Steinhart Architect Green - My Favorite Design, A Review (plus Video)

The Steinhart Architect Series is the first integrated sports model design released by Steinhart in 2023. It is a homage to the Gerald Genta integrated sports model design of the seventies that has become iconic and evergreen. 

In recent years, I have started to be more interested in formal watches instead of the typical diver or sports watches. The style of formal watches I like is the integrated bracelet design. Currently, I have five such models in the collection. They are The Citizen Series 8 GMT, Yema Wristmaster Traveller, IWC Ingenieur IW3236, Tissot PRX and Tissot PRX Chronograph.

 

When I recently saw the model featured on Gnomon Watches Singapore's website, I got the urge to get one. Luck would have it, Gnomon Watches Singapore had a year-end sale promotion which made the deal more affordable.

 

To be honest, I didn't expect Steinhart to create something formal and looked so similar to one of Gerald Genta's iconic design. The brand has a lot of homages but mostly sports or dive watches. I do tip my hat to Steinhart as this is an area that many people are interested in. 

There are three dial colours to choose from and I decided on the green as it is my favorite colour.

TUDOR Royal 41mm Steel Case Salmon Dial M28600-0009 - Sport‑Chic Identity, A Review (plus Video)

The Tudor Royal 41mm Salmon Dial M28600 has long stood out to me as one of the most eye‑catching and versatile watches in Tudor’s contemporary catalogue. With its distinctive integrated bracelet, sharply notched bezel, practical day‑date complication, and that unmistakable salmon dial, the Royal line strikes an impressive balance between refinement and sportiness. It’s the kind of watch that feels equally at home with a suit or a more casual outfit: something few watches in this price segment manage to pull off convincingly. As a result, the Royal has been on my radar for quite some time, quietly climbing higher on my personal wishlist.

Recently, I received an unexpected message from my dealer that immediately caught my attention. He mentioned that a Tudor outlet was offering a special deal as they were looking to clear out existing stock. Sensing an opportunity, I quickly gave him four different Tudor models I’d be interested in, asking him to check which, if any, were available under this promotion. Then came the waiting game.

About a day later, the news came back. Of the four options, only the Tudor Royal was available, and specifically in the salmon dial configuration. While my initial preference had been the blue dial variant, the moment I heard the details, any hesitation vanished. The pricing on offer was simply too good to ignore, especially for a watch that I had already admired for so long. In the end, the decision felt almost effortless. I jumped at the chance and placed the order immediately, confident that this was one of those rare moments where timing, opportunity, and enthusiasm align perfectly.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Blue Dial Reference T1374071104100 (Similar to T1374071105100, T1374072103100 & T9314074129100) - Value for Money Classic Design, A Review (plus Video)

For 2021, Tissot released two types of PRX, a quartz version first and a later, an automatic version. There are a number of examples in each of the two categories. I personally had my eyes on the automatic version but it took me a long time before I got my hands on one. Even when I did get one, there wasn't any discount given from the MSRP price.

There are four models to choose from. What I got was the blue dial version.

The retro styling of the watch and the integrated bracelet design caught my interest. The PRX is a watch inspired by the original model first launched in 1978. It features a tonneau-shaped case with an integrated bracelet that was the rage back then. It has a circular bezel mirror-polish to contrast against the brush finishing on the case itself. To me, visually, the PRX is a really interesting piece.

I am not the only one that thinks this watch is a keeper. For the Malaysian market, it was a sellout and I had to put in an order for the next batch earmarked for this region.

Citizen Zenshin Mechanical Super Titanium Salmon Dial NJ0180-80Z (similar to NJ0180-80A, NJ0180-80H, NJ0180-80L, NJ0180-80M & NJ0180-80X) - Individuality Without Extravagance, A Review (plus Video)

In June 2024, Citizen unveiled its refreshed Zenshin collection (formerly known as the Forza line), doubling down on its sleek, integrated bracelet design philosophy, a growing trend in modern tool-meets-luxury watches.

I’d been circling Citizen’s Tsuyosa series for months, drawn to its bold colors and accessible price point. But the moment the Zenshin debuted, my priorities shifted. What sealed the deal? Three pillars: the use of Citizen’s proprietary Super Titanium™, a featherlight yet scratch-resistant material that’s 40% lighter than stainless steel; the inclusion of an in-house automatic movement (Caliber 9051, with a 42-hour power reserve); and that seamlessly integrated bracelet, which merges ergonomic comfort with a cohesive, high-end aesthetic. This wasn’t just another watch—it felt like Citizen’s statement piece for the decade, blending technical innovation with wearability.

