TUDOR Heritage Black Bay 'Midnight Blue' Rivet Steel Bracelet Reference M79230B-0001 - Simple, non-complicated timepiece, A Review (plus Video)

When Tudor announced back in 2015 that the brand will start to ship its watches with in-house movement instead of using external parties' such as ETA got me interested in the brand. After a few years, I finally got the Pelagos. Now, I am in a position to be able to acquire the Black Bay with the in-house movement.

The Black Bay is synonymous with Tudor. Since its release in 2012, a lot of watch collectors have a spot in their collection that earmarked for the Black Bay. For many budget conscious collectors, it has the pedigree yet not the expected price premium generally associated with such an icon.

The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is an icon. The genesis started from the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 back in 1954. It was a self-winding watch and features a case with a screw-down back and a crown with 100 meter water pressure rating. Very practical in design, well proportioned and excellently built. I love to have it in my collection.

TUDOR Pelagos Titanium 500 meter Blue Dial Dive Watch Reference M25600TB-0001 (similar to M25600TN-0001 & M25610TNL-0001) - Despite some issues, the watch is still pleasant to wear and can be worn for a long time without getting tired, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got my first Tudor watch!

There are a number of exciting examples under this brand. After giving it some thought, I decided to get its most advance tool watch, the Pelagos. The model I chose is the blue dial version reference M25600TB-0001.

Tudor is part of the Rolex Group of companies. When the original founder of Rolex, Mr. Hans Wilsdorf decided that he needed another series of watches with the same level of manufacturing standard as Rolex but sold at a lower price point, the idea of a separate company, the Tudor watch company was born.

Today, the price deferential between contemporary models between Rolex and Tudor is 1:2. If you want to own a piece of Rolex manufacturing quality and standard without the premium associated with that premium brand, Tudor is an excellent alternative.

As a product, the new Tudor Pelagos is 100% made in house by the manufacture. Although Tudor previous uses the ETA movement to power its watches, in 2015, the brand launched it first series of house movements. Since then, Tudor has slowly incorporate its in house movements across the various models in its collection.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition Reference H76786733 - All the right combinations for that evergreen look, A Review (plus Video)

"Hamilton is taking its close cooperation with Air Zermatt, the Swiss mountain rescue service, to new heights with the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition. This pilot watch, which simultaneously acts as a wrist-, cockpit- and table watch, has been created to meet the needs of the rescue team. True to its cockpit instrument inspiration, the contemporary pilots’ timepiece has a bi-directional turning flange, driven by the bezel, which has the capacity to record a countdown. Limited edition of 1,999 pieces."

Above is the official description of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Automatic Chronograph Limited Edition Reference H76786733 (from now onwards I shall refer to it as the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff) as seen on the Company's website. Honestly, although I have never heard of Air Zermatt, I respect Hamilton for making the effort of recognising the contribution of the rescue organisation. Nevertheless, the focus of my interest only lies in the concept of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff as it has all the design cues that I find exciting, bold and quirky.

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.

Alpina Pilot Automatic Startimer 44 mm Reference AL-525B4S6 Limited Edition of 8888 pieces (#2000) – Sold at a price point that belies its provenance, A Review (plus Video)

The pilot watch is a theme that I have been quietly drawn to. This time, I’ve decided to look at the Alpina Startimer series as good candidate for my collection. I did find one I like and it’s the basic three hand plus date model. The Startimer Reference AL-525B4S6 was the choice I made with a limited production run of just 8,888 examples. The particular unit I got was numbered 2,000.

I think my taste has changed. Usually I get excited with dive watches. However, as the years rolled by, I am attracted to simpler and more formal styles of watches. A pilot watch is one of the new found interests to me. I find it more flexible when it comes to usage especially within a formal event.

Alpina Watches was established 1883, making them one of the oldest brands currently in production. Founded by Gottlieb Hauser, Alpina made watches in both Switzerland and Glashütte. In 1938, Alpina introduced durable sport watches with the “Alpina 4” concept, a set of standards that includes anti-shock, waterproof, anti-magnetic and a stainless steel case. In 2002, Alpina was bought by the founders of Frederique Constant. They have several themed ranges, but the most numerous is their line of pilot watches.

