Seiko SCEB009 Bulhead Chronograph Video

Spotted a video of the Seiko SCEB009 Bullhead Chronograph on youtube.  It looks really good!

Hajime Asaoka -- Independent Japanese Watchmaker

Just read a great article on Purist Pro about Hajime Asaoka who is an independent Japanese watchmaker.  Self taught and a true watchmaker who not only makes all his own parts, but also many of the machines are made by him as well.  He is completely capable of designing, fabricating, finishing, and assembling all parts completely by himself.  Truly an incredible individual.  The post is definitely worth the read.

Click HERE to read the article.

Seiko Bullhead Chronograph Reissue

Seiko will be releasing reissue models of the vintage bullhead style chronograph of the 70’s. The bullhead nickname is derived from the location of the pushers at the top of the watch case which if you use your imagination, look like the horns on a bull. Uniquely styled, it does make the use of the pushers easier, especially for lefties.

SCEB009

WatchRecon

When you buy a lot of watches, it is inevitable that you will eventually look for opportunities to buy and sell second hand.  Craig's List and other local sites offer great opportunities for face to face cash transactions but have a audience with limited familiarity with watches.  EBay is the exact opposite situation and comes with a high transaction overhead.

Watch forums are a great avenue for second hand sales.  Unlike many other hobby forums, membership is free and no special privileges are required for sales listings.  There is a captive, well discriminating audience.  The problem with forums is the seemingly fanatical popularity of a limited menu of models and brands and also with the large number of forums all over the internet means considerable time required to shop around each one individually.

There's nothing we can do with anal retentive, myopic members, but web crawlers can help scan the forums and create a one stop shopping experience.  There are several crawlers out there, but my favorite is one called WatchRecon.  The website for WatchRecon can be found HERE.   WatchRecon scans all the popular sales sites and presents the user with listings including a picture, price, and seller's location provided that information is in the original listing.  The site search engine allows the user to search for brand, seller's name and location and even filter by price and date of listing.  WatchRecon is also available as an app for Android which can be found HERE.  The Android app offers not only same functions as  the web site, but also allows the user to program to receive notifications when a saved search yields hits.  This feature is particularly useful when you are looking for something rare.

For up to date information on WatchRecon, check out the Facebook page HERE where you will find that an Apple iOS app is in the works.

Just a final note that I don't have any affiliation with WatchRecon.  Just recommending the site to my readers.

Have fun and happy hunting.

Seiko: The Star Wars Collection

Jikan Watch Blog is always two steps ahead of all other so called "Watch Source Information" websites and here this morning we are pleased to serve a fresh breakfast brunch of the latest watch related news coming out of Japan to our loyal readers. Today is no exception, as Seiko Japan earlier announced a very cool "Star Wars" themed collection of limited edition timepieces highlighting some of the main characters shown in all 6 releases of this world famous movie franchise. If you happen to be a Star Wars fan, read on.

The Return of the Grand Seiko "Milgauss"

Grand Seiko "Red Logo" SBGX089 Limited Edition

(Photo: Seiko Watch Corporation)

That's right folks, Seiko Japan announced earlier this morning the return of the high performance anti-magnetic Grand Seiko watches after a hiatus of several years from the Japan domestic market. In the press release, Seiko announces the release of two new "Red Logo" models, one quartz sporting the thermo compensated caliber 9F61 with no date display (Rated to -/+ 10 seconds a year) and one mechanical model using the caliber 9S65 movement (Rated to +5/-3 seconds per day). There will be a total of  four variants (2 quartz and 2 mechanical) being introduced as follows:

Orient Star Classic Retrograde

Orient doesn't seem to get the attention that it used to a few years ago.  Its a shame really because most models deliver excellent value.

The Orient Star line is positioned as a mid range level of quality, construction and price.  I have an old model Orient Star Classic and it is a excellent piece.  Long over due for a review.  Easily at the level of a Seiko SARB.  Without question.

The Retrograde models were released a couple of years ago.  I never owned one, but I wanted to.  Based on pictures alone, I would say these are at the top of the line for the Stars.  Excellent casework and bracelet.  Ornate dial.  Sophisticated movement.  To be able to buy this for under $900 US is incredible.  Swiss made would easily cost double.

Click through to see more pictures and fantastic videos from Watch Tanaka and Orient USA.

