Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titaniun Eco-Drive Green BN0241-59W (similar to BN0241-59H) - The Ultimate Universal Watch and a Good Buy, A Review (plus Video)

The Citizen Promaster is the series of watches from the brand designed for sports and the outdoors. Under this series there is a sub-series that has the designation of "Tough" which has the capacity to absorb even more rough usage. I already have in the collection the the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Black Dial Bracelet Watch BN0211-50E and the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch CA0720-54H. Today, I was able to add another member of the 'Tough' family into the collection; the Citizen Promaster Tough Super Titaniun Eco-Drive Green BN0241-59W.

I must say that this new model is a true titanium watch. Although the previous two are also deemed to be made out of 'Super Titanium', in truth, the base material is stainless steel with a thin covering of titanium alloy. Hence, their weight does not reflect a watch that is titanium based.

I got this watch from my trusty dealer, Aiman. Through his sources, he was able to not only procure one from the brand but also offered it to me with a good discount.

Daiso Military Style Quartz Watch - Cheap but Versatile, A Review (plus Video)

When I got my SeiyaJapan watch recently (see the review here), the package also included a free watch. A cheap watch but a watch nonetheless. It it a watch sold by Daiso Industries Co. Ltd. of Japan. Daiso is famously known as “the Japanese dollar store”, where all items on sale are kept under a certain price. In Japan it is typically YEN100 per item. In Malaysia it is RM5.90. This watch came straight from Japan and is listed for YEN500.

The Watch

Made out of plastic, the watch is 38 mm in diameter with a lug-to-lug length of 41 mm. It comes with a boxed clear plastic window which bumps up its height to 12 mm.  

The crown which happens to be the only metallic on the watch casing is located at 3:00. Although the watch casing is black, the crown has a bright polished steel look to it.

Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz Reference H52414130 (similar to H52424130) - A Time When it Became an Industry Disruptor, A Review (plus Video)

I found a tribute watch that represent my birth year (1970). The Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz Quartz Reference H52414130 (let's call it the PSR from now) is a modern reinterpretation of the famous Hamilton Pulsar. That particular model was Hamilton first digital quartz timepiece.

 

Hamilton PSR on my wrist

The PSR was created to mark the 50th anniversary of Hamilton's key milestone of creating the first digital watch. A short history of the milestone can be found in the next section.  

Casio G-Shock G-SQUAD MOVE GBD-H1000-1A7 - Good First Attempt, A Review (plus Video)

Casio has done it again. The Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 is the next step in intelligent watches. Unlike the ubiquitous smartwatches by Apple, Samsung and many more, the Casio G-Shock G-Squad Move GBD-H1000-1A7 (or the GBD-H1000 for short) remains a watch as it core with additional functionalities to increase its capabilities.

Prior to this model, Casio launched the Casio Pro-Trek WSD-F series in 2016, designed for the great outdoors. This series has in its core the Google Wear OS which makes it a mini-computer for the wrist. Charging the watch was via a magnetic USB charging cable. A load of applications can be downloaded for all kinds of activities such as hiking, fishing and tracking. A touch screen makes it easy to manipulate and control the vast number of applications that can be uploaded. This particular model fits perfectly with the definition of a smartwatch.

In 2018, Casio launched the G-Shock Rangeman GPRB1000 series. This is basically a high-end hardcore G-Shock plus additional sensors such as the Bluetooth and GPS. Casio has taken a different approach on the GPRB1000 series compared to the Protrek WSD series. For the new generation Rangeman, Casio kept the 'watch' as the core instead of creating a 'smart watch'. This factor alone resonates strongly with fans. Casio also introduced a dual power charging system: the traditional solar photovoltaic cell as well as a wireless USB charging cradle.

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Chronograph Stainless Steel and Titanium Watch CA0720-54H - From Citizen's School of Hard Knocks, A Review (plus Video)

I starting to focus more on Citizen designed watches in the last year or so. My previous biasness against non-mechanical timepieces shielded me from exploring this branch of the horological tree. After braking through the 'quartz' barrier I realised that there are a lot of incredible technologies and applications that can be found in this realm. My paranoia of serviceability as well as the possible deterioration of unique components appear unfounded as a number of quartz timepiece since the early era of the quartz timeline remain in operation without a care in the world.

