bracelet, which merges ergonomic comfort with a cohesive, high-end aesthetic. This wasn’t just another watch—it felt like Citizen’s statement piece for the decade, blending technical innovation with wearability.

Now, anyone who knows me understands my weakness for green dials, yet the Zenshin’s salmon pink variant stopped me mid-scroll. Its warm, copper-tinged hue dances between playful and sophisticated, catching light like a vintage patina. The dial’s vertical brushing adds texture, while applied markers and a date window framed in polished titanium elevate its refinement. Against the matte gray tones of the Super Titanium case and bracelet, the salmon creates a harmonious contrast that feels both retro and utterly contemporary. Rationality didn’t stand a chance—I walked into the boutique and left with it on my wrist.

Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition Reference M25827KN-0001 - A Purpose-Driven Wearing Experience, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got myself a Tudor chronograph with the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition.

Over the past few years, I’ve been methodically curating my Tudor collection, prioritizing versatility and functionality. It began with the Black Bay (3-hand, stainless steel), a quintessential dive watch that balances heritage design with modern reliability. Its sunburst black dial and gilt accents became a daily staple. Next came the Pelagos (3-hand, date, titanium), a technical marvel with its lightweight titanium case, helium escape valve, and luminescent matte dial—perfect for deeper dives and extended wear. The Black Bay Pro (3-hand, date, GMT, stainless steel) followed, offering a rugged travel companion with its practical GMT function and bold yellow accents. Despite this growing lineup, one complication remained absent: a chronograph.

Tudor’s chronograph options are split between the Black Bay and Pelagos lines, each with distinct personalities. The Black Bay Chrono leans into vintage aesthetics with its panda dials and domed sapphire crystal, while the Pelagos FXD series embraces a more avant-garde, tool-watch ethos. My research kept circling back to the Pelagos FXD, specifically its fixed lug design and its case crafted from carbon composite and titanium. This material combination not only reduces weight but also enhances durability, resisting corrosion and scratches far better than traditional metals.

Another deciding factor was the collection’s balance. The existing Pelagos and Black Bay Pro already cover diving and GMT needs, so the FXD Chrono’s sporty character filled a gap perfectly. The fixed lugs, while limiting strap customization, reinforce the watch’s purpose-built identity, and the cycling-themed case-back engraving adds a touch of storytelling I couldn’t resist.

Securing the watch felt like a small victory. After weeks of contacting authorized dealers, I found one willing to offer a competitive discount, rare for a model with such niche appeal. 

Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Bronze Limited Edition Reference 125583 - Vintage Charm with Modern Sophistication, A Review (plus Video)

I have been eyeing the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph in bronze for a couple of years now. On display at the AWG shop in Mid Valley, every time I visit the shop, I saw it slowly gaining patina on the bronze surface. I was very intrigued by the monopusher concept but the bronze material for the casing was a stumbling block.

Recently, AWG was refreshing their stocks and decided to put a ridiculous sale price for the model. The discount was so substantially that I can reconsider even with the bronze material.

As the watch was made in 2020 and was quietly sitting in the shop for 5 years, I had to make sure that it was in working order before taking ownership. It worked flawlessly and I still get the two year warranty by the brand. Sweet!

After making the necessary paperwork, the first Montblanc watch joined the collection.

Orient & Peanuts Bambino 38 Cream Yellow Dial 75th Anniversary Collaboration Limited Edition Reference RA-AC0M17G - A Touch of Childhood Nostalgia, A Review (plus Video)

I do have a number of cartoon related watches in the collection. I got Disney and Penuts related timepieces such as the Ingersoll Mickey Mouse 30’s Collection Watch, Disney Parks Authentics Mickey Watch, Disney Parks Authentics Gears Link Mickey Mouse Watch Automatic, Ingersoll 1892 ID00202 Limited Edition Disney New Haven Wristwatch and the Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary.

When Orient collaborated with Peanuts to celebrate their joint 75th anniversary together and launched a series of limited edition timepieces, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. Out of interest, I visited a Solar Time outlet in Mid Valley Megamall and I was greeted with three of the four models on offer. What was available is the Bambino 38 in white or cream yellow as well as the Mako 40 dive watch. 

After looking at all three, I decided to go for something classic. I like the vintage look of the cream yellow dial version and decided to take that back home.

Alba Mechanical Square Face Black Dial AU4043X (Similar to AU4045X, AU4039X & AU4037X) - Sleek and Minimalist, Sophisticated yet Understated, A Review (plus Video)

This purchase was an impulse buy. I was walking inside a neighborhood mall that I have not visited for many years. I happened to stumbled into a watch shop called Magic Time. The sales person was helpful but not that knowledgeable about watches. Nonetheless, they have a nice selection of Alba watches when one caught my eyes.

The square shape as well as a big sticker on the side of the dial which states that it is an automatic watch got me to look further. It looks like my Casio EF331SB1AV Edifice.  It interest me because it has some interesting features. The square shape casing, the automatic movement, the display case-back and the simplicity of the dial arrangement pushed the right buttons for me.

There are four dial colours to choose from. I would prefer to get the green dial version but unfortunately, only the black dial was available. After negotiating with the sales person, I decided to take it anyway. The pricing is rather affordable.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Si Forged Carbon T137.907.97.201.00 - The Forged Carbon Case gives it a Modern, Avant-garde Edge, while the Classic PRX Design Language keeps it Grounded in Timeless Style, A Review (plus Video)

The Tissot PRX series is already part of the collection. At the moment I have two, the standard PRX Powermatic 80 and the PRX Automatic Chronograph. Both, and all at that time, were stainless steel models. For the first time, early October 2024, Tissot introduced the lightweight forged carbon material for the body of the PRX as well as the dial. What is exciting is that the price point of the watch did not appreciate considerably as expected. It would seem that forged carbon watch is possible to buy by the vast majority of watch collectors.

