tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308866132024-02-07T02:13:47.403-06:00Wasting TimePaxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-36975462615152982802011-05-23T19:10:00.002-05:002011-05-23T19:35:06.825-05:00Is Lady Gaga a Genius?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFpxoLH8YmK92ZLQCdoZRRphMZM4Qv2LVyr4ciKCu1g6wSFTLhyOskOdlpySwv9nzYDvkvsLwFs0yvIJsFjjDExQwH9BNefD2GrXYOICaMtrScfEStJzPsJqhlbHmNt2d4FKwiA/s1600/Gaga-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068779644863426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFpxoLH8YmK92ZLQCdoZRRphMZM4Qv2LVyr4ciKCu1g6wSFTLhyOskOdlpySwv9nzYDvkvsLwFs0yvIJsFjjDExQwH9BNefD2GrXYOICaMtrScfEStJzPsJqhlbHmNt2d4FKwiA/s400/Gaga-01.jpg" /></a> Lady Gaga sure seems to understand selling. Does that make her a genius? May be. All I know for certain is I'm no fan of dance music, but I can listen to Lady Gaga. And her all out marketing blitz around tomorrow's release of her new album has worked on me. I watched parts of the HBO special and was entertained. I saw her with JT on SNL and found her funny and engaging. And then the $.99 release of the new album "Born This Way" on Amazon this morning. Color me silly cuz' I clicked the buy it button.<br /><br />Again, I am no lover of dance music, but I enjoy a cleverly crafted pop song and am a bit of personal rights kind of guy. The single "Born this Way" caught my attention when performed live on the HBO Monster's Ball special and then again on SNL. There is something instantly familiar and retro in the chorus to this tune. And there is no way any human should take exception the the lyrical content. a little heavy on the Christan references for me but that's almost a good thing as it makes those evangelical freaks sit and spin.<br /><br /><em><strong>It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-I-M<br />Just put your paws up<br />'Cause you were born this way, baby<br /><br />My mama told me when I was young<br />We are all born superstars<br />She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on<br />In the glass of her boudoir<br /><br />There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are<br />She said, 'cause He made you perfect, babe<br />So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far<br />Listen to me when I say<br /><br />I'm beautiful in my way<br />'Cause God makes no mistakes<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way<br /><br />Don't hide yourself in regret<br />Just love yourself and you're set<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way, born this way<br /><br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />Baby, I was born this way<br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way<br /><br />Don't be a drag, just be a queen<br />Don't be a drag, just be a queen<br />Don't be a drag, just be a queen<br />Don't be<br /><br />Give yourself prudence and love your friends<br />Subway kid, rejoice of truth<br />In the religion of the insecure<br />I must be myself, respect my youth<br /><br />A different lover is not a sin<br />Believe capital H-I-M<br />I love my life, I love this record and<br />Mi amore vole fe yah<br /><br />I'm beautiful in my way,<br />'Cause God makes no mistakes<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way<br /><br />Don't hide yourself in regret,<br />{ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/lady-gaga-lyrics/born-this-way-lyrics.html }<br />Just love yourself and you're set<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way<br /><br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />Baby, I was born this way<br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way<br /><br />Don't be drag, just be a queen<br />Whether you're broke or evergreen<br />You're black, white, beige, chola descent<br />You're Lebanese, you're orient<br /><br />Whether life's disabilities<br />Left you outcast, bullied or teased<br />Rejoice and love yourself today<br />'Cause baby, you were born this way<br /><br />No matter gay, straight or bi<br />Lesbian, transgendered life<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born to survive<br /><br />No matter black, white or beige<br />Chola or orient made<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born to be brave<br /><br />I'm beautiful in my way<br />'Cause God makes no mistakes<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way<br /><br />Don't hide yourself in regret,<br />Just love yourself and you're set<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way, yeah<br /><br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />Baby, I was born this way<br />Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way<br />I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way<br />I was born this way, hey<br />I was born this way, hey<br />I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way, hey<br /><br />I was born this way, hey<br />I was born this way, hey<br />I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way, hey<br /></strong></em><br /><br /><iframe height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wV1FrqwZyKw" frameborder="0" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />Skip to 2:30 in this video unless you want your mind to melt.<br /><br />So there it is. I grabbed Lady Gaga's new album a day early for one small buck and I ain't ashamed. It's good! Apparently she's taking shit for the mass marketing and the album itself. Whatever. I think its cool.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGvinpuzMGtfJBte0pEOnhHIvm9q8BLNWYpoYCgttUAFMVUiiOtOywc196DW_WnowkswSPE9f3O56bNV_c2PNp92fSvFrIsRHW5QG6pkDkoQU46VySo0zlEsxxcqz0oKp6RVKmw/s1600/Gaga-02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610068766310337090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGvinpuzMGtfJBte0pEOnhHIvm9q8BLNWYpoYCgttUAFMVUiiOtOywc196DW_WnowkswSPE9f3O56bNV_c2PNp92fSvFrIsRHW5QG6pkDkoQU46VySo0zlEsxxcqz0oKp6RVKmw/s400/Gaga-02.jpg" /></a><br />Get it at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-This-Way-digital-booklet/dp/B0051QIGP4/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i">Amazon</a>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-90171998626901479402011-04-17T14:46:00.009-05:002011-04-17T15:08:34.746-05:002011 Marks The Return Of The Smithereens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFqhtkCVMr_CY5FIgoKF7Wo89K0TdVPnFqZ-drHTb2UoLkk2Js763iM9JJPEgz1oxmWFNen9gdURQTTUD4bWmQx3YKJ-Ph09RZzlTpfXq7ITA429o5ZRPY7dYndCtAl3aIrhFLQ/s1600/Smithereens_Albumart_20110301_165457.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 379px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596641570366405858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFqhtkCVMr_CY5FIgoKF7Wo89K0TdVPnFqZ-drHTb2UoLkk2Js763iM9JJPEgz1oxmWFNen9gdURQTTUD4bWmQx3YKJ-Ph09RZzlTpfXq7ITA429o5ZRPY7dYndCtAl3aIrhFLQ/s400/Smithereens_Albumart_20110301_165457.jpg" /></a> <em>2011</em> marks a strong comeback for The Smithereens. In this day and age of instant and immediate information and gratification, The Smithereens have released and album full of seemingly effortless pop gems easily on par with the band’s most successful efforts. After repeated listenings I’m thinking <em>2011</em> has all the earmarks of being the best thing the band has done.<br /><br /> <em>2011</em> is a tight and fulfilling collection of wonderful songs bound together by the fantastic production of Don Dixon producer of two of the Smithereens best albums 1986’s <em>Especially For You </em>and 1988’s <em>Green Thoughts</em>. The album’s engineer Mitch Easter is another 80’s pop legend whose voice can be heard in the album’s grooves. The Smithereens are a tight punchy power packed outfit with a solid rhythm section of drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo Jornacion. The thick bottom end lets Guitarist Jim Babjak lay down a variety of wonderful guitars ranging from jangle pop to classic power chording. His work is tasty, powerful and his strong contributions combined with Easter’s sugary production give the album some real texture and depth. Of course Pat Dinizio pours his cough syrupy vocals over the entire confection making <em>2011</em> a prime example of ear candy.<br /><br /> Does this all seem a little too glowing to be objective? You might be right to think such a thing, but this album stands up to repeated listens and proves itself a pop classic by working its way into all the nooks and crannies in your back brain. Stand out songs include the pre-release single “Sorry” as well as “Rings On Her Fingers,” the moody “Goodnight Goodbye,” and the outstanding “Viennese Hangover.” The track “Viennese Hangover” highlights everything great about his album with its strong songwriting, perfect ensemble performances and super tasty production touches.<br /><br /> So yeah, I’m most impressed and pleased to hear one of the great underrated bands from the 80’s bring the stuff in and with <em>2011</em>. With this release The Smithereens reestablish their well respected place in the power pop world. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/2011-Smithereens/dp/B004OCCLCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303070882&sr=1-1">Get <em>2011</em> at Amazon </a>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-13645699892350913582011-04-02T22:42:00.002-05:002011-04-02T22:47:07.166-05:00Supersuckers<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/23BOTbITrQY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Some say they are sell outs. I could care less. They rock! Visit my YouTube channel for more. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/paxman1965#p/u"></a>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-80002106111868043152011-03-31T16:51:00.003-05:002011-03-31T16:58:01.962-05:00Hey Baseball Fans! It's Opening Day<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTMwMTYwODEyMjk2OCZwdD*xMzAxNjA4MzA5MTQwJnA9MjcwODEmZD1*dW5lV2lkZ2V*Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImbz**MjUy/YzBhMDdjMDc*ZWM1OTBjOTk2NGU2ZjJiNjUzYSZvZj*w.gif" /> <object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="434" height="415"><param name="movie" value="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/19/tuneWidget.swf?twID=artist_378829&posted_by=label_1314&shuffle=&autoPlay=false&blogBuzz="></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="quality" value="best"></param><embed src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/swf/19/tuneWidget.swf?twID=artist_378829&posted_by=label_1314&shuffle=&autoPlay=false&blogBuzz=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="opaque" quality="best" width="434" height="415"></embed></object><br/><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/rpk" onclick="javascript:window.location.href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c./a4/19/378829/Artist/0/User/link"; return false;"><img alt="Press kits" border="0" height="19" src="http://c2sostatic.reverbnation.com/widgets/content/19/footer.png?1" width="434" /></a> <img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/trk/19/artist_378829/label_1314/t.gif" /> <a href="http://www.quantcast.com/p-05---xoNhTXVc" target="_blank"><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" style="display: none" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast" /></a><br /><br />Opening day means Summer is on its way. Today our good friends at YepRoc records are offering this delightful album for the pittance of $3.99 for digital download. This is a modern day supergroup featuring Steve Wynn (The Miracle 3, The Dream Syndicate), Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows, R.E.M.), Linda Pitmon (The Miracle 3, Golden Smog) and Peter Buck (R.E.M.) so you know it will be a strong effort. Have a listen and download the album.Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-6040490959412894272011-03-24T17:09:00.016-05:002011-03-24T18:41:25.977-05:00Helson Tortuga<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcCdEE_NNhvEKxZP2LW2_-qXngswmykwYeIhSysL5tDyIH-ikE0LoDoKqf5BCqBTa0vmOoEIIu5_FdCGBkaRqNCOz3j_SvPIeIPgdZpSfoyTE7Os48tVcQclA-XKP8-vpKNEO-A/s1600/Tortuga-01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587772580003722002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcCdEE_NNhvEKxZP2LW2_-qXngswmykwYeIhSysL5tDyIH-ikE0LoDoKqf5BCqBTa0vmOoEIIu5_FdCGBkaRqNCOz3j_SvPIeIPgdZpSfoyTE7Os48tVcQclA-XKP8-vpKNEO-A/s400/Tortuga-01.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdauxoybw-MkTkfa19qE868NWOlJM059EKNovxVJu0VI3r5L4VDogH684hMjlH-R6seFeTb8SEE3oNx2oUgw3R6WDvS00Xf7IC-9tWmfYlErzgxW66wRm-l7aQ-fIeNfeEfTp5Q/s1600/Tortuga-02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdauxoybw-MkTkfa19qE868NWOlJM059EKNovxVJu0VI3r5L4VDogH684hMjlH-R6seFeTb8SEE3oNx2oUgw3R6WDvS00Xf7IC-9tWmfYlErzgxW66wRm-l7aQ-fIeNfeEfTp5Q/s400/Tortuga-02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587785257783461826" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br />Sunday, March 13, 2011. I saw a post from my good buddy Tony Duronio at 3T linking me to the Oceanictime blog where a teaser for the new Helson dive watch had been posted. This was enough to grab my interest.<br /><br />Monday, March 14, 2011. I receive an email from Peter Helson alerting me to the offering for sale of the new Helson dive watch. Again I find myself being drawn to the watch. The distinct retro diver styling appeals as does the offered orange dial. I’ve sampled many of the “boutique” divers and enjoyed most if not all. The new Helson Tortuga utilizes the Miyota 9015 hacking movement, and I have yet to sample this movement. An easy rationalization. Monday afternoon I placed my order.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwW4IHWGDTgFilhWHdHqvM_6eWdsOG7D9U5sdKIFlh0OOBLkn9KD-t8o82j3WuHSLNpPOsxFlMXGrDsj0IPa5Zsf40sKKYPcel7oboBY92mXblj0IUuf8LLi7MGiicL7NMNvvqg/s1600/Tortuga-14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587774347173304930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwW4IHWGDTgFilhWHdHqvM_6eWdsOG7D9U5sdKIFlh0OOBLkn9KD-t8o82j3WuHSLNpPOsxFlMXGrDsj0IPa5Zsf40sKKYPcel7oboBY92mXblj0IUuf8LLi7MGiicL7NMNvvqg/s400/Tortuga-14.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thursday, March 17, 2011. The FedEx man drops the Tortuga off at my home. Later that day I get to experience that unique sensation whereby something that was halfway around the world just a few days ago is now in your hands. Tortuga #87 now resides in Packerland, USA.<br /><br />The Tortuga arrives in a nice valet case with two bezels, a bronze bezel changing tool, and both a rubber Isofrane style strap and a thick leather strap. As with many of the boutique brands, the entire package only adds to the satisfaction of the purchase. In the Tortuga’s case you can have four distinct versions of the watch. That’s pretty cool.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxEoYRqFX-a_bqu_7rfzxuYkLsrS-d8wkR2tgRD42CEfB-7NhL8nJPXTgxWBGM2gRLtN0Ro-QckWPfvkqd3lYI2BBy1JYsdeQczkcNVBAlZLGIfbbTllaLtCadKCemtNeFlXErQ/s1600/Tortuga-13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587776728244764018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxEoYRqFX-a_bqu_7rfzxuYkLsrS-d8wkR2tgRD42CEfB-7NhL8nJPXTgxWBGM2gRLtN0Ro-QckWPfvkqd3lYI2BBy1JYsdeQczkcNVBAlZLGIfbbTllaLtCadKCemtNeFlXErQ/s400/Tortuga-13.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Tortuga has serious dive watch specifications and all the right bits one would look for in a dive watch. Not to mention the instantly familiar case calls to mind vintage divers from the late 60’s and early 70’s. While the watch has a distinct vintage vibe to it you wouldn’t quite label it as an outright homage as it takes design cues from the period and makes a new watch that feels lived in. This is the first Helson watch I’ve purchased and if the Tortuga is indicative of the brand I think I’ll be a return customer. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bxsfSKOo0L1Su33P9zTHMoknK8_ccAn224PkG-5N56AeS-SZlXOx-WNIa70i5s1_MRUAHj1eENPGd7ihuPPEWU-KAlCIS27o73CQVTTMykIHhmLpMXdtmkBOlq6WihZx_oFamQ/s1600/Tortuga-16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bxsfSKOo0L1Su33P9zTHMoknK8_ccAn224PkG-5N56AeS-SZlXOx-WNIa70i5s1_MRUAHj1eENPGd7ihuPPEWU-KAlCIS27o73CQVTTMykIHhmLpMXdtmkBOlq6WihZx_oFamQ/s400/Tortuga-16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587778919024577938" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJqcfEg6-r-uqquwmfpcjha8-Fg9pTccoN3CnWwatfx6xJm-rxy0JymdkmaibUGpljFNnCp8bI2t3hI5s4h3xydE_QscElSysEwk_2IVdByLh3YuwhI_EcGgxb2_HU96fUSVDhg/s1600/Tortuga-19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJqcfEg6-r-uqquwmfpcjha8-Fg9pTccoN3CnWwatfx6xJm-rxy0JymdkmaibUGpljFNnCp8bI2t3hI5s4h3xydE_QscElSysEwk_2IVdByLh3YuwhI_EcGgxb2_HU96fUSVDhg/s400/Tortuga-19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587778917667359250" /></a><br /><br />All the right bits, huh? Well what is it that most of us look for in a dive watch? Ridiculous waster resistance. Rated to 1000 meters, the Tortuga certainly qualifies as a deep diver. Just in case I feel the need for saturation diving the Tortuga comes equipped with an automatic helium release valve. Oh and I need lume for all those cave dives. The Tortuga qualifies as a torch especially when outfitted with its lumed bezel. A thick sapphire crystal with obligatory anti reflective treatment encapsulates a tastefully done orange dial with heavy indices.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQNPDfFptJjkR-nJknAmJbt2gfjlU84EyLB5fjtUX7bi9r2gLUDzHjkjystIuYJb8itW6gPvXlj3OKZp7G9DTNN7T-VLh_i2rVl_CHv_-FVsRPxINm_g0PTaHdoSeZ8QnP2cejg/s1600/Tortuga-22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQNPDfFptJjkR-nJknAmJbt2gfjlU84EyLB5fjtUX7bi9r2gLUDzHjkjystIuYJb8itW6gPvXlj3OKZp7G9DTNN7T-VLh_i2rVl_CHv_-FVsRPxINm_g0PTaHdoSeZ8QnP2cejg/s400/Tortuga-22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587780505837412194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JLTHYcmBG5_oPC3k3fVfk_HGEeHefBCE-EI1j4PnsHN95DfMg3qmG5DJMxlqH3l6Zk4lOF9f6md86t_eDpj2nt3WvaQblHCEJTj088ljD8kjgrOCvgPkijWCxToaYZg8xbM_1w/s1600/Tortuga-21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JLTHYcmBG5_oPC3k3fVfk_HGEeHefBCE-EI1j4PnsHN95DfMg3qmG5DJMxlqH3l6Zk4lOF9f6md86t_eDpj2nt3WvaQblHCEJTj088ljD8kjgrOCvgPkijWCxToaYZg8xbM_1w/s400/Tortuga-21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587780498462181682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqJlFsb8K1s84HtbdB4aLwTpO_xdGnUd2lPSjo_zd67xJo2vtEt6SP0xAFlMPZWgtQTavdk9QfVltvVAzyLPGIAVBSgM2HEAV6G4m_E-v3nTeEoKl7G1aHAp0kZsi_SM76o0Gmw/s1600/Tortuga-15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqJlFsb8K1s84HtbdB4aLwTpO_xdGnUd2lPSjo_zd67xJo2vtEt6SP0xAFlMPZWgtQTavdk9QfVltvVAzyLPGIAVBSgM2HEAV6G4m_E-v3nTeEoKl7G1aHAp0kZsi_SM76o0Gmw/s400/Tortuga-15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587780496841111058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMtxCN9t7OT6kERbcHNmb0ZU8DjnSUoLxfBBvvhGU645yP0bygzItsBrklwLU5W6i8UrSizNnr3f543U-ryt9-EnMBBcO9r1BOqHi0mmErfl3zme0uXDYlH0T7nQFpaPeyt3_fA/s1600/Tortuga-04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMtxCN9t7OT6kERbcHNmb0ZU8DjnSUoLxfBBvvhGU645yP0bygzItsBrklwLU5W6i8UrSizNnr3f543U-ryt9-EnMBBcO9r1BOqHi0mmErfl3zme0uXDYlH0T7nQFpaPeyt3_fA/s400/Tortuga-04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587781200403398338" /></a><br /><br />This is my first watch using the newish Miyota 9015 hacking movement. Operation is smooth and positive. This movement is made to measure up to the Swiss ETA movements featured by numerous watch makers. The 9015 is hackable, hand winding, and operates at the familiar 28,800 bph making for a smooth running sweep. I haven’t tested accuracy as of yet but will update this review after some timing.