Now, anyone who knows me understands my weakness for green dials, yet the Zenshin’s salmon pink variant stopped me mid-scroll. Its warm, copper-tinged hue dances between playful and sophisticated, catching light like a vintage patina. The dial’s vertical brushing adds texture, while applied markers and a date window framed in polished titanium elevate its refinement. Against the matte gray tones of the Super Titanium case and bracelet, the salmon creates a harmonious contrast that feels both retro and utterly contemporary. Rationality didn’t stand a chance—I walked into the boutique and left with it on my wrist.

Citizen Series 8 880 Mechanical GMT NB6031-56E (Similar to NB6030-59L & NB6032-53P) - Has Wrist Presence, A Review (plus Video)

It was in June 2023 when Citizen announced a new series under the Series 8 line. This new sub-group is designated the '880'. I already have the NB6010-81E under the 831 sub-grouping. For this new sub-group, Citizen is introducing a new automatic movement, the Caliber 9054, that has a GMT complication. What is more importantly, the series is catered as a field watch instead of a dress watch of the previous Series 8 lines (831, 830 and 870).

The new design is very refreshing and incorporate a lot of key designs that helped the Promaster line (a range under Citizen) become famous. The addition of a timing bezel as well as a GMT complication increased the functionality immensely. 

Personally, I love the watch due to the integrated bracelet design. It looks elegant and sophisticated. Moreover, it is not often that Citizen comes out with an automatic watch powered with a new movement. In this case, the Caliber 9054 with the GMT function is new to the collection and I am quite excited to review this watch.

Casio Edifice EFK100D-7A Automatic (similar to EFK-100CD-1A, EFK-100D-2A, EFK-100D-3A & EFK-100XPB-1A) - The Brand’s First Mechanical Watch, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my hands on Casio's first automatic timepiece. The EFK100 series in under the Edifice line and it was launched in 2025 with much surprise and jubilation from the watch community. For purist, disappointment, as Casio decide against making their own in-house movement, opting to use Seiko's NH35A instead. For me and the vast majority of watch enthusiasts, the fact that Casio has finally embraced the mechanical movement as part of their repertoire of technologies for their watch designs says a lot. The choice of affordable mechanical watches from established brands are shrinking year-by-year as watchmakers goes up the value chain leaving the cheaper alternatives to alternative brands.

I wanted to get it when it was launched in 2025. Then, my choice was either the green or the blue dial version. However, after seeing them for the first time, it was the white dial that really stands out. The texturing on the dial makes it feel like a Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' but at a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately, that particular white dial has already been allocated to another buyer. After waiting for a number of months, finally, one of the branches of AWG got an allocation and a day later, it was on my wrist!

Revelot Gentus 40 Automatic Aventurine Steel Integrated Bracelet Watch R15-16V1B1B1 - Solid and Affordable, A Review (plus Video)

This is the fourth Revelot and my third Nautilus-style timepiece in the collection. Already in the collection is a model from Yema and a model from Steinhart.

Revelot has been coming out with many interesting designs recently. I must admit that the designs are similar to famous iconic timepieces. Nonetheless, such products do fulfil a need of the vast majority of enthusiasts that does not have the financial capacity to obtain an actual icon. ‘Homages’ help bridge this gap.

Personally, I am not embarrassed wearing a homage-no one should anyway. The fact of the matter is that these designs are practical and fulfil a specific need precisely. This is why the Submariner is the most copied dive watch design ever. 

Revelot is able to focus on two items that budget conscious collectors crave for - design and price. In that regard, the Gentus fits these criterion perfectly.

Yema Wristmaster Traveller - Awesome Beater Watch With Classic Look, A Review (plus Video)

I love integrated bracelet designed watches. I have the
IWC Ingenieur IW3236, Deep Blue Pro Seadiver, Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph, Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Hamilton American Classic PSR, just to name a few. When I first saw the Yema Wristmaster Traveller, it immediately appealed to me.

The vintage aspect of the design is also visually pleasing to me. The octagonal shaped casing is seldom seen and gives that 'uniqueness' to the watch.

