Day 1: Casio G-Shock G-7100D-1VDR

Sorry, no fancy name or nickname for today's watch, and G-7100D-1VDR doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Additionally, it's just really not that interesting. Sure, it is water resistant to 200m, has stopwatch, countdown timer, multiple time zones and electro-luminescent backlight, as well as "e-DATA MEMORY" which can store 280 characters, but most of my other G-Shocks do almost all of those things. This one also lacks solar power (relying instead on a lithium cell with a claimed 10 year life) and radio-controlled atomic timekeeping. So what makes it special? Well, to me it's special because it was my very first G-Shock. Sure, I've known about G-Shocks for years (Does anybody else remember the "hockey puck" commercial?) but when it came time for me to buy a sports watch (in my late teens if I recall correctly) I bought a Timex Ironman Triathalon. Why? Maybe price, maybe because I was bicycling a lot, I don't know, but had I bought a classic G-Shock at the time it would certainly have more collector's value. But I digress. The other reason this watch is special is that it was a gift from my wife (girlfriend at the time) on Valentine's day and a total surprise. Of course, when buying me gifts it's almost as impossible to surprise me as it is to get me something I want and haven't already bought. In the end, this is a great watch. It's comfortable, legible, not too big, incredibly durable (maybe my most durable G-Shock) and is definitely my go-to watch when I need something for yard work or anything sweaty, dirty or dangerous. It takes the abuse in stride and I expect to have it for many years to come.

G-Shock Week-and-a-Half Begins NOW!

I have an abbreviated workweek this week as I'll be home tomorrow having windows installed and have the day off for Good Friday. Because of this, I've decided to extend my "G-Shock Week" idea through the end of next week. So, three G-Shocks this week, then five more next week! Exciting, no? (Don't miss the Frogman I posted a couple weeks ago if you're looking for more G-Shocks.)

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

Today I'm wearing a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic. This is the large model (42mm wide with 22mm lugs) and is incredibly legible. The movement is a 25 jewel ETA (I believe the 2824-2) and it keeps great time. This watch pays homage to Hamilton's military watch designs that were made for the US military from WWI until about the mid-1980s. It also bears a strong resemblance to pilot's watches used in the US and abroad. I actually bought this watch used and hoped to be able to use the bracelet on my Hamilton Khaki Field Chronograph, but while the cases look the same, the holes in the lugs are in slightly different places. This is a great all-occasion watch that looks great on the bracelet, NATO straps or leather bands. While it is quite wide, it's fairly thin and slips easily under a shirt cuff. I've worn this watch a lot and never really gotten tired of it. It has a classic design but is still pretty impressive and modern due to its size.

Sector 600 Titanium Analog/Digital

I picked out my Sector 600-series analog/digital watch for today. This is a giant watch that would be overly flashy if it wasn't for its very rugged, mechanical appearance. It almost looks dangerous, like a Rambo-style hunting knife. The watch is a mix of stainless steel and titanium, but don't ask me what parts are which. The caseback is definitely stainless, and the band is definitely titanium, but while the rest looks like it is all titanium, I'm not really sure. In any case, it's not a light watch, but would be a lot heavier without the use of titanium. It has a pretty unique crown guard as you can see in the pictures. While you do need to flip it up to adjust the analog time, without moving the guard the crown can also be pushed to turn on the backlight or rotated to change functions. It has chronograph and countdown timer functions, as well as an additional time zone, alarm and day/date. You can also change the display so most of the LCD is off except for the date. It's one of only a few analog/digital watches I currently have and of those it's my favorite.

Hamilton Khaki Action Automatic

Today I'm wearing a Hamilton Khaki Action automatic. I believe this specific model (silver face, all stainless bracelet, automatic) is no longer in production, although I have seen similar ones available new recently. This is the "large" model, which is actually more like mid-size these days. It's about an inch and a half wide if you don't count the crown and guard. The crown guard is a touch unique to the Khaki Action series. When closed, it's impossible to accidentally (or intentionally) pull the crown out, so the 100m water resistance is maintained. To open, you just flip it forward. The whole watch has a nice feel to it, fairly low profile, but with nice touches like the large luminous numbers and dotted center links on the bracelet.

Orient Titanium Slide-Rule Automatic

Here you go, not another diver! On my wrist and in front of the camera today is my Orient titanium slide-rule automatic (model #CEM58001B.) Orient is a company I was not at all familiar with before I started collecting watches. They are popular in much of the world, especially the far east, and are currently 52% owned by Seiko Epson. Orient is also one of the few watch companies to still use their own movements rather than sourcing them from other manufacturers. This watch uses and Orient cal. 46P 21 jewel automatic movement with day and date. The day is set by pushing the button above the crown which seems to be common among Orient movements. The watch has a large dial which includes a slide rule ring around the edge which is turned by the lower crown. At one time watches like this were popular with pilots and others who needed to do quick calculations, but I have never really used a slide rule nor taken the time to learn how. The watch did come with a nice manual in case I ever want to learn. The titanium case and bracelet have a very industrial look to them but the entire package is very lightweight. I think overall it is very attractive, legible and unique. Like most of my watches, I feel like I should wear it more often than I do.

Bulova Accutron VX-200 Automatic Diver

Let me start by saying I promise to wear something other than a diver's watch tomorrow. But today, it's another diver's watch! It's a Bulova Accutron VX-200 automatic. It's one of my more recent watch purchases, but not a surprising one. First, it's a diver's watch, and I seem to be drawn to their style, functionality and durability. Second, it's somewhat similar to the Tissot Seastar 1000 which I always liked the looks of but was unimpressed with the feel when I finally tried one on. Finally, it was on sale for a quarter of the MSRP which was impossible to pass up, especially since the Bulova outlet store was selling them for much more. It's a great watch, big and heavy but not overly bulky. It has a unique look that stands out in the world of cookie-cutter divers, large screw-down crown and a fantastic bracelet made up of more than a hundred individual link pieces. Overall it's a great watch and I've been very pleased with it.