Mido Special Edition Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Ref. M026.829.17.051.00 - A Colourful Throwback with a Modern Traveller's Soul, A Review (plus Video)

The day I got this watch, was a bittersweet day. The career jump that I was expecting didn't materialize. To sooth my sadness, I decided to get something that will be unique to the collection. I chose a Mido, I chose colours to brighten my feelings and I chose a special edition timepiece for a trifecta of meaningful factors. What I got is Mido Special Edition Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer with a matte black dial.

This watch was launched in March 2023. I was eyeing it since then but I did not commit as there were other priorities that I wanted to get first. Anyway, the day arrived where I did commit. The icing-on-the-cake is that I got a good discount on it too. 

 

Mido does not get as much exposure where I come from. Hence, the brand was not deemed to be significant to me when it comes to horology. However, on investigating the brand, I noted a lot of innovations and iconic designs. Despite my many years in this hobby, I still have a lot to learn.  

Timex Expedition Capstone Automatic Reference TW2Y39800 (similar to TW2Y39600) - A "Sweet Spot" Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I got my second Timex for the collection.  

 

I just found out that Solar Time is the brand's AD for Malaysia. I was so happy as it was difficult to source the brand using other channels. It least now I can visit and see the watch firsthand before I make any decision.

 

The model I am interested in is the Expedition series, specifically, the ones with automatic movements. I didn't have my hopes up as the automatic movement sub-series was only launched a few months ago. In fact, Solar Time was promoting the Q Timex line as this is the call-to-fame for the brand.

 

However, in between all the Q Timex models, there sits a pair of the Timex Expedition Capstone Automatics. I quickly asked the AD to take it out of the display cabinet for me to view. 

 

As a policy, I usually take the model with the bracelet option. However, in this case, the bracelet looks rather pathetic when compared to the fabric strap. Due to this, I decided to get the black Capstone with the fabric strap for the collection. 

 

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGK009 (similar to SBGK002, SBGK004, SBGK005 & SBGK007) - Subtle and Sophisticated Character, A Review (plus Video)

The pricing by Grand Seiko is getting very painful to swallow. This is the consequence of the Seiko Group adopting the Swiss business strategy to set the Grand Seiko as a luxury brand instead just a better model compared to the rest of the Seiko lineup. 

To be brutally honest, I do have a Swiss watch bias. If we compare the quality of manufacturing, the polishing and the overall packaging, Grand Seiko shines heads-and-shoulders above contemporary Swiss watches like Rolex or Omega (this is my humble opinion - you may agree of disagree but lets agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion).

Recently, I was given a - once in a blue moon - opportunity to acquire two Grand Seikos. This first is the SBGK009 which is reviewed here and the second...I am keeping it a secret for now. It will be up on the blog after this review goes out.

 

If you know me, I would take the SBGK005 over the SBGK009 because of the brilliant blue dial of the former. However, having a model with a bracelet option is a better choice to make. Hence, I chose the SBGK009 over the rest.

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.

Hamilton American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Reference H13605130 - Futuristic Art, A Review (plus Video)

The Hamilton Watch brand has some of the most iconic designs in the watch industry. The Face2Face series (Version II & Version III which are in the collection), the Ventura Elvis, the Aviation X-Wind, the PSR, the ChronoMatic, the Aviation Takeoff and the Belowzero, among others have cultivated a strong following of watch collectors. The brand is also famous for having tie-ins with blockbuster movies with the brand's first on-screen appearance in the 1932 film Shanghai Express. In fact, the Hamilton watches has graced the silver screen in over 450 major feature films. As a result, over the last 93 years, Hamilton has become known as the movie brand, thanks to its close association with Hollywood productions.

 

For me, despite being part of the Swatch Group, Hamilton still has design independence and the innovative drive to create something different than the typical run-of-the-mill offerings by some of the brands in the group. 

In all honesty, my acquisition of this watch has nothing to do with it being a tie-in with the Death Stranding game franchise but more to the aggressive design.

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.

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.

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.

 

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 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.

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.

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. 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The Brand

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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