tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16128724429574138632024-02-20T21:19:09.843-05:00Watch-A-DayI <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/03/first-post.html">wore a new watch</a> from my collection every workday until I <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/10/omega-seamaster-planet-ocean-22005000.html">ran out of watches</a>, now I have some new ones and feature about one a week.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-83509643938134505522011-06-08T13:38:00.011-04:002011-06-08T15:27:30.518-04:00Casio G-Shock GW-9200RJ-4JF Men in Rescue Orange<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/5120/dscf0626edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1228/dscf0626editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Yesterday I wore and took pictures of (but didn't have time to post about) a Casio G-Shock I bought just over two years ago. It's a <a href="http://mygshock.com/wiki/GW-9200RJ-4JF">GW-9200RJ-4JF Riseman</a> (not to be confused with the <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/03/day-2-casio-g-shock-dw-9100b-2av.html">original Riseman</a>) and is part of the <a href="http://www.javys.com/casio/npr/2008/2008-11-11%28release4%29.htm">Men in Rescue Orange series</a>. Not to bore you with minutiae, but the watches pictured in <a href="http://www.javys.com/casio/npr/2008/2008-11-11%28release4%29.htm">that link</a> are actually the "export" versions. The U.S. got the export version, but I bought this from a person who imported it from Japan. In the case of the Riseman, the main differences are the lack of radio controlled atomic timekeeping (Multiband 6) on the U.S. version, and a different caseback. The caseback on the U.S. version has an engraving of a <a href="http://mygshock.com/pics/G-9200MS-8_Riseman_14.jpg">dragon</a> while the Japanese version has a <a href="http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5111/dscf0630edit.jpg">flying squirrel</a>. Both versions have the orange-tinted display and very cool backlight graphic, described by Casio as "a special multi-purpose rescue tool". The watch is great for a number of reasons: It's bright orange, and I love bright orange, so I love wearing it (especially if I'm wearing some coordinating orange clothes or shoes.) It's big and chunky, similar to a Frogman, but somehow looks more futuristic. It has great functionality, including a thermometer, barometer, altimeter, world time, 5 alarms, etc. Second only to my <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/08/casio-pathfinder-paw-1300t-7v.html">Pathfinder PAW-1300</a> in functionality, which adds a compass but gives up some water resistance. This is one of my watches that gets worn very regularly, especially in the summer, and I don't believe I'll tire of it anytime soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1069/dscf0628edit.jpg target="_blank"><img src="http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1219/dscf0628editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7079/dscf0621edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4476/dscf0621editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5111/dscf0630edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3302/dscf0630editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9053/dscf0633edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/1161/dscf0633editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8408/dscf0637edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/9886/dscf0637editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7458/dscf0636edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6073/dscf0636editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-77840923899333111612011-06-01T12:12:00.009-04:002011-06-01T14:49:28.672-04:00Casio G-Shock DW-6900CS-1DR<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1958/dscf0612edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6688/dscf0612editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br> Do you like <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/search/label/DW6900">6900s</a>? Of course you do! It's one of the most iconic G-Shock designs, often imitated but never duplicated. Even when Casio wanted to update the classic with Tough Solar and Multi Band 6 technologies, <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2011/03/casio-g-shock-gw6900b-1.html">they didn't mess with the design</a>. This 6900 I'm wearing today is from the "<a href="http://www.javys.biz/casio/series.php?series_id=YC0025">Crazy Colors</a>" series. I believe it part of the first series, but Casio have done many more since then. It seems they were pretty popular. As you can see in the photos, this watch doesn't deviate from the classic three-eye 6900 design. The bright green face, markings and even LCD panel and backlight are all pretty unique. Adding to the flashiness is the case and band which are finished in high-gloss black instead of the more traditional matte finish. The whole package really pops and gets plenty of attention year-round.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1665/dscf0619edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5387/dscf0619editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7569/dscf0615edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/7017/dscf0615editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4271/dscf0616edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9435/dscf0616editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/3176/dscf0620edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/65/dscf0620editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1914/dscf0610edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4873/dscf0610editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-34154849036001930302011-05-27T10:06:00.002-04:002011-05-27T11:04:24.578-04:00Japanese-style Multicolor LED Binary Watch<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3541/dscf0603edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1241/dscf0603editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>The watch I'm wearing today I just got this week, direct from China, from <a href="http://www.meritline.com/fashion-alloy-watch-black---p-52588.aspx">Meritline</a>. It's truly amazing how much cheap stuff I've bought from them, although <a href="http://www.dealextreme.com">DealExtreme</a> is still my favorite for <a href="http://www.dealextreme.com/c/flashlights-guns-mount-lasers-999">flashlights</a>. Even more amazing is both merchants can ship their items from China to the U.S.A. for free. This watch is inspired by the modern, quirky watches from places like <a href="http://www.tokyoflash.com/en/watches/1/">Tokyoflash</a> and <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/brain/whereisit.cgi?t=watch&x=0&y=0">ThinkGeek</a>. One thing that makes this watch unique, even among the wild watches at the preceding links, is that it is a true "binary" watch. The lights on the left and bottom correspond to binary digits, with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-bit">four bits</a> on the left and six bits on the bottom. They can respectively display a maximum of 15 and 63 in decimal numbers, but they only ever need to go as high as 12 and 59 in this application. It's difficult to read the time at a glance (without doing some math in your head) but I'm sure if I wore the watch regularly for a month is would become easier. The bright LEDs display the time when the upper button is pressed, and the watch can be set to automatically light ever quarter-hour. The date is displayed the same way (month on the left, day on the bottom) when the upper button is pressed a second time. It's a neat watch, admittedly very cheap, but for a novelty watch it certainly serves its purpose. I actually think it looks more expensive than it is, possibly because the design is so simple.