[the watch geek]

Citizen Nighthawk

2011-09-19T19:36:00.002-04:00

I had this watch for quite a while as my daily wear and really love it. I like everything about it - the complicated dial, the flat case without a bezel and the sporty and tight bracelet. For the price, this is a great watch.

Breitling Colt GMT

2011-09-19T19:25:00.002-04:00

Got this watch on the forum was slightly less than what it would usually go for because firstly the date changes at 6am instead of 12am. Secondly, it would only fit a 7" wrist and lastly no box or papers. I thought it would be a nice daily wear given the condition.

When it finally arrived, I was surprised how shinny this watch is although I had purchased a Colt II which is practically the same watch without the GMT function before. It is a nicely made watch - very striking. It is a little on the heavy side due to the bracelet. The other thing that I really like about the watch is the accuracy of time keeping, which is about +/- 3 secs a day - better than my Breitling Chrono Avenger. Maybe it is time to send my Chrono Avenger for service.

I contacted my local watch repair guy to inquire about the date change problem. He told me that if the watch is keeping good time then wait till it requires a full service to fix the problem.

Keeping this one for now :)

Hamilton Khaki Mechanical

2011-09-19T19:16:00.003-04:00

I have been eying this watch for quite some time and it finally popped up really cheap on one of the forums. Reason for the price is that there is a ding on the side of the case and the original strap is really worn. Other than that watch is okay. When it came, I realised it was a rather big watch - 44mm and the power reserve was that very good - I think less than 12 hours. Not sure it is the watch itself or the model. Flipped the watch without making a lost.

TAG Heuer Professional 200M WM1112

2011-09-19T19:10:00.003-04:00

This was another daily wear potential. It wears comfortably on the wrist because it is light. The dial and bezel gives it a sporty/ classy watch. Unfortunately, the bezel seems to be a bit too worn for my taste.

TAG Heuer F1 Midsize Orange Dial WAC1213

2011-09-19T18:58:00.002-04:00

Got this watch on the local forum and picked it up locally. This was a potential beater but the size is way too small and it just seems even smaller on my wrist. I would have loved to keep it if it was larger because it is a very sporty looking watch. This is a quick flip.

TAG Heuer Kirium WL-1110

2011-09-19T18:50:00.005-04:00

This watch was purchased purely as a flip. I never liked the kirium models due to the stiff bracelet design.

TAG Heuer 2000 Chronograph CK-1110

2011-09-19T18:32:00.003-04:00

I had this watch several years back and I got it for a good deal on the bay. This is a nicely made watch but I finally realised why I sold it off in the first place. The chronograph dials seems rather cluttered together in a rather unimpressive way. So it was back on the bay again.

Casio G-Shock G7900

2011-01-08T20:56:00.003-05:00

I got this watch after seeing several members on the forum talk about it. The design is rugged and stand out from some of the G-Shock models. The strap is very comfortable and the watch is light. Recommended for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Zeno Tonneau with Roman Numerals

2010-06-03T17:44:00.002-04:00

Another eBay score. I have never owned a Tonneau watch before and I thought it is time to add one to my collection. I have own 1 or 2 Zeno watches and have been pleased with their quality. Definitely quality timepieces for their price range.

Seiko Flightmaster SND253

2010-06-03T17:12:00.002-04:00

This is my new daily beater. Got this used off eBay at a reasonable $68 shipped, no box or papers. This watch invoke some mixed feelings for me, it looks better in photos than in real life. What I don't like about this watch is that the case is too small and the dial and bezel looks cramped into a small space. It has a 20mm lug size but the case thickness is 8 mm with the bezel. It is comfortable to wear but it looks a tad bit inadequate on the wrist. Seiko should make with a larger and thicker case. One thing that stands out though is the Seiko 7T92 movement on this watch - the chronograph function is smooth like butter. If you don't mind the smaller and thinner case, this is a quality watch to own.

