Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver SLGB023 (similar to SLGB025) - Precision Meets the Depths, A Review (plus Video)

I was given the opportunity to travel to Sapporo Japan in July 2026 to attend a conference. I took the opportunity to arrive four days earlier to experience Sapporo and I brought my family with me.

It was a schedule packed, my wife planned it as such that I got immersed with the island going up mountains and visiting farmlands. What she forgot to incorporate into the schedule is shopping time. I would liked to visit ADs of Japanese brands while I am in Japan. At that point of time I was resigned to the fact, that I may not be able to see any of the fine watches Japan has to offer.

With the conference running full steam, The days were full of presentations and bilateral meetings at the end of each day. Most of the ADs in Sapporo closes either at 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm (the latest) which does not leave me ample time to go shopping. 

Luckily, on the second day, no meetings were scheduled after the forum and I was able to start my hunt. The first stop is the Daimaru Sapporo Department Store which happens to be the AD for Credor, Grand Seiko, Citizen's Campanola and other brands as well. 

The first thing I noticed about the AD was the availability of some of the last models. Without needing to ask the sales person, I saw the Ushio 300 on display. Only the blue was available as the green version was sold earlier. After just holding on to the watch for a few seconds, I decided to get it. This watch was only made available since June 2026. What a find. Even then, I am almost certain an example will only be available to Malaysia in a few months time.

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. 

 

Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex Turtle Divers; the Mini-Turtle SRPC37K1, the Turtle SRP773K1 and the King Turtle SRPE03K1

Below is a comparative review of the three Seiko Prospex dive watches from your collection:
Turtle (SRP773) (left), Mini-Turtle (SRPC37K1) (middle),and King Turtle (SRPE03K1) (right).

 

Seagull Okeanos 70th Anniversary Professional Ultra Diving 1000M Auto-Mechanical Watch Reference 816.37.1217 (similar to 816.37.1217H) - A Bold Statement of Engineering and Value, A Review (plus Video)

  My trip to China's mainland in May 2025 was a revelation, whirlwind of futuristic cities, bustling markets and homegrown innovation. Amidst modern streets of Shenzhen, I sought a tangible keepsake to commemorate the journey. 

 

While souvenir shops peddled trinkets, I gravitated toward something deeper: a mechanical watch from a Chinese brand, a symbol of the nation’s growing engineering prowess. After some time of doing research, I found the only boutique by Seagull in Shenzhen. By just using public transportation (the metro), getting to that shop from I was staying was easy and very relaxing. As it is the starting of summer, the air-conditioning was a godsend! It is also makes it sweeter when the cost of public transportation in China is really dirt cheap with extensive coverage.

 

At the boutique, I was surprised the number of models available. There was a large number of watches with tourbillon movements which I have not seen before. While looking at the watches on display, I came across a new series of dive watches called Okeanos. This series is a blend of mythic storytelling, technical ambition, affordability and coupled with Seagull’s 70-year legacy as China’s oldest watchmaker. As the first under the Okeanos series and the first having the 1000-meter water rating for the brand, I settled on the Seagull Okeanos 70th Anniversary Professional Ultra Diving Watch. It made it the perfect memento for my first trip to mainland China. 

Revelot R10 Admiral GMT Army Steel Green - Handsome and Very Capable Watch, A Review (plus Video)

This is my third Revelot watch. I got the R12 and the R11 in the collection. The R10 Admiral GMT is the third diver from the brand but with many firsts. The addition of the GMT complication as well as a new bracelet design with a special micro-adjustment system in the clasp makes the R10 a model that I would like to have in the collection.

To be honest, I should try to get a unit via Revelot’s website. It’s cheaper and there are a number of free gifts thrown in a purchase. However, going to a traditional brick-and-mortar shop is so much enjoyable with physical connection and interaction with the dealers. Unfortunately, one need to wait for sometime after the official launch to see a model in-person at the shops.

All my Revelot acquisitions came from Timekeeper in NU Sentral. They usually do not the whole range for sale as the Revelot only consigned models still not sold out from their webstore. If I recalled, there were only five out of the nine models available. Based on what's available, the green dial (R10 Admiral GMT Army Steel) was chosen.

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. 

Omega Ultra Deep Planet Ocean 6000M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 45.5 mm Seamaster O-Megasteel White Dial Reference: 215.30.46.21.04.001 - A More Flexible Diving Monster, A Review (plus Video)

As you all know by now, my first love, in terms of style of watch, is a diver. Over the years, this love affair has its ups-and-downs but the interest remains. One area that is close to heart is the technology used. Divers with 1,000 meters or more water rating pique my curiosity and I have collected a number of dive watches with such capabilities (please click here to learn more about them). 

