Two Great Posts on "Watches by SJX"

Just read two great posts on Watches by SJX on two very high end Seikos...the 130th Anniversary Grand Seiko and the Credor Node Spring Drive.

SJX shares not only glamor shots of these exquisite and rarely seen models, but also the largest collection of wrist shots of the 130th Anniversary you'll ever see in a single post.  Great stuff!

130th Anniversary Grand Seiko

Credor Node Spring Drive

SBGA011 -- Grand Seiko "Snowflake"

Japanwatchconnection has been busy lately and doesn't have much time to post. He shared some of his picts of this new Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA011 with me to share. Fortunately words will only distract from the beauty of this one.

Enjoy.

Many more pictures after the jump!

Excellent Videos of Seiko SARB021/023/045 Models

Watchtanaka is a Japanese seller well known for using professional photographs of your favorite watches for sales at their web site.  Seems they have recently started posting videos as well.  With over 500 videos in their youtube catalog, I'm sure they will be getting a lot of activity.

Here are three videos from my favorite Seiko series, the SARB021/023/045.

Impressions of the Seiko SRP043

After my satisfaction with the BFK I decided to pick up the SRP043 because of the similarity in the case.  I hate to say it, but I was incredibly disappointed.  Probably the first time I was disappointed in a Seiko.  Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to like it.  The model has its loyal following, but I just couldn't warm up to it.

Grand Seiko Expansion into the United States Continues

Don't mess with Texas!  Yep that's right.  Timeless Watch Exchange of Frisco, Texas (Dallas suburb) can consider itself the newest authorized dealer of Grand Seiko watches in the United States.  This is the seventh dealer in the US and the eighth in North America.

Here is a link to the Timeless web site.

Here is a link to the Grand Seiko Store Locator.

Just for fun I made a map of all the GS North American dealers to date.  Looks like Seiko is making a presence in most of the major population areas.  Maybe the next targets will be San Francisco and maybe Boston, DC and Raleigh.  How about a couple more for Canada too?  I know one guy in Montreal would like one so he can try on every watch in the store.



View Grand Seiko Dealers in a larger map

Review of Seiko SKA369 Pepsi BFK

This summer I decided I needed to focus on finding a quartz diver. Although I liked the Citizen BN0085, the lack of a bracelet option reduced the long term satisfaction and versatility. Citizen EcoZilla is a bit much for my tastes. Then one day while surfing I managed to spot a Pepsi version of the BFK and instantly fell for it. I was familiar with the BFK models, but had no idea that there was a Pepsi model. A little research showed that not only the Pepsi model international and easily available, it was also very reasonably priced.

Just In -- Citizen Signature Chronograph

Just picked up this Signature Flyback Chronograph from a friend.  Wow!  Citizen really delivers with this line.  A proper review with better pictures forthcoming. 

Introducing the Limited Edition Eli Manning Citizen EcoDrive with a Meet and Greet

Citizen is launching two Eli Manning Limited Edition models with a meet and greet with the quarterback of the New York Giants Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 5:30 pm on the main floor of the Macy's Herald Square store in New York City.

Picture from Citizen Watch Co.

The limited edition model is available on either a strap or bracelet and is basically a customized version of the recently released Perpetual Chrono A-T featuring a navy blue dial with red accents.  Each model is limited to 1,000 units each.

The bracelet model is AT4009-59L with a MSRP of $675 while the strap model is AT4009-08L with an MSRP of $599.

More information for the event can be found here.

Here is are links to the bracelet model and the strap model.

EDIT:  Some nice pictures of the event can be seen here.

Interview with Yosh Kawada of Seiko USA

Mitchel Hirsh has been kind enough to host an interview with Yosh Kawada Senior Vice President of Seiko USA and share it publicly.  This is an excellent interview and Mr. Kawada offers insight into aspects of Seiko that are not typically shared with customers of the West.  Lots of good stuff here and worth the 15 minutes.

