Maranez Watches

I just found out about this company called Maranez. They are a new micro-brand operating out of Thailand. I suspect, they are based in Phuket, but I could be wrong. It is just that the names of their watch collection are main points of attraction in Phuket. 

At present, they have 3 collection on offer. The collection are:

Maranez Racha. 

If I am not mistaken, Racha is an island just off Phuket which is a popular dive site. The Racha is basically a dive watch that offers the user a choice of 2 bezels. It is powered by a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, encased in a 44mm, 316L stainless steel case. It comes with a HEV as it is rated to 100 ATM. 

Sapphire crystal, double dome. 

The lume on the Maranez watches is just awesome. This extends across the range.

Maranez Layan.

This is named after the Layan Beach in Phuket (I am guessing here). The watch comes in a familiar cushion shape and is offered in a brass case. The watch is water resistant to 30 ATM. The watch is powered by the Seiko NH35 automatic movement. 

The stainless steel case back. The brass case is 43mm in diameter. 

The large 8mm crown. 

Again another lume shot. Nice luminosity.

Finally the Maranez Bangla.

This collection is named after a popular road in Phuket. The road is known for its nightlife and this is reflected in the offering. The Bangla is available in a number of dial design and colours. I like this collection. The watches are again offered in brass and also titanium. As with the the Layan, this watch is water resistant to 30 ATM and is also powered by the Seiko NH35. 

And yes, it does look like that Italian brand. 

The watch is large and thick. It is 47mm in diameter and almost 16mm thick. This is the titanium model.

This is the brass model. 

Both watches comes with a titanium case back. 

The watch is available in various dial colours and design. I like the Cali dial. 

Pretty cool watches.

For more information:

Maranez watches

Oris is 110...

Trying hard to return to some normalcy, so back to work. :)

So Oris will be 110 years this year. Happy Birthday Oris and may you have many many more. In conjunction with its 110 Years of Oris, they are inviting all Oris supporters to play a role. All you have to do is to submit a photo of yourself and a short greeting to take part and become a part of Oris history. How cool is that. 

Additionally, by submitting the photograph, you will be entered into a prize drew where the winner will win a VIP trip to Baselworld 2014. You could win a (one) fully paid trip to the event, which includes:

Return flight

3 nights accommodation in a hotel of Oris' choosing

Day pass to Baselworld 2014 (28th - 30thMarch)

Invites to Oris Exclusive Receptions

There are also 10 consolation prizes, where you could win a Oris Kaweco Pen Set. 

The entry starts on the 15th of January. All the best.

Photograph: Oris

For more information:

Oris

A dream come true

It has been sometime since I last posted. Nursing a bad back and attending daily physiotherapy does take a toll.... 

Anyway, after months of discussion, planning, lots of work, sweat and tears, finally it is a reality...

A place we can call home. Or rather members of www.malaysiawatchforum.com can call home. Our own watering hole. A place for members to hang out, talk watches, even buy pre-loved and new watches. Buy straps, make customs straps and basically hang-out. 

The MWF Group Store. 

The store will be open Monday to Saturday from 1100 to 1900 hours, except public holidays. The store is located at:

2-45, The Scott Garden

289, Jalan Kelang Lama,

58000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia. 

Indeed a new place for me to hang out when ever I am back.

Yet another G-Shock mook...

This mook is to celebrate Casio G-Shock 30th Anniversary. So there are a number of pages dedicated to the watches released to celebrate that fact (well, actually only 2 pages). The mook is not very thick, only 46 pages (not including covers), mostly focusing on Japanese collectors and their collection. 

The mook is published by e-mook Smart. Note the '30th' on the watch face and 19:83 as the time, also the year Casio G-Shock was created. Cool...

The back cover. 

For those interested to get one, the ISBN: 978-4-8002-2091-2. Your local Japanese bookstore should be able to help. 

The cherry on top of the ice-cream? A free tote bag.

The bag, attached to page '47' of the book. 

The table of contents. 

One of the collectors featured in the mook. Complete collection of Casio G-Shock x Bape collaboration. Nice, very nice indeed. 

Some of the new Casio G-Shock watches. 

The bluetooth collection. 

The Rangeman. New collection? I have lost touch with the models or collection Casio G-Shock has. 

The 30th Anniversary watches. 40 watches in all. I don't think this is the complete range. I have 3, and only 2 are reflected in the magazine. 

Overall, a pretty cool magazine. If you are into G-Shock, get one as it is not a expensive magazine and there are some nice pieces and photography is nice.

Breitling Aerospace....

I was at my local photoshop to have a look at the slew of new and old camera. Had a look at the Nikon Df, the Nikon D610, Nikon D800 and D800E and even the new Fuji X-E2. Decided to maintain and improve my skills..... :)

This Breitling Aerospace is not mine, I am just a temporary owner. :) I do like the Aerospace. This models newer compared to mine....

Practice shots....

Closer....

The watch in almost like new condition. 

Indeed a beautiful watch...

Shot using Fuji X-E1 and Fujinon 60mm lens.

Breitling Emergency II

There are basically two watches that I like from Breitling. Both watches have links to the aviation industry. One of the watches is the Aerospace, which I have. The other is the Emergency. This watch, I don't have. 

This year, Breitling updated the Emergency with the Emergency II. This change is due to the changes in recent years to the satellite system used in the search-and-rescue efforts. The system, called Cospas-Sarsat, detects and will home in on the emergency beacon transmitted. The original analogue frequency is 121.5 MHz. In 2009, that frequency was slowly phased out and a new digital 406 MHz frequency was introduced. The Emergency II transmit at both frequency, as currently required, alternating between frequency. 

The antenna (there are two) is located in the lower part of the watch. To activate, you just have to unscrew and pull out the knob at the antenna housing. The watch will also feature a new power system to power the emergency system. This is to meet Cospas-Sarsat's standards, which requires the beacon to transmit up to 24 hours and at temperatures as low as -20 degrees C. Additionally, transmitting at 406 MHz puts a strain on the batteries. The Emergency II will come with a charger-tester to charge and test the system. 

Since the Emergency II is also a watch, it comes with the following functions: 12/24 hour analogue and LCD digital display, chronograph, timer, alarm, dual time, calendar and EOL (End Of Life) indicator. This is all possible due to the Breitling Caliber 76. The watch case is titanium and is water resistant to 5 ATM. The watch will retail for about USD 15,750.

The watch.....

Orange dial.

Yellow dial.

The case back, with instructions on how to use the emergency system.

The antenna.

In PVD black case and rubber strap. 

Photographs: Breitling.

For more information:

Emergency II

Fire at Swatch

I wonder how this is going to impact the watch industry as a whole. The good news is no one was hurt in the fire. 

A fire at ETA Manufacture Horlogere....

Swatch fire