UNBOXING AN NEW OLD WATCH

Fellow enthusiast Klaus Hausmann had made a unboxing video on the Timex Datalink Model 150 watch. This model (sub model number 69721/69737) was used in space missions, eg on the International Space Station about a decade ago.

It is kinda peculiar and interesting to do an unboxing of a Brand New but Old watch, since the watch is around maybe 13 years old, kinda like opening an old present or parcel that has been late for a decade. Everything inside feels so yesteryear and brings realization on how fast and far has technology and the human race progressed. Check it out here:



Thank you Klaus!

RED12 STRAPS REVIEW

The best straps are those that are custom made for your needs. I recently received my 2nd Red12 Straps a couple of days ago and I would like to share some photos. When I said custom made, it means I get to choose the leather, the treatment/coating, the stitching, type of threads, color, the hardware stuff like buckle style, polished or brushed, etc. I get to have it my way.

Zack (aka oldskool) also discuss with me the design of the strap, single or double keepers, taper or not, the style of stitching... my wrist size, what type of watch I am using it for, my local weather, ahh the attention to details is simply amazing.

Here it is!
This particular leather was treated to withstand the hot and humid South East Asia weather here. The strap is water resistant. Zack actually soak it water and it took a few hours for it to get wet. I think this is a limited edition run, so if you are in similar climate like me, get it fast.
Despite the thickness, the leather is flexible and supple.
Click on the pictures anytime to view it bigger.
Take a look a the grain and stitching. I love it!
Zack's mark on the buckle.
I put it on my Precista Italian for the moment. It is a tad too thick for the Italian but I am going to see if it improves once the strap conforms to my wrist shape after sometime.
As I mentioned, this is my second Red12 strap. The first one (pic below) which have been on my Marina Militare for the past two years is still going strong. But now I have the flexibility to switch them around to create different looks for my watches.
Thanx for the read!

WATCHES FOR SALE

Selling three of my personal watches, you might be interested in these. Here goes:

Debaufre Nav B 48mm Flieger
Discontinued model from Debaufre. The pilot watch we raved about. Decorated Swiss Unitas movement.
* Stainless steel case
* Diameter 48 mm, including crown 53 mm, 13.8mm thick.
* See-thru case back with blue screws and a special "Cote de Geneve" engraving
* 3 ATM
* Sapphire crystal
* Black dial, and sub dial
* Figures with Super LumiNova
* Leatherstrap 22 mm with thorn buckle with screws.
* Unitas 6497 hand wind movement with 17 jewels
* Nickel plated with blue screws
* "Cote de Geneve" design
* 17 jewels
* Stainless steel case
* Diameter 48 mm, including crown 53 mm, 13.8mm thick.
* See-thru case back with blue screws and a special "Cote de Geneve" engraving
* 3 ATM
* Sapphire crystal
* Black dial, and sub dial
* Figures with Super LumiNova
* Leatherstrap 22 mm with thorn buckle with screws.
* Unitas 6497 hand wind movement with 17 jewels
* Nickel plated with blue screws
* "Cote de Geneve" design
* 17 jewels

Condition is Timezone Scale: LNIB 100% for the watch. Box and papers all intact.

The leather strap is slightly darkened from wear on the inner side (normal), looks new on the outer side.

Price: US$448
Payment: accepts Paypal - fees my burden
Shipping: Registered airmail from Singapore Post (around $12 to $18)
Email: antonc108 at gmail.com

Seiko Orange Monster
So popular and well known even among the wives of watch enthusiasts I got nothing much to say.
Condition is Timezone Scale: Mint 98% Light swirls on the bracelet and thats it!

Time keeping is very accurate however the only issue is the crown is a bit finicky when trying to pull it to position 2 for date changing, sometimes its hard to 'feel the notch' for position 2, but this had never been a problem, you may not even notice it.

No box, no papers. Zulu strap in picture is not included.

