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.