More North American Grand Seiko Dealers Added

Seiko has added two more Grand Seiko dealers to the North American market which include Old Northeast Jewelers in St. Petersburg Florida and Rodeo Jewelers in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.  Unfortunately the Seiko Boutique store which was located in Toronto seems to have closed.

This brings the total number of North American Grand Seiko dealers to seven with six of those residing in the United States.

For the complete list of Grand Seiko dealers with contact information click HERE.

Some Japanese Domestic Pens

Events have slowed down a bit in my watch world.  Sold off a bunch of stuff earlier to raise funds for something special.  Maybe more on that later if I actually follow through.  I also have a couple more reviews I am working on which I will complete soon.

I've developed a bit of a fascination with EDC (every day carry) lately.   While reading a favorite EDC blog I discovered that like watches, Japan also keeps some of its coolest pens in Japan and there is a site called jetpens.com which is located in California which supplies Japanese pens, paper and other office supplies.

Now I know Japan makes some very nice fountain pens but I'm not interested in those so much.  I'm interested in EDC and daily use material with a budget price.  Here are the four items I selected.

Social Networking

Citizen recently launched Twitter and Facebook pages.  Check them out.

http://twitter.com/#!/CitizenEcoDrive

http://www.facebook.com/CitizenEcoDrive

http://www.facebook.com/CITIZENwatch.jp


While you are at it visit Seiko too.

http://twitter.com/#!/seikowatches

http://twitter.com/#!/SeikoUSA

http://www.facebook.com/Seiko




and Casio

http://twitter.com/#!/GShock_US

http://twitter.com/#!/GSHOCK_UK

http://twitter.com/#!/GSHOCK_OFFICIAL




If I missed something, please drop a comment.

Select Orient Star Models to be Released Internationally

Orient has announced the release of selected Orient Star models to the international market.  The Orient Star line is Orient's mid tier offering which prior to this was exclusive to the Japan market.  The Orient Star line has a nice mix of sporty and classic Japanese dress styles and Orient has selected three main models for the international market.

Grand Seiko Roadshow at Arizona Fine Time October 14th!!

Looks like Joe Kirk and the boys at Arizona Fine Time will be hosting the Grand Seiko Road show scheduled for October 14, 2011.  AZFT is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Limited Edition Ultraman G Shock to be Released

I saw this posted on myghock and decided this is the coolest limited edition G Shock ever made.

Casio is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Ultraman with a special limited edition release featuring a customized DW5600 and collector tin.

Orient Delivers a New Look to an Old Favorite

Orient has redesigned their venerable Mako line of dive styled watches.

Seiko to Release FC Barcelona Official Licensed Chronographs

Earlier this year Seiko announced an official partnership with soccer/football club FC Barcelona.  For more details, please see this post.

On October 21, 2011 Seiko will release three commemorative FC Barcelona models featuring the team's shield displayed on the dial and caseback along with team color highlights.  All three models will be chronographs with SCJC043 being a 7T62 and SCJC045 and SCJC047 being 7T92.

More pictures after the jump.

Orient Celebrates 40 years of Caliber 469

Orient is celebrating 40 years of caliber 469 with a limited edition reissue of its King Diver. With its characteristic stick hands and internal bezel, the reissue King Diver will come in stainless steel as well as IP/PVD finish. The models will be released September 23, 2011 at a price of 42,000 to 47,250 yen with 3,000 available to the international market and 500 available for Japan only. More information below.

Two Brothers From A Different Mother

Two representatives from my summer of diver love.  Seiko models SRP043 (left) and SKA369 (right).  Two models which are very similar but very different.


More later.....

Review of Citizen World Perpetual AT CB0010

In 2010 Citizen released to the US market a line of simple analog radio controlled models named the World Perpetual AT. This was an exciting time for enthusiasts of radio controlled watches because Citizen finally made this technology available to the US market in regular looking watches with no gadget overtones.

 

Nice Article about the Seiko Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater

HauteTime blog has a nice article about the Seiko Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater.  This is a truly special model for Seiko with only 3 produced per year.  Rumor has it that one will find its way to a US Grand Seiko dealer in the next year or two.