Price: Sale Withdrawn
Payment: accepts Paypal - fees my burden
Shipping: Registered airmail from Singapore Post (around $10 to $15)
Email: antonc108 at gmail.com

Seiko 6138-3003 Automatic Chronograph
Vintage Seiko automatic chronograph that dates from February 1978. Needs no introduction for enthusiasts. Folded link bracelet is original Seiko, but I suspect not original to the watch, full sized though.
Condition is Timezone Scale: Good 78%

Please expect dings, nicks and scratches on crystal and watch case, light swirls on the bracelet. Scratches on the dial (probably from past servicing), faded small hands and alga-ed lume from aged. Water resistant not expected. Once again this is a 32 year old vintage watch.

Time keeping is very accurate however, I had it last serviced in 2007. All chrono functions work properly and resets to zero.

FREE: Includes an unused NATO bond strap seen in the picture.

Price: SOLD!
Payment: accepts Paypal - fees my burden
Shipping: Registered airmail from Singapore Post (around $10 to $15)
Email: antonc108 at gmail.com

(PS: Compare prices on ebay, this model usually closes from $200 up for a beat up, to $400 for a pristine mint conditioned one.)
Thanx for the read, drop me an email if your interested.

I WON THE PHOTO CONTEST

You're probably tired of seeing this picture again...

But thanx to your votes, I won first place in ThirstyPhoto.com's Black and White contest.


Once again, many many thanx for your support and voting for my photo.

ORIENT WATCH GIVEAWAY WINNER!

The winner is Dan Meinhardt (DJM on the watch forums)!!!

Congratulations to the Orient fan!

Hope you enjoy your incoming new watch!

To everyone, thank you for participating! :)

ORIENT WATCH GIVEAWAY

Want a free watch? Yes! Orient Watch USA is giving away the above watch free to a lucky reader of this blog. It is an Orient Automatic watch and its yours free if you win this give-away contest!

Commonly known as the Orient 3 Star, this is a 21 jewel Orient movement, (I think its caliber EMZO), which has an interesting day indicator where a disk rotates and shows the current day of the week as a red dot on the dial. Quick set date button at 2 o clock, water resistant is 5 ATM. Stainless steel 37mm watch case with 20mm lugs, mineral glass crystal. I think this watch got a retro, 70s look and will make an interesting addition to any collection.

To participate in this watch-giveaway contest, all you have to do is to check out this hot Orient CFM00003B and then post a comment to this blog post stating what's the one thing you like most about it and what occasions you would like to wear it for? (I personally think it makes a great daily wear watch.)

The selected winner will receive the free watch from Orient Watch USA, shipping cost will be taken care of too!

Important!:
* Your email address must be included in the comment post for purpose of this giveaway.
* Contest ends 2 weeks from now (8 April 2010 GMT time). Comment posts after said date will not be considered.
* Winner will be contacted by a rep/assign of Orient Watch USA for the receiving of the prize.
* This contest is only available to US residents only.

Good luck!

Update!!! Contest had ended, pending results. Thank you for your participation.

MOVADO AND INVICTA

The watch itch had struck again. I had been staying away from buying watches but I find my passion reignited when I kept bumping into watch enthusiasts here and there. Recently I was at lunch with an associate of mine and he was wearing this timeless classic.

He told me its a Movado Sapphire series with a Museum dial. So I did a web search and found it: Movado Watches

I must admit that I am predominantly a sports and tool watch guy (watchuseek forum influenced) so I don't have many 'real' dress watches for those formal occasions. So this Movado really attracted my attention with its clean, sleek design. And come to think about it, Movado watches had stayed true to their design for the past 50 years with its 'Museum dial' even today it still look so modern and timeless.

And one thing leads to another. While I was seriously tempted by this watch, I saw another great deal while surfing around; Invicta watches.

The Invicta 6348, Grand Diver GMT. I was attracted by the blue and yellow colors, and the very nice looking mesh bracelet. The bezel is a bit 'omega-seamasterish' and on first look seems to be a SMP homage, but its not. I love the sword hands and how the blue and yellow contrasts on the dial. A great looking watch. I imagine it will look nice on a blue or yellow strap too. IMHO a great candidate for PMWF.com's Top 20 list.

Looking at the specs, it seems to be a great deal at only about $82!

Specs:
Screw down crown
300m water resistant
316L stainless steel
47mm case
22mm lug
Mineral crystal
Swiss Ronda 515 GMT quartz movement

Thanx for the read!