<br /><br /><a href="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6727/dscf0601edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4784/dscf0601editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3286/dscf0599edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/6724/dscf0599editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9652/dscf0600edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8013/dscf0600editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6727/dscf0601edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/4784/dscf0601editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9135/dscf0606edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9900/dscf0606editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/311/dscf0607edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1976/dscf0607editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/1765/dscf0608edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9456/dscf0608editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-58920594409220678222011-05-18T12:49:00.006-04:002011-05-20T14:32:28.257-04:00Casio G-Shock G-304EH-7 Eric Haze<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1143/dscf0590edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4382/dscf0590editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>I'm wearing today one of my few G-Shocks that haven't yet made it to my blog. Coincidentally, I bought this one two years ago this week. The <a href="http://www.javys.com/casio/new_web/watch/new_watch.php?id=G-304EH-7">G-304EH-7</a> originally came out in 2006, and I tried to buy one new in 2009, but found everybody sold out. Mine was purchased secondhand, so I didn't get the <a href="http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/2694/mg8546.jpg">cool packaging</a>. This was the second of three <a href="http://www.interhaze.com/">Eric Haze</a>/G-Shock collaborations. The first was <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/07/non-stop-g-shocks-dw-6900m-8t-eric-haze.html">this 6900</a> and the third was <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/10/casio-g-shock-dw-5600eh-7-eric-haze.html">this 5600</a>. As I mentioned before, he also designed the G-Shock 25th Anniversary graphics and logos. The most unique part of this watch is certainly the band, which has a <a href="http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/7537/g304eh7vxlarge.jpg">black and white striped pattern</a> (one of Haze's trademarks) along with an embossed Haze "tag" on the end of the strap. The caseback also has the same tag. Other than the color, strap and details, the watch is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Casio-G304RL-1A1V-G-Shock-Ana-Digi-Resistant/dp/B000FQ0WCA">normal "Street Rider" G-Shock</a>. It's a big watch, 45mm across, but still reasonably low-profile. The velcro strap is very comfortable, and while the reverse display is not incredibly legible, there is an EL backlight, and the analog hands are easy to read. This is one that I don't wear often because it is fairly rare and the cloth strap is less dirt resistant than the resin straps on most G-Shocks. When I do wear it I'm impressed with the comfort and uniqueness of the design. I'm very happy to have it in my collection.<br /><br /><a href="http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8375/dscf0594edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/9471/dscf0594editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7159/dscf0586edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/7519/dscf0586editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6754/dscf0585edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8046/dscf0585editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7000/dscf0581edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/1101/dscf0581editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/7817/dscf0583edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/9489/dscf0583editthd.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-33519551503543335412011-05-11T12:03:00.004-04:002011-05-11T13:04:22.252-04:00Casio G-Shock GX56-4CR<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5600/dscf0578edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3204/dscf0578editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Today, a little bit of pseudo déjà vu again. It's my third and final (for now) GX56, the orange GX56-4CR. Like my <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/search?q=gx56">other two GX56s</a> this is big, chunky and awesome. I didn't notice until today that all three of mine have reverse displays. Not great from a legibility standpoint, but they do look cool. And I did take the photos today, but didn't realize I had the date set incorrectly until I was editing them.<br /><br /><a href="http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3863/dscf0580edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9407/dscf0580editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7000/dscf0581edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1101/dscf0581editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/369/dscf0582edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6751/dscf0582editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7817/dscf0583edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/4567/dscf0583editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6788/dscf0584edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7545/dscf0584editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-32741789462485288572011-05-02T15:24:00.008-04:002011-05-05T10:22:19.537-04:00Bulova Accutron 63F77 Automatic<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/816/dscf0569edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5135/dscf0569editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>I actually wore this watch (and took the photos) earlier this week but didn't get around to writing about it until today. I picked this up from <a href="http://www.blingdaily.com/product_info.php?products_id=229">BlingDaily.com</a> a couple years ago. $150 for a "Swiss Made" automatic is really hard to beat these days. These appeared to be closeouts as original MSRP was $670. I did see them later drop to $100, but I'm sure they disappeared quickly at that price. But looking beyond the price, this is a really nice watch. I'd say the overall quality is on par with most <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/search?q=hamilton">Hamiltons</a>. The design falls between a dress watch and a more rugged "tool" watch, and because of this it makes a really great all-around watch. The case is 40mm with 22mm lugs, so it's pretty substantial. The case has a nice combination of brushed and polished surfaces, once again walking the line between dress and casual. The leather strap is nicely finished and not at all flimsy, and is fastened with a stainless deployant. My favorite part of this watch is the dial (protected by a sapphire crystal.) The white dial has a number of fine details that work really well together. The fine diamond pattern in the center is surrounded by a ridged ring which is then duplicated just inside the seconds track. In between the two rings are the bright silver-tone applied roman numerals, and the open hands share this finish. The second hand also has a Bulova logo on its "tail" which mirrors the applied logo at 12 o'clock. On the other side, the exhibition caseback shows off the engraved rotor and somewhat plain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_SA#ETA_2892">ETA 2892.A2</a>. This is actually a really nice movement and much more modern than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_SA#ETA_2824-2">ETA 2824</a>, which I have a number of in my collection. As you can tell, I'm quite fond of this watch, and the more closely I examine it the more things I find to like.<br /><br /><a href="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3737/dscf0567edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6302/dscf0567editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4408/dscf0566edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2708/dscf0566editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1465/dscf0576edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7775/dscf0576editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6604/dscf0577edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7161/dscf0577editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-71747399554259204392011-04-25T11:06:00.004-04:002011-04-25T16:04:50.610-04:00Seiko SNDA67 Chronograph<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/1379/dscf0562edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/5981/dscf0562editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>As you may have noticed, I don't have many <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/04/sector-aviation-instrument-compass.html">analog</a> <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/04/citizen-eco-drive-sailhawk-yacht-timer.html">quartz</a> <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/03/sector-600-titanium-analogdigital.html">watches</a>. (I'll admit, after looking through my previous blog posts, I do have more than I realized.) They simply don't hold the same appeal for me as mechanical watches. Occasionally, I do find one that is hard to resist. Today I'm wearing one such watch, a Seiko SNDA67 chronograph. I was mainly drawn to this by its functional looks, very reminiscent of some Sinn/Bell & Ross dials as well as other military-style watches. It's highly legible with thick hands and big hour and minute markers. The chronograph function measures to 1/20 of a second which is a nice feature (and watching the 1/20 sec. hand spin through its 20 clicks once a second is temporarily entertaining.) The case is a good size, about 44mm diameter, but lower profile than most of my automatic chronographs. Overall finish is excellent, typical of Seiko, and while the bracelet isn't up to that of a Seiko Monster, it's still nicer than many. The crystal is Hardlex, Seiko's proprietary hardened mineral crystal, so it should be pretty resistant to scratches. The crystal doesn't have any anti-reflective coating, so glare could be a factor depending on the scenario. This watch has an MSRP of $295, but is readily available for less than half that. It's definitely a solid package at a nice price.