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.