Head-To-Head: Seiko Prospex Series SLA017J1 versus SLA025J1 versus SLA033J1 (otherwise SBDX019 versus SBEX007 versus SBDX031)

The trinity of Seiko's iconic watches albeit re-crafted from the original designs. From left to right; the SLA017J1 (for a full review click here), re-crafted from the legendary 1965 Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) Ref. 6217-8000/1; the SLA025J1 (for a full review click here), re-crafted for the famous 1968 Seiko Hi-Beat Ref. 6159-7001; and the SLA033J1 (for a full review click here), re-crafted for the incredible 1970 Seiko Ref. 6105-811X.

Citizen Mechanical Aviator Green Dial NJ0100-38X - A Seiko 5 Wannabe, A Review (plus Video)

I was on my way to Vietnam. As usual, once I am at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, I would visit the Time Watch Shop at Terminal C. While browsing, I happened to look at the Citizen watch section. Out of the many watches, I saw something interesting. In the pile of watches on display, there was a mechanical watch with vintage styling. I was smitten with the design and I quickly bought it since it was not that expensive. The watch I bought is the Citizen Mechanical Aviator Green Dial NJ0100-38X.

This watch has a classic pillow-case design which gives it a vintage vibe. The green dial and the leather strap were the icings that made me pull the ‘trigger’ to get it.


The Watch

The watch is 42 mm wide with a thickness of 12 mm. Lug-to-lug length is 47 mm and its lug width is 22 mm. The watch casing is made of stainless steel and it is paired with a double-layered brown leather strap. Total weight of the whole package is 77 gm.

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 Sky Slide Rule Bezel SRPB61K1 Navitimer (similar to SRPB57 and SRPB59) - A Manual Computer with Limited Use, A Review (plus Video)

During Baselworld 2017 in March 2017, Seiko launched a number of new series. However, the focus of watch lovers was squarely on the SLA017J1, a reissue of the famous 62MAS dive watch. This was unfortunate as there are a number of gems launched by Seiko during that time that should have been given the light of day. The Seiko Prospex Sky Slide Rule Bezel Navitimer series is one of them.

It was only two years later that I was able to revisit this series in depth. Originally I was to get the bracelet version but unfortunately none of the merchants I am comfortable with have one in stock. Instead, I opted for the black dial with leather strap, the SRP61K1. I found it in one of my favourite watch shop in Mid Valley Megamall, AWG.

This watch has one unique complication, the bi-directional slide rule bezel. For those of you that like maths, this complication is so cool (I am one of them!).

Orient Automatic King Master Reissue WV0021AA JDM (similar to WV0011AA and WV0031AA) - JDM Classic, A Review (plus Video)

In 2015 Orient created a re-issue of its iconic Three Star King Master watch of the 1960s. There were three models in the series but all have been classified as JDMs. As such, you are only able to source it from Japan. Official information on the series is only via Orient's Japanese website.

I have been eyeing the watch for a number of years now. I happen to find one listed on Amazon via one of its affiliate merchant for a reasonable price. Given the choice, I would have picked the blue dial version but the black with gold trimming does hold its own appeal. After a few key strokes, the WV00021AA was on its way from Japan to Malaysia.

Since it was first launched until the date of this review, there was not much written about this series. The lack of access was one of the contributing factor to the minimum coverage. I do believe reviews have been written in Japanese but since I and a lot of other people don't read the language, information remains sparse.

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 Watch Company branded Backpack

I got a gift from Orient recently in the form of a branded backpack. Not sure I have a need for it. May put it up for sale.

Squale 30 ATMOS Blue/Red Vintage GMT Ceramica Reference 1545GBRVC - Quality Control Issues, A Review (plus Video)

I have been looking at the various models offered by Squale in the last few years. There are a number of very interesting designs that I would like to have. However, I never got around acquiring one, until recently.

One of Squale's famous design is the Reference 1545 diver series. This series was first introduced by Squale back in the 1960s. There are a number of slight variations to choose from. I decided to find one with the following criteria: no Rolex or Mercedes hands; sapphire crystal with no magnifying cyclops, ceramic or sapphire inserts for the bezel and jubilee bracelet. Lo and behold, Squale released a model that fit my requirements perfectly. The Squale 30 ATMOS Blue/Red Vintage GMT Ceramica Reference 1545GBRVC is the latest model introduced by Squale.

Made in Switzerland and powered by a Swiss Made automatic movement with quickset GMT and date functions, this is the first black dial GMT model featuring a two-tone blue/red ceramic bezel with engraved caramel coloured 24 hour markers.

I found the watch on offer by Gnomon Watches out of Singapore and I immediately made a purchase. Within a few days, the watch was on my table.

Head-To-Head: Seiko SLA017, a HOMAGE to the 62MAS versus the Seiko SBDC053, a REMAKE to the 62MAS

If one is truly a hardcore Seiko fan, the 1965 Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) Ref. 6217-8000/1 Diver is the Japanese dive watch to which all dive watches from Seiko (or even from other brands) owes their genesis to. The Seiko 62MAS is a collector’s timepiece that is very rare. If one does find a “Seiko 62MAS” out on sale with a ‘reasonable’ price, chances are it is not all original with newer movements, dials, bezels, crystals, hands, and even crowns.