<br /><br />The supplied bezel removal tool is a breeze to use. Simply fit to the raised stainless ring surround the crystal and unscrew. Reverse to mount the alternate bezel. I’m a fan of the beefy black lumed bezel but see the appeal of the stainless bezel with the colored keyed hashes. Both give the watch a separate look and both are quite visually appealing. Truth be told I had the stainless bezel on for only a few minutes before I went back to the black bezel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvlFzDCpl4Fg9aYFkEWt1y_C0hAU5LjvVI9m8Gy475L5kYqanetrfka8vQAda1LWvL69d52dK2T38AAzsdK1M_A8-z3X5LvTctqsun0m7uvNIaoUIfnKbTeaRRATKVZvP07JJbg/s1600/Tortuga-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvlFzDCpl4Fg9aYFkEWt1y_C0hAU5LjvVI9m8Gy475L5kYqanetrfka8vQAda1LWvL69d52dK2T38AAzsdK1M_A8-z3X5LvTctqsun0m7uvNIaoUIfnKbTeaRRATKVZvP07JJbg/s400/Tortuga-06.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587782414797644722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Y7rhTLqEB8nsGHtAA2Rz7qM-SPJqEDnlQqNhyphenhyphenom8aC5Pm7cVDpgNPrVA3siriKRIJQU12V-JfD7qIAy_gVoxgZw5Jo_PoSLb1RBZq7dVsarvtrnFfjF6WtMe1oeL7fZZMMZsuA/s1600/Tortuga-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Y7rhTLqEB8nsGHtAA2Rz7qM-SPJqEDnlQqNhyphenhyphenom8aC5Pm7cVDpgNPrVA3siriKRIJQU12V-JfD7qIAy_gVoxgZw5Jo_PoSLb1RBZq7dVsarvtrnFfjF6WtMe1oeL7fZZMMZsuA/s400/Tortuga-07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587782409570669522" /></a><br /><br />The Tortuga arrives mounted on a nice Isofrane style rubber strap. This set up is very comfortable to me and with the watch case measuring 43mm in diameter and 16mm in height the Tortuga doesn’t need a heavy bracelet to balance it on the wrist. The supplied leather strap is nice, but I’m not a fan of leather on dive watches so I haven’t mounted it. With 22mm lug width the watch does beg to be manhandled by the strappies out there. I also think a mesh bracelet might look nice on the Tortuga.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13TkAT-ZCDfJvbePg1_rw5uRcYfBW70sIz1NdpLtp77vNs7YExA_voiThMNWtIugXXatwCnFd0DJR-FTL_Mos4d41mAjk32J8uFnI52MXEaCix3gb8cu2b8QTBeMacRxw9VLtIQ/s1600/Tortuga-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13TkAT-ZCDfJvbePg1_rw5uRcYfBW70sIz1NdpLtp77vNs7YExA_voiThMNWtIugXXatwCnFd0DJR-FTL_Mos4d41mAjk32J8uFnI52MXEaCix3gb8cu2b8QTBeMacRxw9VLtIQ/s400/Tortuga-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587783677693965986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvTBcEl6qYp18KQ8JLB8d3FffDHAjvzNEaimFXlVuvZcgAU7DTh7DGU8QHIer34-Ps5nO6gDyJ-9fCidHoz52A1y4gEDzYYm3y_zNi6DRHQjLaqw7F_3I4jXpzMBBIWUFIHkJmg/s1600/Tortuga-20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvTBcEl6qYp18KQ8JLB8d3FffDHAjvzNEaimFXlVuvZcgAU7DTh7DGU8QHIer34-Ps5nO6gDyJ-9fCidHoz52A1y4gEDzYYm3y_zNi6DRHQjLaqw7F_3I4jXpzMBBIWUFIHkJmg/s400/Tortuga-20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587784525887893266" /></a><br /><br />I’m quite happy with the Tortuga after spending just a week together. There seem to be quite a few in the wild at the moment so we’ll see how many WIS hold on to them and how many flip them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oKwvg28AAU2fEBF6wjN8l8vpWwes7xNu0EJgfT3_WYqH1MD23PqBGaIDZ-YiP0qQpaPZTWnHnMWCaR2He9MpbQ5alqqH57zGBNBLFOw8Dl_9_C9MxV9o69dQejiPoVQnzyd3nw/s1600/Tortuga-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oKwvg28AAU2fEBF6wjN8l8vpWwes7xNu0EJgfT3_WYqH1MD23PqBGaIDZ-YiP0qQpaPZTWnHnMWCaR2He9MpbQ5alqqH57zGBNBLFOw8Dl_9_C9MxV9o69dQejiPoVQnzyd3nw/s400/Tortuga-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587791257018144642" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewdhEpPtCrYtGNYVERVir0sEmWyIyj4qfBm5EPct9ozV1qT8sdpGK0kko-uze2uO7DVXsNHs62ut40oTV1bOLB4iOR0HKXz66YCD8yTKBz80BJ8md1YqXL-QfiJBoH4ECiknvFw/s1600/Tortuga-03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewdhEpPtCrYtGNYVERVir0sEmWyIyj4qfBm5EPct9ozV1qT8sdpGK0kko-uze2uO7DVXsNHs62ut40oTV1bOLB4iOR0HKXz66YCD8yTKBz80BJ8md1YqXL-QfiJBoH4ECiknvFw/s400/Tortuga-03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587791250033367634" /></a><br /><br /><br />Thanks for having a look and I have to apologize. It has been some time since I put one of these together and last week I was so overjoyed to take pictures outdoors in natural light that I didn’t do a good job of wiping down the watch. So I apologize for the fingerprints, smears, and crud on the watch case and crystal.Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-21153676123021461182009-01-21T19:16:00.005-06:002009-01-21T21:08:24.016-06:00Long Term With The Ball Fireman<span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942125973166242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNNj1S2aZudKxyEq9NsI8Q5O5roeELlslQkEn8OKY4coeP1ne44ExGO_tiYpo_Uo9Ghca1QKQ8146JgWPpF-XtojU5Ien9NGF6gWX4iJi-JWoPV_VNttrDIQyCvbLdNEialh8LQ/s400/Ball_Fireman-49.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I’ve had the pleasure of spending about 2 ½ years with my Ball Fireman 43mm and thought I’d pass on some of my long term impressions of the watch. The fireman is one of the mainstays of my collection and really falls somewhere between a dress and sport watch. I purchased mine on the leather strap and wish I had gotten it on a bracelet, but at the time I made my purchase I wasn’t able to get the blue numerals with a bracelet. I’ve since put the watch on a color keyed silicon strap after trying some other rubber combinations and find this to be a great match.<br /><br />Let’s get the specifications out of the way: (shamelessly cribbed from Ball Watch USA)<br /><br />Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, DateCase: Stainless Steel, Diameter: 43mm, Height: 11.1mm Bezel: PlainGlass: Anti-Reflection Convex Sapphire CrystalCrown: Screwed Type3H Gas Light: 16 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability. Movement: Automatic Calibre ETA 2824-2Band: Stainless Steel Bracelet or Calf LeatherWater Resistant: 100m / 330 ft.Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test Dial: Black with Orange, Yellow or Blue Accent</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946736363670130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ID5adkNmB4HiJfdi2dXb4TOqq3AgBbsx1y_11DOQ5SNBpdc04P6s1azyw3AR6h32KmsYtVO5Y2UqxlrLdDy_YclTpnhD-7LSl6Jca1kWSueHz_yc7NGa0fXsqqJnp76ZSpvIsg/s400/Ball_Fireman-34.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I suppose we need to talk about the tubes to begin. What can be said about the micro gas tubes? They glow strong and long and allow maximum legibility under zero light conditions. Part of my attraction to this particular model was the fact it only had 16 tubes and didn’t include tubes in the numerals. This gives the watch a very conventional and classy look. In my opinion some of the Ball models just look too overtly tube based, especially when the tubes are incorporated into the numeral on the dial, giving them a rather blocky appearance. Suffice it to say the 16 tubes provide plenty of light for reading. In fact, this is one of the few watches my wife has ever acknowledged as being cool. I distinctly remember her commenting n it as we tucked my young daughter into bed one night some time back. She actually said, “Cool watch” and believe me while she is understanding about this hobby, she is mostly ambivalent about my timepieces. Some might argue the tubes on a Luminox or Traser might glow brighter and I don’t think I would argue that point as my Traser Unterwasser has tubes that just beam, but the Fireman provides more than enough light for reading the time in zero light.<br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946743351212018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikidGot-hNJqqiJkl5PuH01FtKGop4INCx9UgwYgMBEcRhq0L8YgUzt54Ud7s7x_WbkGZcPlGB9PEiLslnnABxhqhQNs9M_qbmE06Et1iYy4lqq2VEg1vo91jogJlA6aU7uUE83Q/s400/Ball_Fireman-16.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Many might classify the Fireman’s dial as military style, but it’s never given me that vibe. The dial itself, while matte still has a touch of luster giving it depth and character. The dial has tubes at five minute increments with 12:00 being occupied by two tubes. In addition each tube/indice is marked by a blue accent with the 12 and 6 Arabic’s also being the same hue. I believe Ball offered the accents in both orange and yellow along with the blue. The date at 3:00 might look tougher with a black date wheel. The hands are thick sword style with tubes. They are painted black at the axis and then abruptly become white for maximum contrast which again equate to high legibility. The seconds hand features a tube and at its tail the Ball RR logo adds a touch of historic class. This neat arrangement resides under a flat “convex” sapphire which has AR on the inside. The crystal practically disappears making one want to dive right in the inky dial. This dial is handsome, simple, and elegant with a touch of utility. At 43mm with very little bezel, the dial is large without being monstrous, allowing the wearer plenty of presence without being too in your face.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ns1F3Seom0UdqaZgYHdHJY9-tX0rCXa8pZs328tzFZt3fNXa5ZX3sQORGQho5rNouZp0N5MzIOhyqdNRzTikklXK313e6SxHdk2bI7NozcliRgcKAbi1ZiiENGhfsVM_WWTyQ/s1600-h/Ball_Fireman-06.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946751753463890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ns1F3Seom0UdqaZgYHdHJY9-tX0rCXa8pZs328tzFZt3fNXa5ZX3sQORGQho5rNouZp0N5MzIOhyqdNRzTikklXK313e6SxHdk2bI7NozcliRgcKAbi1ZiiENGhfsVM_WWTyQ/s400/Ball_Fireman-06.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The case and crown on the watch are nothing short of amazing at the asking price. The case is brushed in finish and has held up amazingly well showing little to no wear. The lugs are generous and curve gently downward making the fireman extremely comfortable to those with even the daintiest of wrists. The case sides are stepped from the lugs which make it subtly refined and rich. The case steps up to the bezel adding another layer of dimension to the case. I often find myself caressing the case side and lugs as I find the gentle curve of the case and lugs mildly intoxicating. All this finished with and intriguing caseback design which speaks to the railroad heritage of the Ball brand.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuPG0GPdTImv3m61BwyamDDDZ5EoqzelpYyKm_KIfWynv_VmHLokh6DgbXAdlw7fTekcJke7p_dgxGQBegoVGyfEUwII9ELNgM1Cx-pe0V8_dWS997UYt_2-d0_TcmapVfXr32g/s1600-h/Ball_Fireman-13.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946748479047650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 381px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuPG0GPdTImv3m61BwyamDDDZ5EoqzelpYyKm_KIfWynv_VmHLokh6DgbXAdlw7fTekcJke7p_dgxGQBegoVGyfEUwII9ELNgM1Cx-pe0V8_dWS997UYt_2-d0_TcmapVfXr32g/s400/Ball_Fireman-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The ETA 2824 is set by the use of a generous crown. The crown build and operation are the equivalent of watches costing double the asking price of this Ball. The crown is finished nicely with ridges for easy grasping and the Ball RR logo. The crown screws in and all functions operate smoothly as surely with no slop whatsoever.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942140037294802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfIDC5R_Vz0F_vWFMn9mqWRNn1X1VXnGKxowcjt7d1C2m25hljcfs8u1Ouo2fWdx_MIa-Q8lmHXHLeBV8eFhVBrQfsepBupl_vnIafAhbvg86sz6HuUk8PvSwmKHEKNILyfJlfA/s400/Ball_Fireman-47.jpg" border="0" />The 2824 has proven to be a stalwart and though I haven’t ever opened the case, my assumption is this is a high grade movement as it has broken in nicely and run darn near within COSC spec. I really couldn’t ask for more in this regard.<br /></span></div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIItxfl3_zWhx6QjubLI94K_5hqwghHgiRakf0vdnPvqzkK_7JVYOMGSkz4nbqNPBFACsL1fVP83IqlnZzOCgxnrDep2VaOvJfZK7p283nCPDKxa4P0Y6bgR_yxRLJ0gejdgqidg/s1600-h/Ball_Fireman-38.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942147328220962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIItxfl3_zWhx6QjubLI94K_5hqwghHgiRakf0vdnPvqzkK_7JVYOMGSkz4nbqNPBFACsL1fVP83IqlnZzOCgxnrDep2VaOvJfZK7p283nCPDKxa4P0Y6bgR_yxRLJ0gejdgqidg/s400/Ball_Fireman-38.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> The supplied strap perfectly fit the 21mm lugs and came equipped with a beefy tang clasp. As I am a bit of a sweater and was wearing the strap roughly I’ve long since swapped it out for aftermarket numbers in 22mm. I favor rubber and silicon on the Fireman which may detract from the somewhat dressy side of the watch, but I find this allows me to give the watch much more use. With its screwdown crown and overall quality build, I find the Fireman a perfect companion that I can wear with little regard to preserving it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946979228223922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGSM3kPYRcZxjhfne66PBFfkD8_RDMQob-9eN1H9esNA7SHRl_waKM1XAVNMysPY23RCy2D2r9njaGa5tjxh2w7orxaoqWXQW1iJtaxcipz-pNrki3F-kMoOcfTP145kFc6AAwQ/s400/Ball_Fireman-04.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293946752579922226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDHO-zRe_Dq0nM2BOJEIAQrmfZ14ivdHLMQLGq5IS4GmLxA3DO1b7qoXEzjO9NUIEPKqu-Xrr6eHbLA-qv6qxE1gryo0cJO743N_nCQ10lpmKQVrdzLP3cvIoLPWAg7v9mXhqDg/s400/Ball_Fireman-05.jpg" border="0" />I’ve described the watch in detail but let me tell you what I really think. Simply put, the Ball Fireman was well wroth what I paid for it, and I bought it well. The fit and finish and quality of the build of the watch and components are easily on a par with watches which might be defined a luxury watches. This is a finely made Swiss timepiece and should be cherished as such. I also find the 43mm size to be ideal for my 7.25 wrist. This is a large watch which really never appears so. Its size is subtle and the case remains thin at about 11mm so the fireman never overpowers the wearer. This is a watch which would be right at home on the large or small wrested among us. Performance and durability have been outstanding again rivaling the best Swiss timepieces. I’ve still got about three months left on the warranty (Ball offered and additional year upon registering your watch) and can’t imagine I’ll need to test Ball’s warranty service.<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoooLTzPKa0yQSX3758V0UKzylqdjBeD76v15jUY-ZpPcIR6dR4BNXKeMSrXlnwfeAud-sF6Gukpy8iasD2qFfmyOrbQzznn3msot1-oY7zlPP66d6VEpM7wxIxb_jxukpPnVHg/s1600-h/Ball_Fireman-44.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942142193695618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoooLTzPKa0yQSX3758V0UKzylqdjBeD76v15jUY-ZpPcIR6dR4BNXKeMSrXlnwfeAud-sF6Gukpy8iasD2qFfmyOrbQzznn3msot1-oY7zlPP66d6VEpM7wxIxb_jxukpPnVHg/s400/Ball_Fireman-44.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> I find myself wanting another Ball (always best to have a pair of Balls), but often I’m thrown by the other designs Ball has come out with. Some are too “Ballish” for me while others puzzle me like the models featuring 2836 movements with split day/date. I like the Aviator and Aviator GMT but most often I simply find myself quite contented by the Fireman.<br /></span><div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav4fzaw-JDZXLparRUWCgxB_LgK3BNOHy5HoHMpIsd_WH3_pRC1O-RmxZbzdNEVCLP5_P6mNuR3O01f6Hp64ANnatqzNuVBKSiqdlV8EeFsXpCnTRqOjiSAgFL24sWpluHruWEg/s1600-h/Ball_Fireman-50.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942122812000994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav4fzaw-JDZXLparRUWCgxB_LgK3BNOHy5HoHMpIsd_WH3_pRC1O-RmxZbzdNEVCLP5_P6mNuR3O01f6Hp64ANnatqzNuVBKSiqdlV8EeFsXpCnTRqOjiSAgFL24sWpluHruWEg/s400/Ball_Fireman-50.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-81017138691194303742008-11-11T18:58:00.003-06:002008-11-11T19:03:34.584-06:00Tim P. Is A Douchebag<span style="font-family:arial;">Most of you know me to be a fairly reasonable WIS. However when provoked I can turn downright ugly. Well let me share a little story which has pissed me off to no end.<br /><br />Sunday afternoon and I am at my cousin and best bud’s house enjoying the Packers/Vikings game. I step into his office and do a quick check of the watch sales forums. Lo and behold, I see a watch I want on WUS. It’s a Hamilton Aviation QNE. I log into WUS and send the seller a message stating I’ll take the watch. I then log out as this isn’t my computer. I return to the real world and think nothing of it.<br /><br />Later I go home, have dinner with the family and then log into check my messages. Goes like this:<br /><br />My message is sent to seller at 1614<br /><br />He responds with his PayPal info at 1627<br /><br />He sends another message at 1745 asking if I want the watch.<br /><br />He sends another message at 1851 stating he has sold the watch to another party.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I did not check my messages until after 1851. The seller was then unwilling to reverse his deal and hung me out to dry. I didn’t realize it was a race.<br /><br />So, am I just a slacker or is this guy a douchebag? In my eyes he is clearly a 100% douchebag. I’ve been around the watch forums for years, and when I say I’ll take it you can count on being paid. This shithead should know better!<br /><br />Am I pissed?? Just a touch. As a public service to prevent this dick from acting like a child with anyone else and to extract a small measure of revenge I am making this post. For your information the seller is Tim P., a serial flipper who lists on most of the major sales sites. He had best stay far away from 3T or he’ll feel the wrath. So be advised: TIM P. IS A DOUCHEBAG.<br /><br />And if anyone has this watch and wants to flip it please give me a holler.<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw7uwuF1Kg9LHsgrBVNchIvaDDiIU_aWnM9-ByHpB7rAzohiyB8cPlu14cwqZEfMDj41755xXAZUSEWfQsfS_T1RHDORXmmYX_whv64j32ifYFhLq2BdZYBspoIbt5jifFgDVYA/s1600-h/51U75UUuPzL__SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267569378797772898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw7uwuF1Kg9LHsgrBVNchIvaDDiIU_aWnM9-ByHpB7rAzohiyB8cPlu14cwqZEfMDj41755xXAZUSEWfQsfS_T1RHDORXmmYX_whv64j32ifYFhLq2BdZYBspoIbt5jifFgDVYA/s400/51U75UUuPzL__SL500_AA280_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-15068717938003175422008-10-18T16:15:00.005-05:002008-10-18T16:53:23.009-05:00Volmax Aviator Sub Seconds<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258609348533759234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDc_TG4jz2BvyM3ftWtB_pcSLYs3V4P8CqZPuRyZWZXGqHTt4JC16Tb8lHeY_a1mmUOdD764AOnYuDDtq-wxkfDg88-FvUvzX50Rxp_WlKfF6NZmRloXobdDHzjpBxCmcXJ253g/s400/Aviator-18.