Cool Watches In Japan

Japan is home to some incredible vintage and military watches.  These pictures are from a Japanese blog.  The owner is definitely a WIS.

Sinn 103 Classic

A clean Sinn 103 Classic which is 1/500 of a limited edition.  Unlike the current 103 models, the 103 Classic has the tricompax dial layout found on the original 103 A model.  This spec is powered by a Valjoux 7750 tricompax visible through a sapphire display back.  There is no day wheel in this layout.  A captive bezel, count-down bezel insert, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, and a CuSO4 capsule round out the features.

A couple of "action shots" while flying home from Las Vegas.

 

Travelling with the LRRP GMT 48

Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean from SFO enroute to Narita (Tokyo).

Reading up on the amenities of Business Class.

Close up of the time.

LRRP GMT 48 Has Arrived

This is the final iteration of the MkII LRRP.  Bill Yao, MkII's founder, calls this the LRRP GMT 48.  What's in a name?  Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP).  Next, GMT is obvious.  Finally, 48 denotes the forty-eight click bi-directional bezel.


This is my second LRRP.  The first one is the classic homage to the Rolex ref. 1655 Explorer Mark II from the 1970s.  That one came in the non-HRV (helium release valve) case and was fitted with a bracelet.  This version is a more modern homage (especially with the font on the bezel insert) to the Rolex ref. 16710 and 116710 GMT-Master II models.  It really looks awesome!


I specifically wanted the HRV case with the thick screw bar lugs.  My intention is to wear this one on nothing but one piece straps (NATOs and the mil-straps) all throughout my trip to humid and steamy South East Asia.  In addition to the black Maratac NATO that came with watch I'm packing spare Olive Drab and Desert Tan Maratac NATOs plus a Grey and Olive Drab milstrap with PVD'd hardware.

Angkor Wat

One of my favorite films is Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love.  This final scene was inspired by the ending to William Wyler's Roman Holiday.

I'll be visiting Angkor Wat later this year if everything comes together.

Escape to Asia

Copyright © 2010 Steve Forney

I feel like hopping on a plane to South East Asia every time I look at this print in my living room.

Hong Kong & Rolex

Hong Kong and Rolex go together like peanut butter and jelly.  These are some old photos I took back in 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.