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.  

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. 

 

Grand Seiko Sport Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat Diver Watch SBGH289 - A Statement Piece that Balances Toughness with Elegance, A Review (plus Video)

The Grand Seiko dealership in Mid Valley Megamall is having a clearance sale. Many GS watches are available with deep discounts from MSRP. I went to visit to peruse what's available and see if I could find a bargain.

 

To be honest, I do not have a burning desire to get one. Nonetheless, the choices available is still rather extensive. After going through the examples available, my eyes started to drift towards a genre that was my first love when I started my watch collection journey - the dive watch. What is available in the offerings is the SBGH289, with a hi-beat automatic movement.

 

I do have something similar in the form of the SBGA229, powered by a Spring Drive movement. One would immediately assumed the the SBGH289 (launched in 2021) is the same as the SBGA229 (launched in 2017) except for the different caliber movements used. However, there are more subtle changes that can only be noticed on closer scrutiny. 

 

The special price quoted for the SBGH289 is really good and difficult to get anywhere else. After weighing in the options, I proceeded with the purchase of the SBGH289.

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!

Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Reference L3.883.4.96.6 - Sporty Diver, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got a Longines watch for my collection.

I was on a trip to the UK to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony. It has been my tradition to buy myself a watch to commemorate such events. A few days before the ceremony, I visited the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to see what watch shops were there and what brands and models they carried.

The only interesting shop I found was Hour Passion, which carries a number of Swiss brands. The Longines section was prominent, but it did not carry the most recent models. I later found out that by accepting this limitation, the shop is free to offer deep discounts that other Authorized Dealers (ADs) may not be allowed to give. For this shop, the standard discount is 30% off the MSRP.

My eyes fell on the blue HydroConquest Chronograph on a bracelet. I knew this model had been phased out in 2023. After further negotiation with the dealer, I received an additional 10% off the already discounted price.

Before making the purchase, I contacted a dealer friend in Malaysia to find out if it was a good deal. While the MSRP would be cheaper in Malaysia due to different tax structures, the discounts offered in the UK were so deep that the deal was very palatable. Sweet!

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. 

 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller White Dial & Jubilee bracelet Reference M336934-0004 - Sophisticated and Practical Luxury Travel Watch, A Review (plus Video)

The end of the search for my grail watch. An excellent time indeed as it is also the end of 2025. The grail in question is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Reference M336934-0004.

To be honest, this was not the original target. I actually wanted to find the Reference M336934-0002, the mint green dial Sky-Dweller. However, the price quoted by the grey dealer was too high with the premium above the MSRP exceeding RM40,000!

After consulting with a good friend of mine, he recommended another grey dealer he trusted. The options available was more varied and one of them is the white dial version. When I saw it, it triggered something and I realized that white is my colour of choice. In fact, I dawned on me that already have two white dial Rolexes in the collection, the Daytona and the Explorer II. Getting another white dial Rolex is definitely a collection philosophy that is quite cool in my opinion.

The Sky-Dweller was first introduced 13 years ago in 2012. I was eyeing it even back than but no opportunity to get one until now. This is the second Rolex I bought via a grey dealer. 

Luminox ‘Wave Crest’ Automatic Limited Edition 3875.ESC.N - Bold, Functional, and Comfortable, A Review (plus Video)

The Luminox ‘Wave Crest’ Automatic is the first watch under the brand to grace the collection. I have been eyeing their automatic powered watches for sometime now but the gripe I have is that all have proprietary strap/lug combo which makes after-market strap options practically nil.

Only recently have Luminox designed automatic watches with standard lug sizes. When I visited my favorite AD in Mid Valley, he showed me the limited edition line of the Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatics. I was toying with getting the Red Bull model but eventually I was sensible enough to know that model is too loud for my taste. Instead, I chose the 'Wave Crest'.

The 'Wave Crest' has a lower number in circulation - only 135 examples compared to the other limited edition models. It is also the only model which comes with an extra strap. Moreover, the dial has a different design with different markings. More about this later.

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.