HauteTime Blog

Review of Citizen 300M Diver BN0085-01E

I bought this a couple of months ago and I think its a great model. 300M water resistance. ISO rated. Beautiful textured dial. Awesome lume. Solid, heavy hunk of steel for a case. Very comfortable rubber strap. Promaster branded spade buckle.

Some Old Commercials

Found some old Seiko and Citizen commercials on youtube.

First up is a 1978 Seiko commercial from Japan featuring a young Kate Bush.  For real.




Five more after the jump!

Video Review: Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001

After 2 months of ownership, it was time to put together a video review of this sublime watch. Hope our loyal readers enjoy!.

New Citizen Calibre 2100 Models Spotted

Spotted two new Calibre 2100 models on the Citizen US website.

AV0050-54A

Pict from Citizen

AV0050-54H

Pict from Citizen

It Was a Simple Surgery

I took my Seiko SKX007 into the pool a few times last week and soon noticed the normally smooth bezel action had turned very stiff.  Decided to take a look and see what was wrong.

Popped the bezel off with a Swiss Army Knife.  The bezel assembly is composed of three simple parts....the bezel itself including the insert, the bezel spring, and a simple gasket.  I find the bezel spring to be an interesting contraption.  Two posts point down and will attach to corresponding holes in the case.  Two flat springs are elevated above the ring which will engage with the indentations on the underside of the bezel to deliver the measured clicks and will also prevent the backward movement (clockwise) of the bezel.  The gasket provides the smooth feeling of a normally operating Seiko bezel but it requires lubrication with silicone grease.  Since the bezel assembly is not protected from water, this gasket can dry out.

One look at mine and sure enough it was completely dry.  Fortunately it was not torn or otherwise damaged.  A quick application of silicone grease to the gasket, re-installation into the bezel and a simple snap of the bezel back on the case and its good as new.

Total project time took me about 15 minutes including the picture taking and cost me nothing. Perfect.  Sometimes you win.

Anyway, since I had it apart, I decided to snap some pictures and post them up.

Summertime

Real Life Pictures of Citizen Appleseed XIII

Joe from Arizona Fine Time was kind enough to share with me his real life pictures of the Citizen Appleseed and allow me to post them here.

Fifth Grand Seiko Dealer Added to US

World Lux located in Seattle has been added as the fifth Grand Seiko Dealer in the US.  This is a pleasant surprise as Seiko slowly expands it the availability of its luxury line to more regions in the US.  Looking at the map and I wonder if there is any opportunity for another dealer in the Southeast.  Maybe Atlanta?

Click here to see a complete list of Grand Seiko Dealers in the US.

Review of Casio G-Shock DW-5000SL Spike Lee

This watch brings me right back to the 1980’s.  Not only is it a reissue of the original G Shock DW-5000, it is also a signature model by filmmaker Spike Lee who made his big spash in the late 80’s with “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing”.  And that’s the double truth, Ruth.

Citizen Appleseed Satellite Wave: New Information has been released

(Photo caption: Citizen Watch Co - Japan)

That's right folks. Citizen Japan released early this morning new information about their most exciting new watch offering of the year. Citizen has positioned themselves , once again, as the pioneers of GPS satellite enabled timekeeping.

Some quick tid bits of information about the new watch:

• Limited edition release of 990 pieces world wide
• Japan retail price: 336,000 YEN ($ 4,164 USD at today's exchange rates)
• Movement: Eco-Drive Satellite Wave caliber H990
• Dimensions: 48.5mm case width by 20.4mm thick (This watch is a monster!)
• Materials: Sapphire crystal with AR coating.
• Steel + Ceramic case with Duratect coating
• Urethane band strap
• Water resist to 5 ATM or 50 meters
•  Functions: GPS satellite signal reception, perpetual calendar, world time for 26 major cities (No alarms, chronographs or count down timers on this watch).

Market release date: Early to mid September, 2011.

Original press release here in Japanese.

