Gruppo Gamma Divemaster...

Gruppo Gamma will be launching their Divemaster Gen II soon, like in a few days.

From their website...

The 1950s was one of the most exciting periods in dive watch history - Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms, Zodiac introduced the Sea Wolf and Rolex introduced the Submariner. 

First rolled out in 2016 and now in its second generation, Gruppo Gamma's Divemaster draws inspiration from these legendary watches in much the same way that different watch designs in times past have influenced one another. 

Divemaster DG-01

Divemaster DG-02

Divemaster DG-03

Divemaster DG-04

Divemaster DG-05

Divemaster DG-06

Divemaster DG-07

Divemaster DG-08

Photographs: Gruppo Gamma

So what can you expect from the Divemaster?

ETA movement, ceramic bezel, Super-Luminova, Horween strap, 500M water resistance, helium escape valve and 8 models to choose from.

For more information:

Gruppo Gamma Divemaster

I have to say that the watches do look good and I am tempted to get one. 

Brushing... The final piece...

I nearly forgot about this part of the watch when I was brushing the Gruppo Gamma...

Highly polished buckle. 

The back... Slightly brushed/ matte...

Not much work needed on the back...

The tool...

Remove the buckle from the strap...

The back...

Slowly brush the buckle. Direction? Up to your liking. 

All done. 

Brushing.. Now complete

After spending a couple of hours brushing and changing a couple of different types of 'scotch brite', I am basically happy with the result.

I prefer the brushed finish as compared to the polished finish of the original.

There are still traces of the polish finish, especially at the edges of the lug with the case. I will still continue to brush the watch and adapt the 'scotch brite' to brush those hard to reach places. I am also looking into investing in a Bergeon Scratch Brush Pen.

Or maybe this might help? 

Photograph: Ofrei

And no, it is not a 'scotch brite' but an Omega Microlon Pad. It is used to refinish titanium watches like the X-33. 

Brushing... a Work In Progress...

Since the new year is dawning on us, I decided to modify one of my watches and give it a new look...

Yeah, my Gruppo Gamma watch...

First remove the straps...

The very polished surface...

The tool.... 3M no less... :)

Point of no return...

After more work and more brushing...

After more work and some fine tuning.

Yes, even the crown is brushed, circular brushing... :)

After even more work and more brushing... 

Still work in progress. Need to figure out how to brush the corners....

Project watch...

Exciting times and good news indeed. As some you may know, one of the things I have the honour of doing is being a moderator on www.malaysiawatchforum.com. One of the projects I was involved in was to have something made for the forum's 5th. Anniversary. We were fortunate enough to have a watch maker who was willing to work with us to have a watch made for the forum to celebrate its 5th. Anniversary. 

What started out as an idea....

Suddenly we were in the thick of things... Basic spec were agreed upon and the process began. Small updates on the progress were made known to us. Case made, movement arrived (Miyota 8215), case back being made.....

Agreeing on the choice of straps. 

The dial completed....

Closer... we were getting closer....

Finally, the finished product... being inspected and tested. Can't wait to receive this.....

The MWF 5th. Anniversary watch, a limited run of 50 pieces.

Photographs: Gruppo Gamma

It was a great experience and having a great partner to work with makes it much easier.