<br /><br /><br><br /><a href="http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/3966/dscf0563edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6535/dscf0563editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/1964/dscf0564edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2589/dscf0564editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5241/dscf0561edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/1033/dscf0561editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9910/dscf0565edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/632/dscf0565editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2342/dscf0557edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4760/dscf0557editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-52929442623774100792011-04-18T11:42:00.004-04:002011-04-18T14:15:03.705-04:00Casio G-Shock GLS-5600V-1<style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/4662/dscf0549edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/3581/dscf0549editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Today I'm wearing my GLS-5600V-1, which is part of the G-Shock <a href="http://www.javys.biz/casio/series.php?series_id=GL0014">G-LIDE line</a>. This one is relatively subdued, but does have the bright pink dial and text which makes it a nice accessory if you're already wearing some bright pink (and a totally pink watch would just be too much.) You can see it is very similar to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Casio-DW5600E-1V-G-Shock-Classic-Digital/dp/B000GAYQKY">regular 5600</a>, but it has a totally different module. This one also has the glossy black case, and unique to the G-LIDE line, a wide fabric strap with a combination of velcro and a plastic latch to keep it on your wrist. The G-LIDE line is said to be surf-inspired, but it seems like it would be suitable for any sort of action sports. Sjors has a <a href="http://50-gs.blogspot.com/2011/03/g-shock-12-g-lide-in-black.html">good article</a> about this watch on his site. I really like this watch and wearing it today makes me want to pick up the <a href="http://www.casiojv.com/watch/watch.php?id=GLS-5600V-3">green version</a>.<br /><br /><br><br /><a href="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/2896/dscf0550edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/3109/dscf0550editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/3084/dscf0553edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1989/dscf0553editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4855/dscf0552edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2677/dscf0552editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br /><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7870/dscf0555edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5790/dscf0555editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/5170/dscf0556edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/8014/dscf0556editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-80431607054217584892011-04-12T15:24:00.005-04:002011-04-13T15:58:06.292-04:00BMW M Power Watch<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4729/dscf0544edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 320px;" alt="" img src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/722/dscf0544editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Looking back through my recent posts, it strikes me that I do have a rather eclectic collection of watches. The watch I'm wearing today fits right in. It's a <a href="http://www.circlebmwparts.com/cgi-bin/lifestyle/gifts.cgi?db=gifts&uid=&view_records=1&catagory=407&mh=1&nh=10">BMW M Power watch</a> which was made by Tourneau and sold through BMW dealers. I would not normally go for such a "boutique" type watch (even the Pirelli watches aren't such blatant promotional items) but I had a few good reasons to buy this one. First, in January of 2010 I bought <a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1746/img0068jr.jpg">this 2003 BMW M3 convertible</a>. I decided I wanted a fun weekend car, and after narrowing my choices to this or a slightly older Porsche Carrera cabriolet, I decided on the BMW. This is also one of the reasons I stopped buying so many watches and didn't make any new Watch-A-Day posts last year. Second, I had a chance to see this watch in person and found it to be much more substantial and higher quality than I expected. And finally, I found this one brand new and cheap on eBay, so I couldn't pass it up. It's a really nice watch, very solid, and substantial at 45mm wide with a bracelet that tapers from 27mm at the lugs to 21mm at the clasp. The polished bezel and center links add some flash, but overall it still looks very functional. It has a Swiss movement (Ronda, I believe) that includes an alarm. The button at 4 o'clock is to turn the alarm on or off and change the alarm time (by holding the button down.) The dial is legible with some nice details, like the subtle grooved pattern in the subdials and center circle and big date at 6 o'clock. The 9 o'clock subdial is for the alarm, while the 3 o'clock is seconds. Since this is not a chronograph, there is no tachymeter, however the bezel is one-way with 60 clicks. There is an <a href="http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1594-genuine-bmw-m-power-watch.aspx?utm_source=goog_product&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=80262150004">M Power Chronograph</a> but it's more expensive than this one, and I don't think it's that much nicer. If you're a BMW owner, or even a fan, and you can find this watch for $100 or less, I'd say it's an excellent buy.
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-72200565149275247542011-04-08T14:03:00.003-04:002011-04-08T15:07:06.624-04:00Zodiac Oceanaire ZO8000 Swiss Automatic Diver<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7703/dscf0528edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" img src="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/43/dscf0528editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>It's been so long since I've worn this watch that I forgot it had a bracelet. I think I came very close to buying the <A href="http://www.zodiacwatches.com/en_US/shop/collections_watches/diver/diver-ZO8007P.html?imagePath=ZO8007">rubber strap version</a> a while ago, but bought this brand new one secondhand from a WUS forumer who thought it was too big for him. It certainly is big: 45mm across with 24mm lugs, and the weight to match. At the time of release (about 5 years ago) these were pretty popular among watch geeks. I believe the main reason was that while it was a diver's watch, it had a unique design (while plenty of other watches in this price range were copy of something else.) Also, they seemed to be a little difficult to find since Zodiac didn't have many retailers (probably still doesn't) and initially nobody had these online. It's a great looking watch, as you can see in my pics, as well as <a href="http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?26,31082">here</a> and <a href="http://www.pmwf.com/Phorum/read.php?4,143519">here</a>. The overall package feels very high quality, as it should in a "Swiss Made" watch, and I've found the timekeeping to be excellent as well. Unlike many Swiss automatic watches, this does not use an ETA movement, but a <a href="http://www.tractionink.com/watch_wiki/index.php?title=Claro-Semag">Claro-Semag CL-888</a>. There has been some minor controversy over this movement and the "Swiss Made" label, but it sounds like it follows a manufacturing process similar to other more well known Swiss movements. They're still making some versions of this watch and the price hasn't really gone down, although occasionally you will see them on sale via eBay or Zodiac's own store. I've been to a few Fossil (owners of Zodiac) outlets and while they've had other Zodiacs, I've never seen this or any other automatic Zodiac there. If I saw another version for the right price I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.