Apple iWatch 42 mm Stainless Steel Series 2 - A sophisticated smart watch, A Review (plus Video)

I recently bought for my wife the latest version 2 Apple iWatch. When I went to the Machine shop to look at the watch, I was very surprised by the sheer number of options available. Instead of going for the cheapest, I’ve decided to look at the options with the following specifications: stainless steel, sapphire crystal, more than 40 mm in size, water proof and comes with a metal bracelet.

An OMG Moment - Rubber Strap Failure of my Bell & Ross BR02-92 Pro-Dial Dive Watch, Advice (Updated)

Back in October 2013, I purchased my Bell & Ross BR02-92 Pro-Dial Dive Watch that comes standard with a rubber strap (for more on the watch, please refer here: Bell & Ross BR02-92 Pro Dial Diver Watch - A French Connection).

There were a lot of complaints from owners about the poor quality of the rubber strap which generally don't seem to last for more than a year. A simple Google search on the subject would give you a list of postings from disgruntled owners. I did take note and I have been careful when wearing it for the last two years.

Uhrenbeweger (or Watch Winder) by Beco Technic, A Review

I got this watch winder as a free gift from my AD recently. This was the exact model of my previous watch winder that I bought that is not working anymore (the motherboard got fried - too expensive to repair).

Blake Watch Roll Reference Item 305628 by Wolf - Accessories, Review

Recently I got a gift from my watch dealer a traveling watch storage system made by the Wolf company. This particular storage system is called The Blake Watch Roll which consist of a leather encased tube that can fit approximately three watches.

It is approximately 20.3 mm long with a diameter of 8.3 mm with purple suede lining. The tube is opened using a snap button. The inner role is where you put your watches.

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Automatic Pilot Watch AV-4017-02 – A Cheap Mechanical Pilot Watch, A Review (plus videos)

The Specification

UK-based AVI-8 Watches is a fashion watch stylist in my view. In a short period of time they have managed to roll out an extensive line of timepieces; a manufacturing strategy not adopted by any ‘serious’ watchmaker but you will see being done by fashion houses such as Fossil, Daniel-Wellington and others.

I don’t usually cover these brands as I find the inputs they have on their products are generally minimal. They may be the original designers, but the manufacturing process is totally contracted out to OEM manufacturers typically in China. However, I made an exception for the AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Automatic Pilot Watch with the reference AV-4017-02 because of a few unique features.
The AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane AV-4017-02 is a mechanical timepiece with a pilot watch design. Made out of 316L stainless steel, the watch is 44 mm wide and 14 mm thick. Its lug width is 22 mm.

BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT Reference DG2016A-SC-BK - Well protected as a tank and a real bright spark in the dark, A Review

This is my first BALL watch. Although I know about this brand, I was introduced to it only lately by a friend of mine that have a lot of knowledge about BALL watches. From a historical perspective, BALL Watch Company is impressive. 


Brand History

BALL Watch Company SA is an American watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It was founded in 1891 by Webster Clay Ball (also known as Webb C. Ball) in Cleveland, Ohio, and is directly linked to the American railroad history.

After a tragic train collision in 1891 in Kipton, Ohio, due to timing issues, Mr. Ball was appointed by Lake Shore Lines, a train company to help revamp the railroad system, incorporating accurate timing as a cornerstone that keeps things moving without any mishap. He set up the “RR Standard” (“RR” for Rail Road) to assure a high accuracy and perfect reading to all railroad employees. He also created the BALL Time Service, an after-sale service to which every employee of the rails had to bring his watch every two weeks to make sure the accuracy and reliability of the watch was optimal. Some of the key criteria for a watch to obtain the “RR Standard” certification are as follows; no lid on the dial; size 18 or 16 (44.86mm or 43.17mm); plain white dial, bold black hands and Arabic numbers; minimum of 17 jewels; adjusted to at least 5 positions; adjusted to temperature 40 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit; and accuracy with a gain or loss of maximum 30 seconds a week, among others.