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">A growing penchant for mechanical hand wound movements and a lack of Russian watches in my collection made this Volmax Aviator Sub-seconds watch seem a great deal when our friends at russia2all.com sent me a newsletter with a sweet price. Without a doubt this watch has far exceeded my expectation for a Russian at this price point. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_X97Ym6mh0gZPCpXaWZWmyO6T9-8h4TAt24CiDIHw1K5kfxmpxy16xhAGRQWP4vnxiUtUt2o1yan5sVtMb32zvxEPR1-bxdwntsUlwFxEWnB9La9AByA40itE3FdRLhKqzg31A/s1600-h/Aviator-20.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258609326268383506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_X97Ym6mh0gZPCpXaWZWmyO6T9-8h4TAt24CiDIHw1K5kfxmpxy16xhAGRQWP4vnxiUtUt2o1yan5sVtMb32zvxEPR1-bxdwntsUlwFxEWnB9La9AByA40itE3FdRLhKqzg31A/s400/Aviator-20.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">This is clearly a pilot’s watch with a Russian flavor. The simply scrumtrilescent (no, it’s not a real word) blue dial really appealed heavily to me. The deep blue of the dial is set off by delicious sky blue highlights in the sub-seconds hand and markers, as well as the minute track circling the dial. Such a sublime combination which really brings a smile to my face. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhcsGo9WqK9cpyMWZLLhkEUwlKlZoDipwRRGLMBfW4Ld2i2F-njFT9jqItY84_7-obis7KUC4f12Zudm5OJvahesJNvHZmzRFqZaTv5cPrpg_G5gVQhyphenhyphenlIcGJ0F_RG5K9xGABbQ/s1600-h/Aviator-19.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258609342580879378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhcsGo9WqK9cpyMWZLLhkEUwlKlZoDipwRRGLMBfW4Ld2i2F-njFT9jqItY84_7-obis7KUC4f12Zudm5OJvahesJNvHZmzRFqZaTv5cPrpg_G5gVQhyphenhyphenlIcGJ0F_RG5K9xGABbQ/s400/Aviator-19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Besides being pretty, the dial is as a pilot’s watch’s dial should be; legible in extreme. A 42mm case with little to no bezel makes for a large dial area which is well utilized in this Aviator. The markers are large a luminescent and work wonderfully in concert with the large sword hands. In addition to the aforementioned minute track, a flange on the outer dial gives us the hour designations. Unfortunately the luminescence is reserved only for the makers and hands. Although the watch is equipped with only a mineral crystal, the crystal is fantastic and literally just disappears.<br /><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErf2Lw7PuBz8f3yKaxyB2AFMorx_HXiRHJW0N83hK0-vAUHw3e5YarO1txSfu2pKk2OF7rUEzCRXuii2SUfRHPerv5PRN_nLN1gMdkXqBN4LRxcsvZowE9jYaze4rZu9a-qfblw/s1600-h/Aviator-08.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258609351786052162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErf2Lw7PuBz8f3yKaxyB2AFMorx_HXiRHJW0N83hK0-vAUHw3e5YarO1txSfu2pKk2OF7rUEzCRXuii2SUfRHPerv5PRN_nLN1gMdkXqBN4LRxcsvZowE9jYaze4rZu9a-qfblw/s400/Aviator-08.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The much maligned “Russian Quick Set” date is front and center at 12:00 as the sub-seconds dial occupies the 6:00 position. This arrangement is easy to read at a glance. Once you get beyond the lack of a true quickset date you realize it’s nice to have a handcranker with a date.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE-ULO4n1IdOPXUpp-Hvi3LU1h5JU7RCiTB0Jk5gn-vcgZ4rJJHGD5NZW5lJ0vrwj0ONc2kdTBqkFHtuvkxg2bn-6OopXzFkO4nsT-_gv-dC5Vbt5wJ1d2v7qzNqikXHmrg51Bw/s1600-h/Aviator-05.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258609362204515314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE-ULO4n1IdOPXUpp-Hvi3LU1h5JU7RCiTB0Jk5gn-vcgZ4rJJHGD5NZW5lJ0vrwj0ONc2kdTBqkFHtuvkxg2bn-6OopXzFkO4nsT-_gv-dC5Vbt5wJ1d2v7qzNqikXHmrg51Bw/s400/Aviator-05.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br />Fit and finish on this model far exceeded my expectations. The satin finished case is smooth and flawless with no rough edges. The crown engages and winds effortlessly. This is the Plojot 2614 movement. Specs:<br /><br /><br />Poljot 2614 / 2614.02(RU)<br />Mechanical lever movement</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Manual winding</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Diameter: 26 mm</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Movement height: 4.3 mm</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">17 jewels</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Functions: hours, minutes, seconds: </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">2416 - central second hand; 2416.02 - sub second hand</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Shock protection</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Frequency: 21600 vph.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Daily rate from -20 to +40 s/day</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Power reserve minimum: 42 h</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258607025483328978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22hMHzpm5AThF59qdzz5uqpTB_iiOkil5WgAm0JoItFC3Ju_XK2sRWboxRG1Apn19-fbIyk1vmvWK8GfyFqZlPkqo9bkReu4bpK8BVfTqUjScQd5fXIZPlds9oCVXCFxWmDxcgg/s400/2614.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The movement is efficient and a fairly accurate time keeper though I have yet to time the watch for accuracy. Initially I thought my seconds hand was jerking a bit but closer inspection under a loupe proved this a bit of an optical illusion from the sub dial’s patterned finis which catches and throws light with abandon. Power reserve on a full wind is generous making this watch easy to keep wound.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258607027129756850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA9HzmQ79jFrWln6nZYDzbrEArcchSMcTd4LZXFZ5Lu6HRzMLVdDJYf8yP7qQxg3OhjGnsTnOOEU55G3TsA3XWA9EATkVPJnL2p-twWk5JKV5UJENegouASS1YrkA9owq_xE37w/s400/Aviator-22.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The Aviator came mounted on an interesting leather strap. The strap almost seems silicone as its backing is some sort of soft suede-ish rubbery stuff. A little weird at first but ultra comfortable. Strangely enough the backside of the strap has blue accent thread while the front side of the strap shows grey. No matter; the strap is comfy and stands up well to a sweaty guy like me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258607017275066866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZahuGRRTcJp9QhilycsRI2C1OE-ziscAN6TF_v35pZMEkateAEcRqvo9Vw3mbluDitCD47OlHJ4_LrikAuaD3CBZlLKPqGArpUUPuSdba-VY_sWWlTwAx9XndHGLKbdOvPfAeHQ/s400/Aviator-23.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Overall this watch has been a real pleasure to wear. The blue dial is quite striking and made even more so by the sub-seconds dial. I highly recommend this Russian to anyone who enjoys handcrankers and/or pilot’s watches.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4D19HvSppX_AlN1tPam1aMbECCRqYMQ5HYzt2Ov1yC6YcSbXbXf_9VoCGJracdj8kasDz8_VFwc9ytbaiZ1GnJsepAWW1Uw1IsNFi0MW_H7tV3565Qn2E8STfdqRwwj-OlYMfg/s1600-h/Aviator-21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258607022205819890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4D19HvSppX_AlN1tPam1aMbECCRqYMQ5HYzt2Ov1yC6YcSbXbXf_9VoCGJracdj8kasDz8_VFwc9ytbaiZ1GnJsepAWW1Uw1IsNFi0MW_H7tV3565Qn2E8STfdqRwwj-OlYMfg/s400/Aviator-21.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258607013663676962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviFjLT75kXaMKU0ffiOMJ0eSAFt84sSs991WoSy3Pcyj7oZlQDk-MJYrd83FhbXhEeJf3L1ETyip6A3uNY3GLuHF95PKhay00dmdUDACC8UNQe95tiLJoCktRej8GBFQ-MYB2Sg/s400/Aviator-07-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-19703726868567755312008-08-15T18:02:00.005-05:002008-08-23T11:38:55.619-05:00**SOLD**Somebody Buy This Watch... PLEASE! **SOLD**<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Time to part with another watch which isn’t getting the wrist time it rightfully deserves. Offered for sale is my Gevril AO111R, more commonly referred to as a Gevril 1st generation. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">This is a very well put together watch, true Swiss elegance in all respects. The watch is outfitted on a Hadley Roma Teju Lizard and includes the original Croco-leather strap with signed Gevril tang buckle. These were put together using both ETA 2824 and 2836 movements. This piece has the 2824. I have worn the watch no more than ½ dozen times and it is easily 95% (Near Mint) per TZ grading scale. Really a beautiful and elegant watch which I just don’t wear enough to justify hanging on to. The watch comes with the remarkable Gevril packaging and includes the open warranty card and manual. Please note the wooden box is not perfect and shows some blemishes. It was this way when I purchased the watch. Everything about the watch is high quality from the beautiful stepped case to the amazing dial work, flawless screwdown crown and impeccably luxurious pedigree. Enough selling!! Here’s the watch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>316L Stainless Steel Case at 39mm</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>ETA 2824 Automatic Movement</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Sapphire Crystal</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Screwdown Crown</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>100m Water Resistant</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9efnliZyMeIczSu-d1JSV363ymSiRMEipE9qhM00CtoWvkRcfr2s3_icR8gEn1S2rHJm57GVxtlsZRxJ6L5gHAnwPjdYKf1n_LMiNpCG7fcw-wvQNBN24ouXNWXdtnYLtQeOJuQ/s1600-h/Gevril-05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234884574515734274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9efnliZyMeIczSu-d1JSV363ymSiRMEipE9qhM00CtoWvkRcfr2s3_icR8gEn1S2rHJm57GVxtlsZRxJ6L5gHAnwPjdYKf1n_LMiNpCG7fcw-wvQNBN24ouXNWXdtnYLtQeOJuQ/s400/Gevril-05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGrE1G83wE8S5-CP9xq-Q745IaAtyGA8GSILDPKhDTF0sJENeyXX4dG5UncD9POs5-LMuSEUX9Rkg_0kDFIKjNM-MVk74ySdEbCqHUSB82fT_Ue-b-2v0lXVL7hz8O7KxRdgebw/s1600-h/Gevril-18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234884574189922018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGrE1G83wE8S5-CP9xq-Q745IaAtyGA8GSILDPKhDTF0sJENeyXX4dG5UncD9POs5-LMuSEUX9Rkg_0kDFIKjNM-MVk74ySdEbCqHUSB82fT_Ue-b-2v0lXVL7hz8O7KxRdgebw/s400/Gevril-18.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtfiOgGJtuVQm97Auqs8pJ2a7Uwtn6-Q3fOMIToMh88rSPG3wJxg383mD4A0o-WKyoxWS9fW9BCPh-UWAMgHrKLFSds28jvGz-JTFptX-W3MOw57ohXXq4h_niekY443AxZj13Q/s1600-h/Gevril-20.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234884576662153922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtfiOgGJtuVQm97Auqs8pJ2a7Uwtn6-Q3fOMIToMh88rSPG3wJxg383mD4A0o-WKyoxWS9fW9BCPh-UWAMgHrKLFSds28jvGz-JTFptX-W3MOw57ohXXq4h_niekY443AxZj13Q/s400/Gevril-20.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo69wbXDBhxwkWoYcGZD0pWac2mLLWf5BzqZ2eIN7Fy8xj2wkMHwxRzgrv3YpoAZ42chucuLmF9pqNmbLDrqaJjCzUKEkQQz5hdO5R3qvuy0amv78jV4jYw62kC0yjoZrxMLN0g/s1600-h/Gevril-08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234884576394615234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo69wbXDBhxwkWoYcGZD0pWac2mLLWf5BzqZ2eIN7Fy8xj2wkMHwxRzgrv3YpoAZ42chucuLmF9pqNmbLDrqaJjCzUKEkQQz5hdO5R3qvuy0amv78jV4jYw62kC0yjoZrxMLN0g/s400/Gevril-08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqgOEFoEnRD3kDzgWJfCllHOW_Q6Oj6Tm2cdhH1sbUC8Ix0b7AwlcqlhQANSAQ8xs2LYhs9386t_i-8XckAG0HQCWMlC92SMtgtKcr2LNiGk3udvxa_bdz87m7oeCyyLKc7DpAg/s1600-h/Gevril-12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234884579494472866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqgOEFoEnRD3kDzgWJfCllHOW_Q6Oj6Tm2cdhH1sbUC8Ix0b7AwlcqlhQANSAQ8xs2LYhs9386t_i-8XckAG0HQCWMlC92SMtgtKcr2LNiGk3udvxa_bdz87m7oeCyyLKc7DpAg/s400/Gevril-12.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234886331054744066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg12y16fRAw-pU85L9G0blT6vmdhW1-ZzXYbE-Ul8vZiX1b6rwktY4KHGj3YdVNarZC4sVaomiOv4-MpY44y_9SEDyD18ALb6aOyuwbMzvcL8b_6xI3weKqn1MUeRYo-UiHhVFCw/s400/Gevril-29.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234886343969712354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA7SbQmkDhOnqjfRhY66aYeLlJb4JhJq2M0W8n-eCy_3OIGtjTwnQVP9b7FX3Oh1kAdoNrLC6mgLx8F7hJmUrjITb34XKKKiq0v2S4WxhAJzj3_0Iw9gH_ItjTUTKd-IwkKHjkg/s400/Gevril-34.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234886339379528834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfNbxNu04-E4Wl2zERiX64qQ-pIcySFYuvTShK8H_rCPszXEuaOHpV7M-lYGYF_qJNaPDi-GjIwjDE3Yxfbym5KXvVEVKUcegszWM2J3DldZ_JaIwvAceYakT01TO4bRCoo2d5A/s400/Gevril-33.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I am looking for $SOLD (REDUCED) shipped within CONUS. International deals at actual carriage. PayPal please with no fees. Please leave a message here or email with questions. Thanks for having a look.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">As a note I am accepting PayPal only as I have had two buyers commit to sending Money Orders and then disappear. If you want the watch use PayPal... I eat the fees.<br /></span>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-33063037855450151282008-08-01T21:05:00.006-05:002008-08-01T21:47:09.657-05:00More Vixa Sea Power Love<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFTd96JOALNNo2sj9xRKD3OAHDOt6s14VzsPNGbKQfidH0ixNpdXyf2mNQ9JX9YmIcXXf2G-5YuTq-wtpyUEbC2rf-sGXY229mOTAW280p4H0GGMPzTo8-L_q9jkdKND7ha9ulQ/s1600-h/100_2677.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229740200398777026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFTd96JOALNNo2sj9xRKD3OAHDOt6s14VzsPNGbKQfidH0ixNpdXyf2mNQ9JX9YmIcXXf2G-5YuTq-wtpyUEbC2rf-sGXY229mOTAW280p4H0GGMPzTo8-L_q9jkdKND7ha9ulQ/s400/100_2677.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Sometimes it’s just great to reconnect with a watch after its, well, you know, sort of fallen out of the rotation. I did just that today with my Vixa Nettuno Sea Power today during a family day trip to Neshota Beach in lovely Two Rivers, Wisconsin.</span> </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229740384702100386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBo5PJUA89taVBbS-yE6klYjEoXdqu4WmknpviVeLugXzHN465cK1R8zb_0rbSX3HRYKntcGsSjbHFB_OJbSDy6elzyTBLXd9Ag_j9AcKt2ttXp6Rjxy_Wx3yyMMisWWg2PSUww/s400/Neshota+Park.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736312549502738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu7nW2WR2GbXtv6X4W_D7avfC0qWupmCtC1RqIHg9r3ZQTnCLP9jEkfEYm1amGw_OE64y-ophzUjDrzu6etZAmjF_-feLEyFvFs1QlpiMg6TELmugfSM0IUI6N5tB7jOmWtnlAw/s400/100_2639.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">No doubt the Sea Power is a might fine watch and one which deserves to be used, but truth be told, I haven’t been getting it on the wrist all that often. May be it’s the fault of the distinct change of season here in Wisconsin. It seems almost absurd to wear this gigantic sherbet orange piece in the midst of a long drawn out winter. I guess that’s why it ended up relegated to “safe” duty and on a leather strap. Although I enjoy a sweet leather strap, I can appreciate the fact that it’s a little bit of a nod to style and away from function when you strap your tool diver to a premium leather strap. Last winter the Vixa was mounted on a sweet color keyed JRT exotics strap and didn’t see anything close to “service”.</span> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229744784677957250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLsL6XLhyuPpWCTRBhxpf8yAbJ5SGGIVXAJ6BuNRRKZFc0FaKCIJwLiCNRoyCTraSa-AxrDojEOoprhxSfuFC7LuERG0Pb0agCKlpgaLtGxism-jGFWL78z5dSCmQow96VHFKag/s400/100_2682.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Today was little different and we found ourselves frolicking in the cool waters of Lake Michigan at Neshota. What a fantastic spot Neshota is as Wisconsin/Lake Michigan beaches go. Obviously, there aren’t true waves or exotic fish darting through crystalline blue waters on Lake Michigan. What you get is some deep-water cool lake with the odd sandbar thrown in for good measure. Cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon in the Wisconsin sun. We had a great time though I wouldn’t recommend it to the faint of heart with a water temp of no more then the mid 60’s.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></div></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229745317486265010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfNJl2EGL1_82b54TcquV5Jq8N8lcMg7cAxh7yaJf_dr_p4VTHO4dy4SrhwouHdUNgQ92n_eF2Y2kJrYdFsWjP3GYYMOFu4L_CuznLV3OrynejGBOgLd0TOik_g395T12TRIL5Q/s400/100_2674.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229745313736235170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcD0bESoVzZ2Yfkvd5g9fi8HQT87GViGnDKan8z9cgtvseraUNRuHY1ud2UTGEtLhLtkNRcc90Jr4qGwwaTWkhnxBwriyX5sl-EpVujrqXFliATUb0IF5ZB9chHPqi86aRcC2sA/s400/100_2676.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Why the sudden reminder of the Vixa’s capability? Well when you’re swimming in dark water both the size and color of the Vixa stand out extremely well in the murky waters of Lake Michigan. The black bezel contrasts sharply with the creamsicle dial and has large bold white markings, which are highly legible even in the worst of conditions. The Sea Power is most at home on a rubber diver’s strap and was easily rinsed after I was up to my elbows in sand while burying my four-year-old daughter in the cool sand.<br /></span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hw76QWY4AhW8RllBdNzDdNgmHM969znkTthWOt6aO5iCeBEaZoXHCv2tYFO-jS1ls38uL_Pe4Qo6AMzM8fVql29g3x2Bv3HtUlWTw_ROxTnC-XUSf6eWSLLIqGsv543HoYrk_A/s1600-h/100_2649.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229736321762947122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hw76QWY4AhW8RllBdNzDdNgmHM969znkTthWOt6aO5iCeBEaZoXHCv2tYFO-jS1ls38uL_Pe4Qo6AMzM8fVql29g3x2Bv3HtUlWTw_ROxTnC-XUSf6eWSLLIqGsv543HoYrk_A/s400/100_2649.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> Even as we lost the sun and a summer storm moved in the creamsicle colored Vixa proved its mettle as an outstanding and impressive tool. I plan on getting this baby wet again darn soon. The leather strap is now on another watch less suited rough use…<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229745954500410002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBAnhtR29ofOzw1FennbjweG2p5nhg-ZkFSQDsLMUjrUiZgCrNweC2UAgiOyGoKpDoMrDnLa2vV31_3zJNsOEcKAjQjSW2Ck96ODP0XNq3W4wBDByw-5oN75RK47_7pE8bJXUig/s400/100_2683.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">This is my third entry about this watch. See the slideshow and early impressions review in the archive if you have a moment. You think it’s a keeper?</span></div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-29633086247054554582008-07-21T20:57:00.010-05:002008-07-22T09:37:18.644-05:00Orsa Sea Angler Lithium<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvQPC3S2-bRmqDEdUl9jeVqttLV3xv7n80rgQ4gBmMS62ezT4mqTyiWmmDvB19UXpPAu26EYxLb0DYWTgmXhXnDZHXBMtZYnnnB1vU9KXRxGX5CyIcMLlYzQZNnaxYsxExBF_SA/s1600-h/SAQ-09.