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<br /><a href="http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9871/dscf0536edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5917/dscf0536editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>
<br /><a href="http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8422/dscf0537edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9619/dscf0537editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-75553949554803880122011-03-28T13:46:00.003-04:002011-03-28T15:34:44.261-04:00Casio G-Shock GX56-1A<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/567/dscf0500edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" img src="http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/640/dscf0500editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Today I'm wearing one of the watches I mentioned in my post about the <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2011/02/casio-g-shock-x-dgk-gx56dgk-1.html">DGK GX56</a>. It's the <a href="http://www.casio.com/news/content/312EA7A9-820A-4786-ACEA-72D856BAC4E8/">GX56-1A</a> and aside from having a more subdued appearance, it's exactly the same watch. The GX56 is defintely one of my favorite newer G-Shock designs.</span><br /><br><br /><a href="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7820/dscf0515edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/4492/dscf0515editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2185/dscf0523edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2673/dscf0523editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/2581/dscf0520edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2064/dscf0520editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/9137/dscf0509edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3521/dscf0509editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2194/dscf0496edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3028/dscf0496editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9822/dscf0493edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/4123/dscf0493editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-46043093295140211882011-03-22T14:24:00.004-04:002011-03-22T15:24:01.892-04:00Magico 20001-11 Carbon Fiber Automatic Diver<a href="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6863/dscf0477edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2198/dscf0477editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a>This is a cheap watch. It cost me under $50 brand new, including shipping, and even came with a watch winder. It's made from Chinese parts, almost certainly assembled in China, and is from a manufacturer I had never heard of before. <br /><br />And it's fantastic.<br /><br />The first thing you notice about this watch when you pick it up is the weight. I wish I had a scale handy, but I'd say it's something like seven or eight ounces. And solid. The chunky links of the 24mm bracelet are tight and the double-butterfly clasp locks securely, even without a push button mechanism. The case is 46mm wide with broad sides and fancy lugs that integrate well with the bracelet (but would make fitting a strap a bit difficult.) It has a water resistance rating of 200m and a unidirectional bezel, so it would be suitable for diving. The bezel is reasonably tight, although I know some people want them to be downright difficult to turn. This one is tight enough that it won't be accidentally turned by something and there's very little slop in the mechanism. The oversized crown has grooves in it that remind me of gun barrel rifling, with just a slight twist to assist in gripping it. The whole face is kind of similar to a <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/09/seiko-skx779-black-monster-automatic.html">Seiko Monster</a>, although the hour markers are much smaller and lume not as great. The real carbon fiber dial is very attractive and adds some depth to what would otherwise be rather plain. The movement is a 25 jewel <a href="http://www.17jewel.com/two.html">Miyota 8215 </a>workhorse and keeps excellent time, as good as many Swiss watches costing ten or twenty times as much. Magico is one of the many brands of <a href="http://www.theswigroup.com/">The SWI Group</a>, and while I can't go so far as to recommend all their watches, or even all their Magico-branded watches, this particular model is a great buy, even at twice what I paid.<br /><br /><a href="http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6131/dscf0473edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8402/dscf0473editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6388/dscf0474edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/9706/dscf0474editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6863/dscf0477edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2198/dscf0477editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3656/dscf0479edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3541/dscf0479editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2979/dscf0482edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/7884/dscf0482editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1592/dscf0481edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3956/dscf0481editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3508/dscf0487edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3318/dscf0487editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/3231/dscf0491edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6568/dscf0491editth.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-10285323724578956552011-03-16T13:53:00.004-04:002011-03-17T13:40:18.569-04:00Citizen BL9000-59F Minute Repeater<a href="http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/69/dscf0229edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3111/dscf0229edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a>Once again, my old pictures look better than my new ones, so I'm using those. I am wearing my Citizen BL9000-59F today, although it took a few hours on the windowsill to bring it back to life this morning, as well as tracking down the <a href="http://www.citizenwatches.com.au/public/docs/instruction_manuals/G900.pdf">manual online</a> and figuring out how to set the time and date. My watch storage cabinet doesn't get any direct sunlight, and this being an Eco-Drive (Citizen's fancy name for their solar-charged battery-powered quartz watches) it needs at least a little sun to keep running. This is possibly the only watch I own that has such a complicated setting routine, involving setting the hands to their default positions, then setting the main dial time, subdial time (making sure the AM/PM indicator is closest to the bottom,) then the year (represented as number of years since the last leap year, in this case, 3,) month and day. That all being said, it would be a non-issue if I wore the watch daily, or even monthly, but I probably haven't worn it in close to a year. I have a friend who rotates one of these along with a few other watches and he seems to never have an issue with needing to charge his watch and reset everything. Really, it's a great watch. The Citizen Calibre 9000 is an amazing piece of technology. First off, it's probably the only way a non-millionaire can possess a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repeater_%28horology%29#Minute_repeater">minute repeater</a>. A quick glance at Google Shopping shows prices of non-Citizen minute repeaters range from $20,000 to $750,000. Even some more expensive Citizen minute repeaters run into the thousands of dollars. For those unfamiliar (as I was before I had this watch) a minute repeater tells the time through a series of tones. In the case of the Calibre 9000, it works as follows: "Press and hold the button at the 2 o'clock position until it starts to chime. First you will hear one long tone for each hour, then each quarter hour have a quick double chime, then each minute will have single short tones. For example, if the time is 2:48, you will hear two long chimes for the hour, then 3 quick double chimes to indicate 45 minutes (three 15 minute periods), bringing the time to 2:45, then 3 quick chimes for 3 minutes past the last quarter hour, indicating 48 minutes after 2." It also has a perpetual calendar that should keep the proper date through the year 2100, two daily alarms (one for the main time and one for the inset or "local" time) and an AM/PM indicator. Build quality is excellent, as is expected from Citizen. The front of the case and bracelet is highly polished with the exception of the bracelet center links which are brushed. The mineral glass crystal is slightly domed which does a good job of cutting down on reflections even without an anti-reflective coating. I find the dial quite attractive, although I could understand if some find it to busy. I think the color scheme of black, white and chrome with the orange accents works well, although I've seen other Calibre 9000 watches with more subdued dials that are also very nice. The case is 42mm in diameter ad 14mm thick and feels quite substantial but not overly large. The bracelet also feels very well built and is comfortable. Like many of my watches, I regret not giving this one more wrist time. It would make a great travel watch since it has the two time zones, alarm and would easily coordinate with dress clothes or casual clothes and everything in between.<br /><br /><a href="http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6026/dscf0230edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9189/dscf0230edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8552/dscf0248edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1/dscf0248edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1205/dscf0254edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3552/dscf0254edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6215/dscf0258edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4755/dscf0258edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1002/dscf0246edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7443/dscf0246edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2904/dscf0233edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3167/dscf0233edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/198/dscf0240edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5638/dscf0240edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a><br><br /><a href="http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3268/dscf0236edit1024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1876/dscf0236edit320.jpg" border="0" alt="" onload="NcodeImageResizer.createOn(this);" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-83882992702831268962011-03-08T14:19:00.005-05:002011-03-09T08:06:25.962-05:00Pirelli P-Zero Tempo Automatic Chronograph<a href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5307/dscf0020edit1024pt3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2779/dscf0020edit320ua0.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>I'm wearing this Pirelli P-Zero chronograph today. I haven't worn it in a while and just realized I never posted about it. I got it a couple years ago and it is very similar to my <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2011/02/pirelli-p-zero-tempo-automatic.html">non-chronograph Pirelli automatic</a>. The main difference (other than it being a chronograph with a Valjoux 7750 movement) is the genuine alligator strap, which I think really dresses it up and complements the Euro look. I took some new pictures today, but then I found these older photos (which are actually better) so I decided to post them. The photos of the packaging and tags are because I was selling an identical watch at the time. I believe these were being discontinued when I bought them because I paid a small portion of the MSRP shown. It's a high quality, solid watch with a unique design and I'm extremely pleased with it.
