Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT – Rugged and Refined, A Review (plus Video)

I currently own a few Rolexes (see the models I have in the collection by clicking here: Rolex Collection) and two of my current targets are the Explorer II and the Yacht-Master II. Unfortunately, prices have sky-rocketed and it has been a chasing game. In the meantime, I’ve decided to feed my craving by experiencing examples made by other brands as homage to my targets. The Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT is one such example that I’m keen on as it is designed as homage to the Rolex 1655, the inaccurately nicknamed "Steve McQueen" Explorer II. In reality, the actor has never worn a 1655 (for more see: http://www.rolexmagazine.com/2001/02/complete-history-of-steve-mcqueen.html).

All of you may be wondering why this particular homage since it does not look similar to the latest Rolex Explorer II. The honest truth is that I still have hopes of getting the latest Explorer II in the near future. This homage to a 1655 is just similar enough to get the necessary familiarity with the original.

OMG Moment: Rubber Strap Failure on my Laco 1925 Squad Atacama “Ninja” Reference 861632

Took out my Laco 1925 Squad Atacama to wear the other day and it was fine. After the end of a long day, before I went to bed, I took it off and put it on the dressing table.

Bell & Ross Bag

I got this bag from the AD of Bell & Ross Malaysia as a gift in one of their event. Well made and very study with a lot of space.

An OMG Moment: Broken Crown Stem, Aristo Flieger Automatic 3H114 Pilot Watch

Last month, I faced another OMG moment. This time, something even more serious that the previous OMG moment; a broken crown stem of my Aristo Flieger 3H114 Watch.

I was wearing it when I suddenly hit the crown at a corner of a wall. The hit was so precise that it sheared off the crown from the stem cleanly. There was no other damage on the watch.



Unfortunately, there is no service center for Aristo here in Kuala Lumpur. I will have to sent it to an independent service center. Major problem is to get a crown with a similar style. I tried emailing Aristo about a spare but the email was not answered. Therefore, I decided to get an OEM crown.



The OEM crown chosen was a large cylinder shape with gear tooth sides. Couldn't get the same grey-brushed surface tone as the watch casing. The crown is more brushed stainless steel in surface tone.

I guess this is my first Frankenstein watch!

Photo Gallery

SONGMICS 8 Slots Zippered Watch Box Traveler's Black Watch Storage Case Organizer UJWB50B - Value For Money, A Review

I've decided to order another watch box. However, this time, instead of one with a display top and cushioned slots, I opted for 8-slot traveler version. Through Amazon, I chose one by SONGMICS. The item was priced at USD22.99 plus USD19.54 for shipping & handling and another USD2.55 for import fee deposit. After conversion, it came up to RM197.02.

Steinhart TRITON 1000 Titanium Titan - A Rugged Watch Spoiled by Quality Control Issues, A Review (with Video)

Recently I received an email from Gnomon Watches (http://www.gnomonwatches.com/) about a new watch released from Steinhart. A new diver under the Triton range of professional dive watches. I was smitten by the image shown on the email and after reading the specifications on the watch, I immediately decided to grab one. The factor that sealed the deal was the titanium material used and its water rating of 1000 meters.

After going through the customary purchasing process, I started to patiently wait for the watch to arrive from Singapore. Although there is a good chance it would be stopped by customs for GST payment, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was released and it arrived on my desk within four days after making the order; more about this later.

The Triton 1000 is the latest offering by Steinhart. This latest iteration has a new casing design, uses a new material for the casing; titanium, and incorporate an automatic HEV mechanism. As a complete package, this model can withstand 1000 meters of water pressure.

The watch is sizeable. The casing is 45 mm wide with a 24 mm lug width. Its height is 15 mm. Despite the impressive dimensions, the weight is just 144 gm due to the use of titanium. If you like big dive watches, the combination comes together nicely.

Travelling Watch Storage by Fossil

This particular travelling watch storage by Fossil can carry two watches. The two halves of the storage facility are locked into place by a zipper that goes around three sides. Internally, two pouches are located opposite one another with small side panels to help separate the watches from coming into contact with one another.

Cas De' Lux Luxury Watch Box

Due to the number of new additions to the collection, I've decided to get a new multi-slot watch box. Via Amazon.com I found this Cas De' Lux display watch box with framed glass lid and a lock. It has 10 velvet pillow slots.The display case is constructed of PU leather and with contrast stitching for that classic look. 

Leatherman Thread - A very rugged bracelet for a rugged watch, A Review (plus video)

Leatherman came up with a new multi-tool design called the Thread that wears like a bracelet and can be converted into a watch bracelet.

The Leatherman Tread is built with high strength and corrosion resistant 17-4 stainless steel links, with each link offering 2-3 tools and functions.  A full bracelet has 10 separate pieces (including the clasp) which offers up to 25 usable tools and features, such as screwdriver tips and box wrenches. The rationale is to make it wearable on the wrist, hence making them available anytime and anywhere.

Each link is adjustable and can be placed anyway you like (except for the paper cutter which needs to be placed next to the clasp). Each link is connected to the next using slotted fasteners and the screws connecting them can be easily loosened using a small coin.

Leatherman also says that the Tread multi-tool bracelet is TSA-compliant.

Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) Key Chain

A couple of years ago I attended an etching course organised by JLC in Kuala Lumpur. I was supposed to etched the JLC logo on the back of a stainless steel plate. As a memento of the event, I was given a key chain from JLC.