Again and again, Seiko 5s proved to the world that we don't have to spend over half a grand in order to put a classy piece on our wrist. The Seiko 7019-5100 is no exception.
- 06:54:00
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During one of my vacation to Korea, I came across a really cool vintage store where they had a lot of vintage products.
This was the perfect opportunity to find a vintage Seiko. Sure enough, I found the Seiko Actus 6306-8040.
This was the perfect opportunity to find a vintage Seiko. Sure enough, I found the Seiko Actus 6306-8040.
- 18:29:00
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When the two words Swiss watch is mentioned, the thought of a hefty tag will normally ensue in many minds. What if I told you that you don't need to burn a hole in your pocket to own a Swiss mechanical watch?
Swatch, a company known to bring fun and colors to the wrist have managed to bring affordable mechanical Swiss watches to the general public.
Introducing the Sistem 51. Before I even talk about the watch, Let me explain a little about why is it called Sistem 51. The number 51 refers to the number of parts used to bring the movement to life. If that number does not impress you, here is another one, it is made entirely out of plastic and this watch's movement is held together by a single screw. Oh, and this movement has 90 hours power reserve too.
Swatch, a company known to bring fun and colors to the wrist have managed to bring affordable mechanical Swiss watches to the general public.
Introducing the Sistem 51. Before I even talk about the watch, Let me explain a little about why is it called Sistem 51. The number 51 refers to the number of parts used to bring the movement to life. If that number does not impress you, here is another one, it is made entirely out of plastic and this watch's movement is held together by a single screw. Oh, and this movement has 90 hours power reserve too.
- 20:30:00
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The Seiko SARB033 is the perfect watch to be given the nickname as the poor man's Seiko. Priced at about 300+SGD(if bought in japan), it is undeniably one of the essential dress watches under 500 dollars.
- 02:12:00
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Forged by what the watch community think is ideal, this watch is meant to hit the spot in all the aspects of our dreamy timepiece. This completely matte finished diver has lots of expections to meet since it is a HEXA X WUS 74 project. But the question is if it lives up to its expectations.
- 18:51:00
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- 02:00:00
- 0 Comments
Being on my bucket list ever since I have been fascinated with Seiko timepieces, a visit to the Seiko museum seemed surreal. After months of saving up, I finally put aside enough money to make a trip all the way to the land of the rising sun.
The Seiko museum is located near the Sumida river. If you're interested in paying them a visit, you can find their location by simply googling Seiko Museum.
- 06:37:00
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If you know Seiko, you probably would have heard of the Seiko Monster.
Easily recognizable by its arrowhead hour hand and its sword-like minute hand,the Seiko monster is swooned by many Seiko fans.
The Seiko Ice monster is no exception. Retaining what we love about the normal monster, it has a nice little twist to it.
- 08:19:00
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If you love vintage Seiko dive watches with the cushion/ turtle case and you are planning to get one in 2016, Hold your horses.
You are about to be mesmerized by one of the best reissue of the 6309 Seiko has done in my opinion.
You are about to be mesmerized by one of the best reissue of the 6309 Seiko has done in my opinion.
- 06:36:00
- 0 Comments
- 01:54:00
- 0 Comments
Having strapped this rare little tough fella on my wrist for the past couple of days, I would like to share with you guys how I feel about this guy.
The immediately distinguishable stingray is made to take sides instead of appealing to the general public. Its either you love it or you hate it. But we all can agree on one point. It's unique look is not only rare but also hard to come by.
First impressions of this Seiko stingray was that it really shared a close resemblance to the Seiko marine master 300 in terms of case design. It is probably due to its one piece/monocoque case design. It looked heavy until I put it on my wrist for the first time...
The immediately distinguishable stingray is made to take sides instead of appealing to the general public. Its either you love it or you hate it. But we all can agree on one point. It's unique look is not only rare but also hard to come by.
If it's the first time you're seeing the stingray, you will probably notice how well the blue bezel compliments the gold markings of the inner bezel as well as the black dial. Seems like a whole lot of Colour thrown into a watch but it's pleasing to the in an extraordinary way.
If you look at the watch from a 45 degree angle, this is where you will notice the blue bezel beginning to shine as it is really quite a remarkable sight coupled with the sapphire crystal.
First impressions of this Seiko stingray was that it really shared a close resemblance to the Seiko marine master 300 in terms of case design. It is probably due to its one piece/monocoque case design. It looked heavy until I put it on my wrist for the first time...
- 05:57:00
- 1 Comments
2015 was the year that smart watches taken flight. Started in 2001, The first few smart watches out in the market lacked integration with our daily lifestyle devices and hence have been generally unpopular amongst the general public back then.
Today, smart watches have not only integrated with our lifestyle devices but our daily activities as well. They have proved to be functional and a form of luxurious convenience to our lives.