<br /><br><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6198/dscf0018edit1280bh1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6531/dscf0018edit320pb1.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6707/dscf0016edit1280zz3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/431/dscf0016edit320mq3.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7629/dscf0015edit1280qj2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7466/dscf0015edit320vp7.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2330/dscf0013edit1280vm8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4624/dscf0013edit320mg5.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2213/dscf0003edit1280my1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1457/dscf0003edit320zf0.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1396/dscf0011edit1280gs2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5514/dscf0011edit320cx7.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8535/dscf0008edit1280ax4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8953/dscf0008edit320bo3.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9397/dscf0009edit1280cm2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9827/dscf0009edit320pz1.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6861/dscf0004edit1280ld4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1165/dscf0004edit320sz3.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4467/dscf0024edit1024hu8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9779/dscf0024edit320gm5.jpg"</a><br> <a href="http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7406/dscf0025edit1024ad8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/596/dscf0025edit320sn8.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1294/dscf0028edit1024ch2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/803/dscf0028edit320jp0.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8066/dscf0029edit1024si6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2964/dscf0029edit320cn4.jpg"</a><br> <a href="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2475/dscf0030edit1024ts7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/239/dscf0030edit320xt0.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4359/dscf0032edit1024vt5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6879/dscf0032edit320go1.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4982/dscf0036edit1024ey2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/879/dscf0036edit320sj2.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br> <a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7947/dscf0034edit1024pt2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1949/dscf0034edit320zj2.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8189/dscf0033edit1024uu8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4968/dscf0033edit320wa1.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8118/dscf0035edit1024zd0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8831/dscf0035edit320ir2.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3039/dscf0031edit1024lv6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/613/dscf0031edit320wv7.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-33622528678723325832011-03-01T12:43:00.004-05:002011-03-01T13:13:20.362-05:00Casio G-Shock GW6900B-1<a href="http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/181/dscf0443edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/8596/dscf0443editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/search/label/DW6900">DW6900</a> + solar + atomic = pretty awesome. This one is shiny black with orange accents and a mirror/orange LCD that lights up amber. Also comes in <a href="http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GW6900_Series/product/GW6900B-1/">other colors</a>. Superb.<br /><br /><a href="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9289/dscf0456edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/234/dscf0456editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/7953/dscf0461edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/5408/dscf0461editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7990/dscf0464edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9586/dscf0464editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4470/dscf0435edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5879/dscf0435editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5816/dscf0459edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/2407/dscf0459editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br><br /><a href="http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/5686/dscf0448edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/968/dscf0448editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-60113802181805552982011-02-24T12:02:00.003-05:002011-02-24T13:44:35.460-05:00Bulova Accutron Farnsworth Automatic Chronograph 63B019<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7018/dscf0422edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8353/dscf0422editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Today I'm wearing my new <a href="http://www.bulova.com/">Bulova</a> chronograph for the first time. I actually just discovered that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulova#Present_day">Citizen now owns Bulova</a> and all their brands, including Accutron of course. I'm not sure if this watch was designed and created before or after the Citizen acquisition, nor am I sure if it matters. It's a nice watch, comparable to my <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/03/bulova-accutron-vx-200-automatic-diver.html">Accutron VX-200</a> in many ways. Build quality seems as good or better overall, but the bracelet on the Farnswoth is not as complex and possibly not as heavy. Although the chronograph is all highly polished stainless steel and very fancy, it's still built like a tank. The crowns and chronograph pushers have knurling on them, but it's just for looks as none of them screw down. Water resistance is rated at fifty meters. The movement is probably the most unique feature to me. Unlike many chronographs that use the <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/03/hamilton-khaki-field-automatic.html">Valjoux 7750</a> or slightly rarer <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/05/hamilton-khaki-aviation-chrono.html">7753</a>, this one uses a <a href="http://www.valgranges.ch/html/en/">Valgranges A07.211</a> which appears to have been designed with larger watches specifically in mind. In this case (no pun intended) the watch is a substantial 44mm wide and 14mm thick with lugs that appear to be 24mm wide. It has a similar self-winding mechanism to the 7750 so it also has the characteristic "wobble" if you get the rotor freewheeling with the movement of your wrist. The dial is very attractive, with a subtle raised pattern, black chrome hands and markers and red accents. So far I really have no complaints. I suppose it would be nice if it had a non-reflective coating on the flat sapphire crystal, but sometimes those are more trouble than they're worth (especially if done with poor quality control.)
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<br /><a href="http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6025/dscf0425edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5390/dscf0425editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>
<br /><a href="http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8576/dscf0428edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7798/dscf0428editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-40937555008174677572011-02-15T12:18:00.004-05:002011-02-15T15:32:57.352-05:00A Bathing Ape Type 1 Clear Shark Bapex<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9820/dscf0403edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/6704/dscf0403editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Today I'm wearing one of my most unique watches, but I'm sure some people won't like it at all. It's out of the ordinary for me to pick a watch purely for its style and ignore its function (or lack thereof.) I suppose as I've expanded my collection I realize that all watches are some combination of art and engineering, so just because this watch falls heavily on the "pop art" end of the scale, it doesn't make it any less interesting. This is a watch from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Bathing_Ape">A Bathing Ape</a> (often just shortened to <a href="http://us.bape.com/">BAPE</a>) and was purchased via eBay from a seller in Japan. BAPE merchandise is notoriously expensive, and because of this counterfeits are common (especially on eBay, and especially of BAPE G-Shocks.) This one is authentic, although it was still less expensive than many of the BAPE G-Shocks that I've seen. The watches in this collection were <a href="http://www.freshnessmag.com/2010/08/24/bape-type-1-clear-shark-bapex/">released last August</a> and included gray, navy and red varieties. I've always been a fan of camouflage when paired with bright colors, so the red watch was an easy choice. BAPE has had a number of watches in the past labeled "BAPEX" as a play on "Rolex", and they tend to be inspired by the shape of the Rolex Submariner, Explorer, Daytona or other models. They're certainly never up to Rolex quality, but in the case of this watch it would never been mistaken for a fake Rolex as its constructed entirely of clear plastic. I believe this style was initially popularized by <a href="http://toywatchusa.com/content/Mens_Womens_Watches.htm">ToyWatch</a>, a brand who have seemed to move on to ceramic-look watches recently. The design on the dial of my Bapex is inspired by the <a href="http://www.freshnessmag.com/2006/08/26/a-bathing-ape-shark-hoody-aug26th-2006/">BAPE Shark Hoodies</a> from a few years ago. The design of those hoodies seems to be inspired by WWII fighter planes. The "WGM" on the dial stands for "World Gone Mad" which I suppose is one of their many slogans, like "Made by Human" and "Ape Shall Never Kill Ape" (which is actually stamped on the inside links of the bracelet clasp.) The watch isn't a bad size, about 40mm across with 18mm lugs, but any smaller and I would be disappointed. Also, because this was designed for the Japanese market, it just barely fits around my 6.5" wrist, so no sizing or adjusting was necessary. I think it's a unique and great-looking watch and I'm very happy to have it in my collection.
