Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face III Limited Edition Reference H32876550 - An Ingenious Solution, A Review (plus Video)

The Jazzmaster Face 2 Face is a unique series by Hamilton. First launched in 2013, the series have gotten a reputation that has split the watch community. Although having two faces is deemed positive, the case design has the complete opposite effect to watch aficionados. 

Already in the collection is the Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face II. When Hamilton came out with the version 3, I was delighted as the design was more in-lined with what I felt needed to be changed in version 2. Having a horizontal oval shaped watch casing on the version 2 alienated a vast majority of watch enthusiasts. The revised version 3 corrected that problem as a round casing is more acceptable to most fans.
 
In early 2023, Hamilton launched the version 3 in the form of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Face 2 Face III Limited Edition. Only 999 units were made available and I had to wait for sometime before an allocation was allotted to Malaysia. I made my order and waited for about a month before a call came in to collect the watch. What was told to me by the dealer that only three units were allocated to Malaysia. I am so happy that I got one of them.

Sunday, October 1, 2023

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.

Friday, September 1, 2023

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. 

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic Reference H77825331 - The Ultimate Beater Diver, A Review (plus Video)

When Hamilton relaunched the Khaki Navy Frogman in 2016, I was immediately taken by the crown guard designed. I was particularly interested in the Titanium model but due to other commitments, it wasn't priority. On hindsight, it could also be because I had some negative views about the crown guard design (love versus hate; weird isn't it?). 

In 2022, Hamilton introduced a revised design to the Frogman that actually appealed to me. The original crown guard was redesigned to be more symmetrical and give a better protection. Immediately, this model went up the priority list.

I visited Hang Thai Watch outlet in Bangsar Village. They have a good collection of Hamilton watches. There was the light khaki green strap version which I fancied and I decided to bring it back home.

To be honest, I would preferred to get a model with a bracelet. Nevertheless, I could live with a strap version.
 

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Omega Ballpoint Pen

When I got my Omega Seamaster 300m Diver a few months ago, the Omega Boutique at Gardens Mall did not have the latest door gift to give me. A few days ago, a new batch of door gifts were delivered to the the store and they called me to pick one up. 

 

Saturday, July 1, 2023

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.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Hamilton Thermos Tumbler from Hamilton

Recently I was given a nice door gift, a thermos tumbler from Hamilton.

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Thursday, June 1, 2023

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.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Omega Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Commemorative Lapel Pins - Eight Unique Designs

I was given this gift from the Omega Boutique earlier this year. Something from Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympic. 



How much do you think it is valued at? Put your estimation in the comment section below.

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Monday, May 1, 2023

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. 

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