There's no free lunch ...

Hence, I have to sold a few items to pay for my PAM 186 and 111. As a result, my Ocean7 LM-7, Marathon SAR and Casio G-Shock GW056CJ are gone, as well as a bunch of straps that I don't use. But in the process I did acquire a new style PAM rubber strap and a Casio Pathfinder PAW2000T. So, that's like taking 3 step forward and 1 step back ... LOL :D

There are still a few things on the chopping board that I need to get rid of to pay to bills. One of them is the Casio G-Shock GW9200 Riseman. IMO, the Riseman is one of the best G-Shock Casio has ever made. I love the module and comfort of that watch. Unfortuniately, the features of Riseman overlaps with the PAW2000T, and I NEED a ABC (Altimeter, Barometer & compass, actually, it has a thermometer as well to make it a Triple Sensor watch) watch. And I am just not wearing the Riseman enough. Its evidenced by the battery level being dropped to mid. And I still have my GW810D and GW6900 which both I love and use all the times. Sadly, the Riseman has to go.

Lucky for the Seiko Kinetic Knight (SMY089) that I have decided I should have a kinetic watch in my collection and the awesome-ness of the Marinemaster clasps, that its staying and not going anywhere. haha~

I still have my eyes on the upcoming new Casio G-Shock GW9110 Gulfman (with atomic solar and tidegraph/moon phase + Titanium bits to make it a TRUE Gulfman). And also the new GW-S5600 with carbon fiber strap and the module from GW5000 (Multi Band 6 Atomic Solar + 24hr CDT!) caught my attention as well.

For some reason, I have lost the interest of owning a Rolex. I still think they are fantastic watches, but I am just not interested in owning one. Maybe because it seems like EVERYBODY, and I mean almost everybody that owns a luxury watch, has one. I still like the GMT IIc a lot but the reports of failing clasps just freaks me a little bit.

I plan on re-acquiring a Omega SMP co-axial blue Bond later on. I certainly have seller-remorse and still think that's best overall watch for me (the style, lume, co-axial movement, comfort, etc).

I am glad that I had the Ocean7 LM-7 and I am not regret selling it. I enjoyed the watch while I had it. And it made me realize I can't live with the Omega 1200m PloProf, because I can't easily operate the locking bezel with one hand. So having had the LM-7 saved me a lot of hassel of buying and selling the Omega. :-)

I still have enormous interest in Panerai. My most "plausible" next PAM is likely to be either a PAM 113 (white dial 44mm Luminor) or PAM 183 (Black Seal, 45mm Radiomir with black sandwich dial). Those seems to fit in my future budget "more easily". But of course, there are other PAM that I have interest in: PAM 292 (45mm Radiomir with ceramic case), PAM 190 (45mm Radiomir case with JLC 8-day movement) and PAM 233 (1950 case with in-house 8-day GMT movement).

I like the PAM 243 as well, but it seems like to similar to the PAM 186 (thick case, though its in 1950 case, with bezel). And also the PAM 305 looks great, but I don't think I can pull off a 47mm 1950 case. And the PAM 312 is a great entry into PAM with in-house movement and I really want to get one when it first came out, but now I am kinda over the initial rush upon its release and I don't think I am so much interested in getting one now.

PAM? Does she has a sister?

The PAM 111 arrived. The was a slight altercation on the transaction.
It ended up with me keeping the watch and the seller giving another
discount.

I initially didn't really like the 111 when I first try it on with the
rubber strap. After I swap the rubber strap with a thick 24mm leather
that I have, I can't believe how much the strap changes everything.
The 111 is definitely a watch that needs to be worn with leather.
Funny enough, I think the 186 looks great with the rubber strap.

Here are 2 shots of the 186 and 111:

PAM186

PAM 111

Funny enough, both my PAMs are H series :-)

I sold my Traser P6504 ... again. Its a nice watch and I like it,
especially with the cool blue dial and blue tritium tubes. But I just
ended with didn't like the way it sits on to of my wrist. Its thin and
flat, but somehow it moves around too much.