Zodiac Sea Dragon Chronograph

2010-05-01T20:07:00.002-04:00

This was an impulse buy, never got any wrist time. Attractive looking time piece but on closer inspection watch looks like a toy. The chronograph and second hands look more pink than red (in real life). This model does come in a vibrant range of colors. The only thing I like is the case back - the engraving of the Zodiac sea horse logo - looks something like what you would see on the Omega case back.

Casio Triple Sensor Pathfinder Titanium

2010-05-01T19:55:00.004-04:00

This is a lucky find on the bay. Seller was selling a pair of watches - both had not batteries. I won both of them at half the price of what the Pathfinder is usually sold for on the bay. I had the model with the silicon strap but the strap was too long for me so it was sold off.
The display is great on this watch. The best thing about it, is it is unbelievably lightweight - you barely feel on your wrist for a watch this size.

Hamilton Khaki King Scuba

2010-05-01T19:42:00.005-04:00

This watch caught my attention because of the dial and I never owned a Hamilton before. The price was reasonable considering it was brand new with box and manual.
When it arrived, I was quite disappointed with it. I did not like the fact that it has a "beveled" crystal, althought from the photos it looks like it is the dial had a inner ring. The second hand looks really flimsy when it moves. This watch would make a greater daily wear but I would not say that this is one of Hamilton finer model.

Casio G-Shock DW-9052 Mods

2009-11-14T23:25:00.005-05:00

I got his pair of G-Shocks from a forum member who was experimenting with some modifications. These DW-9052 models are relatively cheap and for a newbie trying out his/her hands on mods, it is one of the most cost efficient models to start with. This model has very basic features - alarm, timer, stopwatch and EL backlight.

The mods for both watches are well done. The bezel for the DW-9052-2V was not painted yellow because the previous owner was going with the black bezel/ yellow words combo, which he included. I will include a picture of it at a later time.

Casio G-Shock Unicorn & Pegasus Lover's Collection Watches

2009-10-11T03:21:00.010-04:00

I was watching a few watches by this Japanese seller on eBay hoping to win one of his 5600 models and contemplating on whether to bid on this set. It seems like a good collector's item since it was released in 1997 and I believe it was the first of the G Presents Lover's Collection. The story is that I won this one instead of the one I really wanted as I got outbid in the last few seconds.

This collection is from the G Presents Lover's Collection and the set comes with 1 Baby G File BG-097 and 1 G-Shock Code Name DW6697. The Baby G has timekeeping, alarm, stopwatch and telememo functions. It has a Unicorn on the background when EL backlight is turned on. The Code Name has timekeeping, alarm, stopwatch, contact code, vital statistics functions. It has a Pegasus in the background when the EL backlight is turned on.

Being white, the watches will get dirty but the fairly easy to get rid of the staining, use an eraser. The Velcro straps on both of them makes the watch rather bulky. I will see if I can get replacement resin straps instead.

According to Greek Mythology, Pegasus and the unicorn are perfect pair. The pure white, winged Pegasus was ridden into battle by the hero Bellerophon on a number of occasions. Pegasus is the symbol of immortality. The Unicorn, with its distinctive single horn in the center of its head, is able only to be seen by a master who possesses a pure and honest heart. It is said that the Unicorn is an animal that brings everlasting happiness. It is a sweet collection to share with your other half.

Casio G-Shock G8000 Watch

2009-10-11T03:11:00.002-04:00

This watch was a impulse buy and I would have to say that the design kind of won me over when it arrived. The design is not sporty at all unlike most of the G-Shock models. I would say this is more techy/ geek. I like the blue tinted display. Besides the basic functions it has world time as well. The strap design however feels a bit awkward at nearer to the lugs. I like the watch but not the color, silver on rubber just seems weird on the wrist.

Casio G-Shock G-100 Analog Digital Watch

2009-10-11T02:57:00.007-04:00

I got this watch on eBay and when it arrived I have to say that I was surprised by the size of the watch. It is smaller than the regular G-Shock but slightly bigger bigger than the Baby-Gs. I like the design of the watch but the negative digital display is not to my liking. Overall it is a basic G-Shock with the analog feature.

