Japanese Watch Magazine Watchnavi Panerai supplement

I like Japanese watch magazines. Why? Well they cover all brands of watches, Swiss to German to Japanese to Chinese. They cover both mechanical and quartz watches. They have the usual sections on new watch release, watch reviews, and they have sections on how to care for your watch, sections that teaches watch making and even sections on vintage watches. However there is one problem and it is a big one. I do not understand Japanese. So I look at the pictures. Sigh.

Anyway, in conjunction with the launch of Panerai new 'mass produce' movement, the P.900X, the watch magazine Watchnavi has produce a supplement on the movement. It would be an interesting read if I could read Japanese. However the photographs in the magazine are plenty and like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

The supplement is 32 pages thick (includes cover) and measures 20.5 x 29.5 cm. The supplement is divided into a number of sections. The first section covers Panerai history. There are pictures of Panerai watches from 1938 and a selection of watches from 1997 to 2006. The next section covers the P.900x movement. The interesting part about this section is the comparison between the P.9000, P.2002 and the old OP X movement.

Section 3 covers a selection of watches that Panerai produces that uses the P.900x, P.200x and OP movement. However the magazine only covers the Luminor range of watches. It covers the Historic, Contemporary and Manufacture range. The is also a page that shows the Luminor PAM0312 fitted with straps showing how it would look like on different colour straps and also different material.

The last section covers Panerai official distributor in Japan and where they are located. There are many photographs of the inside of the shops showing the watches on display. Shop data like opening times and contact details are provided.

Overall it is an interesting magazine.

New additions to the family

Was a busy weekend with the family vacation. We were visiting Yilan, a beautiful township about 1 hour from Taipei. To get there we had to drive inside one of the longest tunnels in the world. It is about 12 KM long.

Anyway, while we were there, the following watches were added to the family collection of watches. The watches are from Casio Baby-G collection. The watches, BG-3000-4CDR and Bg-1302-2DR are pretty cool. I like the watches.

The pair.

The BG-3000-4CR.

The BG-1302-2DR.

The reviews of these watches will be coming soon.

Reeds Co

This is a new watch company operating out of Singapore. It is founded by Reed Tan. It started operation early this year. It brand of watch is called REEDSCO. There are currently 3 series in their product offering; the Axis, Axis Lite and MV. Their watches measures 45 mm and uses a 21 jewel Automatic movement.

They also offer a range of homage watches based on a popular watch design. These watches differs from other homage watch in that the dial are hand finished and are available in different pattern, colour and patina.

I have to say that their products are pretty interesting, and the prices are good as well.

Some of REEDSCO offerings:

The REEDSCO watch

Axis Lite

MV

Some of their homage watches.

Photographs: Reedsco

For more information:

http://www.reedsco.com/

Project/ Homage Watch Update 2

The case finally arrived. Sealed and looking good. I am very happy. The hunt is now on for the movement. Hope to get that soon. Wish me luck.

Swatch New Automatic Chronograph

Swatch has launched a new watch series in the Automatic chronograph. It is indeed interesting to see Swatch having an automatic chronograph. It would be more interesting if it was fitted with the popular and robust ETA 7750. It is not. It is fitted with ETA new C01.211.

This is an interesting movement. It is a new movement from ETA and it looks like ETA is standardizing their movement numbering. Older ETA movements are usually numbered ETA XXXX like the the ETA 7750 or ETA 2824. The quartz ETA movement however is usually numbered ETA XXX.XXX. We can see that this new ETA chronograph movement is now numbered like the quartz movement, ETA C01.211 and the other new chronograph movement, ETA A08.231.

This movement is based on the very popular Lemania 5100. I have had a look at some photographs of the movement and also the Lemania 5100 (also seen the actual movement). I have to say that they look very similar. Just look at the photographs below.

The ETA C01.211 as fitted on the Tissot.

Photograph: Eurostar.

The Lemania 5100.

Photograph: righttime

This new movement has the following specifications:

15 jewels (2 less as compared to the Lemania 5100)

21,600 A/h (28,800 on the Lemania 5100)

13 1/4 ligne

46 hours power reserve

Lets get back to the Swatch Automatic Chronograph. There are currently 5 models in the range. The basic specifications are as follows:

Size: 42 mm diameter, plastic

Crystal: Sapphire

Display back, crystal unknown

Chronograph: 30 minute and 6 hour counter, central seconds hand

Date display (at 3 o'clock)

Small second on sub-dial (9 o'clock)

The watches:

Blunge.

Simply Pure.

Silver Class.

Sign In The Sky.

Right Track.

Photographs: Swatch

The watches retails for USD 380 for the steel bracelet model and USD 370 for the rubber or leather strap version. It is retailing for NTD 11,850 for the rubber or leather strap version and NTD 12,150 for the steel version.

I have tried and seen all the models here in Taiwan and have to say that it looks good and is great value for money. The movement is nice to look at. However, the movement can only be see on the blue and silver dial versions. On the black version, Right Track, the display back is partially blacked-out as can be seen from the photograph below.

Photograph: Swatch

I like Sign In The Sky but worry about the white rubber strap. If I do get it, I will change the strap to a black rubber strap. My other concern, nothing to do with the watch but rather the movement, is that with the introduction of this new movement (and the A08.231), what will the future hold for the more expensive movements like the ETA 7750.

STOWA iPhone Application

Stowa has launched its Apple iPhone Application. This application is available free from Apple and Stowa. It is great to see an independent brand do this to promote its product. When the application is launched, you get one of two watches to display the time. The watches are the popular Airman or Marine Original. You also have access to their catalogue, their history and subscription to Stowa newsletter. There is also a puzzle game. All in all a great application.

For more information:

http://www.stowa.com/

The catalogue.

The start-up screen.

Photographs: Apple & Stowa

Don Straps

Don has been producing straps for Panerai (can be fitted to other brands) since 1998. He got started when one of his customers asked if he could make a strap that fitted his watch. He did and slowly orders started coming in from others. He also notice that collectors were commenting on the fact that there were little or no sellers/ makers of straps and also the fact that commercially available straps were either too long or short. Don took up the challenge and the rest as they say is history.

As earlier stated, Don has been producing straps since 1998 and is probably the longest strap seller on the Internet. I first notice Don's strap on the popular Panerai forum. His straps are well made and the quality shows. However, the best part of Don's offerings is that he believes in that quality does not always have to come with a high price.

Don's straps are made from the finest leathers and some are even made from exotic materials. The straps are available in number of lengths, from extra short to extra long. Basically there is a strap for everyone.

Don does not only makes and sells straps, he also offers tubes, screws and buckles for Panerai watches. I have to say that it is an end to end product offering. Based on the number of customer images on his website, I have to say that he has many satisfied customers.

Some of Don's straps and offerings:

The stitching on the straps is impressive.

The traditional look with the integral buckle.

Traditional look with integral PVD buckle.

Screws and tubes for use on Panerai watches. PVD versions is also offered.

Buckles, brushed, polished or PVD.

Screwdriver for use with Panerai watches. The interesting aspect of the screwdriver is the tip has been flattened to allow for a better fit on the screw head as compared to commercially available screwdrivers.

The tip.

For more information:

http://rlx.homestead.com/DON.html