Earlier this year I purchase the Citizen BN0211-50E Promaster Tough. I was very impressed with the build quality and its capabilities. When I noted that Citizen also came up with a chronograph model under the Tough series, I decided to get one.

There are two models under this sub-group. A bracelet version and a strap version. I decided on the bracelet version with reference CA0720-54H as I am intrigue with the bracelet design.For more information about the series and history, please refer to the special section at the end of this review.

Seiko Prospex Ana-Digi Solar Dive Watch SNJ025 or SBEQ001 "Arnie" (similar to SNJ027 or SBEQ003) - I'm Back, A Review (plus Video)

In the long annals of Seiko, there are a number of its watch designs that have reached cult status. Generally from the professional series, these watches acquired fame through their capabilities and endorsement by famous adventurers and sportsperson. However, there is one model that has been made famous by an actor, Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1985, he wore the Seiko H558-5009 in the movie Commando.

The Seiko H558-5009 was launched in 1982 and is the first Ana-Digi dive watch that has a digital alarm chronograph with an analog time display.

I idolised Arnold Schwarzenegger when I first saw him act in the first Terminator movie in 1984. When he acted in Commando, I went to see it at the theater. Then, I wasn't a WIS but I could appreciate the 'macho' H558-5009 as the watch of choice for a commando. Forward 35 years since its launch, Seiko has reintroduce the old Ana-digi (with some modern features) into the SNJ025 (or SBEQ001).

When launched, the Seiko H558-5009 recorded a number of firsts. Through the power of the cinema and Hollywood, it created the genre of the professional "action" watches. The new "Arnie" SNJ025 is a fairly close remake of the iconic H558-5009.

Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE Special Edition Reference SBDJ029 (similar to SBDJ027 & SBDJ028) - The Perfect Tuna for the Masses, A Review (plus Video)

Seiko’s Prospex watches is subdivided into Sea, Land, Sky and Run. Although most would be familiar with the dive watches from the Sea collection, the Land collection is also interesting. In my collection is the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster SBDC011 (click here for more). It has been given the nickname "Field Tuna" by Seiko fans. It is an automatic watch that features a compass bezel and a shroud similar to that on Seiko's Tuna divers.

Since the introduction of the SBDC011 under the Fieldmaster sub-line in 2010, nothing else of substance was launched by Seiko to carry on the namesake. In 2017, Seiko surprised us with new Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE watches which is similar to past models yet different at the same time.

Made in collaboration with the Japanese design consultants LOWERCASE, Seiko is able to bring something fresh and exciting to its design styling. Lead by Mr. Yuki Kajiwara, creative director of LOWERCASE, the Fieldmaster has been given a radical change in the design department.

Casio G-Shock GA-2000E-4DR Limited Edition Analog-Digital with Carbon Core Guard - The First for the Collection, A Review (plus Video)

I have been a latecomer in the G-Shock scene. I've always dismissed the G-Shock as cheap beater watch fit for school kids (due to their almost indestructibility). However, after I delved into the history and technology of the G-Shock, I was amazed with various capabilities it can muster.

When Casio announced the used of a new technology called the Carbon Core Guard (the case is made of fine resin that incorporates carbon fiber for light weight along with rigidity that is superior to that of resin), I had to have one for the collection. I chose the GA-2000E-4DRas this is the only model available that came with two additional straps. It is also has analog-digital display which appeals to me personally.

I must admit that it took me a long time to finally get this watch. What made me hesitate is the use of battery to powered the module. I have a (irrational) dislike for battery powered watches as I tend to associate battery power with mass-produced basic timepieces.

I don't hate quartz movement per se. I am fine with solar powered, kinetic or even spring drive quartz movements but not if battery is involved. It is because I happened to suffer a number of battery failures over the years (not in watches) which caused destruction due to acid leakages. This phobia remains.

Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black (Similar to GMWB5000V-1ER, GMWB5000-1ER, GMWB5000G-2ER, GMWB5000G-1ER, GMWB5000D-1ER, GMWB5000D-1ER, GMWB5000GD-9ER and GD5000-9JR) - A Must Have, A Review (plus Video)

Since 1983 or over the last 36 years, G-Shock series by Casio has become a cult classic, a must have piece for any serious collector. Casio was lucky to have an engineer by the name of Kikuo Ibe who wanted to create and make the most durable and reliable watch on Earth.

With the launch of the first G-Shock in 1983, the DW-5000C, a number of key innovations were introduced such as keeping the timekeeping module suspended inside the casing with only a few points of contact to reduce shock transmission, capable of withstanding 200 meters of water pressure and could withstand falls of up to 10 meters onto a concrete floor. Since then, the G-Shock has evolved in terms of design and technology. Solar power, Bluetooth connectivity, various sensors as well as GPS have all made it into at least one of the many G-Shock models released over the years. Different materials such as stainless steel and titanium as well as different display styles such as analogue or a mixture of analog and digital have been used to make the series more functional in any situation. No longer would you just find a plain black rectangle shape G-Shock, the range has expended to all shapes, sizes and colours.

Citizen BN0211-50E Promaster Tough Eco-Drive Black Dial Bracelet Watch - Simplicity Is Its Beauty, A Review (plus Video)

Any watch collector will have something to say about quartz watches. All would say that accuracy for quartz powered watches surpasses mechanical timepieces. Unfortunately, a lot of them also will shy away from acquiring a quartz watch due to the prevailing negative perception vis-a-vis a mechanical timepiece. Although I officially don't have such a bias view against quartz watches, the watches I acquire over the years appears to show a high degree of leaning towards mechanical timepieces. After looking at the facts and some soul searching, I came to the conclusion that my historical acquisition trail has been influenced by reviews and comments from other watch collectors.

I realised that my worldview is a reflection of the collective wants of all the watch collectors that are sharing their dreams about this hobby online. Unfortunately, this is not what I want in the hobby. For me, it is all about the design, technology and a watch's position on the evolutionary tree of watches. In the last year or so, I have started to become more inclusive and started to look further into the quartz world.

Seiko Yellow Digital Wall/Mantlepiece Clock QHL073Y - Fashionably Quirky, A Review

A few months ago I bought a cute digital desk clock by Seiko in collaboration with Coca-Cola (see the review here). A larger model which you can also hang on the wall is now available and I was able to get one. The QHL073Y is bright yellow and looks very much like the clock at the end of the finishing line at an Olympic athletics sports event.

The rectangle digital clock is larger than the standard you get and put on your bedside table. It is 125 mm tall and 50 mm thick. From left to right it measures 290 mm and weighs in at 510 gm. Half the front surface of the clock is taken up by the LCD screen while the other half is left empty except for the large print of the brand in black. The clock casing is painted yellow and made out of plastic.

The clock comes in two operate pieces. One consists of the clock itself while the other is the metal legs. The metal legs slots into two slits cut into the clock at the back.

The clock is powered by two AA batteries. It also comes with a DC jack input minus the plug and wires (sold separately) . The functionality of the watch is rather simple. Apart for the time and calendar, it has a countdown module which can be turned on or off.

CITIZEN Promaster TSUNO Chronograph Racer Eco-Drive Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Model AV0077-82E - Bullhead Fame, A Review (plus Video)

The year 2018 marks Citizen Watch Company's 100th year of operation. To commemorate this key milestone, the Company released a series of unique, vintage-inspired bullhead chronograph called the Tsuno Chronograph Racer, at Baselworld 2018 watch fair. The inspiration behind the series was the 1973 Challenge Timer Tsuno Chrono (or “horned chronograph” in Japanese). For more about the series, please refer to a special dedicated section at the end of this review.

What caught my attention was a special 100th Anniversary Model, the AV0077-82E which was not part of the original quartet launched during Baselworld 2018 back in March 2018. This special limited edition is an all black PVD version with matching bracelet. To be honest, I would have gone for the blue dial version but considering the significance of the milestone it honours, I decided on the AV0077-82E.

I found one on SeiyaJapan for USD748.00 or RM3,216.24 (at the time of purchase). Unfortunately, the package was subjected to local taxes which added another RM175.45 (inclusive of RM19.10 administrative fees) to the total.