Breitling B-1 Watch

2009-05-06T17:55:00.008-04:00

I had this watch for a quite a while now, but I did not post about it because the bezel that came with it was in terrible condition. I got a good deal for a brand new Breitling bezel on eBay and finally got the old scratched out one replaced.

Many consider this a tool watch and rightly so too. It has dual display - analog and digital. The digital functions include - digital time, date/day, alarm, chronograph, timer, 2nd time zone, 2nd alarm, UTC and backlight.

This is my every day watch because I use the alarm daily. It is one of the loudest alarm on a watch, much louder than my Casio digital watches - except the older models. I don't why they made the alarm on the new Casios so much softer.

The other thing is that when you set the digital time, the analog time will automatically sync with the digital time, so there is no need to set 2 different functions.

It is rated at 50m water resistant but I never test it except splash of watch from washing hands. It would be nice if they made it 100m so that you can go swimming with it.

Steinhart Nav B 47 mm Watch

2008-12-29T21:31:00.004-05:00

I have been eying this watch for a really long time. Finally got this one off the bay. It is an impressive watch and definitely worth every cent of it. The quality and finish of the watch looks more fitting of one that cost at leat 3 times the price. It is a huge watch ... 47mm without the crown. With the crown, about 52mm. If you are looking for a affordable pilot watch, I would definitely recommend this one.

Ocean7 G-1 GMT Watch

2008-12-29T20:46:00.006-05:00

I got this OCean7 from my favorite watch forum a few months back. However, the watch was running fast. Although the watch was still under warranty from the manufacturer, they do not honor it if the watch changes hand. I believe a few members on the forum has a problem with this fact. Anyway, I had to get it repaired on my own.

I would say that this model is quite striking but I would say that I was rather disappointed with the quality of the watch and the customer service. Sold it off once I got it back from servicing.

Swiss Watch Repair Center (NYC)

2008-11-11T11:48:00.003-05:00

I had to replace the battery for my Breitling B-1 but I did not want to send it to BUSA as it probably will take longer than "15 mins". Well, my B-1 is my tool watch, I rely on it to wake me up everyday so to be without it for more than a week is unacceptable :)

I found this company from the list of authorized repair centers on Breitling website some time back. It is a small repair shop in an office building on 42nd Street. I waited for 15 mins to get the battery replaced and pressure tested. I was charged $27 + tax which is quite reasonable, for an authorized repair center to work on it. I had some comments that it is expensive for a battery charge. Well, yes if you compare it to a water dealer not authorized by Breitling. So for a peace of mind, it is money well spent.

They are also the authorized repair center for several other Swiss watches - Omega, Rado, Certina, Tissot, Hamilton, Longines, and maybe TAG Heuer.

I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs to service their Swiss watches or just a battery change.

Here is their info:

Swiss Watch Repair Center Inc
60 East 42nd St.
Suite 2328
New York NY 10165
(212)-949-6522
Harri Beutler

Comparison between JG-100 & JG-200

2008-07-23T16:48:00.003-04:00

Here is the side by side comparison between the JG-100 and JG-200. Enjoy.

Telephone Directory Mode

Magic Beam Data Mode

Stopwatch Mode

Alarm Mode

Timekeeping Mode

Game Mode - 1 Player

Casio Cyber Cross JG-200 (Japanese Version)

2008-07-23T16:34:00.005-04:00

As promised here is the other Cyber cross model, the JG-200. This watch is slightly cooler and more ubergeek than the JG-100 models. It has a detachable module that vibrates during alarm and game mode.

Comparison between the Cyber Cross JG-100 & JG-100c

2008-07-23T15:47:00.010-04:00

Comparing the JG-100c (English) and JG-100 (Japanese) model side by side. All the functions are the same, except the Japanese model has a remote control function.

