TUDOR Royal 41mm Steel Case Salmon Dial M28600-0009 - Sport‑Chic Identity, A Review (plus Video)

The Tudor Royal 41mm Salmon Dial M28600 has long stood out to me as one of the most eye‑catching and versatile watches in Tudor’s contemporary catalogue. With its distinctive integrated bracelet, sharply notched bezel, practical day‑date complication, and that unmistakable salmon dial, the Royal line strikes an impressive balance between refinement and sportiness. It’s the kind of watch that feels equally at home with a suit or a more casual outfit: something few watches in this price segment manage to pull off convincingly. As a result, the Royal has been on my radar for quite some time, quietly climbing higher on my personal wishlist.

Recently, I received an unexpected message from my dealer that immediately caught my attention. He mentioned that a Tudor outlet was offering a special deal as they were looking to clear out existing stock. Sensing an opportunity, I quickly gave him four different Tudor models I’d be interested in, asking him to check which, if any, were available under this promotion. Then came the waiting game.

About a day later, the news came back. Of the four options, only the Tudor Royal was available, and specifically in the salmon dial configuration. While my initial preference had been the blue dial variant, the moment I heard the details, any hesitation vanished. The pricing on offer was simply too good to ignore, especially for a watch that I had already admired for so long. In the end, the decision felt almost effortless. I jumped at the chance and placed the order immediately, confident that this was one of those rare moments where timing, opportunity, and enthusiasm align perfectly.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glass Box Limited Edition Middle East (MEIA Limited Edition) CBS2218.BA0048 - Comfort, Balance, and Visual Drama, A Review (plus Video)

I have been looking at the TAG Heuer Carrera series for some time now. In particular, the modern interpretation of the Carrera Chronograph with the so‑called “Glass‑box” crystal has always appealed to me. The way the sapphire crystal curves seamlessly into the case, evoking vintage chronographs from the 1960s, gives the watch a strong sense of heritage while still feeling contemporary. It was very much a piece I hoped to acquire at some point in the future.

Unexpectedly, my dealer at the local TAG Heuer boutique reached out to inform me that they had been allocated a very special model to promote for a few days only. This was a Middle Eastern exclusive limited edition, with just three units made available to them. The watch in question was the Carrera Chronograph Glass Box Limited Edition Middle East (MEIA Limited Edition), reference CBS2218.BA0048.

To be completely honest, I was not in the market for a new watch at that time. I had other financial commitments that required my attention, and purchasing another timepiece was not something I had actively planned for. That said, there were several distinctive elements of this particular model that immediately piqued my interest. Beyond the already‑appealing glass‑box crystal, the use of Eastern‑Arabic numerals gave the dial a unique regional identity that felt both culturally meaningful and visually striking. The green colourway—rich, deep, and tastefully executed—added another layer of appeal, setting it apart from more conventional Carrera variants.

The fact that it was a chronograph only strengthened its attraction for me. Chronographs have always occupied a special place in the Carrera lineage, and this model felt like a thoughtful blend of historical inspiration and modern execution. The exclusivity of the piece, combined with these design choices, made it increasingly difficult to ignore.

In the end, without overthinking the decision too much, I decided to pull the trigger and bought it.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Automatic Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SRQ057J1 (similar to the regular-production SRQ055J1) - Linking Two Giant Japanese Brands, A Review (plus Video)

Another Seiko Speedtimer has graced the collection. This time around, it is a collaboration between Seiko and the precursor of the Nissan Motor car company of Japan, Datsun. This collaboration has some meaning to me as the car my wife had when we first got married more that 30 years ago was a red Datsun 130Y.

 

I also bought this particular Speedtimer as its has a design feature that is actually quite contemporary to most brands but seldom seen on a Seiko automatic chronograph - a tachymeter scale set on the bezel instead of on the chapter ring. More about this later.

 

The colour combination, with black being the dominant colour and a touch of red, blue and polished steel gives the watch character that is not too blatant yet subtle. 

 

To be honest, I am kind of hooked into chronographs at the moment and when the SRQ057J1 was announced, I felt the need to get one.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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 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.

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.

Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Blue Dial Reference T137.427.11.041.00 (similar to White Dial T137.427.11.011.00) - Pressed All The Right Buttons, A Review (plus Video)

When Tissot announced the launch of the Chronograph PRX in March 2022, I was elated. I already got the PRX automatic and it worth the investment. Adding a mechanical chronograph function in the PRX line is just icing to the cake. I really want to get one. After making a few inquiries in Kuala Lumpur, I was told that the model will be released to dealers in August at a MSRP of RM7,400.

As it happens, I was scheduled to go for a trip to UK in mid-June. Tissot announced that the model will be released in the UK around the same time. Although I wasn’t hoping to find one, luck was with me on this. I found one in a UK jewellery chain in Dundee (actually, it’s branch in Inverness got one so they had it shipped to the Dundee branch for me). After a few days I finally got my hands on one. 

Do note that the price I paid for this watch is higher than the list price in Kuala Lumpur after taking into consideration foreign exchange conversion from GBP to RM. Nevertheless, I am willing to pay the premium just to have the experience dealing with a Scottish jeweler for the very first time.

Citizen Series 8 - 831- Automatic NB6010-81E Cal. 9051 (similar to NB6010-81L & NB6012-18L) - A Wholesome Design, A Review (plus Video)

I have not been closely following Citizen unlike the other major Japanese watchmaker as their offering of mechanical watches are rather limited. Nevertheless, 2021 has become a promising start for the brand as a number of mechanical watches was introduced to the market including new movements.

The realization that avid watch collectors (predominantly) are into mechanical timepieces is starting to dawn on Citizen. Although there is a vast majority of users into the practicality of quartz controlled timepieces, these group seldom buy watches as often as the hardcore avid watch collectors.

Better late then never. The skillset that is part of the Citizen Watch Group is more than sufficient to come out with spectacular watches and sophisticated mechanical movements to wet the appetite of the market.

The latest offering by Citizen is the Series 8, a set of new models clustered in a few subgroupings.

I have decided to get one of the the 831 mechanical series to the collection.

Oris ChronOris Date Black Dial 39 mm Reference 01 733 7737 4054-07 5 19 45 - A Well Proportioned Watch, A Review (plus Video)

My first Oris. I have thought that it would be the one of the 'Sixty Five's but instead the ChronOris Date has the honour to be the first in the collection.

As of May 2022, Oris' website does not list any ChronOris Date as it is deemed as a 'Previous Collection' series (it also implies that Oris no longer producing them). Not a lot of write-up about the watch but what is available has a lot of favourable things to say about it.

 

A common misconception that stems from the name is the lack of a "chronograph" complication in the watch despite implying it in its model name. Moreover, as a reinterpretation of one of Oris' classic design of the 1970s, the ChronOris Date have so many differences that one wonders what was the brand actually trying to achieve. Anyway, more about it later.

In reality, there are only two dial design with a number of bracelet and strap options. I decided to get the black dial version with distressed leather strap for the collection. The reference for this combination is the 01 733 7737 4054-07 5 19 45. 

Seiko 5 Sports Flieger SRPH29K1 (similar to SRPH21K1, SRPH23K1, SRPH25K1, SRPH27K1, SRPH31K1 and SRPH33K1) - A Beater Watch, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko 5 Sports line was first launched in 1963 under the original name of Seiko Sportmatic 5. It was  Seiko's first automatic day/date watch and famously known for its reliability and ownership cost. Over the years, many models were churned out from many of Seiko's overseas factories that Seiko could not compile the list of models available on its website. To take back control, in 2019, Seiko centralised the design of Seiko 5 Sports by launching the Seiko 5 Sports Collection series. This time around, Seiko's main website kept track on the models launched. 

I got the SRPD85K1 to commemorate this event for the Seiko 5 Sports Collection in 2019. Since then, I got another piece, the SRPG29K1 which happens to be an infantry inspired design. Around the same time in late 2021, Seiko issued out a new pilot watch series codename 'Flieger'. Of the options available, I chose the SRPH29K1 as it has my favorite colour, green. This time around, I got the watch from another vendor in Mid Valley, City Chain.

The reason I got the watch from City Chain was because of their membership point scheme which which offered the best discount after taking into consideration the joining coupon as well as the birthday coupon offered to members.