Seiko Coca-Cola Desk Clock QHL901R - A Cute Novelty Timepiece, A Review

While browsing in one of my favorite watch shop, I happened to stumble upon a desk clock from Seiko made in collaboration with Coca-Cola. On further investigation, I found that that Seiko and Coca-Cola teamed up together in 2017 to create a series of timepieces to celebrate to two great brands. It would seem that the two companies had a similar history. At exactly the same time as Kintaro Hattori was planning to open his Seikosha factory and to create his first ever wall clock, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia created a drink that would soon sweep the world.

Celebrating the history of the two parties, the clock series comprised of wall and alarm clocks, which all display a distinct retro styling. Coke’s iconic glass bottle and classic red, white and black color scheme serve as the visual elements while Seiko’s precision timing module serve as the engine of the clocks.

Seiko Spirit Chronograph Giugiaro Design 'Ripley Aliens' Limited Edition SCED041 - Cute and Quirky Timepiece that Speaks Volume, A Review (plus Video)

Designed by the Italian designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Seiko Giugiaro 7A28-7000 is an asymmetric chronograph first seen in the movie Aliens. In fact, this watch was one of the first of the collaboration between the two powerhouses using the 7A28 movement. This caliber is famous as being the first analogue quartz chronograph movement in the world. The year was 1983. It was only in 1986 with the release of the movie 'Aliens' did the watch became insanely famous.

When it was announced in 2016 of the reissue, I was initially interested. However, the urge waned as I was more interested in mechanical watches (On hindsight, I didn't realised that I was turning into a typical 'mechanical watch snob' - everything not mechanical considered trash. Fortunately, I saw the light to the correct path for a horologist). 

The Seiko Giugiaro 'Ripley Aliens' reissues are all limited edition pieces. Due to the indecisiveness, I missed out a lot of the models on sale. I thought I would never get the chance to get one until I saw an offer by SeiyaJapan. The model reference was SCED041 and I quickly made the order. This is the second Giugiaro designed watch in the collection.

Seiko PROSPEX Diver Scuba GIUGIARO DESIGN Limited Edition SBEE001 (Similar to SBEE002) – A Good Conversational Starter, A Review (plus Video)

I have been eyeing a GIUGIARO DESIGN watch from Seiko for a long time. The first that caught my eyes was the timepieces from the Alien movie remake; the Seiko chronographs “RIPLEY” and "BISHOP" models. Both are sold under Seiko’s SPIRIT product line. The next collaboration that was offered came under the form of the 'Motorcycle' series, also under the same product line. In recent years, GIUGIARO DESIGN has started to make models under the ASTRON and PROSPEX product lines as well.

The Seiko PROSPEX GIUGIARO DESIGN Limited Edition Diver SBEE001 is the first by the design house that has come into the collection. I got it via Gnomon Watches (Singapore) for a price of USD349.00 (MYR1,479.87). The listed price in Japan is YEN43,200 (including taxes).

The sister to the SBEE001 is the SBEE002 which has gold-toned steel with gold dial. This particular model retails at YEN48,600 (including taxes). Apart from the colour, both models are similar in design and specifications. I personally prefer the SBEE001 over the SBEE002.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist Solar Titanium Multi-Sensor SBEB013 (Similar to SBEB015, SBEB017, SBEB019, SBEB035 & SBEB037) – A Good Start Against Established Competitors, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SBEB013 is my first solar, digital display and ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & Compass) watch from the Seiko family. It is also the third ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & Compass) multi-sensor watch in my collection. I already have the Casio Protrek as well as the Tissot T-Touch. It would be interesting to note the differences in functionality as well as capabilities of the various makes. I will make such a comparison in a special box section later in this review.

It is difficult to get an example of this watch in Kuala Lumpur as Seiko does not officially offer this model here in Malaysia. Through the internet, via Amazon, I was able to source one from a merchant operating out of Japan. Within a week, the package was on my table.