JG-100c (left) & JG-100 (Right)

Time-keeping Mode

Telephone Directory Mode

Magic Beam Data Mode

Magic Beam Message Mode on JG-100c and TV Remote Control Mode on JG-100

Stopwatch Mode

Alarm Mode

Game Mode - 1 Player

Game Mode - 2 Player

Magic Beam Battle

Magic Beam Battle - 2 Player

Infrared Beamers

Manuals

Casio Cyber Cross JG-100 (Japanese Version)

2008-06-11T23:54:00.008-04:00

As promised here is the Cyber Cross JG-100. This model came in a different packaging in Japanese. I got this and the JG-200 off a member from a watch forum. Watch looks new and never worn.

All the functions are in Japanese words except for the time-keeping mode as seen. The functions are the same as the JG-100C model except this one has a Remote Control function. I never tested the remote control function because I don't think it works with newer televisions; considering this model is made in 1994/1995.

Casio Cyber Cross JG-100C Infrared Beamer

2008-06-03T23:16:00.006-04:00

I came across this watch in Yahoo auctions. This watch from the early 1990s. This particular model has the commands in English unlike its Japanese model counterpart (which I will be posting up later). With this watch, you can "talk" with other infrared Beamer (cyber cross) watches or Casio My Magic Diaries.

Display is easy to read and the alarm is loud (unlike the newer Casio watches). Weapons from the Tower Master battle game appears alternately in time-keeping mode with each passing second, which makes looks really cool.

The strap is particularly small, about 18mm width. There is no light function and you need another cyber cross watch to play the game and transmit messages.

It has the following features:
- Infrared "magic beam" communication
- Electronic telephone directory/ memo pad
- Tower Master Adventure battle game
- 10 pre-programmed messages
- Stopwatch and daily alarm

Looks like something Inspector Gadget would have on his wrist. So ubergeek. This is a definitely a great collector's watch - as there is not many around.

Custom Strap with Chrono Avenger

2008-05-30T12:18:00.001-04:00

My custom Red12 strap mounted on my Breitling Chrono Avenger.

Custom Strap by Red12 Straps

2008-05-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

I "designed" a strap and it was made by Zack from Red12 straps. Here are photos from Zack's bench.

Casio G-Shock DW-003 Models

2008-05-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

These G-Shock DW-003 models are one of the earlier G-Shocks. Functions are pretty basic but construction of the watch is chunkier.

Casio G-Shock Mudmans

2008-05-03T14:20:00.000-04:00

I was browsing on Amazon and came across two great deals on the Casio Mudman G9000-1V and G9000-3V. Both were cheaper than what they sell on eBay and had free shipping. This started my craze for collecting G-Shocks models of different colors. I never did wore these Mudmans out because I find the bands rather uncomfortable for a small wrist. They become display units instead.

As for the camouflage version, I got it off the bay. It has an interesting orange color backlight.

Casio Protrek PRG-40-3V - the Outdoor Watch

2008-05-03T14:10:00.000-04:00

After owning a Suunto Vector and X-lander, I wanted a Casio model of a outdoor watch. I got this watch the forum again. Although this watch is a little big on my wrist, it is very light and you barely noticed its presence on the wrist. The display is really big.

I did not get to use much of the functions except the alarm and barometer. The temperature sensor works really fast compared to the Suunto watches. The Suunto models take a while to calibrate while this Protrek takes a few seconds to read the current temperature. I think this is due to the fact that it has 2 sensors. In any case, this is a great watch for the outdoorsmen.

Steinhart Ocean1 GMT

2008-05-03T13:54:00.000-04:00

I got this watch to satisfy the craving for the more expensive Rolex Explorer. I got this watch off a forum that I source for more of my watches.

When it came I was a little disappointed. The size of the watch is not what I have expected - it was the 39mm version rather than the newer models which is the 42mm version.

Other than the size, I am actually quite impressed with the design on the watch. The watch is well built and looks great on the wrist. I would definitely recommend this watch to anyone who wants a quality time piece at a more affordable price.

Breitling Professional B-2

2008-02-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

I got this watch with the intention of keeping it for myself. When it arrived, I did not like the complication on the dial and went for the Chrono Avenger instead.