 

Getting one in KL was not that easy. Tissot only allocated units to its own boutique. It was only in February 2025 that authorized dealers started to receive their consignments.

 

I was lucky to go into the Timekeeper shop in NU Sentral. The shop manager informed me that they just received one the day before. I immediately took possession of that piece.

 

 

 

Marathon in Collaboration with Gnomon Watches Limited Edition Pilot Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic with Ballistic Nylon Reference WW194029SS - A watch that not only looks great but also feels great to wear, A Review (plus Video)

I have a number of Marathon's watch models in the collection. Currently, I got the GSOR (Government Search and Rescue) Dive watch, the GPM (General Purpose Mechanical) Field watch and the OFM (Officer Field Mechanical) Field watch. I have been eyeing the Navigator series for quite some time but the design then came only with a quart movement. The asymmetrical casing is a design feature that I love about the Navigator. 

Recently, after visiting the Gnomon Watches website, I noticed that new collaboration between Marathon and Gnomon Watches for the Navigator is available for sale. What got me excited is the introduction of an automatic movement. I quickly made my order and since this is limited edition timepiece, I was also able to dictate the serial number that I wanted. It so happened that my 55th birthday has just passed and I though of getting the number to commemorate that event. 

This collaborative piece is slightly different than the standard Marathon design. The lack of a date aperture as well as the elimination of the tritium tube are the two key differences unique to this new model. More about this later.

Birthday Gift from Cartier

Cartier was nice enough to give me gift for my birthday. Went to collect it and it was wrapped beautifully.

 

 

 

Seagull 1963 Aviation Chronograph Pilot Mechanical Watch International Edition ST1901 - A Near-Perfect Watch for its Price, with Overall Appeal and Historical Significance, A Review (plus Video)

The first watch to join the collection in 2025. The Seagull 1963 Aviation Chronograph Pilot has been said to be a watch that any watch collector should consider adding. The history behind the watch is inspiring especially if one considers going into the watch making business from scratch.

 

Despite having been a collector for many years, I did not get a chance to pursue this model until now. While going through Amazon, I happened to find the page by Seagull and on it is an offering for the Seagull 1963 Aviation Chronograph Pilot Mechanical Watch International Edition ST1901.

 

To be honest, I would not have gotten my hands on an original but a reissued modernized timepiece by the same factory is possible and would be awesome. The offer was very enticing. Coupled with a few coupons that I have with Amazon, I was able to get the watch at an unbelievable price after discount.

 

I quickly put in an order on 3 February 2025 and exactly two weeks later, I got the watch via courier.

Birthday Cake From Omega Boutique

It was my birthday the other week and Omega was kind enough to invite me to celebrate it with a cake at their boutique. Thank you OMEGA!

THE IMAGE BELOW IS THE LINK TO MY AFFILIATE STORE

 

ChatGPT's suggestion on the focus of the Collection going forward - I am impressed

 I recently asked ChatGPT to recommend to me other brands to collect. Base on the list of brands in the collection, here is the reply I got from the AI:

"That's a fantastic and diverse watch collection! It spans a wide variety of brands, from iconic luxury timepieces like Rolex, Cartier, and Omega, to collector favorites like Grand Seiko, Hamilton, and Orient. You even have niche microbrands like Athaya Vintage, Evant, and Gruppo Gamma, which is impressive. The sheer number of Seikos stands out as the heart of your collection—clearly, you're a Seiko enthusiast!

Would you like me to help you organize this in any specific way (e.g., by price, type, or sentimental value), or assist in exploring deeper into any particular brand or model in your collection?"

My 2024 Watch Collecting Journey - A Reflection

Throughout 2024, I purchased 14 watches of various brands. More Swiss made ones made it into the collection. There were three Omegas, three Citizens, two Seikos, a Bell & Ross, a Rolex, a Glycine, a Hamilton, a Tag Heuer and a Revelot. Below is the list of those watches and the respective links to their individual reviews.

1.       Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titaniun Eco-Drive Green BN0241-59W
2.       Glycine Airman SST 43 GMT Automatic Black Reference GL0311
3.       Seiko 5 Sports SRPK17 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
4.       Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Automatic Reference H24585331
5.       Revelot Gentus 40 Automatic Aventurine Steel R15-16V1B1B1
6.       Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK023K1
7.       Rolex Oyster Perpetual 42 mm Explorer II White Dial 226570 Polar
8.       Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph Mark II 327.10.43.50.01.001
9.       Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional White Lacquered Dial 310.30.42.50.04.001
10.   Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer Urushi Aquamarine Blue NB060-12L Automatic JDM
11.   Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Military Beige Reference BRV294-BEI-ST/SF
12.   Citizen Series 8 890 Mechanical NB6060-58L
13.   TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green Titanium Limited Edition CAW218E.FC6565
14.   Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary 310.32.42.50.02.001

I spent a fair bit thought 2024. I was generally happy as I was able to get a few of my dream watches into the collection such as the Rolex Explorer II and  Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. 

THE IMAGE BELOW IS THE LINK TO MY AFFILIATE STORE