The Packaging

The SBEB013 comes with a quality double cardboard box package. The outer box uses a thinner cardboard material painted in black with the brand logo as well as the Prospex logo on the top of the box in silver. The dimension of the outer box is 12 cm by 9 cm by 8 cm. Inside this box contains the main watch box as well as the manual, warranty and a special instruction booklet on how to resize the bracelet. Included also is a tool for the bracelet resizing. This is a first time I’ve seen Seiko give a resizing tool as part of the presentation package.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time White Dial SBXB047 (SSE047) Titanium with Ceramic Bezel Watch – Excellent timepiece with real world applications, A Review (plus Video)

After the Astron was re-launched back in 2012, I finally got myself an Astron for the collection. The delay in getting one was due to the fear factor I get with new technologies – will they actually work? Moreover, when the first batches of Astrons with the 7X Series Calibers installed were on sale, there were a number of issues highlighted by owners. Predominantly, problems surrounding the power usage and the lack of battery capacity were reported. These feedbacks from consumers prompted Seiko to redesigned the GPS module and come out with the latest 8X Series Calibers which eliminated issues that were brought out.

Before we go straight into the review, it would be good to clear up the reference codes used for this series. The Astron is a Made-In-Japan watch line. However, it is not strictly defined as a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) as it is sold globally. Nevertheless, in true Japanese manufacturing quirkiness, this series has been earmarked with the “SBXB” code when in Japan while the rest of the World has been allotted the “SSE” code. The numerical part of the overall reference code remains the same. Therefore SBXB047 is in fact the SSE047.

Seiko Prospex Kinetic GMT Reference SUN019P1 - The 'Vader-Tuna-Turtle' or "VaTT" for short is a runaway winner with a lot of possibilties, A Review

With the globalization on the Prospex series by Seiko earlier this year, a number of new releases were made. One of the most anticipated is the release of the diver model, the Kinetic GMT.

This model (the one I got is also referred to as the SUN019P1) was launched on March 27, 2014. It uses the same double case system as the renowned 1975 model. It is also available with a silicon strap and more colorful hands and markers (SUN021P1) or all black piece with a silicon strap and colorful hands and markers (SUN023P1).

This time, instead of getting it from the internet, I've decided to visit an Authorized Dealer of Seiko that I know. Within a short space of time, I got the watch, sized the bracelet and packed to bring back home.

As this model is under Seiko's professional watch series, the box that came with the watch is not the standard that one gets. I actually expected to get a box that is typical of the Prospex series i.e. in yellow. Instead, I got a big white box with the "SEIKO" brand printed in silver that is more towards the Ananta class.

CITIZEN Promaster Eco-Drive AQUALAND Titanium Divers Watch JV0055-51E - It sits well on the wrist and is a very capable little dive computer. With its unique shape, it is an excellent conversation starter, A Review

I have yet to have a dive computer as part of my watch collection. Although there are a number of brands offering such a product, I decided to get the Citizen JV0055-51E as it offers a number of firsts for me. Apart from fulfilling my requirement of having a dive computer wristwatch, it is also uses the Eco-Drive technology which is uniquely Citizen. The use of titanium as the base material for the watch was also a reason behind this choice. Coupled with the unique case design, I was sold to this model.

Sourcing this watch was a major undertaking. The current retail price in Malaysia as listed by www.bodying.my is RM6,170.00. This is a price that I would not be willing to get.

Casio PROTREK Adventure Titanium Triple Sensor Ver. 3 PRW 3000 T7, A Continuation of the Super Tough DNA of a Casio Protrek, yet Capable of Doing More by Virtue of its Smaller Electronics and More Contemporary Design, A Review

It has been a long time since I bought myself a digital watch. The last time it happened was back in August 2009 when I got my Suunto Heart Rate Monitor watch. If I recall, my purpose of buying that watch was to fulfill a need - to track my heart rate as I prepare myself for my first marathon.

In reality, I am not an anti-digital watch-hater that only appreciate mechanical watches. Far from the contrary, I love gadgets and the Casio Protrek series have been on my "must-have" list for a long time. The ability of a watch to locate accurately North has been one of my theme for my watch collection. Currently. I have six watches that could do that (using time and sun). The collage of the collection is provided below.

You will note that all are Seikos. Although I would like to have a watch that could do the same from another brand, the various Casio Protrek models that weree on offer were too big and garish for my liking.