- 05:18:00
- 0 Comments
Taking a break from one of those big brands out there like Omega and Rolex could prove to be not such a bad thing if you actually took sometime to look at what some Indie watchmakers offer.
As fancy as your AP and Cartier pieces are, it doesn't mean that indie watchmakers can't rival them in terms of build quality when they obviously already attain a huge victory over this big brands in terms of affordability.
As fancy as your AP and Cartier pieces are, it doesn't mean that indie watchmakers can't rival them in terms of build quality when they obviously already attain a huge victory over this big brands in terms of affordability.
- 01:49:00
- 0 Comments
Homage timepieces are pieces that are normally inspired by a more costly timepiece which is normally out of reach for majority of collectors due to the hefty price tag.
Do not confuse homage pieces with replicas as they are not quite the same. In fact, very different.
Replicas are pieces that are supposed to be identical to their inspiration in terms of looks down to the brand.
On the other hand, homages are pieces that share an uncanny resemblance to their inspiration in terms of looks. But, they have their own brand. Homages usually use inferior movement and have small unnoticeable differences compared to inspiration to remain affordable
Most importantly, homages are not illegal but replicas are illegal.
Here is an example of a beautiful timepiece with its homage.
Below, we have a picture of the Brietling navitimer. A beautiful pilot chronograph. As beautiful as it is, the price of this bad boy is about 7.9k USD. Clearly out of the reach of many collectors
Do not confuse homage pieces with replicas as they are not quite the same. In fact, very different.
Replicas are pieces that are supposed to be identical to their inspiration in terms of looks down to the brand.
On the other hand, homages are pieces that share an uncanny resemblance to their inspiration in terms of looks. But, they have their own brand. Homages usually use inferior movement and have small unnoticeable differences compared to inspiration to remain affordable
Most importantly, homages are not illegal but replicas are illegal.
Here is an example of a beautiful timepiece with its homage.
Below, we have a picture of the Brietling navitimer. A beautiful pilot chronograph. As beautiful as it is, the price of this bad boy is about 7.9k USD. Clearly out of the reach of many collectors
- 05:53:00
- 0 Comments
Started off as pocket watches with bracelets, wrist watches has been around for many many years with many many different perspectives on its true purpose on the wrist. Today, I will give you a brief insight on my watch collection as of now.
When I was 7, I got my very first watch. A Quartz timex ironman indiGLO. I absolutely loved the LED's glow at that point of time and it was everything I needed in a watch. Telling me the day and date while keeping time at such an impeccable accuracy. I cant be expecting anything less than perfect for the accuracy of a quartz watch.
- 13:06:00
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An actual ZLM01 is actually very rare and there is currently one on ebay for $999.95USD in the following link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZLM01-Genuine-Origl-Waffle-Strap-Seiko-Divers-6105-6217-mas-Only-1-n-World-/171735781191?hash=item27fc400f47
That's a ridiculous price to pay for just a rubber strap. Not only that, the original vintage strap is more susceptible to cracking due to age.
- 06:35:00
- 0 Comments
- 04:40:00
- 0 Comments
Overwhelmed by its sheer weight and size, the Seiko SLD005p takes the crown for the largest watch I've ever put on my wrist till date. It measures up to a whopping 52mm. The fact that little people knows about this amazing diver shows that Seiko has a great multitude of amazing wrist watches to offer yet to be discovered by the general public of watch fanatics.
- 19:56:00
- 1 Comments
Born from the Seiko 7S movement, both the 6R and the 4R have way superior specifications as compared to its predecessor. But which is better?
A simple Google search will tell you that the 6R is way more superior than the 4R. But Why?
Having tried the 4R15,4R36 and the 6R15, Im here to give my thoughts about each of the movements
(4R15) VS (4R35,4R36)
The functional difference between the 4R15 and the 4R35/4R36 is that the latter offers handwind and hacking in its movement. But why is the 4R15 deemed as more desirable instead?
The 4R15 have the exact same mainspring as the 6R15, giving it 50 hours of power reserve which is 9 hours more than the 4R36 which uses the traditional mainspring. Moreover, the accuracy of 4R36 is -25/+35 compared to the -15/+25 that the 4R15 and 6R15 offers.
(4R15) VS (6R15) VS (4R35, 4R36)
Effectively, getting a 6R15 is like getting a 4R36 with improved power reserve and accuracy as it has handwind and hacking.
The 6R15 is also the 4R15 with hand wind and hacking.
The 6R15 is probably like getting the best of 4R15 and 4R36 combined.
If you can afford the 6R15, go straight for it. If not, go with the 4R15. If you just started looking at watches, maybe you can start with a 4R35 or 4R36
A simple Google search will tell you that the 6R is way more superior than the 4R. But Why?