Translated press release in English here

More Citizen Attesa Direct Flight Photos

Rakuten, the well known Japan based online retailer has posted some fairly nice close ups of the new Citizen Attesa BY0040-51F:

Seiko Super Runners EX

Seiko will be releasing the PROSPEX Super Runners EX line in Japan on June 24, 2011.

The New Citizen Attesa Direct Flight Is Launched

(Photo Caption: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd - Japan)

The newly re-designed Citizen Attesa "Direct Flight" will take off come June 9th, 2011 in the Japan domestic market. The model's new case and bracelet design are aimed at a more mature and business oriented type of wearer with its smaller dimensions and a more comfortable bracelet. If you are a fan of the older 2009 and 2010 Direct Flight releases, don't fret..... Looks like the new watches will be additions and not direct replacements to the current Attesa H610 lineup.

Hope Japan -- G Shock

Saw on mygshock that Casio is offering a limited edition line of G Shock watches with all proceeds to go toward the continued efforts for earthquake relief for Japan.

The models are designed by Eric Haze who all G Shock fans should be familiar with and feature the simple "Hope Japan" logo on the white band of each model.  Model numbers are DW-6900FS-8HJ, G-7900A-7HJ and GA-110C-7AHJ and are available through gshock.com at prices of $89, $99, and $120 respectively.

More info here.

More Details Are Released About the new Solar Citizen" Chronomasters"

Photo courtesy of Citizen Watch Corporation, LTD - Japan

Citizen Japan released today more details about the most significant product update done to the "The Citizen" line since 2005. Right now we know more about the watches and the new solar high end quartz movement that powers them. We now also know that they will be released in the Japan domestic market at the end of June, 2011.

The Citizen Chronomaster CTQ57-0961 has Been Discontinued

Citizen "The Citizen" Chronomaster CTQ57-061

"Close to the hearts of people everywhere"

(Photo Courtesy of http://www.012.co.jp)

From the "Chopping block" file comes official word that the Chronomaster CTQ57-0961 has been discontinued by Citizen Japan after a 6 year tenure.

The watch was reviewed earlier last week here

This model was my favorite in the Chronomaster series. Not just because I happen to own this wonderful watch but because it was the most affordable 38mm "Oyster case/bracelet" variant, made in stainless steel with Citizen's Duratect surface treatment and lumed hands and dial markers. The photo caption above shows the fairly bright and long lasting luminosity of this watch. Probably one of the best among high end dress watches.

The steel CTQ57-0961 was introduced in 2005 along with the more expensive Titanium + Duratect 38mm oyster case variants with black, blue, white and champagne colored dials.

This watch retailed in Japan for 231,000 YEN. I can say that this is a lot of watch for the money. From build quality, finish, attention to detail and high end A660 thermo compensated quartz movement with perpetual calendar, independent set hour hand and -/+ 5 seconds per year accuracy, this watch is probably the only timepiece you'll ever need (For those of us hot and heavy into this hobby, there is no "One watch", but you get the idea).

Unfortunately, the main online Japan based retailers report "Sold out" status with this model. It is also not clear at this time if other Chronomaster models have been discontinued as well.

Looks like it will be replaced with the all new "Eco-Drive" solar powered Chronomaster unveiled at Basel World in March. See Jikan article here.

The new solar models will be released later this summer and have a lower retail price of 210,000 YEN. As more details about the new Eco-Drive models become available, rest assured that Jikan Watch Blog will bring you all the latest details and photographs right to your browser.

New Orient Star Models Spotted

New Orient Star models have been posted on the Orient Japan website.  The Orient Star line is a Japan only product comparable to the Seiko SARB models.  These new Orient Star models are similar to the existing Orient Star Classic line although the new models are more traditionally styled with a 3 o'clock crown and date window and no power reserve indicator.  I know it makes no sense that the Classic line is actually less classic designed than these new models, but follow Orient long enough and you get used to these little quirky things.