This watch was launched as a Kickstarter campaign in November 2021. I should have participated but instead I waited to see how well the campaign went. I was very impressed that interest from the public was overwhelming and all the units offered were taken. I had to wait for another year before the watch was available again.

As I have owned a Yema before (click here to see the review) I am quite comfortable to the quality of the watch even though I have yet to see one in person.

Gnomon of Singapore carried the brand and when it was available on the site, I didn't hesitate and immediately put in an order.

 

King Seiko VANAC Limited Edition SLA089J1 (similar to SLA083J1, SLA085J1, SLA087J1 & SLA091J1) - A Captivating Retro-Modern Reinterpretation, Distinguished by its Exclusivity , A Review (plus Video)

My anticipation for the VANAC series re-crafted models has been steadily building since I first caught wind of their launch announcement several months ago. The promise of a modern reinterpretation of a classic design immediately captured my imagination. As subsequent details gradually emerged – glimpses of the dial, specifications, and craftsmanship – my initial excitement was tempered by a growing, almost instinctive suspicion. A quiet voice in the back of my mind whispered that such a significant revitalization, coupled with the brand's heritage, would inevitably command a premium. Unfortunately, that intuition proved accurate when the official pricing was revealed, placing the watches firmly in the five-figure territory. While the cost gave me undeniable pause, the sheer allure of the design proved irresistible. It wasn't just attractive; it felt genuinely refreshing – a harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary execution that stood apart. Ultimately, the aesthetic appeal and the emotional pull outweighed the financial hurdle, solidifying my decision to acquire one.

Faced with a compelling selection of five distinct models within the VANAC re-crafted line, the decision required careful consideration. Each piece offered its own unique character and appeal. However, my focus quickly narrowed to the limited edition SLA089J1. Its defining characteristic – a global production run restricted to a mere 700 pieces – imbued it with an undeniable sense of exclusivity and future collectibility. This inherent rarity was a powerful draw. The truly surprising factor, and the decisive one, was the revelation that this limited-edition gem carried the exact same price tag as its standard-production siblings within the series. This unexpected price parity transformed the SLA089J1 from a tempting option into the clear, value-driven choice. Acquiring a watch with such inherent scarcity without paying a premium felt like securing a unique opportunity, making the selection not just a matter of preference, but a remarkably logical decision.

Cartier Santos De Cartier Large Watch Automatic Sunburst Jade Green Dial Ref. WSSA0062 - Feels Natural on the Wrist, A Review (plus Video)

The first Cartier in the collection. I am officially old as I have suddenly fallen in love with the design of the Santos. I used to smirk at the Cartier styling as I find it to be of a bygone era. Anyone that appreciate the design must be of an older generation. A bit of 'age-ism' on my part I must admit. Nevertheless, the design does have its good points that can slowly turned a 'hater' to an 'appreciator'. It happened to me.

The colour green pushed me over the edge to truly start liking the Santos. While browsing the Cartier Boutique at the Gardens Mall, I made friends with one of the dealers. She is also loves the hobby and we both clicked. Despite not an existing client of the boutique, she offered me the green Santos when it become available (June 2023). I took her up on the offer. In the back of my mind, I have my doubts.

 

True to her words, I got a call from her. When I said that I would come immediately she was surprised as the only example they have is a display unit. Anyway, she immediately made an order for me. A week later and the watch allocated to me was at the shop.

 

Unfortunately, the acquisition process got delayed again. As she was expertly showing me how to replace the bracelet and how to re-size the bracelet she noticed the gears for the manual winding wasn't engaged to the crown. She was so embarrassed that she apologized profusely. She insist in getting a replacement instead of repairing the watch.

Citizen Series 8 - 831- Automatic NB6010-81E Cal. 9051 (similar to NB6010-81L & NB6012-18L) - A Wholesome Design, A Review (plus Video)

I have not been closely following Citizen unlike the other major Japanese watchmaker as their offering of mechanical watches are rather limited. Nevertheless, 2021 has become a promising start for the brand as a number of mechanical watches was introduced to the market including new movements.

The realization that avid watch collectors (predominantly) are into mechanical timepieces is starting to dawn on Citizen. Although there is a vast majority of users into the practicality of quartz controlled timepieces, these group seldom buy watches as often as the hardcore avid watch collectors.

