His humble watches

116660 DSSD

2009-09-14T01:27:00.003+08:00

Last week, I saw a customer wearing this unusually big Rolex watch. It's not a sub, not a GMT.. It doesn't look that familiar ...yet it still look kinda familiar...

It's a 116660, a Rolex Deep Sea Dweller.
The usual Submariner is only 40mm, maybe that's why I am not so attracted to it..
Everything is just right for the DSSD except for the price. OUCH!
I will get it, eventually ..

Am going to work even harder now.
A side view picture that I took from the official Rolex website.

Please admire it in the official Rolex forum..
Cheers!

It's been a while..

2009-09-08T05:46:00.003+08:00

A watch blog that's not updated, meaning I have successfully curb the desire to buy within the last 4 months. Waiting for the big break in January for a nice watch buy. That buying will definitely make me a happy man!
Shortlisted are,
Omega Aqua Terra chronograph
Rolex GMT master 2 ceramic
Rolex Submariner LV
Or MAYBE a nice Pre-owned IWC Portuguese.

To end the post with a new Steinhart strap for my X-wind!

Ball Cannonball Trainmaster and Ball Fireman Night Train

2009-05-13T15:45:00.009+08:00

Ball watches have always fascinate me, and the more I read about it, the more I desire to get one.
I have been eyeing the Ball Trainmaster Cannonball for a long time, and whenever I pass by the dealers, they just don't have the black dial version I want. If not, it's the price that's putting me off.
Until....

Yup, I saw it. The black dial version waving at me from the display case, flagging the price tag violently at me asking me to bring it home...The price was 10% lower than the previous time I saw it. Heck, it's mine...!

Here it is..

A few days before I bought this, I came across an ad for a Ball Fireman night train. The price quote was simply irresistible. Went down to meet the gentlemen to discover it in a near perfect condition.
This is the first and a discontinued edition of night train where there's tri colour lume, which makes it even more valuable. The current version is combination of Green and a single red lume on the 12 O'clock.
The Diamond Like Carbon coating will make this an ideal beater.

The tri colour lume. Yellow, Green and Blue.

I am also looking into getting a Ball watch aviator watch, which resemble the Night Train. If ever I come across a nice condition, this will have to go unfortunately..

That infamous wrist shot, again.

gone... again and again!

2009-05-10T07:54:00.002+08:00

A shift in my collection focus makes me sell off a few more watches I have. Seiko Helmet and my Invicta corduba 3449.
One is a vintage seiko that is far too small for my wrist, and the other one is just far too HUGE!
So,
2 more gone.

Temptation creeps in, and I just can't helped it but to give in.
Incoming 2 new babies.

loving every bit of it..

The best 23

2009-03-25T05:59:00.002+08:00

I chanced upon the best collection of speedy in the net..
Tell me it's real..

Omega Speedy

Beauty..

PRG-110Y-1V

2009-03-20T03:40:00.004+08:00

Another Protrek that caught my eyes when I am in Hong Kong. I knew that I can get a much better deal in Singapore, and when I got home the following day, I went for it.

Casio Protrek PRG 110Y
What caught my attention is an all black finish. The other Protrek I have got is different from this. The thickness is 11mm compared to the 17mm PRG-80L. There is a slight tweak to the interface as the compass indication is displayed at the circumference of the dial. The previous generation is shown on the dial with arrows. The golden indication stands out from the black titanium case. This makes it an interesting buy.

The Brotherly Love..

So,
What's Next?

Gone Baby Gone

2009-02-19T22:28:00.003+08:00

For the past 3 days, 2 of my Seiko watches contributed to my humble funds.
The funds for my next watch.

SND253 and SNDA05 found their respective new home. They might be living in a luxury pinewood watch box, or maybe an old cupboard. Whatever wherever it might be, I wish them all the best.

Plan for now is to be more focus in my watch collection. Might not be expensive, but they will be automatic.

Alrighty,
I will post when I get my next watch, hopefully its "THAT" one ...
cheers

Collection

2009-02-04T02:52:00.009+08:00

After some alteration with my mistake buys, bits of here and there, my collection is out. Nope, will never be finalise. Yeap, you get what I mean!

My recent buy is a Invicta Grand diver 3044. When I had that yellow one, something.. somewhere is telling me that I NEED a black one. Ouch... and I happen to see it in L.A. Well, the rest is history..

The first layer of my watch box consist of watches that I would wear..

And the second compartment are also my watches. I call it my Fun Watch collection.