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<br /><a href="http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9431/dscf0409edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6724/dscf0409editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>
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<br /><a href="http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9769/dscf0412edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/1190/dscf0412editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a><br>
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<br /><a href="http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5382/dscf0401edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1039/dscf0401editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>
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<br /><a href="http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3968/dscf0400edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8967/dscf0400editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-25579042698970390852011-02-10T11:05:00.003-05:002011-02-10T13:41:01.123-05:00Casio G-Shock X DGK GX56DGK-1<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4774/dscf0327edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" img src="http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/39/dscf0327editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Today I have my first purple watch. I considered getting a purple G-Shock for a while, but when I saw <a href="http://www.shopcasio.com/product/1585">this 6900</a> in person I thought it was a little girly. Then I saw <a href="http://mygshock.com/2010/03/31/new-purple-bape-x-g-shock-dw-6900/">this 6900 BAPE collaboration</a> online and thought it might be better, but I was not willing to pay BAPE prices (retail or secondary market) just to have a purple watch. When I first heard about the <a href="http://mygshock.com/2010/08/03/dgk-x-g-shock-gx-56dgk-collaboration-watch/" target="_blank">DGK collaboration</a> I wasn't really excited as I wasn't happy with the previous purple model I saw in person, and with it being limited I envisioned another <a href="http://mygshock.com/2010/06/06/dee-ricky-x-g-shock-ga-110dr-1a-collaboration/">Dee & Ricky situation</a>, where the $130 watch quickly became a $400 watch. I missed that model at retail and have been kind of kicking my myself about it, so when I saw the <a href="http://www.gshock.com/products/index.php?id=6CC0E79F-7EB0-4728-9894-36A0DF365042" target="_blank">GX56DGK-1</a> in person and actually really liked the purple and rest of the design, I had to buy it (well, 3, actually.) One of them I <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110646894773&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT">put on eBay</a>, one I'll keep and one I ended up trading for another limited edition (which I will post after I receive it.) This is actually my third GX56, although I haven't gotten around to posting about the other ones. I think the GX56 is an inspired design. It has a shape that seems to be inspired by the original <a href="http://mygshock.com/wiki/DW-5000C-1A">G-Shock</a>, but increased to giant size (as is the current style.) It's like a classic G-Shock on steroids. It even has a similar display to the 5000/5600, but now instead of being surrounded by printing on the crystal, you can see through to a new shock absorbing structure which looks as tough as I'm sure it is. It supposedly has the same shock-resistance as other G-Shocks (no wild claims have been made, as far as I know) but now that shock absorber is part of the design and on display for the world to see. I wasn't really familiar with <a href="http://www.dgk-skateboards.com/">DGK and Stevie Williams</a> before, but they seem like a pretty cool company and I do like a number of their designs. The color scheme and DGK branding on the GX56 works well and I think compliments the sort of industrial, gritty design of the watch. Now I see there are a number of <a href="http://mygshock.com/2011/02/10/more-purple-g-shocks-mudman-riseman-and-gulfman/">new purple-accented G-Shocks</a> being released, including a <a href="http://mygshock.com/2011/02/02/black-x-purple-gf-1000bp-1dr-frogman/">Frogman</a>, so I have to think DGK was slightly ahead of their time with their color scheme. I think DGK did a great job and I would like to see another collaboration with them in the future.
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<br /><a href="http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4628/dscf0344edit.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9446/dscf0344editth.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-57065955500522485892011-02-02T12:51:00.005-05:002011-02-02T14:38:01.965-05:00Pirelli P-Zero Tempo Automatic<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/2580/dscf0362edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/3746/dscf0362editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>I actually got this watch close to two years ago, just never blogged about it. I've always been into cars, even before I was into watches, and a while ago I had a couple <a href="http://www.momodesign.com/MainSite/MD/en/watches.html">MOMO Design watches</a>, but I found them to be too small so I sold them. Since then I'd always been on the lookout for a watch with ties to the car or motorsports world, so even though I lusted after a <a href="http://us.tagheuer.com/#/en-monaco-monaco-collection">TAG Heuer Monaco</a> and had an interest in some of the racier <a href="http://www.orientwatchusa.com/racing-c-44_52.html">Orient watches</a> I hadn't decided on anything. When I saw the Pirelli automatic on sale I couldn't resist. (I actually bought a Pirelli chronograph just before this watch and will post about it in the future.) It appeared that the current Pirelli watch collection was being closed out around that time, so there were some sales around, including this one and the automatic chronograph. This automatic is very nice: Swiss made, ETA 2836-2 movement, anti-reflective coatings on both sides of the crystal and, of course, the signature Pirelli tire tread strap. All of that generation of Pirelli watches were manufactured by <a href="http://www.philipwatch.net/">Philip Watch</a> which is a brand owned by <a href="http://www.morellato.com/#/welcome-page">Morellato & Sector S.p.a</a>, who also make <a href="http://www.sectornolimits.eu/">Sector watches</a>. Quality is as expected in a Swiss made watch, and the various materials and surfaces mate almost seamlessly. The look is certainly sleek and European, but also industrial, and reminiscent of the machined and polished surfaces found inside a car engine. The case is not quite 40mm wide, but it wears a little larger because it is long. The caseback says "titanium and stainless steel", but I'm not sure which parts are which. I suspect most of the case is titanium as the watch is relatively light. The dial is simple and legible and also seems to mimic the dials on auto gauges. There is no shortage of Pirelli branding on the watch. I counted eight logos or text on the watch, including the rather clever touch of engraving "Pirelli" around the crown which allows the crown to be a straight cylinder but still have a surface you can grasp for winding and setting. I'm very happy with my Pirelli watch and I would consider getting another one in the future.
