Hope Japan -- G Shock

Saw on mygshock that Casio is offering a limited edition line of G Shock watches with all proceeds to go toward the continued efforts for earthquake relief for Japan.

The models are designed by Eric Haze who all G Shock fans should be familiar with and feature the simple "Hope Japan" logo on the white band of each model.  Model numbers are DW-6900FS-8HJ, G-7900A-7HJ and GA-110C-7AHJ and are available through gshock.com at prices of $89, $99, and $120 respectively.

More info here.

More Details Are Released About the new Solar Citizen" Chronomasters"

Photo courtesy of Citizen Watch Corporation, LTD - Japan

Citizen Japan released today more details about the most significant product update done to the "The Citizen" line since 2005. Right now we know more about the watches and the new solar high end quartz movement that powers them. We now also know that they will be released in the Japan domestic market at the end of June, 2011.

The Citizen Chronomaster CTQ57-0961 has Been Discontinued

Citizen "The Citizen" Chronomaster CTQ57-061

"Close to the hearts of people everywhere"

(Photo Courtesy of http://www.012.co.jp)

From the "Chopping block" file comes official word that the Chronomaster CTQ57-0961 has been discontinued by Citizen Japan after a 6 year tenure.

The watch was reviewed earlier last week here

This model was my favorite in the Chronomaster series. Not just because I happen to own this wonderful watch but because it was the most affordable 38mm "Oyster case/bracelet" variant, made in stainless steel with Citizen's Duratect surface treatment and lumed hands and dial markers. The photo caption above shows the fairly bright and long lasting luminosity of this watch. Probably one of the best among high end dress watches.

The steel CTQ57-0961 was introduced in 2005 along with the more expensive Titanium + Duratect 38mm oyster case variants with black, blue, white and champagne colored dials.

This watch retailed in Japan for 231,000 YEN. I can say that this is a lot of watch for the money. From build quality, finish, attention to detail and high end A660 thermo compensated quartz movement with perpetual calendar, independent set hour hand and -/+ 5 seconds per year accuracy, this watch is probably the only timepiece you'll ever need (For those of us hot and heavy into this hobby, there is no "One watch", but you get the idea).

Unfortunately, the main online Japan based retailers report "Sold out" status with this model. It is also not clear at this time if other Chronomaster models have been discontinued as well.

Looks like it will be replaced with the all new "Eco-Drive" solar powered Chronomaster unveiled at Basel World in March. See Jikan article here.

The new solar models will be released later this summer and have a lower retail price of 210,000 YEN. As more details about the new Eco-Drive models become available, rest assured that Jikan Watch Blog will bring you all the latest details and photographs right to your browser.

New Orient Star Models Spotted

New Orient Star models have been posted on the Orient Japan website.  The Orient Star line is a Japan only product comparable to the Seiko SARB models.  These new Orient Star models are similar to the existing Orient Star Classic line although the new models are more traditionally styled with a 3 o'clock crown and date window and no power reserve indicator.  I know it makes no sense that the Classic line is actually less classic designed than these new models, but follow Orient long enough and you get used to these little quirky things.

WZ0011DV

"Leaked" Photo of the New Upcoming Citizen Attesa Direct Flight

This appears to be the yet to be released Citizen Attesa Direct Flight model BY0040-51F

(Photo courtesy of Journal.mycom.co.jp)

This is the first "Real life" photo we have seen of the new Attesa Direct Flight models since the Citizen press release at Basel World '11 in March. The watch has a release date of June 2011 in the Japan domestic market, but was informed by a reliable source that due to the aftermath of the Japan earthquake tragedy in early March, the watch release has been pushed back to August, 2011.

New Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 Arrival

I had the pleasure of receiving this beauty just about 2 weeks ago from Mr. Joe Kirk at Arizona Fine Time (www.azfinetime.com). AZFT was the first Grand Seiko dealer to offer these wonderful watches in the US as of late 2010.

This year I set out to get a couple of Seiko Spring Drive grails and decided on the Ananta SPS007 SD Chrono and the GS SGBGE001 SD GMT as "40th birthday" presents. Indeed, once you get over the hill it is crucial to have some fine timepieces for the journey into the golden years :P

In between been very busy in between schedules, I simply did not have the time/tranquility to sit down and immerse myself into this sublime watch.

So... Better later than never, eh?

Much has been said and written about this watch over the years, so I'll let my humble pictures do much of the talking.

And here it goes.... The official unboxing ceremony of the mighty SBGE001 8) :

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:

Last Call: Higuchi Has Received Last Few Stocks of Seiko SBCM023 Quartz Divers

Seiko Prospex SBCM023 Quartz Diver Caliber 8F35

That's right folks. Higuchi has reported receiving what could possibly amount to be the very last shipment of brand new Seiko Prospex SBCM023 quartz divers here

He doesn't specify how many pieces he is got but all of them are up for grabs at this very moment at his usual great price. As a matter of fact, I just picked one up as this legendary 8F35 high accuracy diver with perpetual calendar and ISO rated 200m case is simply no more.

So there you have it. If you have been on the fence about this watch, the time to act on it is now. Keep in mind that existing inventories have been depleted all over Japan ever since Seiko announced the discontinuation of this model. This comes as no surprise because other JDM online retailer said that the SBCM023 was the best selling Seiko diver watch in Japan, bar none!.

Snooze and you will lose!

Edit: Higuchi says that as of 5/20/2011 he is completely sold out on this watch.

Jikan Video Review: Citizen Chronomaster CTQ57-0961

Hope our dear readers enjoy this video review I recently prepared about this fabulous watch:

Win a Seiko Discus Burger!

I happened to see posted on the WUS Seiko/Citizen forum that monochrome.nl is offering to give away a free Seiko Discus Burger in celebration of the site's 5 year and 5 month anniversary.

Image from Monochrome.

The Seiko Discus is part of the Moving Design Collection and is a unique watch because it uses moving dials instead of hands to display the time.  Inside runs the 6R15 caliber.

Entry requires:

1. Subscription to the Monochrome newsletter to receive the newest posts in your mailbox
2. Become a fan of Monochrome on Facebook
3. Become a fan of MB&F on Facebook

Check out the monochrome site for more details.