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225653077850340402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvQPC3S2-bRmqDEdUl9jeVqttLV3xv7n80rgQ4gBmMS62ezT4mqTyiWmmDvB19UXpPAu26EYxLb0DYWTgmXhXnDZHXBMtZYnnnB1vU9KXRxGX5CyIcMLlYzQZNnaxYsxExBF_SA/s400/SAQ-09.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Anyone who has been into dive watches over the last few years had heard the name Orsa. Orsa watches are the creation of Martin Berg. The most legendary of his creations has been without a doubt the Sea Angler.<br /><br />The Sea Angler started life in two runs of 50 watches in each run. You had a basic black and orange model. These watches raised eyebrows and sold out in short order. I am happy to say I am the owner of an Orange Sea Angler Automatic which is one of my most prized watches. Berg followed these up with two Swiss made series in silver and luminous dials. Then there is the ultra-rare 3T Limited Edition Sea Angler which I was too dumb to buy though being a moderator at 3T. DOH!! Berg has since released a Miyota powered behemoth known as the Monstrum and continues to produce nice inexpensive military style quartz watches he sells via the Bay. You’ll also find a line known as the Pro Divers which come in a number of configurations and colors. I am also the proud owner of a rare Pro Diver Automatic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225658697261264002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwrk4w3kkwQ6WO3L_FO_DhFczsiQ_LS3ovi2uDW3WCkUCVI2pIn56-rIsKBJYwBe3AnfKb6AZhJMf4TyBim9cgt5FYq2lXcOwieab3jACBLxYscn2ThR95U3FUnxdx9HN9ac96Q/s400/Orsa-32.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225658702185206210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycoH2owlEAlrKpXnHyFvez3JEDHI0ODyfOZ6JsXxe4ibtQRcp1maHWNnogillAp41oplYxEIRwcio7jo37escYggB2fxbF-icUoMrewKz73SL4fPxFUin63cirbjwzpXHA06uwQ/s400/Monstrum-14.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225658687075155922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDkR-kjDrS62wJIqEdUfnKF5eijSVIWnhH4AY9Iap4Mqbot_DAlTz6e5te-frgZ7m0wtocKYMKar7MBwKW2EGT4vftVOvOPe90E0wnqGUcSvaFKjR7qhK_n9x6-7ojU6vVFXCwQ/s400/Orsa-Mil-09.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225658708649138162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL7U73RHZMknvlP1EmgEZpDmcM4r8-vIT3aFpEAmdkU8HPegOPJn5q9oA3i41qK3mhZK7T8kwuy21C1IoYG3wZ65qlEcHiMZTUXowpDy-qHhqeo1yDFTk-cPiTEf09F2LMpQQzg/s400/PD-Auto-15.jpg" border="0" /><br />Berg has recently released the Sea Angler Lithium though his affiliation with 3T. The watch is being offered in either a black or stainless steel bezel and brings the great Sea Angler look and feel to a whole new realm. The watch is currently available exclusively though Berg’s brand forum at 3T and if any are left they may eventually be sold on the Bay.<br /><br />Let’s just dispose with the technical specifications per Berg:<br /><br />Ronda 715 lithium, Swiss made, 5 jewels.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">316l Stainless steel case </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 clicks </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Domed hardlex mineral crystal </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">300m/1000ft Water resistant </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">8mm Screw down crown </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Date at 4hrs </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Super luminova coated hands and dial. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Bezel/case back polished. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">22mm lugs with connecting rods </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Weight: </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">126g </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Dimensions: 45mm wide x 54mm length </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Thickness 16mm </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">only 50 pcs available for each models</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrS7-z07L2dsWtlAIvrkwSBgv5tpdXcLVaT-QcEymE4O5ARb3NyAO8F_kj-idp_omAfIZRMhuyRRWkhUy5A4ansFdLIyylUP_jxrF-Rh7MgLM2RYqKbfo8QD889LDx2ojyVEtTA/s1600-h/SAQ-10.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225653082074636450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrS7-z07L2dsWtlAIvrkwSBgv5tpdXcLVaT-QcEymE4O5ARb3NyAO8F_kj-idp_omAfIZRMhuyRRWkhUy5A4ansFdLIyylUP_jxrF-Rh7MgLM2RYqKbfo8QD889LDx2ojyVEtTA/s400/SAQ-10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">This is truly a Sea Angler for everyman; not just the WIS of the world. I opted to get one with the stainless steel bezel as I thought the look was a little flashy and very cool. The stainless bezel adds a little pop to the watch in my opinion while relegating it useless for true diving. No worries as this is a recreational sport watch in my world.<br /><br />Where to start? There is the instantly recognizable Sea Angler case which is thick and chunky. This is a purpose built tool and the case leaves little doubt to the rough and ready nature of the watch. The screwdown crown is at 4:00 aligned with the date window. The crown is buffeted by beefy crown guards adding another element of utility to the watch. The lugs are 22mm and quite pronounced with a downward curve which allows the large case to wrap the wearer’s wrist. There is some dissention over the combination of the finishes on the case and bezel. Some do not like the polished bezel edge in combination with the bead blasted finish on the case. In my opinion this adds depth to the case and bezel, creating an imposing 3-D superstructure. The caseback is a true classic highlighted by the well known Sea Angler motif.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNsBbxviu36nE-jm0RG8VuDiD3H8jc4qbYJVg5tp4bfVm6aiCiYJSDsjO3NB50hDouFSi9gduF4nvZ3Xj3YmVTe5c-91rvQdwvBKKKKnP3X6lJkeYg3d_BuxHwsYzhJPamraUmA/s1600-h/SAQ-11.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225653087892001634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNsBbxviu36nE-jm0RG8VuDiD3H8jc4qbYJVg5tp4bfVm6aiCiYJSDsjO3NB50hDouFSi9gduF4nvZ3Xj3YmVTe5c-91rvQdwvBKKKKnP3X6lJkeYg3d_BuxHwsYzhJPamraUmA/s400/SAQ-11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The dial is really a love/hate affair for many. Obviously I am in the love camp. The Lithium Sea Angler comes with an orange dial with a flat black/charcoal minute track. The minute track features luminous markers in five minute increment. The five minute increments are marked with the distinctive script which makes a Sea Angler a Sea Angler. Lume is persistent if not blazing and is good for many hours after charging though it will never blow you socks off. It is just utilitarian. You go for the time in zero light and there it is. Wonderful. This all resides under a domed hardlex crystal. While I would prefer sapphire, the hardlex is a viable option and should prove tough. Hands are the familiar Sea Angler paddle hands and glow a tad brighter than the indices. The stainless bezel is beautiful to my eye with a blasted face featuring polished numerals every ten minutes. A little blingy and a sure attention grabber.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaNC2KyIj8RqK0bRn77lqqac77aaTZF__h0cj4lpLdr7ohRErGhPsCNJExxIYb2_xI_v2KMSkLHNavOiDXo3lpxCrsLxNnS7KD0qmoxKqi1JQTGIoF52L_zj-EXahKtArPgvGlw/s1600-h/SAQ-13.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225653090799838338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaNC2KyIj8RqK0bRn77lqqac77aaTZF__h0cj4lpLdr7ohRErGhPsCNJExxIYb2_xI_v2KMSkLHNavOiDXo3lpxCrsLxNnS7KD0qmoxKqi1JQTGIoF52L_zj-EXahKtArPgvGlw/s400/SAQ-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> The watch comes outfitted with a durable and comfortable rubber strap with signed Orsa tang buckle. The strap is nothing fancy but it quite comfortable and tough. The 22mm lug size and easy screw pins allow for a variety of strap options. Many have put their Sea Anglers on exotic straps though my thought is this is a tool watch and should be strapped up as such. Nothing fancy for me.<br /><br />Although I am predominantly a collector of mechanical time pieces, the simplicity and dependability of the Rhonda movement is really a big plus. It is kind of nice not to worry about having the watch wound up or sitting on a winder. It’s a true grab and go and since its arrival it’s been a favorite for a day in the pool with the kids.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225654784925540306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKFygM11M0Xni_rclYpEre-NXU1IYbokcpqVWOmfXMSaLJP303YlfWjMjm_fmD9WkRFVx_dI_Ik8RN6STGBwJ5Fp1lna1ylT1TpYyxwCFuoxlgklH56G0bR744gbNH_ssO-JKWQ/s400/SAQ-16.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225654776573799458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXXzFLZaB5miDnVcrXJmHsYQYfE5-G-WUOfqyqpiWWc-vnUn9Ir3R7Um5a2NHRlWNXn57n5resgQ5CACQIUSVb6GKptCLeC6PFspDor2fU9ZVW7OALX3gJIclMWj-tWtemRZOcA/s400/SAQ-15.jpg" border="0" /><br />Berg has hit upon another winner in my opinion and sales support this stance. I have been told all the black bezel models have been sold and that Berg in fact produced 60 in the black bezel and 40 in the stainless bezel. If so this makes mine a touch more rare though this is not a watch I’ll part with any time soon. The watch is too much fun and too easy to love for it to go anywhere but on my wrist.<br /><br />Thanks for having a look.</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225653075012576434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2GOI4tflrDhD7qbREdyLcNkbQR6RpmiUJIDpRWpjr1cvJmykCZrqBTu96DIz3FSb18XKMexDP0zUr-Lzf5hmfCTg-6XfW4VnhwT0dj8SNgvOCjRCoxgN6xM9qnlQMXGdSyyREw/s400/SAQ-01.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225654794953487010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSXw2KJkWB9MMdgMSu1BSUe0BFJt6TIB5HZWNeOdTFlkAMSzzV_U3-lnYybzCL2d47vT0BRB0g-VUqMLJSkcZbhyMH-s3fN-RrJb2pMrxKcty13w3GZ2OHdJ_GzRqcZJAoCt6oQ/s400/SAQ-17.jpg" border="0" /></p>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-42606545439661619242008-07-03T18:57:00.012-05:002008-07-14T20:16:26.207-05:00Flieger<div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I’ve always loved a classic pilot’s watch or flieger. For me the flieger is one of the archetypical watches which any WIS worth their salt needs to have in their collection. I’ve gone through a few fliegers myself and will wager I’ll go through a number more before its all said and done.<br /><br />I started off simple with an Aeromatic 1912 flieger I grabbed off eBay back in 2004. This watch was bought during the nascent days of my WIS-dom. If ignorance is bliss then I made a wise choice when purchasing this watch. If you anything about the Aeromatic brand you know these are Chinese watches, which imply German origins. That’s all well and good because I certainly knew I wasn’t getting a German built timepiece. It didn’t matter to me. I wanted an automatic flieger than was inexpensive and that’s exactly what I got fresh from The Bay. The watch arrived in a neat tin and I though it looked pretty darn good. I was drawn to the observation dial, which features an outer track with the time marked off in five-minute increments and an inner track with the standard 12-hour markings. This and the arrow at 12:00 sang to me. The watch was outfitted on a reasonable leather strap and featured a Chinese clone of the eta 2824 I honestly don’t recall the number of jewels used but the movement wound, hacked and kept pretty good time. I got some good use out of the watch and threw it back to The Bay not all that long ago. I’ll tell you I didn’t lose a cent on it, and I sincerely hope it is still enjoying life on another’s wrist.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218945934953636290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbQ06NlxTu3p4SVaCKa9Z9ougnDZ1-TIiVjv_XrqBIETspV3IB8PuAeoOicLKEgTMdsuioQzwGh5_Vgal1yenH_JnuIJWVlq8-caFMGJQTLoA0q8wfSpsgVyK-DeFJWkWEfJRLw/s400/100_9040.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218946605280237890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeymprRCh862jTFTCeD8r2FJf3359aj8QzLySpOLfRwGPs84oTjsCASK2qQ6MoYHK7QdGAZs2kXX0VFfMlijnSx_JEIYBHlZg85zgt1cFzn5S8W2UnlKsB16wS8YA7nW64QHSug/s400/100_9051.JPG" border="0" /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218946596225251730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBrDOz4GQCZwpooODA10GxuQKpxEDrHE2BCb8Nsja_0n4kxFiwjhpYV65oxUc-SO0VX1CNRuPrVUp4TEXq9tMoHJHtdnRa3cKb9dRXU5QPGCUu8R-CSzOqU78VMLJMaRuwnB86w/s400/100_9047.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">My next flieger was a classy little number I grabbed from one of the watch sale’s forums from a fairly well known WIS. This was an IWI Pilot with eta 2824. This was a “Swiss Movement” watch and pretty darn nice. It had all the right bits (sapphire, screwdown crown, eta 2824) and was quite a looker in my opinion. The seller informed me this was indeed a rare flieger as it featured a red second hand, which was not standard issue for the watch. The fit and finish were very good and the watch was one ace of a timekeeper. I wore the watch on a sharkskin and poliot’s strap and had a great time with my IWI Pilot but as my WIS-dom increased, I found myself drawn to a whole new concept for the hoary flieger.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218947327385008770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao0Z60BioV8BTXpbHU3njziZx4Z-xiWBIgxb-vS6MDx3kR0-6gjSed-NAufycYG7KmdsTiTDTj9biV9DYPD9eC44GC5H-fO8DF9Ry-FVMyzRDdILLWG4N1x7X1OWPXhKbJj2FTQ/s400/IW-Pilot-12.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218947977233983154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPAfmBqNkdju3FpNWGwz51BYBbik7IuJ1XHhbgwIbnizjj2KYi7ViUkKac_YWyyvAbyWiF0DYV1mLys6hyphenhyphenroPiTcZtmSeRudjt-LReAGCbUZfCInHZW2XsCfesMdqQnR6kr4J6w/s400/IW-Pilot-20.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218947972605672674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XRAUHFZImknHSv9ntre6YsrE_i9CUI7gZ_MzMZ2J-eJ6VFF6FkSl-MJUVTkUnGZ5Lc9MCEYj-IFzwl28UuZxZpuv8M_aPXo1lRBjoXx5zuo-MdD-GueMcHQTqgad-84JhGzJtA/s400/IW-Pilot-17.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">One of the members on my home watch forum had obtained and N.B. Yaeger Delta Sector and I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. I still think Martin Braun (the brain behind N.B. Yaeger) came up with a fresh take on the flieger, which is innovative while remaining classic. At any rate, said forum member was (and still is) a serial flipper. When complimenting his new timepiece I immediately called dibs quite publicly. It was only a short time until he offered the watch to me for an attractive price. What a fantastic watch. It came on a beautiful bracelet with a rubber strap should I desire any change of pace. I wore this watch often while neglecting my IWI Pilot. At some point, my funny little WIS brain told me I was done with the traditional flieger and I would “fly” forward on the cutting edge with only my N.B. Yaeger. I decided the IWI Pilot had to go find a new home.</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218949418533389138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3qYLmmYt3jT7e3dR5ySkK8o4EzykvLheBQMSBDBuDSkPAUJsLdcQwDI3rcDbC9fn4DizbyTj22OT43SXEhx9hkrkPexKIXWdJYth_hQST4EeZ4AS960IFv5vqIhRafOBqH2hvQ/s400/NBY-37.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218949415758977906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdP77xutlclLgnLmz-n_9ApBSOgs4OCgKrKDIuqzSxd7BKBxhwMFSETpHp1abFIKm5NxvWThLillzuh1DckHyAQIiA8ZDgWzV23WT5WKd8MZWyJNO1UDG7-4jWl3agWWw3boCBw/s400/NBY-33.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218949429551779138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7qy0IYLvzSXqwee2Gi95xzajOVlJE4dbewnKpcPDvP2LRIebz_3udXYgTmWVlbO_Vj6AAZ1i2w_4sw665P2-oV9kuHbQoUqAfKRdfH-Omzz1ojysrB-OQjOr-D9tI1kVM8FUfg/s400/NBY-42.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218949431973071570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpwsOfFvQ1nzCMJfHKFk_ipl6Z6ceoscOqgtIJ1vuFVTAbaDChaEAs0bg3JROa-OnaS7e9CReKW-kSlM5kBL2td05ymjOtkShW-jvRZWEJ_WPNvgbF3VK4sCMFwtdveIk8hbp4g/s400/NBY-46.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">And off it went to a new home where it thrives to this day. The new owner reports it is one of his most accurate watches. Well as WIS-dumb will have it, it wasn’t long at all before I found myself pining for a more traditional flieger. I added a true pilot’s strap to my NBY but it didn’t satiate my desire for a traditional flieger. Combine this with a penchant for hand wound watches and it’s easy to see I was in a bit of a spot and needed to get myself right. I began scouring the sales forums for fliegers, particularly hand crankers and hit upon a sweet Lacher, which I narrowly missed. I kept looking and considered one of the DeBaufre Nav-B watches but found myself wanting an observation dial, which was not offered on the offering from DeBaufre. Besides that, I still don’t care much for the new name for Steinhart!<br /><br />I put it on the back burner deciding I would bide my time and hope for something to come up on a sale’s forum… well lo and behold, something did pop up. Would this get your attention?<br />“SOLD is a self built Unitas 6497 Flieger. I purchased the bits seperatly and assembled it myself. To make it look authentic I applied vintage noctiluminova to the dial and hands to make it look like aged tritium.Swiss Unitas, soigne grade with blued screws, Saphire crystal front, K1 back, 42mm case bead blasted, fantastic vintage leather strap.”<br />Well it sure got mine. May be I am a little askew.<br /><br />In no time, the watch was in my possession form over the pond in a super smooth deal between WIS. Now if you look at the watch it looks a little beat… and that’s a lot of its charm in my mind. This is a Flieger plain and simple. So I’ve added this flieger to my collection and couldn’t be happier with the watch. It most definitely has the look of a classic flieger. In fact the WIS I bought it from pit it together to have a vintage look and feel. In this, he excelled. The fuzzy, aged markers and classic observation dial give the watch a vintage appearance in combine with the no nonsense bead blasted 42mm case. No frills here; just timekeeping plain and simple. The dial is the essence of legibility, and the generously applied vintage noctiluminova assure visibility in zero light conditions. The soigné grade Unitas 6497 is a fantastic movement. Winding is a pleasure and time keeping is precise. The nine-eater sub seconds sing to me! The beautiful movement is visible through an exhibition pane and is the ultimate in simplistic beauty.<br /><br />And as if that wasn’t enough, the seller outfitted the 22mm lugs with a sweet 24mm Ted Su vintage ammo strap. I am certain I will try other straps on this flieger and will put the ammo on another watch at some point, but for the time being the two a one as it were; the strap adding to the character and charm of a very vintage looking flieger. I think you’ll agree this is a sweet flieger. It has a homespun rustic feel which allows me fantasize it’s an ancient treasure.