King Seiko VANAC Limited Edition SLA089J1 (similar to SLA083J1, SLA085J1, SLA087J1 & SLA091J1) - A Captivating Retro-Modern Reinterpretation, Distinguished by its Exclusivity , A Review (plus Video)

My anticipation for the VANAC series re-crafted models has been steadily building since I first caught wind of their launch announcement several months ago. The promise of a modern reinterpretation of a classic design immediately captured my imagination. As subsequent details gradually emerged – glimpses of the dial, specifications, and craftsmanship – my initial excitement was tempered by a growing, almost instinctive suspicion. A quiet voice in the back of my mind whispered that such a significant revitalization, coupled with the brand's heritage, would inevitably command a premium. Unfortunately, that intuition proved accurate when the official pricing was revealed, placing the watches firmly in the five-figure territory. While the cost gave me undeniable pause, the sheer allure of the design proved irresistible. It wasn't just attractive; it felt genuinely refreshing – a harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary execution that stood apart. Ultimately, the aesthetic appeal and the emotional pull outweighed the financial hurdle, solidifying my decision to acquire one.

Faced with a compelling selection of five distinct models within the VANAC re-crafted line, the decision required careful consideration. Each piece offered its own unique character and appeal. However, my focus quickly narrowed to the limited edition SLA089J1. Its defining characteristic – a global production run restricted to a mere 700 pieces – imbued it with an undeniable sense of exclusivity and future collectibility. This inherent rarity was a powerful draw. The truly surprising factor, and the decisive one, was the revelation that this limited-edition gem carried the exact same price tag as its standard-production siblings within the series. This unexpected price parity transformed the SLA089J1 from a tempting option into the clear, value-driven choice. Acquiring a watch with such inherent scarcity without paying a premium felt like securing a unique opportunity, making the selection not just a matter of preference, but a remarkably logical decision.

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. 

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.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Military Beige Reference BRV294-BEI-ST/SF - Character and Functionality, A Review (plus Video)

To be honest, I only have one Bell & Ross watch in the collection. The BR02-92 Pro Diver was a watch I bought more than a decade ago. I just cannot appreciate the square shape of typical Bell & Ross design. Back then, the Instrument line was the primary series of watch sold under the brand. The BR02-92 Pro Diver was different as it more of a cushion shaped watch and fits my taste.

When Bell & Ross launched the Vintage line, I started to be intrigued by the brand. The classic and contemporary design is more acceptable to me and the options available are equally good. The bicompax chronograph design is the one I like but the pricing was not enticing enough.

Recently, one of my dealers ended his shop's relationship with Bell & Ross. He still has a number of the brand's timepieces but they were no longer covered by the manufacturers' warranty. In effect, these timepieces are considered NOS (or 'new old stock'). As the warranty is no longer available and there is no watch-box, the dealer gave a 40% discount as well as a special dealership warranty (similar cover as with any Bell & Ross watches).

One of the watches available is the BR V2-94 Military Beige. I like the vintage vibes it gave and I decided to get it.

 

Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer Urushi Aquamarine Blue NB060-12L Automatic JDM (Similar to the NB1060-04A) - Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship with Modern Watchmaking, A Review (plus Video)

In July 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Japan, specifically the city of Kumamoto on the the island of Kyushu. I was excited as I would be able to get the chance to set my sights on JDMs (Japanese Domestic Models) from the stables of both Seiko and Citizen. 

One unintended question that I got answered is about availability. Contrary to popular belief, there is no Seiko or Citizen AD on every street corner in Japan. The number of ADs in Kumamoto is limited despite the fact that it is a vibrant town with a bullet train station.

Anyway, to cut the story short, my hunt turned out to be a disappointment. Nonetheless, there was a bright spot to the trip as the last location in Japan, before I left, Tokyo Haneda International Airport had a shop with a small selection of Japanese watches.

Not a lot of choices but it did carry JDM models. What caught my eye was the Citizen Silver Leaf Lacquer Urushi Aquamarine Blue NB1060-12L. The colour and the simplicity of the design was perfect. I have yet have a Urushi dial watch in the collection and this model is just the perfect specimen for the addition.

As the shop was located in the Duty Free section of the Airport, I was able to get a good deal.

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.