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. 

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

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

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

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

The History of Alba

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

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition SRQ035J1 (or SBEC007 and similar to SRQ037J1 or SBEC009) - The Leather Strap Combo is Best, A Review (plus Video)

On 29 September 2021, Seiko issued a press release introducing the Speedtimer Series consisting of six models. A limited edition automatic, a standard automatic and four solar quartz timepieces. I was most interested in the limited edition automatic as it has my favorite dial colour, white.

As usual, my trusty vendor at the Seiko Boutique in Mid Valley messaged me that a few units have been made available at the shop. After making the necessary booking, it took me another week before I can picked it up from the store. As I imagined, the watch was impressive in the flesh. It has the heft and looks imposing without much effort.

The SRQ035J1 is a limited edition timepiece. Only 1,000 units will be produced. Although it come standard with a bracelet, the watch box also included an additional leather strap. 

The Speedtimer series was created in honour of the innovations Seiko did back in 1969 when the first Speedtimer was released. Strictly speaking, it is not a homage to a vintage design as the genesis of this new edition was in fact a stopwatch. 

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.

 

Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE SBEP001 "Digi Tuna" versus Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE SBDJ029 "Field Tuna"

For old companies designing consumer products, there will come a time when a fresh injection of ideas is required to revitalise the design philosophy and thinking. Take for example brands such as Samsung, Volvo and many others. In the last few years, exciting designs by these brands have caught market interest which have translated to increased sales. The same is not lost to Seiko.

SBEP001 "Digi Tuna" (L) and SBDJ029 "Field Tuna" (R)

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.

Orient Sports SK Legendary Diver Retro 70's Automatic RA-AA0B03L (similar to RA-AA0B01G and RA-AA0B02R) - Affordable Modern Vintage Inspired Wrist Candy, A Review (plus Video)

Nothing much was expected under the Orient brand for 2019. However, out of the blue, the brand presented a re-crafted model of their famous SK diver of 1970s. The SK design in question is the Super King series (a lot of people mistaken the SK to stand for Sea King). When I saw it, I was intrigue and I immediately got one for the collection. The one I chose was the dark navy blue version, the RA-AA0B03L.

I was made to understand that this will be a limited run series. Production started from June 2019 and is expected to end by March 2020.

It would appear that Orient is adopting Seiko's 're-craft' strategy. Identify older iconic design and re-issue them using the latest technology. This strategy is dicey and requires careful planning. Milking the historical interest of yesteryear's design can only go so far. You can already see the danger in this strategy the way Seiko has been treating its iconic 'turtle' and 'tuna' divers. They have totally flooded the market with numerous iterations and fans are getting uncomfortable with the current development. Orient should stick to the strategy adopted under Seiko's 'Recraft' series instead - short and sweet production run with limited iterations.

Head-To-Head: Seiko Gundam 40th Anniversary Limited Editions Prospex 1000m Marinemaster Professional Zaku II SLA029J1/SBDX027 versus Seiko Marinemaster Professional 1000m Automatic Diver SBDX011

In my collection I have the Seiko Emperor Tuna SBDX011 and more recently, the Seiko Gundam Tuna Zaku II SBDX027 (or SLA029J1 to the global market). Both are similar in most areas but there are subtle differences. Apart from some cosmetic changes to represent the tie-in to the Gundam lore, the changes can be found mostly on the watch casing design itself.

Seiko Prospex Automatic Field Watch Green SRPD33K1 (similar to SRPD31K1 & SRPD35K1) - A Refreshing Adventure Watch, A Review (plus Video)

The first time I visited Tokyo years ago, I bought myself the Seiko SARB017 Alpinist, a very refined gentleman’s classic sports watch. Over the years, Seiko has come out with modern interpretations of the Alpinist with contemporary hands and markers. Everything else, such as the location of the crowns (the primary time adjustment and winding crown and the internal bezel controller crown) remains the same at 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock, respectively. Last year, Seiko stopped the production of the SARB017 Alpinist.

I also got in the collection the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster SBDC011, another sports watch with a Tuna casing and compass complication. For this model, the bezel is external but it has some interesting graphics on its case-back. This has some bearing to the watch I will be reviewing in this posting.

For Baselworld 2019, Seiko launched a new series of land-base sports watches under the Prospex line. The SRPD31K1, SRPD33K1 and SRPD35K1 series is a refreshed evolution of the Alpinist. Although Seiko does not accord the Alpinist nickname to this new series, the resemblance is obvious. Moreover, there are some elements of the Fieldmaster incorporated as well. Out of the three models, I chose the SRPD33K1for the collection. More about the rest of the models at the end of the review.