I had to change the seconds hand because it was bent (from the previous who claims he has no idea how it got that way.) I sent it to Horological Services (a Breitling Authorized Service Center) and quoted me for a whole bunch of things like a complete overhaul recommended for all 5 year Breitlings.

I decided to go ahead with the complete overhaul and it cost me almost 1/3 the price of the watch. Not really worth it on my end but I thought it would be nice for the new owner to get a watch in good excellent working order.

Sold it at a lost but I hope it makes the new owner happy.

Universal Geneve Aero Compax Chronograph 24 HR MODDED

2007-12-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

I got this watch off a forum sales and it is one of the rare 24Hr watch with chronograph movement.

This watch has several modification done by IWW (professionals at watch modifications). The original baton lumninous hands (which seems to blend in with the white dial) were replaced with a pair of Omega blue arrow hour hand and Dauphine minute hand (Used in the Omega Speedmaster). Anti-reflective coating is applied on the inside of the crystal.

I really liked the blue hands on the white dial but I just didn't like the lug size. Went to a new good home :)

Model: Aero-Compax
Movement: Chronograph mechanical with manual winding
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm (excluding crown)
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Crystal: Flat anti-reflective sapphire
Dial Color: White
Bezel: Unidirectional Rotating
Band: Leather strap with Universal Geneva deployant clasp
Water Resistant: 10ATM/ 100m/ 330ft

Glycine Lagunare

2007-10-08T18:56:00.000-04:00

This is the first and only 24mm lug size watch I have. I really like the size and the simple design of this Glycine. It come with the original brown leather strap and an extra carbon strap.

Don Ginsler advertised his straps on the TZ sales corner and I was attracted to custom made weave strap as seen on Lagunare.

This watch is one of my favorites and is a keeper for now.

Swatch Chronograph

2007-10-08T18:39:00.000-04:00

Swatch was one of the first watches I owned and it undeniable that Swatch makes interesting and reliable timepieces. I have seen this model around but was unable to justify spending more than $120. However, I saw it on the forums selling for less than half of the MSRP.

It is a nice watch but after wearing bigger watches, I am not used to wearing anything smaller than my Seiko Diver's. Since it was not getting any wrist time, it was sold off.

Seiko Orange Samurai Ti

2007-10-08T18:34:00.000-04:00

This was a good impulse purchase after seeing my friend's Seiko Samurai (non-titanium version). I would have to say that this Samurai is a well-made and striking timepiece. It is chunky piece but with the titanium version, you barely notice it on the wrist. As with all titanium watch, they scratch easily.

However, I sold it to fund my "dream watch" - also another titanium.

Breitling Old Navitimer

2007-10-08T18:26:00.001-04:00

This watch caused quite a bit of curiosity amongst some members of a forum because of the red sweep hand.
This model does not come with red or orange (some say it looks orange) sweep hands.

When it arrived and after close examination, I noticed that the paint job on the red sweep hand is quite uneven. According to the pros, the hands and lumes are also worked on before.

Another puzzling thing was that this watch has both the old and new reference numbers engraved at the back. Some suggested that it is because this watch was made during transition period to the new reference number.

Aside from these two things, this watch is close to the real deal. The sound of the movement sounds like my car catalytic converter after I stop the car, which is quite normal from a vintage mechanical piece.

However, I could not keep the watch because there was a scratch on the crystal and seller did not disclose this when I purchase the watch.

Breitling Colt II

2007-10-08T18:22:00.000-04:00

This is one striking watch, if not for its 20mm lug size, I would have kept it.

Tissot T-Touch

2007-10-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

This watch worn by Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider.
Love the functions and the fact that is it touch screen. Only thing lacking is backlight for the digital display.

Omega Speedmaster 3510.50 Reduced

2007-10-07T22:12:00.001-04:00

No introductions needed for this iconic model. However, if you like a bigger watch, this is not the one for you ... with its 18mm lug size.