Top From L to R:
Seiko SKX007, Seiko Chronograph SNDA05, Invicta Corduba, Protrek PRG80
Bottom From L to R:
Hamilton X-wind, Invicta 3044, Invicta 3048, Seiko SND253, Seiko vintage helmet 6139-7100

I will be selling a few more of my watches because I realise my collection is not in a very focus and proper manner.
And yes, you may call this an Obsession.

A Nice Quote

2008-12-11T17:41:00.002+08:00

Saw a quote in the magazine by a former Olympic contender Oon Jin Gee. He make a statement that touch my heart, at the same time making me...ermm... guilty...

"If we are credited with $86,400 each morning and any unused balance at the end of each day is confiscated, we would make a concerted effort to utilise all of it. In reality, we are credited with 86,400 seconds in a day, but we struggle to make every second count. "

Okie... I am guilty...VERY.

A short story of my First Watch

2008-12-10T02:56:00.005+08:00

Was quite thrill when I received a new stainless steel bracelet for my Nautica aka my first watch. I am tired of wearing my trusty Casio watch to work, and so I've decided to use this as my work watch once it has got a new bracelet.

But...Hai.....

Here's the story...
Taking my watch out, I was thinking maybe this bracelet can be used on my Invicta also. And since they are bundle together in the same cushion, I decided to take both out.

X Mark the spot of my nautica watch.

Happily, I placed it on the table, and proceed to unwrap my bracelet... when I knock the watch very very gently.
It just happened too fast.
The both of them rolled down and kiss my dirty floor.

End result,
Invicta corduba crystal is much stronger than Nautica.
Congrats...

Well,
I just proceed in doing what I should do, with half a drop of tear hiding in the corner of my eyes....

and after changing it, I just kept it aside...

Hai ....

It's Vintage

2008-11-21T17:09:00.006+08:00

An off day at home, resulted in some photography session using my Samsung omnia camera phone. Pardon the quality, it's after all, a hp camera...

Simply Vintage.

This is my very first vintage watch.
Right: Seiko Helmet 6139-7100 ( Feb 1976)

Got my 2nd piece shortly after that,
Left: Citizen bullhead 8110 (July 1976)

Although they are both 32 years old, they keep really impressive accurate time. No complains about that.

How this Seiko got his name is because of the unique helmet shape.

As for the citizen, its because of the crown located at the 12 o'clock position. BULLHEAD!

Some random up close shots of the dial

What I like so much about the Seiko is the really thick casing it has. Just a pity that it's only 40mm in size, which is... hmm... small, to my context. The bullhead is slightly smaller, but the design of the crowns is stunning.

Seiko do produce a Bullhead version, which is even bigger, 44mm! That version is very much sought after by Seiko collectors, and me.. of course. Currently looking for one that's of a really ideal condition currently. heh..

Fossil Zane FS4159

2008-10-16T23:55:00.002+08:00

Time to say goodbye to some watch. This is my ebay listings. Anyone interested ?

Fossil Zane FS4159
Condition: Very very mint !

Just trying to cut down my collections.. to fund my other collections... hehee..

Seiko Database Calculator

2008-10-16T23:33:00.007+08:00

You might be wondering when your Seiko watch is made right?
I stumble across this link , and find that it's very useful to find the date of birth of your beloved Seiko.

Click Here for the calculator

A quick summary,
Take a look at the back of your vintage Seiko and usually there's a movement number and a serial number.
My Vintage Seiko helmet is 6139 with a serial number of 623712.
Just have to pay attention to the first 2 digits of the serial number.

6 - The year, for this case it's 1976. Base on my knowledge(I might be wrong), Seiko Helmet 6139 was produce after 1969. So logically it makes sense that it's produce in 1976.

2 - The month. February. Sometimes the 2nd digit is replaced with alphabets that represent the month. Eg:D is for december.

Overall, use this database calculator if you are unsure!

And after waiting for almost 2 weeks, the bracelet I ordered for my Seiko 6139 is finally here! It's not an original Seiko 6139 bracelet because it's just too rare to get it. But overall I am really satisfied with the change of bracelet.. cool cool...

I promise to upload pictures, and I certainly will.
Will try and get a good camera for it.

My X-wind !

2008-10-10T00:01:00.003+08:00

I just bought a Hamilton X-wind !
Hyper excited, now just waiting for it to be delivered!

Even though I have not get the item physically, I am already seeking for new straps for this watch.. Looking forward to get a very dark mocha coloured leather strap. Must be thick enough too ... time to start sourcing for it..

Update again when I got the watch..
With pictures of course!