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<br />Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-17877869306096828472011-01-28T13:45:00.005-05:002011-03-01T12:59:23.658-05:00Casio G-Shock X Adult Swim X Aqua Teen Hunger Force DW6900AS-8<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6035/dscf0303edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3326/dscf0303editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>This is my first watch purchase of the new year. I only found out it existed a couple weeks ago, and I'm a big fan of ATHF, so I had to seek it out. Fortunately I found it for a great deal less than the $200 list price, so if you're interested in one I suggest you shop around, be patient and watch eBay. The Casio <a href="http://www.gshock.com/news/D737687D-26E1-4195-84E7-C412346B3D19">press release</a> has some good info about the watch, and it looks like the designers were able to produce exactly the watch they imagined. Functionally, it's the same as the rest of the 6900-style G-Shocks (all mine are <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/10/casio-g-shock-dw-6925e-7-glorious-gold.html">linked from this post</a>) but it's the design and little details that set this one apart. The pink face (with ATHF logo and understated "NUMBER ONE IN THE HOOD" text at the bottom) stands out against the light grey case and band. Everybody, including Casio, call it "white" or "matte white" but it really is a very light grey. I suppose I should have taken some photos of it against a white background to prove it. My pics seem to make it look white as well. The band is printed with light blue geometric icons representing Master Shake, Meatwad and Frylock and the caseback carries the ATHF logo. The mooninite Ignignokt's face is replicated in the Indiglo backlight. Ignignokt's face is also on the box along with the design from the band, as you can see below. Overall, a really good looking watch with a number of unique details. I'm very happy with it.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7834/dscf0300edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9381/dscf0300editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/5725/dscf0302edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/1726/dscf0302editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/6854/dscf0305edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7776/dscf0305editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/8408/dscf0306edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/838/dscf0306editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1145/dscf0307edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/103/dscf0307editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8983/dscf0309edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3853/dscf0309editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1518/dscf0310edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6817/dscf0310editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7889/dscf0314edit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1518/dscf0314editth.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-77547110461041664222011-01-19T09:49:00.003-05:002011-01-19T10:55:25.070-05:00WeWOOD DATE beige/brown<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6072/dscf0285e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6634/dscf0285th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Today I'm wearing my WeWOOD DATE watch for the first time. Not since the <a href="http://www.pmwf.com/Watches/Tissot/RockwatchFront.htm">Tissot Rockwatch</a> has a watch's material been such a focal point. (Surprisingly, it appears Tissot is <a href="http://www.messinajewelers.com/tissot-rockwatch-r151-p-423.html">manufacturing new Rockwatches</a> although they have no mention of them <a href="http://www.tissot.ch/">on the Tissot site</a>.) Unlike the Rockwatch, however, the WeWOOD DATE has an underlying message of conservation and environmental responsibility. Not only is WeWOOD using natural materials in their watches, in some cases wood scraps that would otherwise be industrial waste, but for each watch sold <a href="http://we-wood.us/pages/plant-a-tree">they plant a tree</a> through <a href="http://www.americanforests.org/">American Forests</a>. The watch itself has some unique qualities. Because it's made from wood, it's very light and it's actually easy to forget you're wearing it. You would want to remember before swimming or otherwise exposing it to water though. WeWOOD claims its watches are "splash-proof", but they carry no official water resistance rating, and they also caution that the wood can swell when exposed to water (although it should return to normal size when dried.) I would err on the side of caution and just not get it wet. The various woodgrains give it a unique look and feel, and no two watches are exactly alike. It also has a nice warmth that you don't find in watches made from more traditional materials. While the watch is made in China, it does contain a Miyota quartz movement that seems to be very accurate. I have no doubt that it should provide many years of worry-free timekeeping. The bracelet has six links that are removable and is easily resizeable using a small screwdriver. It should fit all but the very largest of wrists. The case is close to 40mm wide and the bracelet is about 25mm wide and untapered with a stainless steel clasp. While it's smaller than many of my watches it's a good size and should get noticed. I find this particular color combination to be very attractive, with the various wood grains providing a nice contrast. I'm also interested in the CRONO model, <a href="http://we-wood.us/collections/best-seller/products/wewood-crono-black">especially in ebony wood</a>, although it probably has the least obvious grain pattern of <a href="http://we-wood.us/pages/about-us">the woods they use</a>. My only complaints about the watch are the lack of a rotating bezel and the flat, uncoated crystal. The bezel looks like it should move, with a serrated pattern around the edge and minute markings, but it is definitely fixed. I suppose I wouldn't mind if it was smooth or otherwise didn't look like it should work. A domed or coated crystal would not only cut down on reflections and make the dial more legible, but would also give the watch a little more upscale look. I also find it a bit puzzling or amusing that this model is called DATE yet doesn't have one. These are minor quibbles, however, and I'm very happy with the watch overall. WeWOOD's message is certainly one everybody can get behind, and I think they have a style and color combination of watch suitable for everybody as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/497/dscf0287g.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/699/dscf0287th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6361/dscf0288l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7089/dscf0288th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/118/dscf0291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7155/dscf0291th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7043/dscf0293d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6297/dscf0293th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1338/dscf0294e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/2256/dscf0294th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/8573/dscf0295p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7162/dscf0295th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5269/dscf0296s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8278/dscf0296th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4913/dscf0297m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6296/dscf0297th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6824/dscf0298f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1064/dscf0298th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/820/dscf0299g.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4733/dscf0299th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-89969544799663522912011-01-11T14:12:00.006-05:002011-01-28T16:04:09.202-05:00Casio G-Shock GA-100-1A1DR "Velocity Indicator"<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7797/dscf0262v.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4874/dscf0262th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Here is one of a handful of new G-Shocks I got for Christmas. It's a fairly new model which <a href="http://www.casio-intl.com/news/2010/ga-100.html">debuted about a year ago</a>. Casio says the design was inspired by the <a href="http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1866/dw5900c1.jpg">DW-5900</a> and <a href="http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1224/gw500e1vermensgshockdig.jpg">GW-500</a>, but I can also see a lot of recent <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/search?q=frogman">Frogman</a> in it. The size is very close to a Frogman, in both width and thickness. It also seems to share the case and external dimensions with the <a href="http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/G-Shock/GA110_Series/">GA-110 series</a> and the forthcoming <a href="http://mygshock.com/2011/01/09/better-images-of-upcoming-2011-g-shocks/">GD-100 series</a>. It seems that these watches should appeal to the same buyer as the Frogmen, but at a much lower price point than the new Frogmen. I've also found in the last year or so that G-Shock popularity has grown, G-Shock retailers have become more exclusive (no more G-Shocks at JCPenney as far as I know, now they're at Macy's) and many of the steep discounts that used to be available have all but disappeared. But I digress. Back to this watch, the design is a bit of a contradiction: the "stealthed" bezel and matte black dial tend to disguise the fact that it is quite busy, and are also offset by the bright white hands. I didn't even know until reading the manual yesterday (while trying to set it for the first time) that this watch has a 1/1000 second stopwatch as well as a speed measurement from 0 to 1998 kph. The speed measurement is rather clever, you set a distance that you wish to measure, and then, using the stopwatch, start and stop the timing. Speed is displayed using the three upper dials as well as the lower left display if the speed exceeds 1226 kph, which is Mach 1. As you can also see in the last picture below, the dial illumination is provided by a single yellow LED. That, combined with the inverted LCDs makes the digital displays a bit difficult to read in low light, but the analog hands are always quite legible. Overall, I really like the watch for its combination of size and functionality as well as originality.