Video Review Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001

Japanwatchconnection has shared a video review of his Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001.  See the previous entry for this model HERE.

Click through to see the video of this gorgeous model.

Casio Edifice 2012 Brand Book

Casio has released an online catalog for the Edifice line. Some interesting models. I've always wanted to try an Edifice, but never have.

Edifice 2012 Brand Book

EQWA1110DC-1 looks the most interesting to me.  Cool vintage 70's chronograph style with cutting edge solar charged and atomic reception inside.  A quick read of the manual shows that the main hands are actually used for the chronograph instead of the subdials and it is has memory for 10 lap times on the chronograph.  Alarm and world timer functions too.

Hands On Comparison Seiko Monsters New and Old

Redirecting to a blog entry from SJX with a hands on comparison of the new and old model Seiko Monsters.

Changes include not only the improved 4R36 caliber with hacking and handwinding, but also several cosmetic changes as well including a knurled crown, case finishing and a cleaner dial with less text and chrome trimmed index markers.  The painting of the hands also looks different and much better than the original.  The sloppy painting of the Monster hands always irritated.  It is obvious on so many examples and you can even see in his pictures the mispainted edges of the hour hand on the original Monster.  New Monster hands also look to be matte with a slight texture as opposed to the glossy finish on the original.

Already having an Orange Monster, I don't know if these changes motivate me enough to get the new model.  But in a time of major discontinuation of models by Seiko, especially Professional Diver's, its good to see Seiko recognize the popularity of this model and breathe new life into it.

For original post with lots of pictures, click HERE.

Citizen Signature Grand Classic Automatic

Citizen has released the automatic mechanical models to their Signature Collection.  These models were originally showcased at Basel 2012, although only those at the convention were allowed to see them.  Does that make any sense?  Bring a new model to the biggest watch show of the year and nobody's allowed to share pictures.  Whatever.

Anyway my initial impression of the covert pictures I did see was not strong. I have to say with better pictures I like these a lot.  Lots of nice detailing.

Swag

The boys at Arizona Fine Time sent me some free swag.  Contact them if you are interested.  The books make nice coffee table decorations.  Some good history lessons in the Seiko ones too.

Join Jikan Watch Blog on Google+ and Facebook

I've been tinkering around with Google+ and Facebook and made and a page for the blog.

If you're a Google+ or Facebook user, please add me to your circles and likes!

Jikan Watch Blog Google+ Page

Jikan Watch Blog Facebook Page

Review of Citizen Scuba Fin BN0095-08E

I like it when the watch manufacturers give nicknames to their own products.  Saves all the arguing and hurt feelings for watch forum members with nothing more important to be concerned about. 

 

Some Comments about the Seiko Orange Monster SKX781

I wasn’t planning on writing a review of the Seiko Monster. Its been around for so many years and there’s been so many owners that the internet is already saturated with bad-ass Monster content. But its been a slow year and I’m running out of watches to write reviews for.

Review of Seiko Solar Diver SNE107

When it comes to Professional Diver's, quartz models are slim pickings so when I see something interesting I want to give it a try. I had been looking for something with a 3 o'clock crown, traditional case shape with a budget price tag for a while. I decided to give the Seiko SNE107 a spin.

Next Time Bring a Seiko for Space Travel

Or a Casio.  Or maybe even a Citizen.  Have any Citizen watches been to space?  I don't know.

Anyway. Happened across this video of astronaut Don Pettit making a repair to his Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33 while aboard the International Space Station.  Not only did the crown break, but one of the buttons actually detached from the watch and was found later in a filter.

Now the video is a demonstration of Don Pettit repairing his watch under zero gravity conditions with a random assortment of tools.  I think I can hear the Omega fan bois already posturing with the, "Fuck yeah!  Omega X-33 is so cool you can fix it in outerspace with duct tape and a Leatherman!".  However, I may be in the minority which thinks that this the watch should not have broken in the first place and it is not a very impressive demonstration by a watch designed for use in space. Floating debris actually poses a significant risk for critical damage of space station equipment.

Don't get me wrong.  I think the X-33 is a cool watch.  But if I had one and happened to be going to space, I think I'd leave it on terra firma and bring something more reliable instead.

Kudos to Dan Pettit.

Omega Fail.