Invicta 3048

2008-10-05T01:57:00.006+08:00

My first diver.
Invicta 3048.
Got this in june this year as a birthday gift for myself. Yup, I know.. it's always an excuse!
Initially my idea is to get the "famous" 8926. But thinking of the price and size of the watch, I figure out that to my context, it's more worthy to get this 3048. Invicta Grand Diver.
Yes, I don't dive. but this watch is too huge to give it a miss!

Some information:
Water resistant can go up to 300 meters.
It runs on a miyota 27J auto movement.
17 mm thickness, 47 mm diameter.
Note: Most website report that it is a sapphire crystal but in actual fact it's definitely not.

To date this is the heaviest watch I have own. It's bracelet also play a part in creating this tough and big look. Everything just come together perfectly to form this watch. Beauty!
By far, I guess his competitor will be the one and only Seiko SKZ255.
Can't resist, planning to get that one too!

Really adore the front magnified glass for the date viewer. Really enhance the overall appearance of this watch.

The beautiful see through back case.

The famous wrist shot!

Invicta Signature Grand diver icon.

Here's a lume shot. Got to agree that it will not be as bright as the soon-to-be-mine Seiko frankenmonster.

Overall, for the price I pay, this watch is well worth every single cent. When my first Invicta Lupah watch break down in less than a month, I promise myself not to buy anymore Invicta products. After awhile, I start to give them another chance, and to give myself another excuse, to buy this.
My Verdict: Very pleasant watch, definitely not a let-down. But I just simply don't have the courage to pay more for Invicta watches. Anything more than 200usd is outta question.

PRG-80L-3V

2008-09-29T01:00:00.006+08:00

A digital watch is a must for sports like running, swimming and etc... or maybe some intense ones like tracking, mountain climbing and etc..
Just for your information, I don't do any of the above mention sports.
I play snooker in my leisure time,
and sleeping.
Just in case that ONE FINE DAY I decided to pick up any sports that require accurate timing,
I got myself a big roundish Protrek last month.
Keyword: Just in case

And I must say, this watch have been getting a lot of wrist time compare to the rest of the others. Simply because I can tell the time very easily due to the big display of the LCD. I tired a 0.003 seconds glance and I got the time correctly. Ahemm...
Another factor is because, it goes well with whatever I wear. NICE.
Initially I have got myself a Mudman G-shock and thought that should be it.
But I was wrong.
I just love the bigger appearance of a protrek and I sold my mudman to my friend, who appreciate it more than I do.
That's a win win situation huh?

Here I present to you,
My Casio Protrek PRG-80L-3V.

Digital watch will always have the features of a few items, like the stopwatch, timer, alarm. Shouldn't elaborate of those. The key feature of Casio Protreks are the triple sensors.
Triple Sensors:
Altimeter, Digital compass, Thermometer.
It runs on solar energy as well, recharging the battery inside.
The power save function is really good too. (automatically disables LCD if the watch is left in the dark for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, and sensor measurements if the watch is left in the dark for six or seven days)

Looks like a floating spaceship.

Some wrists shots.

Derrick happen to be around at my house and I stole his Classic G-shock DW6900-1V for a shot. A pity that I can't show you his Protrek PRG40 as he's not wearing it today. Nevertheless it's a good one too.

Equally Huge!
Now I am thinking... Should I get one G shock as well ?
I was a mustafa again and I saw this.
Casio G shock G7500.
Looks good ? (File Picture)

Nah ...Just a thought huh ...

Invicta Corduba

2008-09-26T01:30:00.005+08:00

My favourite delivery man was here with my Invicta Corduba 3449 this morning!
Chunky watch, by far, that's the biggest watch I own.
Was browsing amazon when I saw this on sale.
Big. Huge. 52mm... Can you imagine?
Fits my watch theme too...
I once told myself that I would not buy anymore Invicta watches anymore...
But then... but .. too many buts...
and so,
I just pull the trigger.
Free shipping too!
No pictures yet because my camera is trying to play punk with me these days.
So let's just wait and see... hiak~

Sometime I am wondering whether if I should add a wish list at the left of my blog...
But I drop the idea when I have so many watches I need to collect.
Massive wishlist..

Getting late...
Night everyone!

Finally

2008-09-25T02:58:00.002+08:00

Finally, my watch is here!
Seiko helmet 6139-7100
Citizen bullhead 8110

No pictures yet, because I feel that it would be much nicer to give them a new bracelet each. Sourcing for a good one is really tough... think I will hit the streets to try my luck..

Goodnight!

