A couple of "action shots" while flying home from Las Vegas.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
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.
A couple of "action shots" while flying home from Las Vegas.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Custom Steinhart B-Uhr
A few years ago I was lucky enough to request and have Herr Gunter Steinhart of Steinhart watches custom build me a 44 mm B-Uhr. He agreed to build me a watch in a stainless steel 44 mm case with sapphire crystal, solid case back, gold frosted hands and a brown tropic B-Uhr-style dial. A diamond-type crown winds an ETA 2824-2 inside the watch.
I don't know if Herr Steinhart is still taking requests, but the result is at-a-glance time reading at its best.
The watch totally scratched my itch for an IWC Big Pilot. Much more wearable than 47 mm and under US$1,000.
The only issue I had was FedEx (in the Tennessee hub of all places!) during transit as the watch was shipped out from Germany, but that's another story for another time.
I don't know if Herr Steinhart is still taking requests, but the result is at-a-glance time reading at its best.
The watch totally scratched my itch for an IWC Big Pilot. Much more wearable than 47 mm and under US$1,000.
The only issue I had was FedEx (in the Tennessee hub of all places!) during transit as the watch was shipped out from Germany, but that's another story for another time.
Sinns of the Past
These are three Sinns I used to own. Each are discontinued models. Sadly, I don't really like any of the current watches in Sinn's lineup. The current range of Sinns are either too big, too gaudy, or both. They seem to have taken those design elements Sinn is known for and made them into caricatures. Nowadays it seems like they all have gigantic hands and busy dials paired with every gimmicky technology you can put in a watch.
I do have one Sinn left in my collection: A limited edition 103 Classic that has a relatively understated design, but that is already out of production as they numbered only 500 units.
I do have one Sinn left in my collection: A limited edition 103 Classic that has a relatively understated design, but that is already out of production as they numbered only 500 units.
Sinn EZM1
Sinn 156 Military
Sinn 256
Sunday, September 15, 2013
IWC/Porsche Design Ocean 2000 Ref. 3504 (Civilian Model)
It's been several weeks since I received this IWC/Porsche Design Ocean 2000 ref. 3504. It's in fantastic condition and seems to have been serviced and brought back to original specs not too long ago. Its condition can arguably pass for NOS; it's that clean.
This is the civilian version of the Ocean 2000. I've added it to my growing stable of Ocean 2000 divers. I have two Ocean Bund diver's watches, the military version issued to German Kampfschwimmers (Combat Swimmers) in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Both are ref. 3529.
The difference between the civilian and the military versions are that the civilian version has a plain bezel vs a black bezel, a domed sapphire crystal vs a flat sapphire crystal; an all white minute hand vs an orange framed minute hand; a red-tipped seconds hand vs an all white seconds hand, and of course the issued watches have "BUND" and NATO stock numbers engraved into the caseback and bracelet endlinks.
This ref. 3504 also differs from my 3529s in the bracelet. The 3504 has the 2nd generation of the Ocean 2000 bracelet, while the 3529s have the 3rd and last generation bracelets (most secure version). There's also a substantial price differential between the civilian and issued models with the issued models commanding prices of US$10k and up depending on condition and completeness (boxes, papers, IWC extract, bracelet tool, fabric strap, etc).
Finally, the civilian version is originally rated to 2000 meters water resistance, while the military versions were supposedly "only" tested up to 200 meters. Both references are powered by ETA caliber 2892-A2 modified by IWC.
There are many dial variations on these Ocean 2000s. The dial on this 3504 is one of the last styles with a prominent "PORSCHE DESIGN" on the top and in smaller font "by IWC" above the 6 o'clock. The bracelet is also signed with the Porsche Design "pd" logo rather than "IWC".
The Ocean 2000s are my favorite watches of all time. They are also one of the first, if not the first, fully titanium watches (case, caseback, bezel, bracelet) back when titanium was a new watch material. I have to admit that they top my list over even the Rolex GMT-Master (all references). There's something about the Ocean 2000s organic design that just calls to me. Even the integrated bracelet is very satisfying design-wise. All this from a watch circa the 1980s! Classic designs are eternal after all.
This is the civilian version of the Ocean 2000. I've added it to my growing stable of Ocean 2000 divers. I have two Ocean Bund diver's watches, the military version issued to German Kampfschwimmers (Combat Swimmers) in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Both are ref. 3529.
The difference between the civilian and the military versions are that the civilian version has a plain bezel vs a black bezel, a domed sapphire crystal vs a flat sapphire crystal; an all white minute hand vs an orange framed minute hand; a red-tipped seconds hand vs an all white seconds hand, and of course the issued watches have "BUND" and NATO stock numbers engraved into the caseback and bracelet endlinks.