Better late then never. The skillset that is part of the Citizen Watch Group is more than sufficient to come out with spectacular watches and sophisticated mechanical movements to wet the appetite of the market.

The latest offering by Citizen is the Series 8, a set of new models clustered in a few subgroupings.

I have decided to get one of the the 831 mechanical series to the collection.

Citizen Series 8 890 Mechanical NB6060-58L (similar to NB6069-53H and NB6066-51W) - It is Reliable as it is Beautiful, A Review (plus Video)

Citizen is ramping up their mechanical watch game. A new sub-series under the brand Series 8 line was launched in March 2024. The 890 is the fifth sub-series to be launch (the other sub-series are the 830, 831, 870 and the 880). I am fortunate to have in the collection the formal 831 NB6010-81E and the adventure GMT 880 NB6031-53E. 

For the last decade I seldom took the time to explore Citizen’s offerings. Then, Citizen was more incline to promote their Eco-Drive technology. With the success of Seiko and other brands that focused on mechanical movements in terms of sales and brand awareness, Citizen has started to explore this market space. As a fully integrated manufacturer, this should not be a problem for them. The renewed focus on mechanical watches has produced a number of interesting timepieces. The Series 8 is one such line dedicated solely to mechanical movement.

The 890 is the first dive watch range under the Series 8 line. It is interesting to note that Citizen’s designers chose an internal bezel design to kickstart their dive series. I suppose they wanted something different from the more recent 880 design which has a typical external bezel.

 

Timex M79 Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 'Batman' Reference TW2U29500ZV - A Recipe for Success, A Review (plus Video)

Timex, the Waterbury, Connecticut-based watchmaker launched Timex Q re-editions in May 2019. That series of watches caught the attention of the watch community due to the evergreen design and ties to the classic 1970s Q-watches. I was keen to get one but unfortunately, the distribution network of Timex is rather poor in Malaysia. Those watches came with quartz movement and I have a feeling, very soon, an automatic movement will be added to the line.

In February 2020, Timex did just that. A series of mechanical watches with the Miyota 8205 movement was added thus the "M79" range was born. The "M" stands for mechanical while the "79" was the year the original Q was released.

I tried getting one in Malaysia but unfortunately, with the Covid19 Pandemic starting to bite, it was likely that the only way I was to get my hands on one is via international online merchants. I waited for over a year and finally made my order via Amazon.

I had to make a choice between 'Batman' (black and blue bezel combination) or the 'Pepsi' (black and red bezel combination). Although I like both, I finally decided on the 'Batman', reference number TW2U29500ZV.  

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.  

Brand Cluster: The Ball Watch Company - the Underrated King of Over-Engineered Swiss Watches

If you’ve been following my horological journey, you already know that technical innovation and sheer, unadulterated robustness are the absolute cornerstones of my watch collection. Ever since my love for watches went into full-bloom, I've been fascinated by the clever engineering required to make a tiny mechanical object survive extreme environments.

Today, we are looking at three Swiss-made heavyweights from the BALL Watch Company—a brand whose DNA is forever welded to the American railroad safety standards of 1891. Specifically, we are comparing my Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT (Reference DG2016A-SC-BK), the monumental Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST (Reference DM3000A-SCJ-BK), and the vintage-inspired Engineer II Skindiver Heritage Blue (Reference DM3208B-P1-BE).

   

Seiko Prospex Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ029J1 (or SBEC005 in Japan) - A New Panda is Born, A Review (plus Video)

I was able to acquire another heritage timepiece from Seiko. This time it is the Seiko Prospex Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRQ029J1 (or SBEC005 if you are in Japan). This watch was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Caliber 6139. When launched in 1969, it was the world’s first automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch. Today, the principle design of the 6139 is used in most high-end chronograph movements.

When the watch was announced by Seiko back in early October 2019, a number of famous watch reviewers mentioned about the 50-year confusion regarding the SRQ029J1. They concluded that Seiko have taken a 1970 design as a basis for this re-craft which definitely makes the 50-year claim somewhat overstated.

However, I disagree with this conclusion as the title for this watch relates to the movement and not to a particular historical wrsitwatch, unlike the SLA017J1, SLA025J1 and the SLA033J1. Since the 8R48 movement used in the SRQ029J1 is a direct descendant of the 6139 movement, what Seiko did was not wrong.

Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph Mark II Reference: 327.10.43.50.01.001 (Heritage Model, similar to Reference: 327.20.43.50.01.001) - In my view, the most beautiful Speedmaster, A Review (plus Video)

Finally pulled the trigger on an Omega Speedmaster. Not a Moonwatch but something much more sexier (IMHO), the Mark II.  

I have always loved the Mark II. This series by Omega has a very interesting backstory and development but has never taken on the same level of enthusiasm as the Moonwatch. In fact, in the last five years, supplies of Mark II was not made available to authorized dealers in Malaysia despite being listed on the website. When I went around asking about availability, a number of dealers indicated that Omega 'no longer makes' the Mark II.

The last dealer I asked about this watch took the effort to contact Switzerland to inquire availability and surprisingly, Omega confirms that the Mark II is available and can be shipped to Kuala Lumpur. It didn't take me long to commit to one. After putting in the paperwork to order one (plus a deposit) on 23 January 2024, I finally received the watch on 27 February 2024.

I already have the Speedmaster Reduce (click here for review of that watch). Using this as a comparative reference, I find the Mark II to be better designed. Having the tachymeter scale internally instead of externally, allows for a bigger dial hence making it less ‘busy’ on the eyes.

Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Reference L3.883.4.96.6 - Sporty Diver, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got a Longines watch for my collection.

I was on a trip to the UK to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony. It has been my tradition to buy myself a watch to commemorate such events. A few days before the ceremony, I visited the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to see what watch shops were there and what brands and models they carried.

The only interesting shop I found was Hour Passion, which carries a number of Swiss brands. The Longines section was prominent, but it did not carry the most recent models. I later found out that by accepting this limitation, the shop is free to offer deep discounts that other Authorized Dealers (ADs) may not be allowed to give. For this shop, the standard discount is 30% off the MSRP.

My eyes fell on the blue HydroConquest Chronograph on a bracelet. I knew this model had been phased out in 2023. After further negotiation with the dealer, I received an additional 10% off the already discounted price.

Before making the purchase, I contacted a dealer friend in Malaysia to find out if it was a good deal. While the MSRP would be cheaper in Malaysia due to different tax structures, the discounts offered in the UK were so deep that the deal was very palatable. Sweet!

Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Blue Dial Reference T137.427.11.041.00 (similar to White Dial T137.427.11.011.00) - Pressed All The Right Buttons, A Review (plus Video)

When Tissot announced the launch of the Chronograph PRX in March 2022, I was elated. I already got the PRX automatic and it worth the investment. Adding a mechanical chronograph function in the PRX line is just icing to the cake. I really want to get one. After making a few inquiries in Kuala Lumpur, I was told that the model will be released to dealers in August at a MSRP of RM7,400.

As it happens, I was scheduled to go for a trip to UK in mid-June. Tissot announced that the model will be released in the UK around the same time. Although I wasn’t hoping to find one, luck was with me on this. I found one in a UK jewellery chain in Dundee (actually, it’s branch in Inverness got one so they had it shipped to the Dundee branch for me). After a few days I finally got my hands on one. 

Do note that the price I paid for this watch is higher than the list price in Kuala Lumpur after taking into consideration foreign exchange conversion from GBP to RM. Nevertheless, I am willing to pay the premium just to have the experience dealing with a Scottish jeweler for the very first time.

BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST DM3000A-SCJ-BK - Highly Capable Swiss Extreme Diver Watch, A Review (plus Video)

This is my second BALL watch for the collection. The first was the BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT Reference DG2016A-SC-BK. A real hunk of a watch, well protected like a tank and a bright spark in the dark. This second piece is even hunkier with a body designed to be 10 times stronger than the AeroGMT. The BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST with reference DM3000A-SCJ-BK is currently the brand's ultimate dive watch with a rated diving limit of 3,000 meters or 9,850 feet!

The technology that goes into the design and manufacturing of extreme dive watches have fascinated me ever since I started this hobby. Although I doubt that I will ever be in a position to use the capabilities of such dive watches, the desire to wear such watch is strong. To make something small immensely strong against external pressures is remarkable and this factor is what appeals to me.

The BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST is a simple 3-hand watch with a date function. However, its design and manufacturing incorporates a number of cutting-edge technology developed by the BALL Watch company. BALL states quite a number of their own in-house technologies but for the DeepQUEST, the following are the notable ones used.