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3056/dscf0273f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1509/dscf0273th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/204/dscf0260f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1196/dscf0260th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3138/dscf0270f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5462/dscf0270th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2357/dscf0283v.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6536/dscf0283th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-85829768332570998752011-01-04T11:39:00.004-05:002011-01-11T14:23:17.112-05:00Hamilton Mechanical Officer<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9646/img0022ohp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1781/img0022th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Let's start the year off BIG. 44mm to be exact, but it seems even bigger thanks to the dial that stretches to the edges of the case, big numbers and oversized crown. It's my <a href="http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/gents/khaki/field/?id=H69619533">Hamilton Mechanical Officer H69619533</a>, part of the Khaki Field collection. This one is not self-winding, and uses the ETA (née Unitas) 6497 with an approximately 40-hour power reserve. A unique twist is instead of a full display back, this has only a small porthole over the balance which adds to the industrial look of the caseback. The dial is dominated by the oversized 12 and 6 and small seconds at 9. The little dash of red on the seconds dial does keep the dial from looking a bit drab. The strap is heavy with two rows of holes for the double buckle, a functional touch on such a wide strap. Most of these I've seen have been sold with a <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/3017123017_ef17a4f29e_b.jpg">large "Bund"-style pad</a> behind the watch, but when I found this one on sale (and most I've seen for sale lately) they omit the pad. Looks like it's probably just a change in the model since it's shown sans pad on Hamilton's site as well. On such a large watch it seems like overkill anyway, I prefer Bund straps on <a href="http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/04/vintage-wittnauer-mechanical.html">smaller watches that need some bulking up</a>. Shortly after I bought this I also found the matching bracelet on eBay, so after a bit of hemming and hawing, I picked it up (seen <a href="http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/gents/khaki/field/?id=H71716133">here on the Officer Auto Chrono</a>.)<br /><br />My watch buying has slowed down considerably in the last couple of years, but I still have a number of new ones that I will feature here. As I'm sure many of you have noticed, prices for even lower-end Swiss timepieces (not cheap per se, but the more reasonable offerings from Hamilton, Victorinox and various others) have in many cases doubled in the past few years. I still keep an eye out for good deals when I can, but I find it hard to spend $500-600 on a watch that three years ago could be bought easily for $250. The thought crosses my mind occasionally to thin out my collection, especially since I could sell most of my watches for more than I paid for them, but if I wanted to replace them with something equivalent it will cost more as well. For now I think I'll hold onto them.<br /><br />I hope everybody had enjoyable holidays and I look forward to bringing more watches to the blog on a regular (if not daily) basis. Happy New Year!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9958/img0028js.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8740/img0028th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/9711/img0023or.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1549/img0023th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6469/img0020z.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6812/img0020th.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-30671883068913321742010-11-20T21:04:00.002-05:002010-11-20T21:08:45.208-05:00New Posts, New Watches, Coming Soon....I won't promise anything before the end of the year, but I definitely have lots of watches that I haven't featured here (although not as many as in years past.) Keep visiting and you'll be sure to see them. Thanks.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612872442957413863.post-66738376690652746642009-01-02T14:23:00.005-05:002009-01-02T14:57:55.134-05:00Casio G-Shock G-5500R-1DR Rastafarian<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2599/dscf0015edit1024am5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/3803/dscf0015edit320ca7.jpg" border="0" /></a>Remember last year (<a href=http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/12/casio-g-shock-g-5500c-3.html>Wednesday</a>) when I said "I have <a href=http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/07/non-stop-g-shocks-gw-5525a-1-dawn-black.html>two</a> <a href=http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/06/casio-g-shock-g-5500-1jf.html>other</a> 5500s"? Yeah, that was sort of a lie. Well, not a lie so much as an error of omission. I guess for the purposes of blog continuity I only had two other 5500s at that point, but I actually already had today's 5500 as well. I got it for Christmas like the last two, but this one I bought myself. When my wife told me she wanted to get me the other two (yes, she told me in advance to make sure I liked them and hadn't already ordered them myself) I decided to order a couple other G-Shocks I had been wanting from the same <a href=http://stores.ebay.com/Krazys-Collectibles_WATCH-CASIO-G-SHOCK_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ12288692QQftidZ2QQtZkm>overseas merchant</a>. This 5500 is part of the latest <a href=http://www.javys.com/casio/series.php?series_id=YC0023>Rastafarian series</a>, just like my <a href=http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/06/non-stop-g-shocks-dw-6900r-7.html>DW-6900R-7</a>. I think the 5500 is the least unique of the three as from the front it looks virtually identical to the <a href=http://watchaday.blogspot.com/2008/07/non-stop-g-shocks-gw-5525a-1-dawn-black.html>Dawn Black 5500</a> (the Dawn Black even has gold-tone screws which this one does not.) The few nice touches on this one do make it worth having, especially if you really like the other two watches in this Rastafarian series, which I do. The tri-color nylon keepers are shared by all three models, as is the Lion of Judah in the backlight (although it's not as bright as on the non-solar versions.) This one also has gold printing on the bezel and band unlike the mix of white and gold on the Dawn Black. Overall, it's a subtle but nice special edition of the increasingly popular 5500. Happy New Year!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/1303/dscf0008edit1024zg8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4523/dscf0008edit320ay6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4011/dscf0032edit1024yz6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6787/dscf0032edit320hb6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6011/dscf0031edit1024qe3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/5919/dscf0031edit320pq2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4697/dscf0027edit1024tj9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4043/dscf0027edit320dt1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/9199/dscf0023edit1024us3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 328px;" alt="" src="http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/6436/dscf0023edit320ey4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/1449/dscf0021edit1024ls1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8662/dscf0021edit320pn5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3531/dscf0004edit1024pv7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/1686/dscf0004edit320ik7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2506/dscf0002edit1024vr9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 246px;" alt="" src="http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2574/dscf0002edit320dp9.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08852294130180777121noreply@blogger.com3