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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Review of Citizen Signature Flyback Chrono AV1000-57A

The Citizen Signature Collection was introduced in 2009 to North America, UK and Caribbean markets and was positioned under the Campanola luxury line. The Signature line features a cohesive design superior fit and finishing with hand assembly. A variety of Eco-Drive calibers are utilized and both men’s and women’s models are included in the line. Since its launch Citizen has been very controlling not only with the selection of authorized dealers eligible to sell this line but also with the simple availability of pictures of the models outside of the dedicated website. http://www.citizen-signature.com/

For the longest time the Signatures didn’t do much for me. I thought they were interesting but priced outside of my normal limit. The one day I discovered a little jewelry shop near my house was an AD so I stopped in for a visit and was pleasantly surprised. Having seen all the models in hand it became easier to justify the expense.

Of the models available, I would say that the Grand Complication, Flyback Chronograph and Moonphase Flyback Chronograph are the gems. The Diver and Perpetual Calendar models are nice and have the essence of the line, but at a little bit of a step down in the level of specialness. The Moonphase is very well done with a very subtle level of finishing on the dial that must be seen in person to fully appreciate. The Grand Complication probably has the most interesting caliber but is on the thick side to accommodate the special caseback necessary for the chimes to be heard from the repeater complication.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SBGC001

Compliments of JapanWatchConnection.

Much more after the jump.

Jikan Video Review: Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SPS007J

Yet another watch video review for the pleasure of our loyal readers. Enjoy!

See how this magnificent watch is put together by Seiko Japan:

Seiko Izul Chronograph Video

The Izul chronograph is not mentioned much these days.  Released in 2007 and it is a marvel to look at.  Spring Drive chronograph.  Super cool rotary case design.  Check out the subdial hands.  They are the exact same shape used on Seiko stopwatches from the 1960's.

Some New Retro Looking Citizen Chronographs

I saw some cool retro looking chronographs while browsing through the Citizen European web sites.  These models feature the solar charged B612 caliber with a 210 day power reserve, a 60 minute chronograph, 1/5 second center post hand, and a 24 hour indicator subdial.  Manual is here.

Sure Citizen has lots of multi function models, but sometimes it is nice to have just a simple no nonsense chronograph.  Besides I think many would find the retro look of these models attractive.

CA0130-40B