</span></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218950909931426210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPMb9iBt2ybje5UEVFu-l8pLbsNJV2QdFd9wHsz_6RBrDmgkAt7a7zNHNlYWMnhb62FXgv32ry2yFtyju7nR2gypjQj1D6_hKDYA0BPJ3ebKeBbIHXSFfVhvG5mShd8kdraE36Q/s400/Flieger-06.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218950914255857410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDuDf7XpAYnx4oy570h20BkQivAwnuryK86rf3wCKQcLNjk6Hq-QfKM8AsnsPdH6_wHxscB2T1vfcGMB1tA7V-G5LNGnLyX8LFQrBTizSMh71kD0u2yTy5iKqX3G0UFcO1wH4Nw/s400/Flieger-07.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218950917077013330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnWJVvCrbATBLE_AMvYMFNNnnJYOcPP9spA0wki_GA_MblHcuI6MqQ41kYMyNYQ4y5Dtya9dDfpjXXnaJRM0ZRY0EEz1Hgqx9NoBksJXzLQEg2jdxo0vNNlmL1_MYY5qwmuerpg/s400/Flieger-08.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218951953955464882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBTLFIsO3TGncBepNypV-uydUT3uJNd6lycdHK2dCru8OD9w5OUgJPntz1d5fPhT7hYdbSAC75hyphenhyphenBPhF4-5bXrCuHHwV0EnkeSjE4CqMyrfe3ZItRVomKU2BQXdm_amwxJdg7xw/s400/Flieger-14.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218951944770886450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU-DyrtAo1xC-SdiCtejB-csqABNxrarRdD5hIIw6p09zxplGgcKYW4XXe-psx8fQ-wo1csJjvhDxAuWtrPE45LN4GX7iYBRzwEcjAR261Re_C80rp_bAIr53nmKJXytidWP87g/s400/Flieger-13.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218951964348236962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCDgULyQ2LC-Z0naIxEyBgL9T-z7fOz-RjqkLJT6HJ8FD1BK1gwSAW1ivyQJLcEdmZvOjoPN2epTswGaZePLUa3bkkfJX5SKHslXBP_bTh3zPYL0_heI3w5WsHShYzNykabZBdA/s400/Flieger-16.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218951957998249922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsETjBDHVK_wGy8OwbONKgGXO2CteNkKgdg2-2l5SWZiP8cKSW4TnZpQaFoGPwl1AqYp_KEh_eZwbFUIsobkbIHIL0YYka4SvjwMzKk0o4LWDmGoGhvW7widdlDEpVVnSdB_Uiw/s400/Flieger-15.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I really should ask the seller for some more details on the watch as I get many questions. People’s eyes are drawn to the big bold dial and upon handling the watch, they are always full of questions. Not only should I get some more information; I think I owe that man another round of thanks.<br /><br />For the time being I guess I’ll have to be satisfied with my two fliegers. That is unless I hit the lotto!!</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218953809862018338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3HxSrr29y_kPfzO_0jMTkT5Shmjp8O8Kgjtxzh8Mo9KPBEwyD9w2okz3O3c39J-pzFjhnR7oMH43O-IWyCYTmHyV6l8NfhkrC-GQLQa5_69iYpX8GFNKpl0fW8OEQ3_-0sKRiw/s400/IWCBP.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><p><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Thanks for having a look.</span></p>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-50765094445587238232008-06-28T15:58:00.009-05:002008-07-02T22:16:21.331-05:00Long Term With The DOXA Sub750T Pro COSC<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZdltaPVswkS4qjazb202-4pRnrXYC9FcB9UeDkbLZ_NMNnK6sp7gRTqYWn232-_FFzUQ4EFHRwPMUpTRko81shnem0LxHDcNbeHif-CaHBBqP49-iLVP8LPuZEqgY9K0ERqj9g/s1600-h/DOXA-05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043690106276978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZdltaPVswkS4qjazb202-4pRnrXYC9FcB9UeDkbLZ_NMNnK6sp7gRTqYWn232-_FFzUQ4EFHRwPMUpTRko81shnem0LxHDcNbeHif-CaHBBqP49-iLVP8LPuZEqgY9K0ERqj9g/s400/DOXA-05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kFWAYcz_I2vWGnyMIFbj18xWlk4WHYHBI3VJSx5qe11p8fKR_zIpmIRi6nRg9EMBLeFJMfsUtNoMjC6TGM5wVuaPBxP5iN_7dEgPp4Lk2a0n8XpjXH2RLdSDjIanCQVwwm861A/s1600-h/DOXA-06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043691672946466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kFWAYcz_I2vWGnyMIFbj18xWlk4WHYHBI3VJSx5qe11p8fKR_zIpmIRi6nRg9EMBLeFJMfsUtNoMjC6TGM5wVuaPBxP5iN_7dEgPp4Lk2a0n8XpjXH2RLdSDjIanCQVwwm861A/s400/DOXA-06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6wRxWAkJ2VZFbP17TYa0kkOuDHd9KUAnkVuktymxfOC1-JfKwpfT9Rpo3l6Lm_zx6RBWLiolgkMZ40UCCeDBhyphenhyphen0ZJfRgk593x-M6bRRFULwEdtE2bF_XgUrp9x8s942OLFkobg/s1600-h/DOXA-14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043697157931042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6wRxWAkJ2VZFbP17TYa0kkOuDHd9KUAnkVuktymxfOC1-JfKwpfT9Rpo3l6Lm_zx6RBWLiolgkMZ40UCCeDBhyphenhyphen0ZJfRgk593x-M6bRRFULwEdtE2bF_XgUrp9x8s942OLFkobg/s400/DOXA-14.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7YQ013SkLlLgLPbgEppY2ICn5ufqWN2ax5rOklAbBIlyc07rqIim0Lpcx6SDBcHNlS0EFtS_oBnrcXDN50fbRG7k7S66tt1oRZCXHxtfFAFxUoEFug5x85ZH7zUx2N56PShbw/s1600-h/DOXA-34.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043693704456818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7YQ013SkLlLgLPbgEppY2ICn5ufqWN2ax5rOklAbBIlyc07rqIim0Lpcx6SDBcHNlS0EFtS_oBnrcXDN50fbRG7k7S66tt1oRZCXHxtfFAFxUoEFug5x85ZH7zUx2N56PShbw/s400/DOXA-34.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8q5afMHlfhJ4ITqBrkYbNSh2KhkZnrz6I2wP2YNNfBhHinyWEBziUVHtgumKPGQS25fpYntR3zgnWJprq42C87Lud3bydEUH08FPz39Ka1lxbB4zVXqqROMZrv1b3RB0kSVxYg/s1600-h/DOXA-45.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043697564774722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8q5afMHlfhJ4ITqBrkYbNSh2KhkZnrz6I2wP2YNNfBhHinyWEBziUVHtgumKPGQS25fpYntR3zgnWJprq42C87Lud3bydEUH08FPz39Ka1lxbB4zVXqqROMZrv1b3RB0kSVxYg/s400/DOXA-45.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217044366460788610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyEENoBDMYZLzvHBTb-tuHo0uRDdME5MTh64YyYpVf5MZudFqPPHMvgF3k8TauVeJ5FDEcjXwVJHu9GCnDkhpTrOEQDT0RHXZfhyphenhyphenkPKSNfggVVGlAV8T1xmP9La9RqYdXtvYbHA/s400/DOXA-63.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEe3gjtMjppLYPms7cp7al1Wd-z202WvZ9vRtnDZC_1n41HQ3V4t2yqkdepJIxd_xhITlGGcOdMS4gJqhSPrNQ-wiVukvrTUUr8FodiLWdDlJH4-SYBVpPvXkrNY46ctpsTotBA/s1600-h/DOXA-47.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043099204436562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEe3gjtMjppLYPms7cp7al1Wd-z202WvZ9vRtnDZC_1n41HQ3V4t2yqkdepJIxd_xhITlGGcOdMS4gJqhSPrNQ-wiVukvrTUUr8FodiLWdDlJH4-SYBVpPvXkrNY46ctpsTotBA/s400/DOXA-47.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCZKSDAqQf1kpEyLPbQhqCUbSKarWKRmcy5I5l6s3-AKE5c4P_E7HHKtPXDdj7_AMWS3SzIh8yYFOEsrIDmUEgHtHERKKIcAoeGvg3ZwQ4cs9np455SO6XcQLXKUweZPbs92d1A/s1600-h/DOXA-48.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043103262346610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCZKSDAqQf1kpEyLPbQhqCUbSKarWKRmcy5I5l6s3-AKE5c4P_E7HHKtPXDdj7_AMWS3SzIh8yYFOEsrIDmUEgHtHERKKIcAoeGvg3ZwQ4cs9np455SO6XcQLXKUweZPbs92d1A/s400/DOXA-48.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217044361865078834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxtata4BPMuVeiAI_ahai1owoQ8SXF7yyH0t3rg60AjxrOAj3uCwLq2rchzb5SdHWWgRldFtodFfdaf-94c3sZ1gUgtQM-swnrFYj6jJ4Np3I5ZoYj4noM9eXBROiw-W1VuF1lA/s400/DOXA-58.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217044355915860114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0aYyYdkUkzbr4pz77HsCOm1vSqp_IfCZeN1lGg719T_uW2QRYaQZl8ivQX0tJWeoqc2jW5z2W0FkXH3btNHfPmsrkFaNfPZGWtmH7TNUBANztYkOlFdmTEyWunOltWTP5Dtf8Q/s400/DOXA-56.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217044365534527058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAmv0uWwyfShvkGzspfPfFz9eQPDAtcF-nuIYshyphenhyphenVVpX4O_q5JtVBsyjTib_S6T5pPaKufp530ynXwKrOPb81UnHc7N31cLLi2raz40sL3lJAXWngdyj5K-QWvwEJzKdrAmnojg/s400/DOXA-61.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KbMoVsZTa1xmq0GpPevskP6JBWfRLNrm_CW8PRtZ_2r-w5xSaZTmkst4jFygKada1tzIMO0KEGpRTdyCVuowOIASprpNPhOaW6QAmZwdawpuUoNWKqDWig_IRsdc1CXu-Fhyphenhyphen1w/s1600-h/DOXA-50.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043105268612594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KbMoVsZTa1xmq0GpPevskP6JBWfRLNrm_CW8PRtZ_2r-w5xSaZTmkst4jFygKada1tzIMO0KEGpRTdyCVuowOIASprpNPhOaW6QAmZwdawpuUoNWKqDWig_IRsdc1CXu-Fhyphenhyphen1w/s400/DOXA-50.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XA6SdLAb0mqCrqAeS5Mwgm12cZCYu4sN-VjN_zf2RVtWRQtSzO_3Q_PkU1z0c8KroS-WVOaDSeWQQArkM313wnh5ILlfr-hu9NwjHNGKZ5s3awZdoHUzYYKl1vJH-Fk0zYkvg/s1600-h/DOXA-53.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217043114674621346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XA6SdLAb0mqCrqAeS5Mwgm12cZCYu4sN-VjN_zf2RVtWRQtSzO_3Q_PkU1z0c8KroS-WVOaDSeWQQArkM313wnh5ILlfr-hu9NwjHNGKZ5s3awZdoHUzYYKl1vJH-Fk0zYkvg/s400/DOXA-53.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217050039915229186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS1XNlS4l6SG0vLkTGFw3a3pmtpzjGdZw2ncGWnVQR6NX-GZoWl5XlVlm2gA2-49p78FLF9MOn57wkC9Wtsc-wzO_Ig2P9GwazdQXdttggd7vjBpSt4HQVl4z6hqZvRwPQZpaAQ/s400/DOXA-68.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217045151232275218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DxqQZ72v0O1uJrcglJFmGKHlsmKSaELCvFKnjmRfAVDFeKEe2NGS1XfTGP-0_97cdScb-DFCzQ68QgI1Zo454d8Xu7-bWA5m3D5ZVFdbDZxS48uhGTcnZqxHN9h9Xjz2RWSM9Q/s400/DOXA-70.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217045146330693330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GiuK-yn1T58R3XUpDKyVwsBXxBhJq_EfRktNafTzdI5pPRd1t9vWTTJKufLjlpQ9cg9Jl0utpVLNQlcFZnMB1vGIkyZitiha571X0h8SyiwjSi2B0HtOhMFkwRVAHAWnD2lUNw/s400/DOXA-69.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217045132883222130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8S3Dyh84k254LQV7jUl0SR5JeMU2wn8SN-j667Osu_WpSPPubUtAYY_9LkFhgex5EYya69ucOHPtUJ9QfjeRg9ek1wHsuA-gyuWnY3DkFtuCxkziE003CoY7HIdNKV_EI00KDw/s400/DOXA-67.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Sometimes its a rip to look back on your collection. Sometimes you can pat yourself on the back and feel satisfied you’ve made a good addition, and other times you might kick yourself thinking, “WHAT?!? Was I thinking?” Well I’ve had a number of good and not so good additions to my collection over the last several years. Suffice it to say my purchase of a DOXA Sub750T Pro COSC is certainly one of my most satisfying acquisitions and a watch which I’ll surely never give up.<br /><br />I purchased my COSC in April of 2006 directly from DOXA via the internet. Ah yes, the days pre-retail when the retail price was some nebulous amount and the direct price was so inviting. My how times have changed regarding Doxa’s sales strategy! I distinctly recall waffling as the whether I should go for the COSC or just the Pro version as it could save me a couple bucks. Having no idea of the fact that there are on 100 of the COSC versions, I decided a couple bucks spent was well worth the COSC designation. I am so lucky to have made that decision with not a clue in my naïve WIS mind.<br /><br />A short time later and the FedEx man dropped a nice box containing my new treasure. AS WIS we all know the rush we get when opening a package with a new acquisition. This was the most dough I had ever put out for a watch, and I really didn’t have a clue as to what to expect from the two dimensional representations I had been fixated upon. Suffice it to say I was just blown away when I opened the package from DOXA. I kid you not; the release of endorphins in my brain had me in an almost euphoric hallucinatory state! My blood was rushing. My pupils were dilated. I was giddy. The easy to size bracelet and supplied screwdriver meant it was on my wrist in moments. I wasted no time in rushing to my cousin Canadajo’s place and flaunting my new find which made his DOXA wannabe Zeno look hilarious in my mind. In retrospect this experience was pretty powerful and immediately bonded me to the COSC at a primeval level.<br /><br />The watch garnered all sorts of attention among my associates as did my propensity to sport an orange shirt or 10!! Great feedback everywhere I went virtually and in the real world. Seeds of orange obsession were planted and have since long blossomed. I am helpless (almost) in the face of a sweet orange dialed timepiece. I poured over the COSC certificate but stopped just short of framing the sucker. I marveled at the performance my watch’s movement had achieved, but wondered why my results were less than impressive straight out of the tube. I also struggled a bit with a stubborn crown. I fretted a bit over the crown and was constantly paranoid I would cross-thread it. Some may recall a couple of WIS (literally a couple and that’s your only clue) who had a major problems with their watches and were quite vocal about there difficulties. No worries as I stayed the course with the COSC and have never looked back.<br /><br />Retrospectively, the watch is simply a winner in so many ways. There is the unmistakable aura of serious toolishness all DOXA divers exhibit combined with a look immediately identifiable to those in the know and unique enough to catch the eye of the casual observer. The distinctive DOXA cushion case is in many ways a love it or hate it proposition. As we have seen may love it to death and others couldn’t bothered. I fall somewhere more so in the love it camp but couldn’t see a collection made up of only DOXA cases. The case gets high marks for durability and comfort after being in service for a couple years. The dial and lume are simply outstanding in every respect. The shade of orange is ideally suited for the murky water the COSC has found in Lake Michigan and looks the rat’s ass. Lume is and remains torch like. Blazing when freshly charged and persistent. This is how lume should perform. The bracelet on my watch has given way to the 750T rubber strap from DOXA. The strap took them forever to develop and I received mine at the same time I acquired my second DOXA. The watch has been everywhere and done everything with me over the past couple of years from some casual “diving” in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, to the boardroom and most importantly the rigors of helping to raise two young children. In all applications the watch is a standout.<br /><br />Performance wise, the COSC settled in and is one of, if not the most, accurate automatic watches in my collection. It runs consistently right around -2 per 24h and is a rock. The stubborn crown worked its way sweet and there have been no issues with it at all. The overly malleable DOXA bezel has its share of battle scars but don’t they all? As a WIS my identity is shaped by this watch and I couldn’t be more pleased. The long term performance on the watch has been nothing short of stellar.<br /><br />Times have changed and DOXA has a new sales strategy which is tough sell for many of us in these tough times. I must thank them for suddenly making my watch more valuable! However, for me as a WIS, my DOXA Sub750T COSC is utterly invaluable.</span> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Have a look at the pix. This is one of my most photographed watches. The pix are pretty much in chronological order over the life of the watch right up until now. You’ll see I left it honest with plenty of evidence of use and even some grime. Thanks for taking a look.</span> </div></div></div></div></div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-27091295164976109072008-06-28T14:58:00.008-05:002008-06-28T15:53:18.719-05:00Pax Rotation<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Imagine my amazement when I took a few moments to go through my watches and document what I wear for a rotation. I kid you not! These watches are all worn at one time or another though I clearly have favorites. There have been a few additions as of late, but they didn't make it in... Note the watches are in alpha order (roughly) by manufacturer. Enjoy the slideshow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FPaxman1965%2Falbumid%2F5217028697485556225%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss"></embed>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-64357752870466136372007-10-05T19:14:00.001-05:002007-10-05T19:36:06.325-05:00El Lumo Comparo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95ANdB6uMQ3KwKQU44T_UNHCeX0HOe91fFsSPcZQU1qBfhaCt-1ubX6XPannIA7vK9dZPG97GDdU1l3MVcxAaWEon3a6hX6lfHaDDJgBg4C_dD-FXopK9mLMiIB3yGTYw6N-eLQ/s1600-h/loomers-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95ANdB6uMQ3KwKQU44T_UNHCeX0HOe91fFsSPcZQU1qBfhaCt-1ubX6XPannIA7vK9dZPG97GDdU1l3MVcxAaWEon3a6hX6lfHaDDJgBg4C_dD-FXopK9mLMiIB3yGTYw6N-eLQ/s320/loomers-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011377432176002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The premise; you are left on a desert isle with a watch on your wrist. That’s right… you’re Gilligan or perhaps the Professor if you are fortunate. The question; which watch would it be if your choices were limited to only the Citizen Promaster NY0040-09W or the Fortis B-42 Marinemaster 647.11.42M. At first glance these watches spec out fairly equally. Both watches are powered by automatic day/date movements, both are designed to be water resistant to 200 meters, and both have luminous dials. However, the Citizen is the mass produced product of one of the world’s watch giants, while the Fortis is somewhat less mass-produced and is the product of arguably the greatest watch making State in the world. Does being Swiss Made warrant an entry fee nearly 10 times the Citizen’s modest cost? I don’t really have an answer but will tell you what I know.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRZ6cDwT4Mr6PGuqu4QNGBNGfc5OZ0aIPZ7QqwbErJInGyNyeq8ooydT3SQ1KKR5U-Gx5TPL-pfiQuJj1l9RKD-WYR7edcE_TZOgvZ1wWnZX4welOZ_BlqxEWiAvghcdQFZwTdA/s1600-h/Lumi-21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRZ6cDwT4Mr6PGuqu4QNGBNGfc5OZ0aIPZ7QqwbErJInGyNyeq8ooydT3SQ1KKR5U-Gx5TPL-pfiQuJj1l9RKD-WYR7edcE_TZOgvZ1wWnZX4welOZ_BlqxEWiAvghcdQFZwTdA/s320/Lumi-21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011381727143314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Let’s get right to the heart of the matter and start by talking about the movements which power these watches. The Citizen is powered by the Miyota 8203 movement. The Miyota 8200 movements are long lived and durable but do, in my opinion have some glaring weaknesses. The 8203 does not hack or hand wind and its rotor wind only unidirectionally. Realistically you can use the time proven reverse twist to hack a Miyota, but not being able to wind the watch by hand is bothersome to me. Having said that I must also state that in my experience, most Miyota movement virtually spring to life as soon as you pick up the watch. As for the unidirectional rotor, perhaps not the model of efficiency, but it has been my experience that the 8200 series have adequate power reserve. What about the question of accuracy? I would venture the Miyota movements usually run a bit fast at about +20 to +25 seconds gained per day. In my world, this is perfectly acceptable as a wise man once told me to always be early! Miyota movements have proven durability.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoYxX54ryrK9FW6c21eeHdjdJaLG9_MmNuex3itlb-_4iRQ8RQw4uP4Q7lQI3P9oA3yBohnKa-AYmGdTEbnAs_3oUZEjdGLnW8jvCABpbT1kyoc1d1gOhOj0UpddgKgG9akbiBg/s1600-h/B-42-32.