In 2019, I read about the dive done by explorer Victor Vescovo onboard the mini-submarine DSV Limiting Factor. He dived to 10,927 meters down the Mariana Trench. Attached to the outside of the mini-submarine was the specially made Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional. In March 2022, Omega announced the launch of the 6,000 meter capable Ultra Deep Planet Ocean Seamaster series to the general public.

In December 2022, the first batch was delivered to the Malaysian market. I happened see one and I was keen to have it. Unfortunately due to Omega taking over the dealership of their watches from the major dealerships in Malaysia, in the last few years, I can't used my network of friendly dealers to source for one. As such, I had to approach Omega like any walk-in customer.

Seiko Prospex SFK003J1 Sea Sumo Solar GMT Green (similar to SFK001J1) - Additional Benefit of Solar and GMT, A Review (plus Video)

After launching a number of watches with just minor changes from previous offerings, earlier this year Seiko presented a new refreshing watch with a number of firsts. Based on the common "Sumo" design, these new SFK series uses a new movement that is both solar-powered and features a true GMT (i.e. local jumping hour) function.

As usual, there wasn't any fanfare for the launch. The market only started to noticed when bloggers and watch journalists started to write about it. To be honest, I only found out about it mid-February 2023. Even then, the Seiko website for the Malaysia region does not list the watch. Nevertheless, the global Seiko website has the watch listed. Meanwhile, the watch is now available at all the dealers in Malaysia. 

I already have the SBDC003 (the first generation Sumo) and the SPB103J1 (the third generation Sumo). To be honest I am not sure whether we can quantify the SFK003J1 as the fourth generation Sumo. Despite it having similar shape, dimension and concept (diver watch), the use of a different type of movement and having an additional GMT function may put this model in a class of its own.

Revelot R12 Hexmariner 39 Radium Storm Steel - Looks Great and Affordable, A Review (plus Video)

I recently bought the R11 Hemariner 42 Artic White Steel. I was made to understand from the dealer that the R12 was about to be launched which is smaller at 39.0 mm wide. I was intrigued and a few months later I visited the same shop (Timekeeper, NU Sentral) where the R12 was available. Although there are a number of models under the R12 series, there were only a few models available at the store (Revelot encourages internet purchases from their website).

 

After reviewing the models available, I set my sight on the Radium Storm Steel model. This model has a nice dark blue colour on the bezel and dial. From the photo, the watch looks more black than blue. However, in person, the dark blue really pops out.

This watch is great homage to the Rolex Submariner. The quality and materials used belies the price point that Revelot sells the watch at. For this watch, I only need to pay RM1,299. This factor alone makes it a very compelling watch to get. 

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.

 

Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic SUPER TITANIUM NB6021-68L 'Fujitsubo' (similar to NB6021-17E) - A very Usable Watch, A Review (plus Video)

In August of 2022, Citizen launched the NB6021 series of dive watches under the Promaster line. This series is a revival of a 4 decade old mechanical dive watch design by the brand. The Citizen 62-6198 Challenge Diver series which was made from the late 1960s up until the early 1980s was the inspiration. Although there were many sub-variants, the vast majority of the models look perilously similar. It was ruggedly built with typical concepts and lines of contemporary dive watches of that period. What makes it noteworthy was a discovery of one of the watches that washed up on Long Reef Beach in Australia in 1983 coated with barnacles. Despite being lost at sea for a long time (that particular example was made in 1977), it was still working diligently when found. This fact sealed the legendary reliability of the design.

In the middle of 2021, Citizen launched a more basic revival of the Citizen 62-6198 Challenge Diver in the form of the NY0125 series. With stainless steel and mineral glass as core materials for the series, it was powered by the basic Miyota 8204 movement. I was immediately intrigued by this model. What caught my interest was the completeness of the design - a dive watch that is not as large as contemporary models found in the market right now.

Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M NB6004-83E (similar to NB6004-08E, NB6005-05L, NB6006-02X) - A Dive Watch, A Review (plus Video)

Not many brands can be recognized as a premier dive watch designer. By this I mean brands that can come out with iconic designs that are evergreen and a source for inspiration for many other brands to copy and emulate. Seiko with their Tuna design and Rolex with the Submariner design are such iconic examples. Citizen is one such company that is a member of this exclusive group. Citizen's call to fame is its iconic 1982 Professional Dive Watch 1300m. 