WZ0011DV

"Leaked" Photo of the New Upcoming Citizen Attesa Direct Flight

This appears to be the yet to be released Citizen Attesa Direct Flight model BY0040-51F

(Photo courtesy of Journal.mycom.co.jp)

This is the first "Real life" photo we have seen of the new Attesa Direct Flight models since the Citizen press release at Basel World '11 in March. The watch has a release date of June 2011 in the Japan domestic market, but was informed by a reliable source that due to the aftermath of the Japan earthquake tragedy in early March, the watch release has been pushed back to August, 2011.

New Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 Arrival

I had the pleasure of receiving this beauty just about 2 weeks ago from Mr. Joe Kirk at Arizona Fine Time (www.azfinetime.com). AZFT was the first Grand Seiko dealer to offer these wonderful watches in the US as of late 2010.

This year I set out to get a couple of Seiko Spring Drive grails and decided on the Ananta SPS007 SD Chrono and the GS SGBGE001 SD GMT as "40th birthday" presents. Indeed, once you get over the hill it is crucial to have some fine timepieces for the journey into the golden years :P

In between been very busy in between schedules, I simply did not have the time/tranquility to sit down and immerse myself into this sublime watch.

So... Better later than never, eh?

Much has been said and written about this watch over the years, so I'll let my humble pictures do much of the talking.

And here it goes.... The official unboxing ceremony of the mighty SBGE001 8) :

Jikan Video Review: Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SPS007J

Yet another watch video review for the pleasure of our loyal readers. Enjoy!

See how this magnificent watch is put together by Seiko Japan:

Last Call: Higuchi Has Received Last Few Stocks of Seiko SBCM023 Quartz Divers

Seiko Prospex SBCM023 Quartz Diver Caliber 8F35

That's right folks. Higuchi has reported receiving what could possibly amount to be the very last shipment of brand new Seiko Prospex SBCM023 quartz divers here

He doesn't specify how many pieces he is got but all of them are up for grabs at this very moment at his usual great price. As a matter of fact, I just picked one up as this legendary 8F35 high accuracy diver with perpetual calendar and ISO rated 200m case is simply no more.

So there you have it. If you have been on the fence about this watch, the time to act on it is now. Keep in mind that existing inventories have been depleted all over Japan ever since Seiko announced the discontinuation of this model. This comes as no surprise because other JDM online retailer said that the SBCM023 was the best selling Seiko diver watch in Japan, bar none!.

Snooze and you will lose!

Edit: Higuchi says that as of 5/20/2011 he is completely sold out on this watch.

Jikan Video Review: Citizen Chronomaster CTQ57-0961

Hope our dear readers enjoy this video review I recently prepared about this fabulous watch:

Win a Seiko Discus Burger!

I happened to see posted on the WUS Seiko/Citizen forum that monochrome.nl is offering to give away a free Seiko Discus Burger in celebration of the site's 5 year and 5 month anniversary.

Image from Monochrome.

The Seiko Discus is part of the Moving Design Collection and is a unique watch because it uses moving dials instead of hands to display the time.  Inside runs the 6R15 caliber.

Entry requires:

1. Subscription to the Monochrome newsletter to receive the newest posts in your mailbox
2. Become a fan of Monochrome on Facebook
3. Become a fan of MB&F on Facebook

Check out the monochrome site for more details.

More "Casualties" Arising from Seiko's Latest Product Consolidation Efforts

Yesterday I was perusing the official Seiko Japan web page (www.seiko-watch.co.jp) and while checking out the mechanical watches under the "Brightz Phoenix" lineup, I discovered that the pair of 8L35 powered 200m divers (Models SAGQ005 & SAGQ007 respectively) are suddenly missing from the product catalog. My hunch is that these models did not sell well upon their 2010 introduction at Basel World (And to much fanfare in part of Seiko executives at the time). While I never had the pleasure to handle one it seems to me they looked a bit too generic given their $2K+ price tag. They actually have a strong resemblance to the now popular 7S26 powered Seiko divers nicknamed "Stargate".

