Seiko 7A28-7040 Quartz Chronograph

A friend sent me his 7A28-7040 to bring back to life.  Having never seen one in person before, I was happy to help him out.

Seiko Caliber V158

One of the few unfortunate things associated with the more reliable quartz, solar charged watches is that pictures of the movement are rare simply because there's hardly ever any reason to open up the watch.

I previously wrote about the Seiko solar diver model SNE107 HERE which uses the V158 caliber inside.  A friend was kind enough to open up his Rail Road approved model which happens to contain the same movement and shared a picture with me.  Looks like a nice construction with a metal top plate and 2 jewels.

Recall -- Seiko Solar Chronograph Diver

I noticed on the Seiko Japan site there is a recall on the bracelet models of the Solar Chronograph Diver models.  Apparently the end links can deform from violent force.  The notice is limited to products with V175-0AD0 and V175-0CF0 stamped on the caseback.  Owners are encouraged to contact their local customer service.

Original Link

G Shock on Gear Patrol

Gear Patrol recently published a nice article on G Shock.  Check it out HERE.

Seiko 7C43-7010

If you think this is an SKX007, you'd be sadly mistaken. It’s something so much better.

Introduction To Watches

I like to follow gear and tech related blogs and sites. I don't have the time to follow these fields closely so its always good to let those more dedicated than I to do the heavy lifting. What you'll quickly find is there's a lot of cross interest between these sites and watch collecting.

I was reading one of my favorite sites called Everyday Commentary, and dropped a comment answering a basic watch related question. The site author, Tony, contacted me and asked if I was interested in writing a basic watch primer for his site. I said sure and this is the product of that exercise. Intended to be very high level, but I thought someone here might find some value in it.

Casio G Shock G9000-8 Stormtrooper Mudman

The Mudman has seen many iterations of both module and case.  The G9000 is my favorite and this particular model is my absolute favorite.  Nicknamed the Stormtrooper like everything else that happens to be white with black accents, the name is somewhat misleading as the resin is more of a khaki color.  With an orange tinted display and a white framed dual display makes this model more unique amongst G Shocks.

In Depth Article about the Seiko 9F Caliber from SJX

SJK has posted a great article about the Seiko thermocompensated 9F quartz caliber with some great pictures too.  Included are clear explanations of characteristic features of the 9F such as the twin pulse, backlash adjust, independent axis for each hand, instant date jumper as well as some cool pictures of Seiko's manufactured quartz crystals which I've never seen before.

Click HERE for the article.

Review of Orient Star GMT DJ00001B Star Seeker

The focus for this review is the GMT DJ00001B nicknamed Star Seeker by Orient USA. This model is positioned as the flagship model for Orient Star with a build and MSRP to match.

And the Beat Goes On

A great demonstration of beats per second using various Seiko watches.  See 5 beats per second all the way  to 100 beats per second.  Be sure to turn your volume up.

 

Casio G Shock G7800

The G7800 line was called the Super Square because the shape is basically a square 5600 on steroids.  There were several options available either with a positive or negative display with a matching color bezel.  There was also a white model available.  Being a reverse display with a black bezel, this one was called the Stealth Super Square.  This model is notable because it simply has the best module I have ever seen in a G Shock.  Really a shame Casio does not use it in any other models.

Casio G Shock GWM5600-A3

If you ever played with plastic green army men as a child, you will be sure to recognize the resin color in this square G Shock as a perfect match.

Orient Star Standard Date Video

Watch Tanaka has posted a nice video of the new Orient Star model Standard Date.  Read more about this model here.  At first glance, I think this model looks pretty good and is competitively priced.  I also received some word that this line will also be available through the US distributors.




Thanks Hiro!

Seiko Celebrates 20 Years of 9F Caliber

Coupled with the celebration of 100 years of wrist watchmaking, Seiko is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the thermocompensated high accuracy quartz 9F caliber.  With a normal accuracy specification of +/-10 seconds per year in standard 9F,  the special release, limited edition 9F caliber will utilize specially selected quartz crystals to provide a heightened accuracy specification of +/-5 seconds per year.

Of course nobody will just buy the caliber!  The special edition 9F caliber will be dropped into a Grand Seiko model SBGX103.  This model will feature a beautifully embossed dial and commemorative labeling on the caseback.  The SBGX103 will be limited to 2,000 production pieces to be released internationally and will be priced at 315,000 Yen.

For more information on the 9F caliber as well as the SBGX103, be sure to click HERE to view the press release.

Seiko SKX007

The venerable SKX007.

If there is one Seiko model which exemplifies Seiko it is the SKX007.  A design rooted in the legacy of Seiko's ancestry of divers.  Value delivered beyond expectation.  A mechanical watch thriving in a world of quartz.  A template for the demonstration of creativity of enthusiasts and hobbiests.

Is it perfect?  No, far from it.  But its there.  Where you expect it to be.  Like a well broken in pair of jeans.

Its days are numbered.  Surely Seiko is smart enough to continue the legacy of this diver.  The new generation of Seiko Monster gives us hope that Seiko will also just nudge the SKX007 forward towards perfection rather than take drastic action. Hopefully we'll find out soon.

Casio G Shock GW-9010 Atomic Rally Mudman

Here's another G Shock from the past.  I liked this one a lot as the red letters and bezel really pops and the solar panel has a cool looking pattern to it that looks like Spiderman's costume.  Casio made a terrible mistake with this one by making the window in the middle of the dial display a G when the radio sync was successful and it be completely blank and empty when unsuccessful.  Unfortunately the radio reception on this one was not very good so the window was empty most of the time giving the owner a feeling of inadequacy.  Still though it has a great case and a very comfortable strap.  Covered buttons can be a challenge to push.  Great module with some cool chronograph features.  I believe this particular model has been discontinued although it may life on in another form in a JDM model.