Seiko Kinetic Battery Replacement (5M42, 5M62)

My father had an old Seiko Kinetic sitting dead in his drawer.  It is a 5M42 which was an early generation model with a capacitor and a 14 day power reserve.  The current calibers of today (5M62 for example) have transitioned to rechargeable batteries with 6 months or greater power reserves.

I offered to try to fix it for him.  I typically don't do repair jobs for people as I break the watch more often than actually fixing it.  But since this one was sitting unused for at least 10 years and I have since replaced it with several other watches for my father, I thought there's be no harm in the potential failure of fixing this kinetic.  Since I could get the second hand moving with some shaking of the watch, I figured all it needed was a new power cell.

Review of Citizen Signature Flyback Chrono AV1000-57A

The Citizen Signature Collection was introduced in 2009 to North America, UK and Caribbean markets and was positioned under the Campanola luxury line. The Signature line features a cohesive design superior fit and finishing with hand assembly. A variety of Eco-Drive calibers are utilized and both men’s and women’s models are included in the line. Since its launch Citizen has been very controlling not only with the selection of authorized dealers eligible to sell this line but also with the simple availability of pictures of the models outside of the dedicated website. http://www.citizen-signature.com/

For the longest time the Signatures didn’t do much for me. I thought they were interesting but priced outside of my normal limit. The one day I discovered a little jewelry shop near my house was an AD so I stopped in for a visit and was pleasantly surprised. Having seen all the models in hand it became easier to justify the expense.

Of the models available, I would say that the Grand Complication, Flyback Chronograph and Moonphase Flyback Chronograph are the gems. The Diver and Perpetual Calendar models are nice and have the essence of the line, but at a little bit of a step down in the level of specialness. The Moonphase is very well done with a very subtle level of finishing on the dial that must be seen in person to fully appreciate. The Grand Complication probably has the most interesting caliber but is on the thick side to accommodate the special caseback necessary for the chimes to be heard from the repeater complication.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Mechanical Watch Demagnetization -- Video

My kid magnetized my Seiko Orange Monster (SKX781).  I was sitting on the sofa minding my own business and he runs up and slaps a strong bar magnet he was using for his science fair project right on top of my watch.

It was just for a second, I thought.

Professional divers are anti-magnetic, I thought.

Well I was wrong.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SBGC001

Compliments of JapanWatchConnection.

Much more after the jump.

Seiko Astron GPS Real Life Pictures and Video

Spotted these real life pictures and video of the Seiko Astron GPS watch.  Looks interesting.  Not as large as I was expecting and the finishing is impressive.  Check out the action of the second hand in the video.  Cool!

Video from leloche






Click to see pictures from Yabucchi Blog.

Japan Watch Industry - NHK Documentary "Begin Japanology"

Japan enjoys a very rich and varied horological history. Unfortunately, much of that past remains hidden or unknown to the western world. It is a common held belief that the Europeans (Mostly the Swiss) have an exclusive hold on the development of clocks and watches, hence, making them the true guardians of timekeeping.

The following is an excellent 27 minute documentary (Hosted by Peter Barakan) that details the history of Japanese horology prior to the 19th century until the present time. This video should further enhance your appreciation and respect for Japanese watches and the immense contributions made to horology as a whole. It also details the development of mechanical and quartz technologies. This presentation should make you see quartz watches under a very different light! They were after all, a feat of human ingenuity 50 years ago, but sadly today they are ubiquitous and gain no respect from so called "Watch enthusiasts".

Anyway, be sure to have you favorite Japanese watch strapped to your wrist, grab a nice beverage, kick back and enjoy this short but intense voyage through the history of Japanese horology!.

New Seiko Monsters Spotted

A friend shared with me a rumor that the Seiko Monster will see new life with a redesigned dial and a new caliber (4R36).

Basel 2012: Underwhelmed

After owning Basel in 2011, both Seiko and Citizen left me underwhelmed this year.  Its been only one year since the earthquake and its not too hard to believe that this tragedy has had a serious impact on product development in Japan.


Here is a link to the Seiko Basel 2012 web site.

Here and here are links to the Citizen Basel 2012 web site.