Seiko JDM Discontinuations Continue

A reader sent in a note that the "Land Monster" models have been discontinued.  These are SARB047, SARB048 and SARB048.  These models were released a couple of years ago and were basically the case and bracelet of the regular Monster with a 6R15 caliber inside and a land oriented hand, dial and compass bezel.

Also hearing rumors that the green dialed SARB017 Alpinist is on its last legs.  At least that one has been around for a while longer.

All these discontinuations don't bother me so much as the lack of replacements does.  Hopefully some new models will be introduced in the next few months.

I wonder if all these changes have been planned or if the events associated with the earthquake have accelerated the decision making.

Video Friday: Grand Seiko Spring Drive 200m Divers

When you think of Grand Seiko watches, the first thing that comes to mind are classically styled, non-descript and superbly made high end timepieces. However, Grand Seiko was really never associated with sports or active lifestyle watches. That perception began to gradually change back in 2002, when the first ever GMT Grand Seiko was released, the SBGM001 9S mechanical. Then circa 2006 the Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 was released. This model features a 200m steel diver's case, complete with screw down crown at the 4 o'clock position, lumed hands/dial markers and a rotating 24 hour bezel made in sapphire and also lumed. The year 2007 also saw the release of the first ever Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronographs from the SBGC series sporting the then all new 9R86 movement.

But even until then, there wasn't a "True" ISO rated diver's watch under the GS umbrella. So in the Spring of 2008 Seiko introduced at the Basel fair the first ever pair of 200m rated Spring Driven ISO divers in both stainless steel and titanium cases and bracelets. Models SBGA029 (Steel) and SBGA031 (Titanium) made their debut and not without criticism from Seiko fans and others alike who perceived these models to be too similar looking to famous watch offerings from Swiss heavyweights such as Rolex and Omega. These models were a departure from the Grand Seiko watch design philosophy with their 44.3mm cases, ceramic rotating timing bezels, big "Cathedral" styled hands, power reserve indicator, and generous amounts of dial lume in the hands and markers. Also the bracelets have pins and collars instead of screws and the sport clasp has the same exact ratchet system diver's wet suit extension as found in tool divers from the Prospex range. And finally a nicely sized sports clasp with multiple micro-adjustment points. In sort, the new GS 200m Spring Drive 9R65 divers were viewed as a wild departure from the core principles of the brand.

Whether you like their styling or not, it is hard to ignore their significance and superb finishing, not too mention the innovative Spring Drive movement that powers them. Are these the ultimate luxury "Desk Divers"?

Video Friday: Grand Seiko 36000 Hi-Beat 9S85

The Grand Seiko 36000 Hi-Beat (SBGH001, SBGH005 & SBGH013) are considered to be the "Holy Grail" of mechanical watch lovers, and more so, of those who focus their collection on Japanese timepieces. Grand Seiko has a long history of hi-beat calibers that were produced in the 1960s and early 1970s. The current 9S85 caliber was released in 2009 after a forty year absence from the Grand Seiko product line. This model features a 55+ hour power reserve, +5/-3 seconds per day guaranteed accuracy (Better than Swiss COSC), and a 37 jewel hand assembled movement. The watch dimensions are 40mm case width by 13mm thick. Total weight is 151g with no bracelet links removed.

These watches are priced the same as high end Grand Seiko Spring Drive offerings. It is a very special watch and made for those who are fierce admirers of fine traditional watchmaking.

Seiko Izul Chronograph Video

The Izul chronograph is not mentioned much these days.  Released in 2007 and it is a marvel to look at.  Spring Drive chronograph.  Super cool rotary case design.  Check out the subdial hands.  They are the exact same shape used on Seiko stopwatches from the 1960's.

Dear Citizen Watch Company -- Re: Signature Line

I love the Citizen Signature line, but you have to modernize the caliber selection.

Using a modified version of the E210 chronograph was a fantastic idea.  That is an excellent caliber (dare I say historical) and a perfect match for the quality of the Signatures.  I hope its use continues for many more years. The Grand Complication caliber is OK too for many of the same reasons.