Glycine Airman 2000

2007-10-07T22:04:00.000-04:00

This is a very nice watch with the famous Glycine 24 hr movement.

Citizen Ecozilla ... This is one HUGE watch

2007-10-07T18:49:00.000-04:00

The Citizen Ecozilla is one of the chunkiest watch out there. It has a 48mm case (52mm with crown) and 18mm thick. This model comes with either the stainless steel bracelet or the rubber strap. Other straps cannot fit the lug because of the lug construction. There is a custom made adapter for people who want to put on other types of strap.

The owner of this watch preferred the titanium version (as it is much lighter), so he sold me the watch without the stainless steel bracelet. Without a band or bracelet, it is impossible to wear it as it will not fit other straps. He custom made a pair of 24mm adapters.

I got a Panerai styled military rubber strap from eBay and the textured style goes well with this chunky watch.

The watch was sold almost immediately and the new owner was impressed with the strap.

Seiko Alarm

2007-10-07T18:47:00.000-04:00

This is an Interesting Seiko Alarm watch. Alarm function is set using the sub dials.

TAG Heuer 6000 Series

2007-10-07T18:36:00.001-04:00

This TAG Heuer model is a nice dress watch.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronographs

2007-10-07T18:30:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite models from TAG Heuer .....

This blue dial version has a caseback labeled as the Official Timekeeper of FIA F1 World Championship.

TAG Heuer Exclusive 2000 Chronograph

2007-10-07T18:17:00.001-04:00

I used to be a big fan of TAG Heuers, especially their 2000 series and Formula 1 chronos. But I find that the newer models lost the classic sporty edge to them. However, the latest Aquaracer models are bringing back that image.

Daniel JeanRichard Chronoscope

2007-10-07T18:06:00.000-04:00

I got this watch off the forum and managed to negotiate to a reasonable price because the seller seems to have a hard time selling this watch. I noticed that DJR are not very popular with watch enthusiast .

Like their parent company, Girard Peregaux, DJR makes good and reliable watches but they are just not very popular.

Although this watch has a 22mm lug size, the case is huge - 43mm without the crowns on both sides. Being the stainless steel version, it is also quite heavy. Case construction is sturdy but I wouldn't say that it is aesthetically very appealing.

In no time, this watch was back on the market.

Citizen Promaster Navihawk

2007-10-07T17:58:00.000-04:00

I have set my eyes on this model for a long time but never really committed to buying one. I happened to come across a good deal on eBay because the seller has really bad photos.

The watch is definitely well worn and came with a cheapo worn leather strap. I had this honey color leather strap that I bought by mistake and finally found a good use for it. I put it on this Navihawk and it goes well with the red trim on the bezel.

After playing around with the functionals, I find that I do not like the feel of the watch and how the functions operate. I have had Citizen watches before and I have always felt that the operation of the functions could be a little more user friendly. However, since I had to only deal with basic functions like alarm and stopwatch, it did not bother me that much.

This watch was back on the market with a new strap.

Kronos Military Watch

2007-10-07T17:48:00.000-04:00

I got this off eBay because I like the Plongeur hands, that I thought could be used for my MKII mod. It cost the same buying the watch and the Plongeur hands from MKII.

After it came, I found this watch is a HK production that is widely found on eBay but a seller who probably put the watch together. He has several different versions.

It came with a James Bond NATO band which I replaced with a spare orange nylon strap.

This is definitely a great beater and with the orange strap, it makes the watch stand out too. I listed it on the forum and it sold within minutes.

Seiko SKX 173 Diver's Watch

2007-10-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

This is nice "beater" diver's watch which is reasonably priced. I love the lumes on the watch. This model is often used as the base model for MKII mods. I bought it initially for that purpose but the idea of getting a mod died down.

Jim Carrey - Call to Action on Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi

2007-08-29T23:41:00.001-04:00

2007-08-23T14:26:00.000-04:00

Test Entry Using Blog Entry Poster (Linux)

I downloaded this app on my Linux machine. Testing out to see if it works.