Basel 2012: Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST003 SAST009

Presenting the new Seiko Astron GPS-Solar model SAST003

Big news coming out of Tokyo this morning...... SEIKO has released their first ever GPS-Solar watch under the coveted "Astron" name. You may recall that Seiko's first quartz watch released in 1969 was named the "Astron" and ever since the name has been closely associated with the company's foray into the lucrative and game changing world of quartz timekeeping. The Astron has seen a few limited edition releases, namely in the year 2000 and most recently, in 2010, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first commercially available quartz watch. While the last 2010 "Astron" rendition was powered by the Grand Seiko caliber 9F62 thermo compensated quartz movement (Rated to 10 seconds a year accuracy), the Astron of 2012 is a slightly different animal.... Here we have GPS/Satellite atomic time synchronization and solar charging which removes the requirement for frequent battery changes.

Seiko Baselworld 2012 Press Conference Scheduled

Seiko has announced the scheduling of its Baselworld 2012 press conference for the opening day, March 8, 2012 at 10am where it will unveil its 2012 collection.

I'm looking forward to this and will try to post as much information as possible.

Thanks Minidriver!

Citizen Eco-Drive METAL

Fresh on the heels of the commercialization of the Citizen Eco-Drive RING, Citizen has announced the release of the METAL line.  This line is named as such because of the use of metal dials which is typical with non-solar watches.  So how is this an Eco-Drive you ask?  Well, Citizen has moved the solar cell from underneath the dial to a ring around the perimeter of the dial.  Some people who spend too much time on watch forums would recognize this as a rehaut.

I think this is a big deal.  The translucence of the dial has always been a limitation to Citizens because of the limitations it imposes to design and construction of the dial.  Over the years Citizen has developed ways around this such as the use of laser perforation or translucence in the subdials only, but for models such as the Campanola line which feature exquisite hand finished dials Eco-Drive was either not possible or was implemented at the expense of dial design.  I guess those of you who really like chapter rings will be disappointed, but I prefer the look of the dial without a chapter ring.

What surprises me is that this has only been announced on the Citizen New Zealand and Australia sites.  Nothing from Japan and nothing from North America.  An innovation like this will surely see a global launch.  Maybe more will be announced at Basel in a few weeks.

Picture and more information here.

Thanks UpstandingCitizen!

Citizen Eco-Drive RING Special Interviews

Citizen Japan's Facebook site has published three video interviews detailing the new RING model.

The first video is in English and is led by Designer, Benjamin Cheng and he highlights the depth and dimension of the dial and moonphase indicator.

The second and third videos are led by Engineer, Yohsuke Noma and Art Director Satoshi Sugiura.  Unfortunately these videos are not in English, but they offer some very nice real life images of this model.  I have to say it looks larger than I was expecting, but the dimensions on the dial are impressive.




Videos 2 and 3 after the jump.

Video Demonstration of Bluetooth Casio G-Shock GB-6900

A video demonstration from the recent CES show of the soon to be released bluetooth enabled Casio G-Shock GB-6900 has been posted and is making the rounds.  This model was previously posted about here and was supposed to be released late in 2011, but was delayed because of the floods in Thailand.

Utilizing a Low Energy Bluetooth connection to a cell phone or computer, this watch can sync the time, as well as notify for incoming emails and text messages.  The video demonstrates an interesting interaction between the watch and phone where a touch of the crystal will signal to the phone to ignore a call and stop ringing.  The video also demonstrates that Casio sees the potential in this technology to connect the watch to other devices like a television, audio player and even a medical instrument.

You know there are plenty of people who will look down their noses at any watch presented at an electronics exhibit, but I think it's great.  We are living in the 21st century and it is interesting to witness the continuing evolution of the wristwatch.  While at odds for years with the cell phone for the utility of telling time, it is great to see the watch and cell phone working cooperatively to improve the function of both items to be greater than each singularly.

The GB-6900 is scheduled to be released in March 2012.

Excellent Tutorial for the Seiko 7S26

I stumbled into an excellent online tutorial for the Seiko 7S26 written by Nicholas Hacko from Sydney, Australia.  Excellent details with great pictures.  This may be one of the best that I've seen.  Looks like it is a work in progress so check back.  Also looks like he has organized an online tutorial so if you are interested in participating please contact him through his website.

I've added a link in the Links section, but thought I'd bring attention to it here as well.

A direct link to the site can be found here.

Citizen Eco-Drive Ring BU1020-08A to be Released February 2012

The Citizen Eco-Drive Ring model was introduced as a concept at Basel 2009 and its commercialization was announced at Basel 2011.  Citizen recently announced that the Ring model BU1020-08A will be available for sale February 8, 2012.