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoYxX54ryrK9FW6c21eeHdjdJaLG9_MmNuex3itlb-_4iRQ8RQw4uP4Q7lQI3P9oA3yBohnKa-AYmGdTEbnAs_3oUZEjdGLnW8jvCABpbT1kyoc1d1gOhOj0UpddgKgG9akbiBg/s320/B-42-32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012464058901986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Fortis is powered by an ETA 2836-2 automatic movement which has also been a veritable workhorse in the watch industry. I own several watches with this movement and must count it among my favorite watch movements. Long known for its accuracy, durability and serviceability, the 2836 can be both hacked and hand wound, allowing the watch to be set with greater accuracy. Its rotor is bidirectional and power reserve is more than adequate. The accuracy of this movement is exceptional with common variance of +5 to +15 seconds gained per day. I would venture to say some of my most accurate watches feature these wonderful movements. They are rock solid accurate and durable to boot.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8hvwDhbge3JMA_QhQCjC4v80f1B0YBd-_elriaIOAtSTrhpfcFvtZsrnim8wxJq3ab1f9gAGcg_09uGft68u1RN9rOda4CCrMMmePf273cmzenzQVlJBs1w_7PF5i5pGCpOARg/s1600-h/B-42-28.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8hvwDhbge3JMA_QhQCjC4v80f1B0YBd-_elriaIOAtSTrhpfcFvtZsrnim8wxJq3ab1f9gAGcg_09uGft68u1RN9rOda4CCrMMmePf273cmzenzQVlJBs1w_7PF5i5pGCpOARg/s320/B-42-28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012468353869298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As for the cases which house the movements, both are quite similar in dimension unbelievably, although the Fortis wears much larger than the Citizen does. Both cases are approximately 42 mm from 8:00 to 2:00. The Citizen’s case really has to stretch into the lugs to make this measurement. Both measure 13mm thick, but again the Fortis wears larger. The Citizen’s caseback bumps out where the movement lies inside while the Fortis’ caseback is flat with graceful curved lugs which wrap the wearer’s wrist. The Citizen’s lugs hint at curving down but really don’t fulfill this promise they hint at. The Fortis is a larger watch, as by my measurements it is 52mm from lug to lug while the Citizen’s lug-to-lug distance is 50mm. The Citizen’s case is highly polished on the back and side with a brushed bezel while the Fortis’ case is satinized or brushed. The Fortis case wears extremely comfortably, wrapping the wrist and feeling extremely solid and centered. Perhaps my 7.0 to 7.25 inch wrist (it depends on the heat or lack thereof) is perfectly suited to this size case as the Fortis fits me like a glove. The Citizen’s case causes the watch to hover on the wrist due to the movement’s bump out on the caseback. This isn’t intrinsically uncomfortable to me but it does not come near approaching the Fortis for comfort.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkja67vYwKeJ-0wuSkzLGGcvN244a_NMZr_dhVlYGO24zq11j9VHFFKAurjt9gElddyVYfNtNBpDRJzX4RVtgUQMKOv1HWi_QqV7W8YcagWX57VsU8eZhUxasOEviiggQrVOhlA/s1600-h/Lumi-14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkja67vYwKeJ-0wuSkzLGGcvN244a_NMZr_dhVlYGO24zq11j9VHFFKAurjt9gElddyVYfNtNBpDRJzX4RVtgUQMKOv1HWi_QqV7W8YcagWX57VsU8eZhUxasOEviiggQrVOhlA/s320/Lumi-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011381727143330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I’ll combine the dial, hands, crystal and bezel together as these elements all work in concert to make the watch legible. The Citizen’s dial is the model of simplicity with large outlined markers at the cardinal numbers with the exception of the three, which houses the day/date display. The day/date display is black with white markings which is a favorite of mine. Additionally there are large dot markers every 5 minutes and a chapter ring with a minute track. The chapter ring is a nice touch as it gives the dial some depth. The dial itself is luminous and coated with something called lumibrite, which gives the dial a weak yellow/green tint. The luminous material is strong and remains charged a vivid yellow/green well into the night but does begin to degrade and look a bit patchy after several hours in the dark. The hands are a problem with this watch for me in the dark. As you can see, the hands are large, outlined in black and coated with the same luminous material as the dial. In my opinion, placing lume on the hands was unnecessary and hinders legibility in zero light conditions. The hands would stand out in stark relief to the dial if they were entirely black or outlined a bit more. The crystal is the veritable Hardlex with which I have never had an issue. I must tell you that glare was a factor in bright light conditions with this watch, particularly when driving. The bezel is a 60 click black and silver affair, which is easily grasped and manipulated.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv7DqcZT1IVfS81jONqYp6wU6J6TZgCYZgLoHHp0jX1GQ_UBUN4OonA-UnpCwRIdHgZLH4UcnILsSJAW4xusiOSQ98diyqGxy6vstL5FPmRACupQHjS3g1MCw9d8CpaozFU37OA/s1600-h/B-42-25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv7DqcZT1IVfS81jONqYp6wU6J6TZgCYZgLoHHp0jX1GQ_UBUN4OonA-UnpCwRIdHgZLH4UcnILsSJAW4xusiOSQ98diyqGxy6vstL5FPmRACupQHjS3g1MCw9d8CpaozFU37OA/s320/B-42-25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012468353869314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Fortis is one of the most legible watches I have ever seen. I swear you could read the time across a football field it is so elemental. The milky white dial is coated with Superluminova and glows a very frosty shade of blue. The cardinal numerals are all marked with large black stick markers except the 12, which has its own marking, and the 3, which houses the day/date display. Again, the day/date is black with white markings. There is a minute track with numbers every five minutes and a chapter ring with 24-hour markings. Again, the chapter ring adds depth and provides a useful function. The dial’s Superluminova coating is rich and inviting and oh so white. The lume is exceptional and remains brightly charged for ate least 6 hours in my experience. Degradation is even across the dial and stands in stark contrast to the makers and hands making zero light legibility a snap. The hour and minute hands are simple thick black sticks, which are highly legible day or night, and the second hand is a most pleasing shade of dare I say, baby blue and contain a luminous ball. This is a subtle touch but one I find very beautiful. The sapphire crystal is coated with anti-reflective material on both sides, which is very apparent when using the watch in bright light conditions. I never understood exactly how AR coating made a difference until acquiring this watch. The bezel is a beautiful piece of stainless steel, which gives the watch a little dazzle in my opinion. Overall, the Fortis package is highly legible and aesthetically pleasing in extreme.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NpEkmc0apIozIVpdW8MIURqKy2AjJCMM33tjHErMgSWsl3sy98AMp2oD6AYPYP9MjkqmnUO-AWoYwzfwNs9MS0iF9eYudn_lF9szLSF8teJiR1kWg_aEKdWLp2hVqKYi6iIyOw/s1600-h/Lumi-19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NpEkmc0apIozIVpdW8MIURqKy2AjJCMM33tjHErMgSWsl3sy98AMp2oD6AYPYP9MjkqmnUO-AWoYwzfwNs9MS0iF9eYudn_lF9szLSF8teJiR1kWg_aEKdWLp2hVqKYi6iIyOw/s320/Lumi-19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011386022110642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WYcJmQ-0F7he-orMFH7HvC9S8Bu9ROpC1f82_CwzVC_IcONvCWH22ZjuWF0W_41sWxMWezXw42WDVJ05-jApkY9RaSxWwpbKIk55uJ6mWRvrhj-PAXNhIGCW8RKxTDvj28Sj4g/s1600-h/B-42-35.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WYcJmQ-0F7he-orMFH7HvC9S8Bu9ROpC1f82_CwzVC_IcONvCWH22ZjuWF0W_41sWxMWezXw42WDVJ05-jApkY9RaSxWwpbKIk55uJ6mWRvrhj-PAXNhIGCW8RKxTDvj28Sj4g/s320/B-42-35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012472648836626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now a word on the crowns of each watch as they are both unique in their own right. The Citizen’s crown is distinctive in that it is located at the 8:00 position. This makes for great comfort when wearing the watch under strenuous conditions, but is a bit bass-ackwards in my right-handed world. Nonetheless, the crown’s action was sure and it screwed down intuitively. The crown on the Fortis does not screw down but is water resistant indeed. Strangely enough, I felt myself making sure the crown was fully depressed while in the water. </span></span><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bit of a nervous twitch.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nNXA3g1hPdnvRRSwSkGZq3DJt_tpVgBrZYuk-fIr7Nqkhe6cWd4aBNwj5QqxySv6DwlyuimR555D7DkL2_Dy6ncda2UPPwZzTeiIHMgtdLeTrPKln_7Csounw0VUQwOF3jP9mg/s1600-h/Lumi-07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nNXA3g1hPdnvRRSwSkGZq3DJt_tpVgBrZYuk-fIr7Nqkhe6cWd4aBNwj5QqxySv6DwlyuimR555D7DkL2_Dy6ncda2UPPwZzTeiIHMgtdLeTrPKln_7Csounw0VUQwOF3jP9mg/s320/Lumi-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118011386022110658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Citizen came to me on a hideous rubber strap which I quickly swapped out for a double ridged green rubber strap Canadajo donated to my cause. On this strap, the watch has been quite comfortable and practical. It makes for a lightweight package which is appreciated on a hot summer’s day. I opted to order my Fortis on a bracelet and it truly is an exceptional one. I am not even tempted to remove this bracelet and go rubber. It is also interesting to me to note the perfect fit of the solid end links into the case. No other watch I have with the exception of my GMT Master II has a better fit in this regard.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09p18tAyns6f-A4yRYzvktPWaNkMJOP7Oyq45Ai1a_WCdp-eMC0wBWXSCX5WHyf_VLP24MZKk-QCv3C4NBjMA0kbQLnwGywLcQHmMnjmb3NimQvlnuWnH0w4KhdGxKRoNuM8GbQ/s1600-h/100_8187.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09p18tAyns6f-A4yRYzvktPWaNkMJOP7Oyq45Ai1a_WCdp-eMC0wBWXSCX5WHyf_VLP24MZKk-QCv3C4NBjMA0kbQLnwGywLcQHmMnjmb3NimQvlnuWnH0w4KhdGxKRoNuM8GbQ/s320/100_8187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012760411645474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">So Gilligan, which watch will it be?? Overall, I would have to pick the Fortis and it seems a much more purpose built tool that will stand up to years of abuse. The citizen Promaster excels too in functionality, but in my opinion it is not as solid as the Fortis. This should come as no surprise. I also found the Marinemaster a tad more comfortable on my wrist due to its excellent case design. I have used these watches roughly building fires, swimming in pools and lakes and generally just USING them. I would contend that everything the Fortis does, the Citizen does nearly as well while costing just a fraction of what the Fortis costs. Is the difference in cost reasonable given the tasks either of these watches can perform? I am not certain. I think the Fortis is priced accordingly given its outstanding qualities, and the Citizen Promaster is an exceptional value at the price I paid for it. </span></span><span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Is it conceivable the proven Miyota movement might run longer without servicing?</span></span> <span style="font-family:comic sans ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Time will tell how these watches hold up and I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-VP15aDKdy69K7n93AmBNw66IOHcFcbsuDFaxz9-FKuxKdo28aLfhS5Y0JZmRauswv3IjztFsyORoK5215dqNKub-vQ-4A8dHDXY1RPrcamg8YRqLmTgkXkE981CZdDBAkGfDA/s1600-h/100_8263.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-VP15aDKdy69K7n93AmBNw66IOHcFcbsuDFaxz9-FKuxKdo28aLfhS5Y0JZmRauswv3IjztFsyORoK5215dqNKub-vQ-4A8dHDXY1RPrcamg8YRqLmTgkXkE981CZdDBAkGfDA/s320/100_8263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012764706612786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwAUgFZpyQ7valQ6JfqVdqDKDqKmsbewsbHMXWGKs1ywnVUeBs-wZ3-euxRdy7BLFDj1HugkNodxXJXnP9NswgD8DtwPxlG-uyfdGqPLKDp2b-ZbhnbZ_lkPP-iEea6M39Pqucg/s1600-h/Lumi-03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwAUgFZpyQ7valQ6JfqVdqDKDqKmsbewsbHMXWGKs1ywnVUeBs-wZ3-euxRdy7BLFDj1HugkNodxXJXnP9NswgD8DtwPxlG-uyfdGqPLKDp2b-ZbhnbZ_lkPP-iEea6M39Pqucg/s320/Lumi-03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118012459763934674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95ANdB6uMQ3KwKQU44T_UNHCeX0HOe91fFsSPcZQU1qBfhaCt-1ubX6XPannIA7vK9dZPG97GDdU1l3MVcxAaWEon3a6hX6lfHaDDJgBg4C_dD-FXopK9mLMiIB3yGTYw6N-eLQ/s1600-h/loomers-01.jpg"><br /></a>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-72294391533447646602007-04-17T08:47:00.000-05:002007-04-17T08:58:32.463-05:00Addendum to Invicta 3076<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquEvPhr8bdpcefbvFvYwQXlPRfql5aXItDVEOR5zaj6DVALhlNpJT9lktSmrxE_Y4rqmMbs63DeG4sPWw7PJpcWRx29h1m3C0zMfQqX7RIc6KpjE-DHO-IUKz-f8IemgXxrhB7g/s1600-h/Invicta-Scuba500-11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054393795876270882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquEvPhr8bdpcefbvFvYwQXlPRfql5aXItDVEOR5zaj6DVALhlNpJT9lktSmrxE_Y4rqmMbs63DeG4sPWw7PJpcWRx29h1m3C0zMfQqX7RIc6KpjE-DHO-IUKz-f8IemgXxrhB7g/s400/Invicta-Scuba500-11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I received a comment asking why I basked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ShopNBC</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Invicta</span>. Well, the answer is quite easy. I have ordered a total of five watches from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ShopNBC</span>. Of those five, two had issues. One was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OTV</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Magico</span> which arrived DOA. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">SWI</span> did rectify the issue, and I will give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SWI</span> kudos for their CS.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Scooby</span> I ordered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">apparently</span> had loose screws in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">caseback</span>. See the above photo which was taken after wearing the watch for one active day. sorry, but it is not acceptable for a customer to have to check the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">finish</span> of a new watch. This is fact!! The issues with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Scooby</span> have been well documented on many fora. Even the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kool</span>-Aid forum!!<br /><br />The other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Invictas</span> I ordered were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cheaply</span> made and poorly finished. My expectations were low as they were budget watches, but they sure proved to be underwhelming.<br /><br />As for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Invicta's</span> attempts to make high end timepieces... Well you don't have to look far to find proof they are not even close to being in the game. Read the watch fora and you'll find proof.<br /><br />To put it plainly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Invicta</span> no longer cares about making a quality product for a reasonable price. They are mas marketing junk to nascent WIS and selling crap to high end collectors. Spend your money on a legitimate Swiss timepiece and you'll be much happier.Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1165157464142789762006-12-03T08:49:00.000-06:002006-12-03T08:55:31.463-06:00Vixa Slideshow<div style="width: 480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w78.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w78.photobucket.com/albums/j85/Paxman1965/Vixa/1165104405.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/getyourown.gif" style="border-width: 0;" vspace="1"></a></div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1161737808289783432006-10-24T19:52:00.001-05:002008-06-08T10:46:47.650-05:00Croton "Noriega"<p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-14.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-14.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I guess I am a ShopNBC shopper as I am almost ashamed to say I’ve purchased several watches from them. One, which I have been pleasantly surprised with, is the Croton 200 M 2836 in a dial shade Croton calls “Pineapple: I have dubbed this watch the Noriega. While the specs would suggest this is a diver, truth be told it is a dressy diver or maybe even a “bling” diver. Since I am at a best a sport swimmer and by no means a diver, this turn of events suits me well and makes the watch doubly attractive in a way I didn’t<br />really foresee.<br /><br />I ordered the Noriega quite some time after its initial offering although I did see it presented on TV with David Mermelstein and the much beloved Jim Skelton. Despite the haranguing and absurd yelling during the presentation, I was intrigued by the large auto diver with Swiss Movement even though it is not Swiss Made. The price was $299 and though mildly enticed, I passed on the watch. Shortly thereafter, a member at the watch forum I favor (JeffR and 3T) started posting his pineapple dialed Croton. I thought it looked pretty damn nice and had second thoughts about passing on the watch. What the Hell I thought, but KABOOM SOLD OUT!!<br /><br />Fast forward a couple weeks and the pineapple-dialed model is again available at a reduced price, I’ve got a Slop code, and my birthday is fast approaching. Since I knew this year wasn’t going to be the grail, I thought I would pull the trigger. I have to say I am glad I did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-19.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-19.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Specs (courtesy to professionals at ShopNBC)<br /><br />This watch has a round stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel and an exhibition back. The textured dial houses silver-tone luminous index markers at the 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 and 12:00 positions. The day/date window is located at the 4:00 position. Silver-tone luminous dot markers indicate all remaining hour positions. The logo, "CROTON", and "AUTOMATIC" are displayed below the 12:00 position. "20ATM-660FT", and "WATER RESISTANT" are written<br />above the 6:00 position. This timepiece has a silver-tone luminous hour and minute hands, and a silver-tone second hand.<br />· Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet<br />· Movement: Swiss automatic ETA 2836 movement<br />· Crystal: Sapphire crystal<br />· Crown: Screw down crown<br />· Clasp: Deployant clasp with push button release<br />· Bracelet Measurements: 8-3/8"L x 15/16"W or 23mm<br />· Case Measurements: 1-13/16" or 46mm<br />· Water Resistance: 20 ATM - 200 meters - 660 ft<br />· Model Numbers:Grey: CA301075SSGYPineapple: CA301075SSYLSilver-tone: CA301075SSSL<br />· Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty provided by Croton<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-02.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-16.