This ref. 3504 also differs from my 3529s in the bracelet. The 3504 has the 2nd generation of the Ocean 2000 bracelet, while the 3529s have the 3rd and last generation bracelets (most secure version). There's also a substantial price differential between the civilian and issued models with the issued models commanding prices of US$10k and up depending on condition and completeness (boxes, papers, IWC extract, bracelet tool, fabric strap, etc).
Finally, the civilian version is originally rated to 2000 meters water resistance, while the military versions were supposedly "only" tested up to 200 meters. Both references are powered by ETA caliber 2892-A2 modified by IWC.
There are many dial variations on these Ocean 2000s. The dial on this 3504 is one of the last styles with a prominent "PORSCHE DESIGN" on the top and in smaller font "by IWC" above the 6 o'clock. The bracelet is also signed with the Porsche Design "pd" logo rather than "IWC".
The Ocean 2000s are my favorite watches of all time. They are also one of the first, if not the first, fully titanium watches (case, caseback, bezel, bracelet) back when titanium was a new watch material. I have to admit that they top my list over even the Rolex GMT-Master (all references). There's something about the Ocean 2000s organic design that just calls to me. Even the integrated bracelet is very satisfying design-wise. All this from a watch circa the 1980s! Classic designs are eternal after all.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
More Vantage Pictures
Some more Vantage shots on a leather NATO. Unfortunately, since the pictures were taken at noon, the hour hand obscured the MkII logo below the 12 o'clock marker.
This is a custom Vantage back when Bill still made watches to order. Notice the yellow sweep seconds hand. AFAIK, not many people chose this option. I think it makes the watch pop. The no-date dial with the "scientific" chapter ring is also uncommon among the Vantages I've seen online.
This is a custom Vantage back when Bill still made watches to order. Notice the yellow sweep seconds hand. AFAIK, not many people chose this option. I think it makes the watch pop. The no-date dial with the "scientific" chapter ring is also uncommon among the Vantages I've seen online.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Vintage Tudor Prince
Here's my new-to-me vintage Tudor Prince ref. 7950. At 34 mm in diameter with a 19 mm lug width it's one of the smallest watches I currently own. But oh so comfortable after wearing 44 mm or 47 mm watches.
This is the first Rolex or Tudor watch I've owned that has a honeycomb dial. How they got the micro-printing on these dials back in the day is a marvel. This particular watch is dated III 57 on the inside of the case back or 3rd Quarter of 1957.
It's in great condition for a 55 year-old watch! The crown and crystal look to be modern Rolex factory replacements but the gilt dial with Rose logo, gilt hands, middle case, caseback, and of course the gilt Fleurier 390 movement are all vintage.
As a bonus, the watch came with its vintage box which amazingly sports a honeycomb motif just like the dial! Very cool. I'm loving this stealth vintage Tudor a lot.
This is the first Rolex or Tudor watch I've owned that has a honeycomb dial. How they got the micro-printing on these dials back in the day is a marvel. This particular watch is dated III 57 on the inside of the case back or 3rd Quarter of 1957.
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| Seller's photo |
It's in great condition for a 55 year-old watch! The crown and crystal look to be modern Rolex factory replacements but the gilt dial with Rose logo, gilt hands, middle case, caseback, and of course the gilt Fleurier 390 movement are all vintage.
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| Seller's photo |
As a bonus, the watch came with its vintage box which amazingly sports a honeycomb motif just like the dial! Very cool. I'm loving this stealth vintage Tudor a lot.
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| Seller's photo |
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| Seller's photo |
Saturday, October 13, 2012
MkII Nassau
The MkII Nassau is the production version of the limited edition Kingston. Both are homages to the Rolex Submariner ref. 6538, aka the Big Crown Submariner.
The Nassau sports a matte dial with silver hour and minute hands and a white sweep seconds hand. Further, unlike the Kingston, the name of the model is not printed on the dial, but it uses the same case*, crystal, bracelet, bezel, and bezel insert as the Kingston.
A date model Nassau will be available in the future.
All Nassaus were originally supposed to be fitted with a 7 mm twin seal crown, but due to some manufacturing issues with the crowns these were delayed while Bill Yao (MkII owner and founder) sought remediation from the supplier. A lucky few (25) returning Kingston customers were shipped the first batch of Nassau watches fitted with the 8 mm Kingston triple seal crowns. Only these 25 will sport the 8 mm crowns as they were supposed to be exclusive to the LE Kingston model; with the logic being 25 examples would not dilute the Kingston exclusivity.