But the other calibers have to go.  There's nothing wrong with them per say, but they are found in base models and are antiquated.  I am disappointed to see that with the new diver model for the Signature line you are continuing to use the E820 multifunction which is not very functional and a ho-hum three handed analog.  True they are perpetual calendars, but in this day and age, I don't think that is so innovative.  More importantly they are not fitting for a luxury watch line.

Please take advantage of your radio controlled analogue calibers.  I'm specifically referring to the three handed analogue H144 and the multi function H610.  Radio controlled.  Perpetual calendar.  Separate motors for the hour and minute hands makes the world timer, chronograph and alarm actually functional.  Cutting edge technology.  These are awesome calibers.   Premium calibers for premium watches.  You have them.  Nobody else does.

The Signature line is something special.  People want a special watch and that includes a special caliber inside.  The Appleseed GPS watch has created an incredible amount of attention.  Far more than I would have expected.  The market is ready for quartz to be special again.  Put your most special calibers in the Signature line.  Trust me on this one.

More Discontinued Seikos

More Seiko models have been discontinued.  Its a shame to see some of these models go which include the rest of the models with the high accuracy 8F caliber, the vintage style SARB, Power by Design chronograph and the orange dialed titanium diver named the Shogun. 

I wonder if the issues with the tsunami have accelerated the departure of some of these models.

SBQK083

New Grand Seiko Hi Beat SBGH013 Release

Seiko Japan has just released another caliber 9S85 based "Hi Beat" mechanical model sporting a more classic case design, cream colored dial, arabic numbers and blue seconds hand. The SBGH013 comes fitted with a brown croc strap.

Seiko Diver SBCM023 Discontinued

Just saw a tweet from Chino Watch that the Seiko Diver SBCM023 has been discontinued.  This model was a professional diver with the venerated 8F35 caliber inside delivering 20 seconds per year accuracy, perpetual calendar and 8 year battery life.  Many consider the 8F to be an example of high-end quartz and with its relatively low price it offered a good entry point for both quartz and diver fans.

Picture from Chino Watch

Excellent Review Found -- SEIKO 4S36 GMT Retrograde SARN001

Review is an understatement.  This one is a thesis.  Don at the TimeKeeper Forum has prepared one of the best reviews I have ever read on the SEIKO 4S36 GMT Retrograde SARN001.  He first starts with a Ray Bradbury-esq science fiction intro followed by a survey of Seiko World/Duo Timer models, followed by a genealogy of the 52xx/4S caliber.  Now if that wasn't enough for you he wraps it all up in a nice package and  finishes with a comprehensive, hands on review of the SARN001.

Click on the link below and check out this review of an interesting model that I know I have a greater appreciation for after reading.

 http://www.timekeeper.co.nz/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=763

Picture from watch-tanaka.

Grand Seiko Handling Videos

Its been 6 months since the Grand Seiko line was launched here in the United States and abroad. The watches have peaked the interest of collectors for several years now, but it wasn't until 2010, that you could walk into a brick and mortar and have the opportunity to experience them first hand (Grand Seikos have been selling in Seiko Centers and factory sanctioned boutiques worldwide for a few years now). However, with only 4 authorized Grand Seiko dealers in the country at present, it is still difficult for most, including yours truly, to have a shot at handling these exquisite watches. Until the Grand Seiko network continues to further expand, here are a few videos that will give you a better idea of the look and finish beauty of Seiko's very best timepieces. Hey, not the same as "being there", but still pretty close to wet our appetites....

Grand Seiko Spring Drive "Snow Flake" SBGA011:

Many more videos after the jump....

Some New Retro Looking Citizen Chronographs

I saw some cool retro looking chronographs while browsing through the Citizen European web sites.  These models feature the solar charged B612 caliber with a 210 day power reserve, a 60 minute chronograph, 1/5 second center post hand, and a 24 hour indicator subdial.  Manual is here.

Sure Citizen has lots of multi function models, but sometimes it is nice to have just a simple no nonsense chronograph.  Besides I think many would find the retro look of these models attractive.

CA0130-40B