I haven't posted in a while as I've been way too busy at work. But, I haven't been quiet on the watch front...I have a couple of new acquisitions. In short, bagged a few trophies, yet the hunt continues.
Hopefully more later.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
MWR Mini-Meet
I recently attended an MWR Mini-Meet where I met some really cool MWR regulars. I had a great time talking about watches and our other interests. I also met Bill Yao of MkII fame for the first time. (Bill next time you're in the area we have to do this again.)
Here's a few photos from that night. Note Bill's MMT Blackwater with the Zodiac/JLC Amvox hands in the middle below. My Blackwater is on the left. If you look closely you'll see something different about one of the Blackwaters. I wonder if anyone can figure it out? :-)
I got to try on a Seiko Professional 300m Quartz for the first time. Despite its size, it really is quite comfortable. This one belonged to Bill Yao.
Unfortunately, many of my photos from that night turned out blurry and out of focus like the shot below. That's a MN Tudor on the right.
Here's the obligatory collection shot. A lot of these are really rare watches that I've never seen in-person before. Some of these examples are the grail watches for many collectors.
It was fun guys, let's do it again.
Here's a few photos from that night. Note Bill's MMT Blackwater with the Zodiac/JLC Amvox hands in the middle below. My Blackwater is on the left. If you look closely you'll see something different about one of the Blackwaters. I wonder if anyone can figure it out? :-)
I got to try on a Seiko Professional 300m Quartz for the first time. Despite its size, it really is quite comfortable. This one belonged to Bill Yao.
Unfortunately, many of my photos from that night turned out blurry and out of focus like the shot below. That's a MN Tudor on the right.
Here's the obligatory collection shot. A lot of these are really rare watches that I've never seen in-person before. Some of these examples are the grail watches for many collectors.
It was fun guys, let's do it again.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Rolex Sea-Dweller in Action
The Sea-Dweller is probably my all-time favorite Rolex. For those of you who doubt that it's still a tool watch better think again. The 'Dweller hasn't forgotten its purpose. *Philip* on the BJSOnline Rolex forum posted photos of his friend's SD hitching a ride on an unmanned remotely operated vehicle (ROV) down to 1,200 meters, which by no coincidence is the maximum depth rating for the watch. The Sea-Dweller survived the journey no worse for wear. That's what it was made for anyway! Makes me want to go strap my Sea-Dweller on and call up the Choir.
Photo copyright © 2006 Pol Palacios
The picture above shows the Sea-Dweller at 1,200 meters. The mothership's cameras were focused on the watch during the dive!
Photo copyright © 2006 Pol Palacios
You can view the entire post here.
The picture above shows the Sea-Dweller at 1,200 meters. The mothership's cameras were focused on the watch during the dive!
You can view the entire post here.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Zen & the Art of Bracelet Removal
I just spent over an hour removing the bracelet from my Seamaster 300. You read that correctly, over an hour. You're probably thinking, "This guy doesn't know what he's doing." You may be right, but by now I've had over 6 years experience removing and fitting bracelets onto watches so that probably isn't the case. Well then you might ask, "Do you even have the right tools?" Yep. I've got a host of bracelet/strap removal tools and the one I use most often is the Bergeon 6111. The Bergeon gets the job done. Then why did it take me over an hour?
Single flange spring bars.
Take note, especially you watch companies out there: If the watch case does not have drilled through lugs, then use double flange spring bars...please!
It's also critical to remember not to remove a bracelet if you are angry, in a hurry, or in any state of mind other than that of pure, calm water. Remember, only after you clear your mind and body of all emotions are you in the right mental state to attempt such a procedure.
Finally, fer goodness sake, tape up those lugs! (Taping up the caseback couldn't hurt either.)
And just to let you know; I successfully removed the bracelet without damaging the watch. Whew.
This public service message brought to you by Hesalite.
Single flange spring bars.
Take note, especially you watch companies out there: If the watch case does not have drilled through lugs, then use double flange spring bars...please!
It's also critical to remember not to remove a bracelet if you are angry, in a hurry, or in any state of mind other than that of pure, calm water. Remember, only after you clear your mind and body of all emotions are you in the right mental state to attempt such a procedure.
Finally, fer goodness sake, tape up those lugs! (Taping up the caseback couldn't hurt either.)
And just to let you know; I successfully removed the bracelet without damaging the watch. Whew.
This public service message brought to you by Hesalite.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
"Not By Strength But By Guile"
I was reading the chapter in Combat Frogmen about the selection process for the various Special Forces combat swimmers. The training for volunteers of Britain's Special Boat Squadron shows that they are truly an elite group of individuals. The motto of the SBS: "Not by strength but by guile."
The picture above shows a SBS squaddie in dress uniform. The SBS wear the uniform of the Royal Marines. The steely look on his face says it all.
The picture above shows a SBS squaddie in dress uniform. The SBS wear the uniform of the Royal Marines. The steely look on his face says it all.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Combat Frogmen
Almost a month after ordering it, my copy of Combat Frogmen by Michael Welham finally arrived. Thanks to James K over on MWR for bringing attention to this out-of-print book. He scanned some photographs from the book and along with the help of a fellow MWRine posted them on the board. Subsequently, I did some searching and was able to locate a used copy in very fine condition and at a reasonable price sourced from all the way in the UK. Thank you Peter for a smooth and professional transaction. I'll be sure to choose the faster shipping method next time! :-)
This is a Swedish Ranger Combat Swimmer.
Too bad you can't really make out what watch he's wearing.
Unlike another more recent book on combat swimmers, Welham's book doesn't disrespectfully disregard ignore American and British frogmen. There should be no doubt which one I prefer (cough...this one...cough).
The section above talks about US Navy SEALs and UDTs. Time for some excellent reading.
This is a Swedish Ranger Combat Swimmer.
Too bad you can't really make out what watch he's wearing.
Unlike another more recent book on combat swimmers, Welham's book doesn't 
The section above talks about US Navy SEALs and UDTs. Time for some excellent reading.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Travelogues
Some of my favorite internet articles or forum posts involve watches, food, and travel. These travelogues are virtual trips showing us the different cultures, scenery, and people all over the world. One of the best I've read is Hans Zbinden's Colors of Asia tour where he travels to Hong Kong and Japan. Although it's a few years old it's a very enjoyable read and the photographs provide a lot of eye candy. You can view the full article here.