*According to Bill, the remaining Nassau watches will ship with the now-fixed 7mm crowns and slightly modified cases. (It's not clear yet what changes there are between the older Kingston watch cases and the new Nassau cases). The remaining Kingston cases are to be held in reserve for future servicing of the 300 Kingston watches.
My Nassau is one of the first 25 made with the 8mm Kingston crown and Kingston case.
On the wrist.
The Nassau sports a matte dial with silver hour and minute hands and a white sweep seconds hand. Further, unlike the Kingston, the name of the model is not printed on the dial, but it uses the same case*, crystal, bracelet, bezel, and bezel insert as the Kingston.
A date model Nassau will be available in the future.
All Nassaus were originally supposed to be fitted with a 7 mm twin seal crown, but due to some manufacturing issues with the crowns these were delayed while Bill Yao (MkII owner and founder) sought remediation from the supplier. A lucky few (25) returning Kingston customers were shipped the first batch of Nassau watches fitted with the 8 mm Kingston triple seal crowns. Only these 25 will sport the 8 mm crowns as they were supposed to be exclusive to the LE Kingston model; with the logic being 25 examples would not dilute the Kingston exclusivity.
*According to Bill, the remaining Nassau watches will ship with the now-fixed 7mm crowns and slightly modified cases. (It's not clear yet what changes there are between the older Kingston watch cases and the new Nassau cases). The remaining Kingston cases are to be held in reserve for future servicing of the 300 Kingston watches.
My Nassau is one of the first 25 made with the 8mm Kingston crown and Kingston case.
On the wrist.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Vintage Airline Memorabilia
One of the most iconic airlines was Pan American World Airways. Pan Am exemplified the glamor of air travel during the 1950s - 1960s and into the 70s. Unfortunately, Pan Am declined during the 1980s and in 1991 they closed their cabin bay doors for the last time.
The GMT-Master will be forever linked to Pan Am since its creation was a collaboration between Pan Am and Rolex.
When I saw the picture below from an Antiquorum auction showing vintage Pan Am memorabilia along with a ref. 6542 GMT-Master I thought it was one of the coolest compositions for a watch photo.
One thing I noticed was the Pan Am branded cigarette lighter. It was made by a Japanese company called Penguin in the 1960s. I don't smoke...anymore. I quit that bad habit almost ten years ago after 15 years of smoking! However, I still love the design and look of these metal cigarette lighters - Zippo, Dupont, Penguin, etc. Like mechanical watches they are wonderfully analog (archaic!), can still be used for their intended purpose (not just for decoration!), and can last for generations which is so refreshing in this digital, Moore's Law-dominated, throw-away world.
I was lucky enough to find a NOS example of the Penguin Pan Am lighter and took delivery today. It came in its original packaging including the box in mint condition. Now all I need is the 6542. I'm working on it!
The GMT-Master will be forever linked to Pan Am since its creation was a collaboration between Pan Am and Rolex.
When I saw the picture below from an Antiquorum auction showing vintage Pan Am memorabilia along with a ref. 6542 GMT-Master I thought it was one of the coolest compositions for a watch photo.
One thing I noticed was the Pan Am branded cigarette lighter. It was made by a Japanese company called Penguin in the 1960s. I don't smoke...anymore. I quit that bad habit almost ten years ago after 15 years of smoking! However, I still love the design and look of these metal cigarette lighters - Zippo, Dupont, Penguin, etc. Like mechanical watches they are wonderfully analog (archaic!), can still be used for their intended purpose (not just for decoration!), and can last for generations which is so refreshing in this digital, Moore's Law-dominated, throw-away world.
I was lucky enough to find a NOS example of the Penguin Pan Am lighter and took delivery today. It came in its original packaging including the box in mint condition. Now all I need is the 6542. I'm working on it!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Bold and the 1016
The BB Bold on the left is my work "pager" circa 2010. The one on the right is an all original Rolex ref. 1016 Explorer circa 1973. Guess which one will last at least another 39 years? LOL!
Sunday, February 05, 2012
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.
Reading up on the amenities of Business Class.
Close up of the time.
Monday, December 19, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
New shoes for the Quad10
I fitted my MkII Quad10 with a leather NATO strap. I got these off of ebay for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, one of the colors (light tan) was out of stock so I could only buy the ones in dark brown and black colors.
The hardware on these aren't massive which I like. I can't stand the overblown metal rings on Zulus and their like. The leather is smooth on one side and soft and rough on the other. Most leather NATO straps I've seen have a buffalo skin texture. I prefer the smooth leather.
The hardware on these aren't massive which I like. I can't stand the overblown metal rings on Zulus and their like. The leather is smooth on one side and soft and rough on the other. Most leather NATO straps I've seen have a buffalo skin texture. I prefer the smooth leather.
Here are more pics of the watch on the strap.