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well this is a no brainer from the service aspect as Croton offers a limited lifetime warranty and enjoys an outstanding reputation for their high level of customer service. In that regard, I felt confident even purchasing from Slop. I am pretty certain I’ll never need to go that route as the Noriega proves to be a solid well built watch with some great points and few real knocks if you like the styling and accept the watch for what it is. Moreover, it is large and in charge with an impressive case some 46mm in diameter.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-16.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-16.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have a couple other large watches, namely my Vixa which is reviewed in another post here, and a Glycine Incursore. Those watches are 48mm and 46mm in diameter respectively. In addition to its girth, the Noriega is thick at nearly 15mm. The lugs on the watch are sculpted elegantly and curve downward which aid comfort with such a massive case. The 316L is high polished and finished nicely with no visible defects other than the poor decision to etch “CROTON’ on the case’s 9:00 side. For some this is the kiss of death, but in my mind the offending etching faces me and isn’t a deal breaker. Truth be told I like it a bit in a cheesy way. In a nod to tool divers, the crown is located at the 4:00 position. The crown is nicely signed and gnarled for easy grasping and works like a dream in conjunction with the 2836. There is an exhibition back giving us a look at the unfinished 2836. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-09.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The case is capped with a non-traditional bezel with diver style numbering. In my interpretation, the bezel is akin to an open flower being divided into six “petals” but fingertip sized indents for grasping the bezel. These are not really practical but more decorative and score points in that respect. This makes sense in that the bezel is cut into six ten minute pieces. There is a flat sapphire crystal that doesn’t seem to have any anti-glare material applied which is somewhat refreshing instead of having your watch appear blue at angles.<br /><br />The dial work while clearly too perfect o be of human hands, is exemplary and really makes this watch special. A classic diver’s wave runs across the watch with an inner ring cut with concentric lines flowing with the ring. I find this most pleasing and well though out and executed on a watch for this price The color is quite unique, not a true pineapple to me but more a faded yellow which is subtle and lovely. The day and date are displayed at 4:00 and there is a chapter ring, which displays the 24-hour numerals. There are luminous pips and the numbers with larger marker at the cardinals. Additionally, there are luminous pips on the chapter ring between each 24-hour numeral. Although the lume is at best fair and nowhere in a tool diver’s league, the pattern displayed is aesthetically pleasing and unique. Another nice little touch is the red 24-hour numeral on the chapter ring. These details may seem inconsequential but to a dork like me, they enhance my enjoyment of the watch. One weak point in my opinion is the hands. While the lume-coated swords are just all right for the hour and minute, being a lume freak I would have preferred a better hand than the sewing needle proffered and might even accept this had if it had a luminous tip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-15.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-15.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The movement is another favorite ETA this time with the day date complication. While it is obviously not finished in any sort of way and some WIS argue the “gilded” versions are either wholly Asian of just assembled there, the movements functions properly with the crown, and keeps reasonably accurate time though nowhere nearly as accurately as the same movement tweaked by say Mido. It appears there is a metal movement holder though I haven’t even thought about cracking the case to check the movement. All in all highly adequate.<br /><br />Now on to the bracelet, which I really enjoy. I like bracelets and I’m not overly fussy so keep that in mind. This is a solid bracelet, which polished center links and brushed outer links. I like the look and find it supple though it is working hard to comfortably carry such a large heavy case. The clasp is pretty weak in my opinion with a bushed finish and a single button deployment. It seems an afterthought on such a nice bracelet and the brushed finish is a swirly making farm. I gave it a good bang the first time ever wearing the watch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Noriega-01.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Noriega-01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we must address the styling. To my eye, this watch is big and bold and a bit blingy. It is an eye catcher indeed, as I have seen people’s eyes following the watch while speaking to groups. However, if you’re a “true diver” sort this will not be for you although there is just no reason why you couldn’t dive with this watch. I must admit to not even water testing it as I just got it in late September. During its stay with me, it hasn’t quite cracked into my favorite rotation, but I am always pleased when I do wear it. In my opinion, this is solid watch for the money and shows the real value in the Croton product. For me this watch is a keeper.<br /><br />If you have a comment please search out the link and leave it. Many thanks to TD for the inspiration! That’s what WIS are for!!Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1157342566819067722006-09-03T21:49:00.000-05:002006-09-04T09:50:04.963-05:00Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-06.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I purchased a late model Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT from a seller on the PMWF sales forum one afternoon while at work and have to tell you; this is a true sleeper watch. I bought the watch on a blue alligator strap but the seller included the original integrated rubber strap, which just turns this watch into a powerhouse workhorse beater with style and a righteous pedigree, comfortable filling almost any role in your watch rotation. I sometime pass this watch over for another and that is too bad since once I am strapped into the Hammy GMT, I often wonder why it would ever take it off… well, the answer is for cleanings of course.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Specs:<br /><br />Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT Men’s Watch H77655343<br />Case ;Stainless Steel with 3 screw-down crowns.<br />Dial: Blue with GMT time display on semi-circular sub dial. Luminous hands and markers<br />Bracelet: Blue rubber Strap, Rubber strap with decorative topstitching.<br />Clasp: Standard buckle,<br />Movement: Swiss Automatic (self-winding) Caliber ETA 2893.1<br />Crystal: Sapphire<br />Bezel: City display on bezel, Internal-rotating bezel.<br />Case Diameter: 42 mm.<br />Water Resistant: 200m / 660ft.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So there you have it. In my mind, a most versatile contender for heavy rotation. Obviously the watch is good sized, simple and rugged while having plenty of style condensed within a fairly busy dial with internal bezel. With three screw down crowns, which operate absolutely smoothly and soundly, the internal rotating and locking timing bezel, and water resistance of 200 meters, this is a perfectly adequate professional diver. It may not be the ultimate diver, but it is a very competent one indeed.<br /><br />The movement driving the GMT is another ETA, this time the 2893.1, which gives us our GMT function. Couple this movement with an additional rotating and locking bezel with international city names and you have a watch capable of displaying three time zones. I have always loved a GMT function. Time Zone two is displayed with a separate dial that displays inside the 9:00 position. The dial is an understated work of beauty when examined closely with a loupe. The dial is a rich blue with a dazzle of sunray. Each hour is numbered in both 12 and 24-hour time with a luminous marker at each position. There is also a minute track. The date is with white background and displayed at the 3:00 position while time zone two, denoted with a simple “T2” and a white arrow pointing to the 24-hour time, is displayed within a gently arcing cut in the dial under which a white dial with black numerals spins gleefully off the 2893. The GMT is of <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-13.jpg" border="0" /></a>course completely independently adjustable. On the periphery of the dial sits the internal rotating bezel smartly finished with timing markers and a cut out which displays the international city ring for time zone three. This dial is again white with black lettering and the bezel has light blue highlights surrounding the international city cut out. The bezel is well finished and almost appears ceramic. I wonder what <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-16.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>the material is? A pair of saber hands and a mil sub second hand see duty. The lume is adequate but not spectacular with the luminous pips at the hours fading immediately and only the hands truly retaining much luminescence at all. A perfectly flat and tough as nails sapphire crystal finished the package. So herein lies function two of a useful tool watch, the GMT function presented in an easy to understand at a glance fashion.<br /><br />I guess another great calling card of this watch is its great comfort and durability, not to mention its damn near bombproof dependability. In reference to its accuracy and durability, I have to <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-08.jpg" border="0" /></a>reiterate how each of the crowns is so perfectly executed that its function is mind numbingly smooth. For me, this is huge particularly with screw downs. Each function operates flawlessly and like butter and the sucker keeps darn good time mostly at about +4 to +6 over 24 hours. The hardworking movement is contained within a beautifully sculpted and brushed lump of stainless steel with down turning lugs. At 42mm, the case is large but not brutishly so and as the dial uses of much of the space of the face, only a sliver of brushed stainless peeks forward. All crowns are protected by guards and the crowns themselves are polished and signed. This is a subtle but tasty treat. With the integrated rubber strap, which snugs right up to the case, you have a piece that is exceptionally comfortable. The case is not overly thick and with the hanging lugs, the GMT has a low profile.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Hammy_GMT-09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Hammy_GMT-09.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another essential function has to be style and versatility in that regard. I am a fairly casual guy who can get away without wearing a suit or tie more than half a dozen times during the year and this watch works well from clomping around to work for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this watch with a suit especially with the low profile which slips effortlessly under long sleeves. In my opinion, the styling on the watch is an unforced blending of elegance, sportiness and utility unmatched by many. Do I like this watch? Oh yeah.<br /><br />Another keeper which deserves more respect. I have yet to try the watch with its dressier strap option, as I cannot get away from the comfort and durability the watch offers on its native rubber strap. I know many do not care for integrated rubber straps but I enjoy this one as well as the one on a Mido diver I own. I treat this watch roughly when I wear it so maybe it doesn’t mind a little extra time in the watch box or on the winder.Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1155521708990129212006-08-13T19:35:00.000-05:002006-12-03T08:49:14.593-06:00Vixa Nettuno Professional Sea Power Automatic<div style="WIDTH: 480px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">< <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-02.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-02.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was checking out the ads on PMWF one morning when I saw Shane Delaurian was selling off some Pseudo Ruhlas and one included one of his straps. Shane Delaurian is a well-known strap artisan who has mastered the craft of making distinctive custom straps of extremely high quality and rich in personality. Shane also stated in one of the posts he was selling off some of his watches. He is also known for his collection of dive watches so I thought I would inquire about the Ruhlas with his strap and ask if he had anything else I might be interested in. Shane replied he was selling a nearly new Vixa Sea Power and that was it. The Vixa Nettuno Sea Power is, of course, an Orange dialed diver, and I have a fondness for this dial color above all others. Shortly thereafter (VERY) I was the proud owner of a Vixa Nettuno Professional Sea Power Automatic. Here are the details on this watch.<br /><br /><br />Specs:<br /><br />48mm case diameter<br />Mechanical automatic movement optimized by Vixa, date, 25 jewels (ETA 2824-2)<br />Extra crown at 9 o'clock blocks the bezel from rotating<br />200m/660ft water resistant with screw in crown<br />High grade, solid stainless steel casing<br />Sapphire crystal/mineral crystal?<br />Solid case-back<br />Unidirectional bezel<br />Black genuine leather band; size 24mm Luminous hands and numerals<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-12.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-12.jpg" border="0" /></a> When I received the watch, I was pleased to see Shane hadn’t appeared to have used the original Vixa strap and had put the watch on a nice 24mm rubber strap. The Vixa strap is unbelievably supple and buttery sweet. I kept the rubber on as it was summer when I got the watch, and I am a sweaty man. Its all right I know I’m a sweater… I do believe I will hold off on wearing the original until the temperatures around here drop off. That won’t be too very long from now in the part of the world where it stays cold longer than it stays warm. Why do we do it??<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-05.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-05.jpg" border="0" /></a>This watch is a large 48mm diameter brute with a somewhat pale orange dial and black contrasting bezel over a lightly brushed business like stainless steel case with screw down caseback. The watch also features dual screw down crowns at 3 and 9 o’clock. The crown at 3 o’clock is a signed crown, which sets the 2824-2, and the crown at 9 o’clock locks the unidirectional rotating bezel. This seems practical and easy to operate and enhances the watches overall burliness in my opinion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-16.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-16.jpg" border="0" /></a>At 48mm diameter, this is clearly a large watch, which will be noticed merely for it sheer breadth. This makes for a very evident dial with luminous numerals at the cardinals and luminous circular markers at the remaining hours. The date is at 4 o’clock, which you either love or hate. There is a black chapter ring with 5-minute numerical markings and minute markers. The cardinal numbers receive dots of lume on this ring. The dial’s orange is different from archetypal orange in that it is a touch washed out and reminds me of delicious sherbet. The hand are luminous swords at the hour and minute with the sweeper being a luminous arrow tip with a red edge. The second hand is well executed in my book. The dial branding and lettering are pure joy with another splash of red! Again, I find the dial well executed overall. The lume could be beefed up but is more than adequate to visualize the time and the case back work while pleasant, is certainly underwhelming and perhaps unfitting for a watch of this deportment. There is also confusion in my mind regarding the crystal’s material. I have been told the first run of these had a sapphire crystal and fully engraved case back while later runs had mineral crystals and etched casebacks. Mine would fall into a later run based on this info. I have only heard this from others on boards so if anyone can shine more light please do and I will gladly post an update.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-17.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-17.jpg" border="0" /></a> The watches impressive case is water resistant tested to 200m and houses the workhorse ETA 2824-2 movement. For me, this is the standard all automatic watches should aspire to. I am uncertain of how new this watch was or how heavily it was worn, but it has been a bit inconsistent in its timekeeping. The very inconsistency leads me to believe the watch may still be braking in as I have noted less variance over time. The watch is typically +8 to +10 over 24 hours which is not highly accurate in my opinion though it is certainly within respectable limits for an automatic watch.<br /><br />For being such a large piece, this watch is quite comfortable. It definitely has presence to be the wearer and wearees and has a most respectable heft to it. The Vixa feels sold and reassuring on the wrist and functions well on land and in water. I only learned how hefty this watch was upon trying it on my right wrist, which is unaccustomed to wearing a watch. With the watch in this position, I could truly appreciate the girth of the Sea Power. I must also confess to treating this watch rather poorly having dropped, scraped and bashed it on all means of material without the watch missing a beat of even seeming to think twice. The brute has shrugged off every tribulation I’ve dumped on it and greets me with a sunny disposition.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Vixa-SP-18.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Vixa-SP-18.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All in all this is a great watch for me. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it lightheartedly as it requires some thick skin to wear such a brute with dimensions approaching Flava-Flav style. For an avid lover of orange such as me, the Vixa is a good fit.</div>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1154904046683635932006-08-06T17:03:00.004-05:002008-06-28T20:52:01.960-05:00Invicta Scuba Diver 500 (3076)<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-15.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-15.