The series is definitely targeted to the global mass market. It does not have a "J" suffix which would indicate the manufacturing was done in Japan. Instead, this series is manufactured in the many Seiko manufacturing facilities all over the world, apart from Japan. Hence the suffix "K".

Seiko Gundam 40th Anniversary Limited Editions Prospex 1000m Marinemaster Professional Zaku II SLA029J1/SBDX027 (similar to SLA031J1/SBDX029) - Gundam Tuna, A Review (plus Video)

I have to be honest, I am not an anime fan. Although The Mobile Suit Gundam television series was launched when I was a kid (I was a nine year old then), it wasn't a series that local television companies in Malaysia (RTM and TV3) broadcast. As such, it was more than a decade later that the series was broadcasted in Malaysia hence the fan base is more junior in age compared to me. When it was announced that Seiko will be doing a collaboration with Gundam for its 40th Anniversary celebration, I wasn't that impressed.

As you know, I do have the SBDX011. When I compared the original Emperor Tuna against the collaborative Gundam Tuna, I started to get interested. There are a number of tweaks in the new Gundam Tuna that I recommended Seiko to consider changing when I first reviewed the SBDX011 years ago. Anyway, I am a sucker for unique stuff from Seiko and after considering the merit of getting it for the collection, I pulled the trigger.

Seiko Premier Sunburst SRP311K1 Black PVD Monster, Second Generation (similar to SRP307, SRP309, SRP313, SRP315, SRP319, SRP455, SRP457, SRP459, SRP581, SRP583 & SRP657) - Evergreen Icon, A Review (plus Video)

When the first generation Seiko Monsters (GEN1 Monster) first came out back in 2000, I wan't into the watch collecting craze yet. When I went headlong into the hobby from 2010 onwards, I decided to get myself a GEN1 Monster in the form of the SKX779K1. Really enjoyed the over-engineered design and its toughness relative to its asking price - real value for money!

When the second generation Seiko Monsters (GEN2 Monster) came out in 2012, I was rather lukewarm over the new series. In all, 11 different models were offered with some limited edition models set at a very high price. Many felt that Seiko was milking the Monster genre too much and the slew of offerings literally overwhelmed the fans. I didn't get one for the collection as I felt the line was crashing with too many new examples suffocating the Monster sub-line.

In late 2018, Seiko launched the third generation Seiko Monsters (GEN3 Monster) and this got me re-evaluating my earlier assumptions about this sub-line. The love for the Monster series was too overwhelming to be snuffed out by the over-exuberance of the GEN2 Monster releases. Therefore, after seven years since the release date of the GEN2 Monster, I start to source for one.

Head-To-Head: Seiko Perspex Marinemaster 1000m Hi-Beat SBEX001 versus Seiko Perspex Marinemaster Professional 1000m Automatic Diver SBDX011

Technology in mechanical watches interest me immensely. One area that I follow closely is on dive watches, specifically extreme dive watches. Seiko has a number of watches that represent the best in technology. I am blessed to be able to own two of them, the 1000 meter SBEX001 (on the left of the photo below) as well as the iconic SBDX011 Emperor Tuna (on the right of the photo below).

Hamilton Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO 1000m Automatic H78585333 - One of the Most Comfortable Deep Divers Around, A Review (plus Video)

In 2015, Hamilton launched the Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO 1000m Automatic H78585333 to be featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Martian on the wrist of the hero, Mark Watney played by Matt Damon. The BeLOWZERO has a futuristic feel to the design which fits in nicely with the movie tie-in. It has the typical black-out military styling with the casing, dial, Arabic numerals, hands, bezel and everything else except the numerals on the date wheel either in black or in various shades of grey. Although paired with a rubber strap straight from the box, the watch does come with a stainless steel bracelet that you can replace by using a strap replacement tool provided as well.

Although I took note of its existence, I did not put in on my priority list then. However, much later I started to see that the specifications of the watch does not correspond to the price demanded. In fact, the watch was underpriced in my opinion. Think about it: dive watch with 1,000 meter water rating; automatic HEV system; sapphire crystal; PVD case surface; a strap and a bracelets as options; Swiss made; ETA 2826 Caliber; and a strap replacement tool - all for just RM6,080.00 MSRP in Malaysia.

Seiko 5 Sports "Bottlecap" SRPC61 (similar to SRPC63, SRPC65 & SRPC67) - A Refreshing Design, A Review (plus Videos)

I can't remember whether I have said this thing before but I am annoyed with Seiko's public relation strategy on the Seiko 5 range, specifically the lack of a define promotional plan for all the new offerings. Followers are forced to actively look at watch forums or third party blog postings to get a whiff of new stuff coming out of Seiko's factories.