Seiko Celebrates 100 Years of Wrist Watchmaking

2013 marks 100 years of wrist watchmaking for Seiko rich in history and legacy matched only by a select few other manufacturers.  Seiko will be celebrating with the launch of a web site dedicated to the 100 year anniversary and a series of limited edition models launched throughout the year.  Currently the models include a nice classically inspired enameled dial model, a spruced up Seiko 5 and a Grand Seiko 9F caliber containing model celebrating the 20th anniversary of that high accuracy quartz caliber.  Seiko promises more models to be released through out the year and I would set my eyes on Basel in a few weeks for something special.  I for one think a reissue of the Laurel would be something to get excited about.

Click HERE for the Seiko 100 Year Anniversary web site.

Casio G Shock GW5600

Here's a nice model I got for my father a couple of years ago.  I picked it purposely because of the large digits, but it also has a nice chunky case.  Seems larger than the current 5600 case.  Radio controlled module actually works fairly well although I think it only receives the US signal.  Nice engraved caseback too.

I think this one is still available.  I've thought about getting my own, but I know my father will bore of his eventually.

Review of Casio G Shock GWM5630A-4 30th Anniversary

Casio released the Red Rising collection in the fall of 2012 to celebrate the 30 years of existence of the G Shock watch. The collection consists of a 5600, 6900, 2 versions of Frogman and the new model Mudman all packaged in a bold red glossy resin with gold accents. I’m a sucker for the squares, so I made the 5600 model mine.

Ready for Summer

This time every year I get G-Shock fever.  I picked up these two pieces recently.  One is a new model while the other is an old one.  On the left in Ferrari red is the 30th Anniversary model GWM5630A-4 and on the right is an old school Stormtrooper Mudman G-9000-8V.  Both are really cool.  I'll have some more pictures and information on each sometime soon.  Like when the sun comes out again.  Now where are my cargo shorts?

Orient Star Standard Date -- New Model

Orient has announced the release of a new line of Orient Star models which will be called "Standard Date".  These models will continue the traditional evergreen style characteristic of the Orient Star Classic models, however, the Standard Date models will feature a slightly larger case at 40-41mm along with a dual anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.  The black dial model will be composed of carbon fiber while the white dial model will have vertical stripes similar to the Omega Aqua Terra.  As expected, the Orient in-house caliber 40751 will have handwinding and second hand hacking cabilities.

Orient Watch Virtual Museum

It is commonly held that the Japanese watch manufacturers do not promote their products and history to the levels they deserve, especially to the international market.  While surfing the Orient Japan website, I noticed they have a nice virtual museum showcasing Orient's legacy of models, caliber innovations and advertizing.  Unfortunately it is only in Japanese, but provides some nice viewing.  Maybe an English translation is something the US distributor can work on delivering.

To check out the site, click HERE.  Hopefully Orient won't break the link like the other Japanese companies have done to me in the past with some other cool stuff I've found.

Yen is Falling

I don't know if you've noticed, but the Yen is falling.  After being around $80 US for the last two years, the Yen started falling around November 2012 and hasn't stopped yet closing this week at $93 US.  This is very good news for watch lovers of the Japanese Domestic Market as the favorable conversion rate delivers instant savings.  At this rate $100 US is very likely this year and who knows, maybe we will hit the $120 US like the glory days of 2006.

My Two Orient Stars

Just picked up my second Orient Star.  The GMT model.  Pictured here with my Orient Star Classic.  Ironically these are the newest and oldest watches in my collection.

Separate posts for each some time soon.

New JDM Citizen Promaster Sky Models

Its been a while since we've seen any new JDM Citizen Promasters but Citizen released two new models in their Sky series the end of 2012.  Both models are radio controlled with a variety of strap and dial options.

Models CB0130-51E and CB0134-00E utilize the H145 caliber with an instrument inspired hand set and dial very similar to the current Nighthawk.  The world timer feature of this caliber doesn't seem to be used or maybe I can't figure out from the dial and translations how it is used. Models are available with a steel bracelet or leather strap.  Full MSRP is 75,000 to 85,000 Yen.

Some Things I've Learned About the Seiko Bullhead Reissue

Not saying these are deal breakers for me, but they are somewhat surprising and probably important that people should know before buying.

• Bracelet links are folded, not solid.  Seriously.
• Clasp is stamped metal with only a single adjustment hole.  No partial links are available.
• Caseback is snap back.  Not screw down.  This makes DIY battery changes significantly more difficult.
• One friend tells me the lug width is 19mm.  Another says 20mm.  Not sure which is correct.  Doesn't seem there's enough space to fit a Nato.
• Supposedly the hour and minute hands are black except for the lumed areas.

Still through the case and dial look awesome.  Who knows, maybe these little foibles will give more of a vintage feel. LOL.

Spare Links

Some interesting stuff I found this week.


How Jewel Bearings for Watches are Made by J.Edwards

Vintage Watch Shopping in Tokyo by Benjamin Clymer

One Lunar Year With A Seiko SBDC007 – Review by Mario

Review of Citizen Drive CA0421-04E

The Drive Collection was introduced by Citizen in the end of 2012. Characterized as a "uniquely designed collection for the next generation of Citizen Eco-Drive consumers", the Drive Collection represents sharp looking watches at an affordable entry level price.

The CA0421-04E is from the AR 2.0 line. I don't know what the AR 2.0 means or if it matters what it means. Of the four lines in the Drive Collection the AR 2.0 line has the most chroma finishing on the case which is why I selected it.