Clock

2008-09-23T22:55:00.003+08:00

A harmless walk at Mustafa Shopping Centre with my friends resulted in me having a Big clock in my room. Friends that understand me will know that Mustafa shopping centre is my favourite mall. No prize for knowing the reason. It got to be link with... yup yup... watches...
The varities of watch they have is tremendous! Price is very reasonable. and best of all, I went there at 12am... 24hrs round the clock service!

okay, back to my clock.
A Seiko Clock.
Initially it was my friend's idea who wanted it for her house.
A similar model, except that it's white.
After looking at it I decided to bring it home because I pity that big clock..
It was saying ... "Buy me back pleaseee...."
Alright, not funny...

The only stock they have is the display set, and the condition is ... just average...
Thank god, they have another model, which is the one I have.
Enough said, paid up and left the place.
Took me days to get it fix.
Firstly a nail was hammer into the wall.
After the 82987694132476453 attempts,
I gave up.
A drill is so much better.

Now,
I have a oversize clock in my miniture room.
LOVELY!

I took the pictures with my window grills on purpose because it's one of the better way to make out how big is it on photo.
Clock measure 51cm in diameter.
HUGE.

Up close and personal.

Cheerios!

My seiko Flightmaster

2008-09-21T00:28:00.006+08:00

This is my very first Seiko, and definitely not the last! Seiko watch company has got a long history.. and pardon me if I am not wrong, they are the one that start the quartz movement. Ouch!

Have bought this over eBay, and ever since then, most of my watch are from there. The Majority have doubts in buying things through eBay, and when I first started out, I have my fair share of doubts too..
But over time, you will know what to look out for, who not to buy from, and whether is it worth buying from the internet. Hmm, can't explain it with words though.. just your instinct, your experiences in what to look out for.
But of course by saying that doesn't mean I am an expert in eBaying. I am still learning yah?

My Seiko Flight Master SND253P1. From the picture you can see the nice and complicated dial and bezel. First time I saw the picture, I knew that I need to own this piece. Really like the complicated function it have, although I got no idea how to use it.. hah!
This watch measure 44mm across including crown, and the thickness is about 10mm.

Not a diver watch, but nevertheless I still capture a shot of the ilium. Decent brightness.

A little close up shot of the crown,

A 3 fold clasp.

And lastly, how can I miss out on a wrist shot?!

Just received a delivery advise from my local post office. My vintage Seiko Helmet is here! But no one is at home to collect on my behalf... gotta wait till monday... ARgh!

My Big Red Watch

2008-09-18T01:01:00.001+08:00

Second watch that I bought for myself.
A Big Red Armani dress watch.AR0559 Giorgio Armani is contributing an average of 40 percent of its gross profit margin from sales of all Emporio Armani (PRODUCT) RED Products directly to The Global Fund. Doing some charity also, that's why I buy it. Ahem...heh
Also, it has a Vanilla scented black rubber strap with EA buckle. I didn't realise it until my friend has pointed out my strap smells like some sort of candy. After 1 year of wearing it, I swear, It still smells like the first day I got it.
Have been looking all over the island for it... Manage to get one of the shop assistant to bring it in from the factory for me..
A simple quartz movement, a rubbery black watch strap. How unglamorous.
But put it together, and it all become magic.
Love at first sight..
Haha..

Although the dimension is only 42 x 50, the red dial makes it look so striking that overall it enhance the size of the watch. Pretty pretty..

Nice curvy mineral glass!

Next up will be my seiko flightmaster.
Also, my very first seiko to start off with..

I won again!

2008-09-17T23:03:00.000+08:00

Just won the bid for a vintage citizen bullhead chrono! white dial, 23 jewel.. okie okie, Let me get my watch first and do some posting ...

Ciao

I won!

2008-09-16T12:48:00.001+08:00

Before I begin on my Big Red Watch ,
Would like to tell you guys that I have won a vintage Seiko helmet 6139-7100 on eBay!
Black dial, classic look...and a bonus feature, at an unbelievable price!
Can't wait to have it delivered !

Ahh... sad news at the same time,
My trusty digital camera just gave way and died in my arms a few days ago... now trying to source for a digital camera at the same time ...

hmm...
let me sort it out first ...

His first watch.

2008-09-12T02:00:00.000+08:00

My first watch.
A Nautica.
To share a sad little secret, I have never bought a watch for myself.
This is the first one,
and I got it at the age of 25.

My Nautica A09595
It's a huge 46mm watch excluding the crown. What really catch my attention is the big and fat crown. Chunky!

It runs with a Japanese Quartz movement, Very solid hard mineral case. 21mm black watch band. Classic!

Pardon my photography skills,
amateur, learning in progress yah?
More to come..
My 2nd watch.
Nickname: Big Red Watch.