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.

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