 

In March 2021, Citizen launched an updated modern offering of the iconic 1982 Professional Dive Watch 1300m in the form of the BN0220-16E. This latest rendering is powered by an Eco-Drive module and only has a 200 meter water rating (the original is a quartz engine with 1300 meter of water rating). I was able to get one for the collection (click here to read the review).

Also in March 2021, Citizen quietly announced the launched of the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m series. These watches has the NB600X reference code. This new series is not sold widely around the world. What makes it interesting is that it represents a return to automatic movement-based dive watches by Citizen. The automatic movement introduced by Citizen is a new design and designated the Caliber 9051. The movement is a modern 4Hz frequency mechanism with 42 hours of power reserve. The movement is also highly magnetic-resistant.

 

Citizen Promaster Marine BN0220-16E Eco-Drive Diver Super Titanium 200 meters (similar to BN0227-09L & BN0228-06W) - A Unique Designed Beater Watch, A Review (plus Video)

In March 2021, Citizen announced a launch of three new set Eco-Drive powered marine models under the Promaster line. These 200 meter dive watches have design features similar to the legendary Citizen 1,300 meter Professional Diver watch of 1982; a watch with the deepest depth rating at that time. 

Honestly, I was intrigued by the shape of the casing. The lug free design and the four very distinctive bezel guards gives the watch a visual perception of toughness as well as uniqueness. Despite the bulk, the weight is deceivingly light due to the use to titanium which I am fond of. 

There are three models to choose from.  I decided on the BN0220-16E (BN0220 for short) as this model closely resembles the 1982 icon. Although this model is available from a local vendor, I decided to go through my favourite Japanese vendor, SeiyaJapan. 

After taking into consideration the importation fees etc., the watch still turned out to be cheaper than getting it from a local vendor.

I did not have to wait long. The courier was very efficient, settling all the import taxes quickly and delivering the watch to me within 72 hours after making the order.

Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive Air Diver SBGA229G - A Handsome Watch and Due to its Flexibility, Proves it Value Beyond Doubt, A Review (plus Video)

Out of the blue, my dealer sent me a short message that he got allocated one unit of the Grand Seiko Sports Collection Spring Drive Diver SBGA229G (let’s just called it SBGA229 for short). I have been looking at something similar for some time now. The original model I was interested in was the SBGA029. That model was first launched in the market in 2008.

The SBGA229 is essentially similar to the SBGA029. In 2017, Seiko decided to make Grand Seiko an independent brand. Hence, before 2017, the model was called the SBGA029 where the generic ‘Seiko’ tag was still prominent, sharing space with the ‘Grand Seiko’ tag on the dial. From 2017 onwards, only the tag ‘Grand Seiko’ is provided thus the change in reference to the SBGA229. 

I quickly took delivery as I heard from the grapevine that Grand Seiko has stopped production for this particular model (can anyone confirm?).

The Series

For the longest time since the Grand Seiko brand was reintroduced back in 1998, the only dive watches under this brand were the SBGA029 and the SBGA031. The former is made out of stainless steel while the latter is made out of titanium. Only after the rebranding exercise in 2017, Grand Seiko decided to introduce a few other dive watches to expand the range. Even so, the original pair continued to be produced under new designations (replacing the digit ‘0’ with ‘2’). Major differences between the two models are the material (stainless steel versus titanium), weight (201 gm versus 137 gm) and price (RM24,300 versus RM27,900).

Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel “Devil Diver” Reference 98B320 - A Beautiful 1970s Dive Watch Reproduction, A Review (plus Video)

The Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel was given the nickname “Devil Diver” by virtue of its water rating of ‘666’ feet. Launched in 2018, this model was a reissue based on a design made in 1972. Unlike other famous watches in that era, the Oceanographer was not as spectacular. In reality, the timepiece can be construed as a typical basic tool-watch. Nevertheless, it has that classic 1970s vibes that is unmistakably cool and attractive.

I have been eyeing the watch ever since it was introduced to the market in 2018. Unfortunately, the Bulova brand is not well covered in Malaysia. It is only via Amazon US that I was able to acquire one. As Malaysia is currently in a lockdown due to Covid19, I was apprehensive in making the order but thankfully, the package arrived safely and earlier than originally scheduled by Amazon.

This is the first Bulova to be part of the collection.