The Beauty of a Mechanical Watch

2007-08-13T15:19:00.001-04:00

Cool video of how your mechanical watches works.

Regulating a Mechanical/Automatic Watch

2007-08-13T15:18:00.001-04:00

IF your your automatic or mechanical is running fast (or slow), this is a great videon on how to get it back to running normally.

Unitas 6497 in action

2007-08-13T15:13:00.001-04:00

Interesting video of the Unitas 6497 movement. This movement is used in many Panny Homage and panny replicas.

My Watch Forum - Installing SMF Mods

2007-08-08T12:55:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I finally had the chance to install some add-ons to My Watch Forum. It is really easy to install add-ons or Mods to the forum. I have not tried other forums so I cannot say that only SMF has this feature or it is the easiest compared to other forums.

Firstly, go to the SMF Modification Site and search for the mods you want or need and download it. Next go to your ADMIN page, under ADMINISTRATION CENTER, just go to packages and upload it. After uploading, apply the mod to your site. SMF will check if the mod is compatible with your version of the forum so be sure to make sure you download the correct version for your forum.

My Watch Forum

2007-08-02T20:35:00.000-04:00

I have just started my own watch forum called My Watch Forum. This is the first time I have tried my hands on running a forum. I am member of several watch forums and I noticed many of them do not employ good forum softwares or tools and it made them look really messy and disorganized.

Getting a domain name was kind of a challenge. A lot of the domain names I want were already taken. My Watch Forum came to me quite easily not because I was thinking of "myspace" because literally it is "my" watch forum. Anyway the domain name was AVAILABLE, which was the reason why I chose it. GoDaddy has great deals on domain names as well as hosting plans. I went with them because I have several websites with them and it is much easier to have them all under one provider.

The most commonly used forum software is from vBulletin. It is a great software with many cool features but it does cost $85/year to lease and $160 to own the license. Since I do not know if this forum will work out, I do not want to put too much money into it. I found this cool website ForumMatrix that allows you to compare various forum softwares - ranging from license to Free and Open Source. I used vBulletin as the base comparison and the closest I found was SimpleMachineForum.

At this point, I got all I needed to start my forum - registered domain name, hosting plan and a forum software.

I will post more about setting up my forum using SMF.

Marathon TSAR Diver's Watch

2007-07-19T18:24:00.000-04:00

Another watch in my collection is the Marathon TSAR. I got this watch in a trade for the RLT29 (which I will try to post at a later time). At the time of the trade, I did not know anything about this watch except some light reading on the WatchUSeek forums. It came with the standard black zulu strap which I am not very fond of. I replaced it with a silicon rubber strap I got from Wal-mart.

According to specification, the dial uses Tritium Vial Technology. The luminous property will be stable for next 15 years (approx.) without charging with light source. "H3" on dial indicated scientific symbol of "tritium." Along with radioactive symbol at 3 o'clock. It is noted that the radioactive dose is way below safe level. Some of the models has the "U.S. GOVERNMENT" is printed on underneath "MARATHON" logo on the dial, but not mine model.

Movement: ETA 2824-2
Depth rating is 300m/ 1000ft
Case material: 316L Stainless Steel
Case size: 46mm (including crown)
Lug to Lug: 46mm
Lug: 20mm
Weight: 93g (without strap)

I love the design of the watch from the dial, the bezel, the case to the crown. It is also a very sturdy watch and it has received some hard knocks. However I wished it came with a 22mm lug. I have fitted several of my 20mm straps and it does not look good because the straps look too skinny on this rugged TSAR.

Di-Modell Jumbo Strap

2007-07-17T01:07:00.000-04:00

I was looking around for a nice strap for my Seiko Diver's 7002-7020 and came across The Straps Shop. They got excellent photos of various strap with various watches. This really allow buyers to see how the strap would look on their watch, which is definitely an asset because I have bought straps that look good on its own but not with my watch. (That's why I end up with so many straps I don't wear anymore.)

