SBGA011 -- Grand Seiko "Snowflake"

Japanwatchconnection has been busy lately and doesn't have much time to post. He shared some of his picts of this new Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA011 with me to share. Fortunately words will only distract from the beauty of this one.

Enjoy.

Many more pictures after the jump!

Excellent Videos of Seiko SARB021/023/045 Models

Watchtanaka is a Japanese seller well known for using professional photographs of your favorite watches for sales at their web site.  Seems they have recently started posting videos as well.  With over 500 videos in their youtube catalog, I'm sure they will be getting a lot of activity.

Here are three videos from my favorite Seiko series, the SARB021/023/045.

Impressions of the Seiko SRP043

After my satisfaction with the BFK I decided to pick up the SRP043 because of the similarity in the case.  I hate to say it, but I was incredibly disappointed.  Probably the first time I was disappointed in a Seiko.  Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to like it.  The model has its loyal following, but I just couldn't warm up to it.

Grand Seiko Expansion into the United States Continues

Don't mess with Texas!  Yep that's right.  Timeless Watch Exchange of Frisco, Texas (Dallas suburb) can consider itself the newest authorized dealer of Grand Seiko watches in the United States.  This is the seventh dealer in the US and the eighth in North America.

Here is a link to the Timeless web site.

Here is a link to the Grand Seiko Store Locator.

Just for fun I made a map of all the GS North American dealers to date.  Looks like Seiko is making a presence in most of the major population areas.  Maybe the next targets will be San Francisco and maybe Boston, DC and Raleigh.  How about a couple more for Canada too?  I know one guy in Montreal would like one so he can try on every watch in the store.



View Grand Seiko Dealers in a larger map

Review of Seiko SKA369 Pepsi BFK

This summer I decided I needed to focus on finding a quartz diver. Although I liked the Citizen BN0085, the lack of a bracelet option reduced the long term satisfaction and versatility. Citizen EcoZilla is a bit much for my tastes. Then one day while surfing I managed to spot a Pepsi version of the BFK and instantly fell for it. I was familiar with the BFK models, but had no idea that there was a Pepsi model. A little research showed that not only the Pepsi model international and easily available, it was also very reasonably priced.

Just In -- Citizen Signature Chronograph

Just picked up this Signature Flyback Chronograph from a friend.  Wow!  Citizen really delivers with this line.  A proper review with better pictures forthcoming. 

Introducing the Limited Edition Eli Manning Citizen EcoDrive with a Meet and Greet

Citizen is launching two Eli Manning Limited Edition models with a meet and greet with the quarterback of the New York Giants Tuesday November 1, 2011 at 5:30 pm on the main floor of the Macy's Herald Square store in New York City.

Picture from Citizen Watch Co.

The limited edition model is available on either a strap or bracelet and is basically a customized version of the recently released Perpetual Chrono A-T featuring a navy blue dial with red accents.  Each model is limited to 1,000 units each.

The bracelet model is AT4009-59L with a MSRP of $675 while the strap model is AT4009-08L with an MSRP of $599.

More information for the event can be found here.

Here is are links to the bracelet model and the strap model.

EDIT:  Some nice pictures of the event can be seen here.

Interview with Yosh Kawada of Seiko USA

Mitchel Hirsh has been kind enough to host an interview with Yosh Kawada Senior Vice President of Seiko USA and share it publicly.  This is an excellent interview and Mr. Kawada offers insight into aspects of Seiko that are not typically shared with customers of the West.  Lots of good stuff here and worth the 15 minutes.

More North American Grand Seiko Dealers Added

Seiko has added two more Grand Seiko dealers to the North American market which include Old Northeast Jewelers in St. Petersburg Florida and Rodeo Jewelers in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.  Unfortunately the Seiko Boutique store which was located in Toronto seems to have closed.

This brings the total number of North American Grand Seiko dealers to seven with six of those residing in the United States.

For the complete list of Grand Seiko dealers with contact information click HERE.

Some Japanese Domestic Pens

Events have slowed down a bit in my watch world.  Sold off a bunch of stuff earlier to raise funds for something special.  Maybe more on that later if I actually follow through.  I also have a couple more reviews I am working on which I will complete soon.

I've developed a bit of a fascination with EDC (every day carry) lately.   While reading a favorite EDC blog I discovered that like watches, Japan also keeps some of its coolest pens in Japan and there is a site called jetpens.com which is located in California which supplies Japanese pens, paper and other office supplies.

Now I know Japan makes some very nice fountain pens but I'm not interested in those so much.  I'm interested in EDC and daily use material with a budget price.  Here are the four items I selected.