Hermès Cape Cod CC1.710 Automatic (Double Tour) Silver Dial @2007 - Nonchalant Parisian Sophistication, A Review

To be honest, I wan not in the hunt for a watch. My trip to Langkawi, a holiday island in the North of the the Malaysian peninsular was purely for rest and relaxation. However, the small boutique shop at the resort that I was staying in had a small section offering preowned knickknacks. In one of the boxes was five watches, a Rado, a Longines, the Hermes and two other brands that I cannot recall. The Hermes was the only watch in the batch that called to me. Visually, the watch looks legit. Unfortunately, the watch did not come with any paperwork or the watch box. However, based on the code stamped on the strap, the watch was manufactured in 2007. 

 

After investigating further (I even did a water drop test and the cold test for the sapphire crystal), I concluded that that the watch is indeed original. Without thinking further, I paid RM500 for it. 

As the watch is approximately 19 years old, I may need to send it for a total service with some buffing on the casing. Total investment will still be well below the current price of about RM8,000 for a preowned (albeit complete with papers and box).

 

On reflection, this is my first watch by Hermès. It is also on a smaller side as it is categorized as a ladies watch. 

 

Seiko Prospex Sea 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT Watch SPB519 (similar to SPB509, HBC001 & HBC002) - Fantastic Sweet Spot, Capturing the Luxury Presence and Technical Capability, A Review (plus Video)

It has been more than a year since the Seiko Prospex Sea 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT Watch SPB519 was launched. This particular model is the poster child for this series which currently consists of four models (more about this later in the review). I always wanted to get one but never had the opportunity until now.

To be honest, I do own a re-crafted 1968 diver by Seiko when I got the SLA025 back in 2018. Powered by the Hi-Beat 8L55 movement which operates at 36,000 BPH, that watch was at a price point three (3x) times that of the SPB519.  

The GMT complication and the fact that it comes with a ceramic insert for the bezel as well as 300 meter water rating caught my interest. Furthermore, the placement of the date aperture to a position without the need to replace an hour marker makes the dial look symmetrical which appeals to me. The final nail-in-the-coffin is the new bracelet design with the exceptionally modern clasp with a tool-free ratcheting extension. 

 

Casio Edifice EFK100D-7A Automatic (similar to EFK-100CD-1A, EFK-100D-2A, EFK-100D-3A & EFK-100XPB-1A) - The Brand’s First Mechanical Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my hands on Casio's first automatic timepiece. The EFK100 series in under the Edifice line and it was launched in 2025 with much surprise and jubilation from the watch community. For purist, disappointment, as Casio decide against making their own in-house movement, opting to use Seiko's NH35A instead. For me and the vast majority of watch enthusiasts, the fact that Casio has finally embraced the mechanical movement as part of their repertoire of technologies for their watch designs says a lot. The choice of affordable mechanical watches from established brands are shrinking year-by-year as watchmakers goes up the value chain leaving the cheaper alternatives to alternative brands.

I wanted to get it when it was launched in 2025. Then, my choice was either the green or the blue dial version. However, after seeing them for the first time, it was the white dial that really stands out. The texturing on the dial makes it feel like a Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' but at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, that particular white dial has already been allocated to another buyer. After waiting for a number of months, finally, one of the branches of AWG got an allocation and a day later, it was on my wrist!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

 

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.

 

Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK Sports Style Blue Dial SSK003K1 (similar to SSK001K1 and SSK005K1) - Not a Progeny of the SKX, A Review (plus Video)

When news came out a few months ago about the possibility of Seiko introducing a new movement with a GMT complication for its entry level Seiko 5 Sports line, there was genuine excitement in the air. The concept of a GMT is not unique in the watch world but to have a new automatic GMT movement designed specifically for an affordable range series is unprecedented. Current GMT movements are in a price range generally higher than a typical Seiko 5 Sports. Ability to introduce a GMT complication in a cheaper movement opens a whole lot of possibilities.

Moreover, to make the deal even sweeter, Seiko decided to incorporate its famous SKX diver series (c. 1996 - 2019) design philosophy in the new SSK series. Due to Seiko's new product classification guide, the new SSK does not have some of the key specifications loved by SKX's legion of fans. This break away from the iconic SKX could influence your views regarding the SSK.

Of course I will have to acquire one for the collection. Of the three available, I decided to choose the blue dial version, the SSK003K1. I made my order through my trusted dealer and he delivered.

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.

Alba Active Automatic Green Dial Day Date Y676-X043GRSR (or AL4249X1) - Visually Strong, A Review (plus Video)

My first Alba watch! I always wanted to get one for the collection but I was patiently waiting for an automatic model to be available before taking the plunge. Although there were a number of automatic models being launched by the brand, Alba does not have a well spread AD network in Malaysia. 

I have always loved dive watches. When I saw the Active AL42 series by Alba, I decided to get one as the first of its name in the collection. However, only City Chain store has it in one of its branch in Mid Valley (they are the AD for the brand but for Mid Valley, they don't carry the automatic models). So I had to order. After a few days, what I ordered arrived and I went to pick it up.

I took the AL4249X1, the emerald green dial version with silicone strap. I could have taken the bracelet version but I decided to get the rubber strap instead.

The History of Alba

Alba is a Japanese watch brand launched in 1979. It is a brand owned by the Seiko Watch Corporation and caters for the younger customers with modern styling at a very reasonable price. As such, Alba is often associated with fashion watches. The word 'Alba' translates to 'dawn' in Italian and Spanish. 

King Seiko Collection SPB287J1 Red Dial (similar to SPB279J1, SPB281J1, SPB283J1 and SPB285J1) - Comfortable and Perfect, A Review (plus Video)

King Seiko is a sub-brand of Seiko that was famous in the 1960s and 1970s. Back than, it competed against its sister brand Grand Seiko. The group felt that some healthy competition between its sub-brands was a good motivator for innovation. Unfortunately, the quartz revolution in the 1970s forced Seiko to shelf the King Seiko and Grand Seiko sub-brands. After a couple of decades have passed, the group re-launched the Grand Seiko in 1998. Surprisingly, King Seiko was not revived as well.   

In 2000, a one-off release of a King Seiko was made. The SCVN001 was part of the Seiko Historical Collection of that year. However, after reviewing marketing data, it was decided not to continue with the King Seiko line but instead focus on developing the Grand Seiko line which was just re-launched in 1998. 

Twenty years later, on 8 December 2020, Seiko announced the second official recreation of the King Seiko line. This time, the SJE083J1 (please refer to this link to read the review) was released which I was lucky enough to get one. This particular model was a limited edition piece and does cost a lot.

In 2022, Seiko finally released a series of standard models under the King Seiko line that are more affordable. This series have five models to choose from and I decided to get the SPB287J1 for the collection.