This is one instance that I was caught off-guard. I caught a glimpse of the watch in a shop display stand and I was immediately smitten by it. I didn't even know Seiko has such a model ready for shipment and yet it is already delivered to its dealers (in Malaysia definitely, can't say for sure other parts of the world though).

Anyway, Seiko, if you are reading this, please come out with a formal process of announcing to your legion of fans new offerings with all the necessary information package like stock photos, specification sheets and product description at the very least. If you can do it for your Prospex and Presage, you can do it for your Seiko 5.

SEIKO Prospex Fieldmaster LOWERCASE SBEP001 "Digi Tuna" (similar to SBEP003, SBEP005, SBEP007 & SBEP009) - A Good Start by Seiko to Make a New Niche for Itself, A Review (plus Video)

Seiko is synonymous with the tuna-styled dive watches. It has become a genre on itself and a lot of people (especially professional divers) can vouch for their reliability and effectiveness to handle the extreme of situations. There have never been a fully digital Tuna before but this year, Seiko decided to spring five models under the new SBEP nomenclature.

Made in collaboration with the Japanese design consultants LOWERCASE, Seiko is able to bring something fresh and exciting to an otherwise  bland tuna styling that have not gone through much changes for decades. Lead by Mr. Yuki Kajiwara, creative director of LOWERCASE, the SBEP series amalgamate two important considerations by professional users - damage proof construction (the Tuna casing) and clear visual (digital display). This is not a breakthrough in concept though. There are other brands that already fulfilled this market space, for example Casio Protrek Frogman, but for Seikonstas, this is the first for Seiko.

The SBEP001 is also classified as a Fieldmaster. This nomenclature signifies the watch has been geared specifically for land explorers and adventurers. The ability to withstand 200 meters of water pressure also points to its flexibility to be used for recreational diving as well.

Since this is the first of the SBEP series, I decided to get the SBEP001 to grace the collection.

OMG Moment: Seiko SKX009K1 Automatic Professional Diver 200M Rubber Strap Disintegration – Replaced with a NATO Strap

My Seiko SKX009K1 rubber strap disintegrated on me. Not suprising as a couple of my other watches with rubber straps have failed this year (Emperor Tuna, BR Diver). Instead of getting a replacement from Seiko, I've decided to replace it with an OEM NATO strap instead (since I got a lot of them lying around the house).

The Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017J1 or SBDX019 (homage to the 1965 Seiko 62MAS Ref. 6217-8000/1 Diver) – A Legend and an Excellent Get-And-Go Watch for any Occasions, A Review (plus Video)

I must say the Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017J1 has been one of the most, if not the most exciting release from Seiko in my opinion. As an ardent Seiko fan, the 1965 Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) Ref. 6217-8000/1 Diver was the definitive Japanese dive watch to which all dive watches from Seiko (or even from other brands) owes their genesis to. To date, the Seiko 62MAS is a collector’s timepiece that has the least likelihood of being traded away once it is in a collection. As such, this vintage is very rare in the wild for collectors to hunt down. Those available are generally not in mint condition and have a lifetime of abuse heaped on them. Despite needing a lot of restoration work (a major headache not many collectors are willing to stomach), the prices of the ‘relics’ are still pretty high.

Do note that quite a number of “Seiko 62MAS” out on sale with ‘reasonable’ prices are not originals but Frankenstein models with newer movements, dials, bezels, crystals, hands, and even crowns.

Putting on the Replacement Strap for my Seiko Prospex Emperor Tuna SBDX011

Since my unfortunate rubber strap malfunction on my Seiko Prospex Emperor Tuna SBDX011 last year (see: http://easternwatch.blogspot.my/2016/09/omg-moment-seiko-prospex-emperor-tuna.html), I finally got the opportunity to put on the replacement strap that I ordered from Seiko. This particular strap (Reference R01X011M9) is usually paired with the latest iteration of the Emperor Tuna, the SBDX013. Instead of rubber, it is made out of silicone. Read my previous posting on this strap: http://easternwatch.blogspot.my/2017/04/replacement-strap-for-my-seiko-prospex.html.




Replacing the strap to the watch was easy due to the pass-through lug holes.

Replacement Strap for my Seiko Prospex Emperor Tuna SBDX011 direct from Japan: Reference R01X011M9 - So Expensive

I got my replacement strap for my Seiko Prospex Emperor Tuna SBDX011 direct from Japan. This particular strap is usually paired with the latest iteration of the Emperor Tuna SBDX013. Instead of rubber, it is made out of silicone which should give it more durability. Read my previous posting on the event that forced me to get this item: http://easternwatch.blogspot.my/2016/09/omg-moment-seiko-prospex-emperor-tuna.html

The metal parts are all made out of titanium.