Having tried the 4R15,4R36 and the 6R15, Im here to give my thoughts about each of the movements
(4R15) VS (4R35,4R36)
The functional difference between the 4R15 and the 4R35/4R36 is that the latter offers handwind and hacking in its movement. But why is the 4R15 deemed as more desirable instead?
The 4R15 have the exact same mainspring as the 6R15, giving it 50 hours of power reserve which is 9 hours more than the 4R36 which uses the traditional mainspring. Moreover, the accuracy of 4R36 is -25/+35 compared to the -15/+25 that the 4R15 and 6R15 offers.
(4R15) VS (6R15) VS (4R35, 4R36)
Effectively, getting a 6R15 is like getting a 4R36 with improved power reserve and accuracy as it has handwind and hacking.
The 6R15 is also the 4R15 with hand wind and hacking.
The 6R15 is probably like getting the best of 4R15 and 4R36 combined.
If you can afford the 6R15, go straight for it. If not, go with the 4R15. If you just started looking at watches, maybe you can start with a 4R35 or 4R36
- 05:48:00
- 1 Comments
I was Graced with the opportunity to help restore a 6105, the holy grail for Seiko lovers, I'm really excited to see this timeless beauty come back to life.
I went ahead to K2 Watch co, a well renowned Seiko repairman in Singapore. Located at Tanjong Katong complex, its a 5 minute walk away from Paya Lebar. If you have vintage Seikos that need servicing and you're situated in Singapore, do swing by!
Apparently i learnt from him that this 6105 didn't have original hands and lume. Other than that, the dial, the movement, the bracelet and the case were all original. The movement is rather rusty but its not something that Mr Goh can't fix.
The original hands and lume on the 6105 is supposed to be dulled as they have corroded over the years due to moisture that enters the watch through the turn lock crown.
The turn lock crown, unlike the screw lock crown does not offer as much moisture protection. Hence, over a long span of time, moisture is bound to be found inside the case. Rust and corrosion is common in these vintage Seiko pieces.
I came to a tenacious decision to not change the crystal of the stunning vintage piece because I thought it would look really weird if the the worn out bezel is not changed as well.
It doesn't really make sense to change both the crystal and the bezel because it wouldn't have as much character and depth as it used to have before. Hence, I kept both.
After about a two weeks wait, I received no news about the 6105. Hence, I rang K2 up only to find out that the gearbox is broken as well and they will require another week or so for the new gearbox he ordered to arrive.
Another week gone by and the long awaited message from K2 informing me to retrieve my 6105 arrived.
Within the same week, I made a trip down to K2 during the weekends and I was delighted to find that he found me an aftermarket lume to replace one of the missing ones on the markers.
Not only that, the 6015 now keeps time perfectly. I had it for about half a day and so far it is able to keep time as accurately as my laptop does. Although I'm not sure how long this will last, I will continue to keep track of the accuracy of this time piece and do a proper review about it.
Meanwhile, its time to find a nice waffle strap for this timeless beauty!
I went ahead to K2 Watch co, a well renowned Seiko repairman in Singapore. Located at Tanjong Katong complex, its a 5 minute walk away from Paya Lebar. If you have vintage Seikos that need servicing and you're situated in Singapore, do swing by!
Apparently i learnt from him that this 6105 didn't have original hands and lume. Other than that, the dial, the movement, the bracelet and the case were all original. The movement is rather rusty but its not something that Mr Goh can't fix.
The original hands and lume on the 6105 is supposed to be dulled as they have corroded over the years due to moisture that enters the watch through the turn lock crown.
The turn lock crown, unlike the screw lock crown does not offer as much moisture protection. Hence, over a long span of time, moisture is bound to be found inside the case. Rust and corrosion is common in these vintage Seiko pieces.
I came to a tenacious decision to not change the crystal of the stunning vintage piece because I thought it would look really weird if the the worn out bezel is not changed as well.
It doesn't really make sense to change both the crystal and the bezel because it wouldn't have as much character and depth as it used to have before. Hence, I kept both.
After about a two weeks wait, I received no news about the 6105. Hence, I rang K2 up only to find out that the gearbox is broken as well and they will require another week or so for the new gearbox he ordered to arrive.
Another week gone by and the long awaited message from K2 informing me to retrieve my 6105 arrived.
Within the same week, I made a trip down to K2 during the weekends and I was delighted to find that he found me an aftermarket lume to replace one of the missing ones on the markers.
Not only that, the 6015 now keeps time perfectly. I had it for about half a day and so far it is able to keep time as accurately as my laptop does. Although I'm not sure how long this will last, I will continue to keep track of the accuracy of this time piece and do a proper review about it.
Meanwhile, its time to find a nice waffle strap for this timeless beauty!
- 06:03:00
- 0 Comments