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-04.jpg"></a><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I am almost ashamed to admit it, but this watch came courtesy of ShopNBC. T is also an Invicta. For many WIS’, this is anathema, as Invicta and their partner ShopNBC, or as they are semi-affectionately known, “Invictim” and “SlopNBC”, are so named due to their reputation as cold businessmen with little or no concern for QC as long as they can move 5000 units. Reports of defective or DOA watches issued from ShopNBC appear repeatedly on many of the watch boards. Factor in the fact that I had just purchased an OTV item, which had arrived DOA, (disposition still open), the retailer’s less than stellar reputations, and it is easy to understand my hesitation to pull the trigger on this one. On the vendor’s side was the sub $300 price tag, which only got better with a promo code and the watch’s potential as a legitimate 500m water resistant, Swiss motor supplied auto. I pulled the trigger.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-04.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-04.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-15.jpg"></a><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Specs:</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-04.jpg"></a></p><p>Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet<br />Movement: Swiss automatic movement<br />Crystal: Sapphire crystal<br />Crown: Screw down crown<br />Clasp: Deployant clasp with locking closure<br />Bracelet Measurements: 9"L x 25mm<br />Case Measurements: 44mm<br />Water Resistance: 50 ATM - 500 meters - 1,650 ft<br />Model Number: IN3076</p><p></p><p></p><p>Nothing left to do but sit back and wait for the watch to arrive. A few days later, the FedEx man came a calling with my package. I opened it carefully and much to my relief found a hefty, well-built deep diver. I wound it, set it and let it run, not forgetting my recent experience with a watch arriving in non-operating condition. After it kept time and I had a chance to examine it, which I did intently, I decide to size it. At that moment, it became clear to me just how substantial this watch’s bracelet truly is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-09.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The bracelet is SEL 316L, lightly brushed, with a width of 25mm and does not taper down to the clasp. The beefy links are held solidly with split pins, which proved to be a bit off a pain to get out. In other words, yes, I did use a hammer to size the bracelet in this watch!! !! That being said, this is a very solid high quality bracelet that infuses the watch with a sense of presence. This is the sort of bracelet you would want to spin over your knuckles for use in hand-to-hand combat. It has a lightly brushed finish that adds to its purpose built appearance.</p><p><br />The case is a 44mm slab of metal with crown guards protecting the screw down crown. It is branded on the 9 o’clock side of the case, which many WIS disprove of. I am unsure at this point how I feel about this tag so left by the watch behemoth. The case shape is round, somewhat bulbous in a way I find reminiscent of the ORIS divers. In most instances, a case size of 44mm would be on the large size, but this case almost appears a bit small when fitted to a bracelet of this magnitude. The caseback screws in with eight fasteners and is nicely etched with the watch’s specifics and a scuba diver in descent.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-17.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-17.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I managed to dislodge one of these screws my first day with the watch. I did play racquetball and go swimming the first day I had the watch and it may have been loose when shipped but either of the two activities that day could have been the culprit as racquetball is racquetball and I was performing aerial flops from our local pool’s high dive. I replaced the screw and have decide this is a no harm no foul event as I really should have checked the screws upon receipt. Actually in retrospect, a new watch should be checked by the vendor,not the buyer. Needless to say they are all tight at this point. I have no idea how this might effect the claimed 500 meter water resistance and don’t plan on finding out. The watch was watertight even with only seven of the eight screws.</p><p></p><p>The watch has a classic re/black bezel around a black dial, which is more a deep charcoal then true black. The charcoal color give s the dial some texture and depth. The chapter ring is marked with second and sub-second indices and has luminous pips every five minutes with 12 having two pips. The applied markers are luminescent, plump and rounded at their ends. Lume is adequate but not out of this world. The illuminated face is pleasing though. The date is a white window at three o’clock. This watch would look great with a red window date as its dept resistance is stated on the dial in red lettering. The hands are wonderful, in my opinion. They are swords with the hour hand being split by silver edging and the second had is a long tipped arrow with a red tip. It moves with the seamless sweep of an ETA 2824-2. All this is, of course, covered by a sapphire crystal.</p><p></p><p>Now, to the movement. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-10.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-10.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-10.jpg"></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-10.jpg"></a></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-10.jpg"></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Allegedly, this watch has a plastic movement holder, which I find unconscionable in a watch with the supposed retail price of this one. In fact, I hate plastic movement retainers as a cost savings measure in any watch!! Realistically, this isn’t the end of the world, but I really expect it only in cheap rip offs and homages. Perhaps Invicta wishes to troll in those waters. It is of course the old chestnut ETA 2824-2, which needs no introduction to mechanical watch fans. The movement is said to be gilded (whatever that means), and again, I haven’t ripped open the case to verify or disprove since I don’t really give two sh*ts. I know this movement to be reliable and accurate and find this one to run about +7 per day. I am satisfied with this performance from the movement.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Invicta-Scuba500-21.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Invicta-Scuba500-21.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Overall, I think this is a great package at the price I paid for it. I would not wish to spend much more than that as the watch is Swiss movement only and is put together in Asia most likely. This is not a kiss of death, merely a fact, which keeps this watch from ever really attaining more than a purpose, built tool watch with little cachet. Not a biggie for me. I find the watch extremely comfortable although it weighs a ton. This watch has a lot of presence and looks rough and refined in context.<br /><br />This is probably the only Invicta I will ever own as I prefer to spend my hard earned with companies that have more soul and love watches like we WIS do. Invicta seems too soulless a conglomerate to bother with, but I am glad I got this piece at its bargain buster price.<br /></p>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1153880807326770022006-07-25T21:20:00.001-05:002008-06-12T18:50:13.962-05:00RLT "Tag Heuer" Divers Watch - RLT29<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-06.16.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-06.16.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-15.2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-15.2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There’s a bit of a story behind the watch I’ll write about today. This is the RLT -29 “Tag Heuer” Dive Watch from RLT watches. Many will not know of RLT watches as they are a smaller company which sells and assembles watches out of the U.K. RLT is basically a fine gentlemen named Roy Taylor, known in watch lover’s circles as his web site, <a href="http://www.rltwatches.com/index.html">http://www.rltwatches.com/index.html</a> is becoming more popular and has its own active forum.<br /><br />I saw a post on WUS (link) mentioning this watch and listing the web site’s address. I followed the link, gave the watch a cursory once over, thought it was cool but decided I might visit it again and perhaps order one if the urge grabbed me. I completely forgot about the watch until about a week later. When I returned to order, I found that though the watches were not listed as sold out, there was no link to purchase. By this time I was now stoked for the watch as I had gone through the order process which allowed to pick from many color dials, as well as various sets of hands. In short, this would be a custom, albeit a quartzer with a quirky case design. Of course, orange would be my color choice.<br /><br />I emailed Roy who responded the next morning and told me he wasn’t making anymore up until he had finished the orders her had. Although he never said, I had heard they were sold out.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-02.13.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-02.9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Turns out Roy was true to his word, contacted me about 2 weeks later, and asked it I still would like one of the watches. O yes I did. I quickly made my choices and placed the order.<br /><br /><br />Let’s just get the specs out of the way:<br /><br /><br />· RLT "Tag Heuer" Divers Watch - RLT29<br />· Quartz Swiss movement<br />· 200 Meter water resistant<br />· 42mm all steel Tag Heuer prototype case with ratchet bezel and screw on back<br />· Signed screw down crown<br />· Luminous Hands<br />· Sapphire crystal<br />· Rubber strap<br />· Custom Orange RLT Dial-Black Markers<br /><br />This seemed a perfectly adequate quartz custom diver with a twist. I have since educated my self a touch on the origins and back-story behind the piece. Apparently, the case was a prototype design for Tag Heuer in the early 80’s or 90’s. It seems only a small number ever were produced and Tag shelved the concept. You’ll see a picture taken from German eBay, which shows the Tag version.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/56_12.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/56_12.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.de/Tag-Heuer-Professional-Taucheruhr_W0QQitemZ120002350199QQihZ002QQcategoryZ12272QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem">http://cgi.ebay.de/Tag-Heuer-Professional-Taucheruhr_W0QQitemZ120002350199QQihZ002QQcategoryZ12272QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem</a><br />Apparently, Roy came across a small number (less than 100) of these prototype cases and decided to produce this neat watch. I am glad to say mine arrive about 10 days after I ordered it. What a truly unique watch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-10.2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-10.2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />First off, we need to examine the case. You either love it or hate it. I must say it appeared a bit severe to me at first look, but the lines washed over me, and I began to see a bold design, which would have a certain appeal. The case is a large chunk of steel about 42mm in diameter and is cut with square edges at the lugs. It is a bit of a cushion case with rounded elements in the case sides from one to 4 o’clock and from 10 to 8 o’clock. The rounded element serves as a crown protector, which envelops a gnarled Tag signed screw down crown. The caseback is a screw down with Tag markings and the bezel is an oddity while being rotated. Uniquely strange stuff indeed.<br /><br />The dial came in 16 combinations all of which are very basic and contain no lume. I chose the black on orange combo and then selected one set of hour and minute hand from the eight choices available. I then picked a second hand from the six choices. I welcome you opinions on my selections and will tell you I wish I hand gone for chunkier hands more in line with the case design. The watch would have benefited greatly from lime of applied markers, but these would only have driven up the super low price of 49.95 GBP. The dial does work for me, as it is orange.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-14.3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-14.3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The markings are a mil-sub style, which appeals to me as well. Additionally, a great value at this price was to be found in the sapphire crystal.<br /><br />All this is served up on a basic tire tread rubber strap, which will be hard to replace without filing something to fit as the lugs are approximately 17.5 mm. The bare bone strap with tang buckle adds to the overall tool feel of the watch and is best cherished on a hot summer’s day.<br /><br />Shortly after the “out of stock” banner appeared and it was done. I’ve seen them here and there for sale since then. I will never sell mine unless this somehow can guarantee perpetual financial stability for me and progeny… not gonna happen!! The watch is a pleasure to wear and had kept excellent time. I wear it mainly as a beater and don’t think twice about poking my hand into a fire pit or jumping into the pool with this baby on. I am helping along a nice patina on the case back!! Whenever I wear this watch, someone will ask me about it or ask to try it on. Definitely a conversation piece.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/RLT-Tag-16.5.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/RLT-Tag-16.5.jpg" border="0" /></a>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30886613.post-1153261628433909372006-07-18T17:21:00.001-05:002008-06-12T18:46:55.401-05:00Tissot PRS516<p align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Tissot-PRS516-04.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Tissot-PRS516-04.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I broke out my Tissot PRS 516 today and was delighted by it. This watch often times goes forgotten in the watch box which is really too bad as it is a joy to wear.<br /><br />The PRS 516 was one of the first "real" watches I purchased for myself. Though a novice, I knew the Tissot name meant quality and value and the PRS 516's specs bear</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> that out:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Case Material: STAINLESS STEEL</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Water Resistance: 50 METERS</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Glass: SAPPHIRE</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Dial: BLACK</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hour indicators: INDEX</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Bracelet: LEATHER BROWN</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Movement Caliber: 2836-2 MECHANICAL AUTOMATIC</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Function(s): DAY/DATE</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Power reserve: 42 hours.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">So it really is all there and can be hand for under $300. My only regret is that I did not purchase the model on a bracelet. The bracelet is very cool and retro with holes running through the stainless steel. May be someday I'll get it together and order one from Tissot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a quality watch with a lot of style and deserves to be treated better... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The dial is a real work of art with raised indices which the Tissot T shaped second hand passes underneath. The indices are coated in sufficient lume as are the characteristic boxy hands. The dial is a deep black with the chapter index alternating between red and white indexes. Naturally it is branded, and I find the font of choice most pleasing in a modern sporty style. There is ample room for both the day and date function which accompany the ETA 2836-2.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Tissot-PRS516-05.3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Tissot-PRS516-05.2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The sapphire crystal is lovely, but it is somewhat tricky to photograph. The bezel appears to be ceramic with white hour numbers painted on it. I've heard the bezels can wear and chip though I haven't had any problem with mine. The case is a 40mm chunk of 316L, brushed on front and high polished on the sides. In this day and age of ginormous watches, 40 mm can seem small when viewed as a spec, but I maintain it to be a most excellent size for a man's watch. The exhibition caseback displays the lightly adorned ETA, and the exhibition window is finished so that it appears to be an old school steering wheel complete with the</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> punched holes in the spokes for hanging a stop watch. This is a nice touch which I fear will become the provence of NASCAR as Tissot is a sponsor and has begun producing NASCAR specific models. The crown is, of course, signed with the Tissot T.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/1600/Tissot-PRS516-06.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4576/3320/320/Tissot-PRS516-06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The supple brown leather strap features holes of diminishing circumference and contrasting white stitching. It is secured with a signed deployment clasp. The strap is striking, but there are numerous after market suppliers which make a similar "Rally" strap so it isn't any too special as the bracelet would be. The strap enhances the retro feel of the watch as the is a recreation of a sport minded model which Tissot produced in the 1960s and 1970s. All in all, this watch brings a modern update to a retro classic and is a big winner in my book.<br /><br />The watch's operation is flawless with a firm crown which feels well connected to the very dependable movement. I haven't done in any measured timings but will do so and post the deviation over 24 hours.<span style="color:#33cc00;"> </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,102)"><span style="color:#009900;">(Testing shows this piece to be +4 over 24 hours).</span> </span>I believe it will be minimal. Stylish and functional, this is a purposeful watch which is most at home strapped to the wrist of a spirited driver. I always feel a bit racy while wearing the PRS 516 but think the watch is classy enough to serve many purposes.<br /><br />One of my most cherished pieces as it came to me early in my quest, and as I stated earlier, a piece that slips through the cracks. I highly recommend this watch to anyone wanting to get into Swiss timepieces without breaking the bank.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p><p></p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Paxmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358743460303781280noreply@blogger.com8