(Very) Short History on Bulova and its Dive Watches

Bulova is an American watch brand founded in 1875 and owned by the Citizen Watch Co of Japan. It is based in New York City. Some of the famous lines under the brand are the Accutron, the Computron and the Apollo 15 watch. I decided not to provide more information about the brand as the same information is already available elsewhere. For more, please visit www.bulova.com. 

Seiko Prospex 4th Generation Monster SRPD25K1 (or SBDY033) Dive Watch (similar to SRPD27K1/SBDY035 and SRPE09K1/SBDY045) - The Quintessential Tool-Watch, Review (plus Video)

In 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation Monster dive watches. In the initial release, three models were launched, the blue dial with bracelet SRPD25K1, and the black dial with silicone strap SRPD27K1, and the wavy blue dial special edition with bracelet SRPE09K1 (In Japan, the references are SBDY033, SBDY035 and SBDY045, respectively).

In my collection, I already have a model under each of the earlier generation. Gen 1: SKX779K1 Black Monster; Gen 2: SRP311K1 Sunburst Black PVD Monster; and Gen 3: SZSC005 Jade Monster. Although I should have made a decision back in 2019 to get one, I had to re-prioritized my acquisition plans as a number of other timepieces took precedence.

During the current unpleasantness of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to re-look at my original plans and I decided to get the SRPD25K1 to complete the Monster family.

Marathon GSAR Government Diver Automatic - Rubber Reference WW194006 - A Lot to like and Very Little to Fault, A Review (plus Video)

When I first started my deep-dive into the world of watch collecting, the Marathon Watch Company was one of the first few brands on my radar screen more than a decade ago.

The genre that started the interest in this hobby was the diver and military styles watches. As such, Marathon's Government-issued Search And Rescue (GSAR) Diver’s Automatic watches are some of the most practical mechanical tool watches around. These watches are akin to the PROSPEX line by Seiko. Unfortunately, there wasn't any authorized dealer in Southeast Asia and I wasn't that comfortable to buy online for the amount being offered.

A decade later, Gnomon Watch of Singapore got the dealership from Marathon and I was instantly hooked. Currently there are only two models on offer on Gnomon's website (at the time I made the purchase on 20 March 2020), the bracelet version and the rubber strap version. An introductory price to celebrate the new dealership arrangement between Gnomon and Marathon was also on offer.

Rado Captain Cook 42 mm Automatic Green with Bracelet Reference R32505313 - Green Goodness, A Review (plus Video)

Rado started as The Schlup & Co. in Lengnau, Switzerland. It was founded by the brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner in 1917. The company began selling watches under the Rado brand name in the 1950s. After coming out with a number of iconic series such as the Golden Horse collection (1957) and the Green Horse collection (1958), the company came out with its first proper dive watch collection, the Captain Cook series. From 1962 to 1968 Rado produced the Captain Cook series with a patented case capable of 200 meters of water resistance.

Rado reintroduced their iconic Captain Cook line in 2017 with an reproduction. That model was very close to the original in terms of size (37 mm wide), material (steel) as well as the small touches like the red numerals on the date wheel and spinning anchor in the logo present at 12 o'clock. The watch also came with Old Radium SuperLuminova paint to complete the vintage look. Nevertheless, Rado did distinguish the new from the old with "HYPERCHROME" added to the name.  At the same time, a bigger brother, 45 mm wide and made out of titanium was also offered.

Steinhart Ocean One Vintage - A Beautiful Homage to the 6200, A Review (plus Video)

I have a number of Steinhart watches in the collection. The Steinhart Watch Company is a small outfit in Augsburg Germany focusing mainly on homages with a few of their own unique designs. Currently in the collection, I have the Ocean Vintage GMT, the TRITON 1000 Titanium Titan, the Ocean One Titanium 500 Premium and the Ocean One 3D Ceramic Bezel. Today I have the pleasure to add another of the brand's offering, the Ocean One Vintage or O1V for short.

The O1V is a homage of a popular old model, the Rolex 6200. The Rolex 6200 was one of the very first Submariners introduced in 1954. Before that point in time, dive watches were very large and provided the diver with no other additional functions except the current time. The addition of a rotating bezel enables a diver to accurately monitor the dive times. Nevertheless, despite having a similar dial, markers, bezel and crown designs, the watch is definitely sized to current contemporary dimensions unlike the original Rolex 6200 which only has a width of 35 mm compared to 42 mm for the O1V.