The Di-modell Jumbo waterproof strap really caught my attention and I have seen other Divers with tan strap that looked really good.

Since they are located in the UK, I decided to find a dealer in the U.S. as I can't wait to get the strap on my Seiko. I read a lot about Freda Watch Straps on WatchUseek and decided to go with them. Shipping cost is only $1.50, which is very reasonable. I am sure if you order more than 1 strap, it would be more worth it. I placed my ordered on Saturday and it arrived today (Monday), which is really fast :)

Ken from FWS was nice enough to include a strap removal tool, which is a really handy tool to have if you intend to "pimp" your watch with different straps.

Doesn't it look great on my Seiko? I couldn't be happier with this strap. Looks like a keeper, finally!

Seiko Diver's 7002-7020

2007-07-17T00:48:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite watch in my collection. I bought it almost 10 years ago. It is the predecessor of the current SKX171 model, which features the day/date. The dial is pretty stand for a Seiko but I really like about this watch is the bezel.

The parts are from Japan but the watch is assembled in Singapore.

As you will see in the photos below, this watch has many scratches on it.

What happened was, I bought it to replace the standard Seiko rubber strap with a stainless one and the lady at the shop did not put in the correct pin and it got loose.

I used to ride a bike and it came off while I was riding and of course got ran over by oncoming traffic.

I managed to retrieve but the crystal was smashed, the dial and case was scratched. However, the watch was still ticking.

Anyway, I brought to Seiko repair center and got it fixed. It cost me as much as the cost of the watch but I feel that it is worth it.

It has served me well even since and still keeping good time.

Burn Notice

2007-07-14T23:28:00.000-04:00

Jeffrey Donovan in Burn Notice is wearing a .....

Chase Durer Special Forces 1000 XL UDT

Pilot Bracelet for Breitling Intruder

2007-07-14T22:47:00.001-04:00

This watch came with the original Breitling 20mm dark blue leather strap but I decided not to use (since it was brand new). Instead, I bought a-look-alike Ostrich leather band for and a blue silicon band to replace it for wearing.

While browsing eBay one day, I came across an after market stainless steel Pilot bracelet with all the Breitling markings and logo. You don't usually see many of these after market Breitling bracelet with markings and logo. Price was 10% of what the real thing cost, so I went for it.

I hard abit of a hard time fitting the lugs maybe because it is an after market one or just maybe this watch was not mean to be worn with the Pilot bracelet but the Professional bracelet. Here is what it looks like:

I would say that apart from the markings and logo on the deployment bucket and clasp, no one would really be able to tell that I had a fake Breitling bracelet on. Can you?

Breitling Intruder Chronograph Reveil

2007-07-12T18:49:00.001-04:00

This is my first post on this blog, so I will start with my own collection. I recently acquired this Breitling Intruder Chronograph Reveil watch on eBay. The watch come with the original manuals only, no boxes :( However, what surprised me is the condition of the watch. It was purchased in 1998 but it seems like the owner never worn it at all.

The Intruder is discontinued, the last of the line replaced after nearly 20 years by the new B-1. The 'INTRUDER' ref A51035 has the same Breitling B51 movement as the Pluton but the case and dial are new. The Intruder is instantly recognisable by the words 'CHONOGRAPHE REVEIL'(chronograph alarm) on the dial. The dial design owes a lot to the Colt SuperOcean while the hands are like the Aviastar.

Featuring a double time display system - analog and LCD digital - the INTRUDER combines the instant legibility of time shown by its hour, minute and seconds hands with the digital logic facilitating the programming and use of its timing functions. These include a split-time chronograph to 1/100th of a second, and alarm function, a second timezone indicator, a 12hr/24hr civilian/military time readout option along with a time signal.

The watch's highly resistant steel case, with screw-locked crown and recessed crystal, is water-resistant to 100m (330 feet). Its bidirectional rotating bezel bears 360° and wind-rose inscriptions, making the watch easy to use as a solar compass.

Breitling Catalog Photo