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!

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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.