It has been a while ...

since I last posted. Nothing much was going to with my toys. I was enjoying my Marathon SAR and Ocean7 LM-7. I am content with them and I am in no hurry to get anything else ... until today. :-)

I have a Traser P6504 Nautic incoming. I always have a love/hate relationship with the Luminox/Traser tritium tube watches. I have had a few of them but never seems to be able to keep them for too long. The Traser P6504 Nautic caught my attention some time ago with the PVD case, blue dial and countdown bezel. The tritium tubes are in combination of blue and yellow color. And one of the nice thing is that Traser moved the date window to 4:30 position, that freed up the 3 o'clock position for another full size tritium tube. The result is a symmetrical dial layout, which I like. The battery will last for 4-6 years with EOL indicator when battery needs replacing according to Traser. So, let's see how long would this one last in my collection. LOL :D

(Reference pic from the web)

And then its pretty much just for fun, I acquire a Casio G-Shock DW6100 with thermometer sensor. This is quite an unique model that has a history trend for temperature by the hour. I don't really plan on wearing it, and I pretty much just got it because I want to see how the temperature changes at night in my bedroom ... LOL :-)

And I am getting another small AA-powered flashlight Nitecore EZ AA revised edition. The output is only 130 lumen on high for 50 min and 10 lumen on low for 20 hrs. It got it for the small and simple factor, also the brightness is not control by PMV. I think I should unload my CR123 lights soon, cause my plan is to use only Eneloop batteries for my lights.

Well, I have been enjoy the LM-7. Its a great watch (and I got it at a great price). The bezel is not the greatest (hard to operate the bezel with one hand, and the clicks are not well defined), but its just a fun watch to wear. I really like the Ocean7 PloProf style rubber strap. I am going to try it with the bracelet (may be too heavy for my taste) and other 24mm leather straps soon.

LM-7 wrist shot

LM7 lume shot

Having given some thoughts on what I should get next, I made a few adjustment to my want-to-buy list. Rather than spending $10k for one watch, I think I should spread it out and may be get two $5k watches or three $3.3k ones:

• Rolex Submariner 11610 LV
  This may be the only sports Rolex so far that fits my criteria and my budget with decent lume.
  
• Rolex Submariner 14060M COSC
  For some reason I just can't get my mind off the simple and symmetrical dial, and the rich history of 14060 no date line up.
  
• Omega Seamaster Professional 300m co-axial blue Bond
  I had one, sold it, and now I want one again. I think this is one of the best match of my criteria for a dive watch.
  
• Panerai 111 or 112
  IF I got a 113, then I would think a 111 or 112 would be a nice mix for the bag because of the simple dial and better lume.
  
• Panerai 113
  Luminor case with white dial, lower production number and a black second hand, though the lume is not as good as the rest (i.e. 005, 111)
  
• Panerai 24
  A Luminor with diving bezel. I like the 25, but I would opt for the 24 because of the tougher stainless steel case.
  
• Casio G-Shock GW9110 Gulfman
  The upcoming new Solar Atomic Gulfman that has tide graph and moonphase, which I think is the Gulfman that Casio should have made in first place. Finally worthy of the name Gulfman and I am jumping the GW7900B ship and going to get the GW9110 instead.
  
• Dievas Vortex 500m Diver
  The case of the Dievas Vortex 500m Diver is identical to the multi-thousand dollar Kobold SMG-1. It has a nice simple no date dial, auto HEV, and diver timing bezel. I always like the SMG-1 but refuse to pay so much for a Kobold. The Dievas Vortex would fit my bills (literally) nicely. I still need to give it a try to see if the case size would work with my wrist size though.
  

Good-bye, Mr. Bond

Sad to say good-bye to Mr. Bond. I have sold my Black Bond (Omega SMP co-axial with black dial). Its a absolutely stunning watch to wear and to look at. Its just an awesome watch and Omega did a great job on keeping the SMP fresh. My only "complain" is that the blue lume is somewhat less bright than SL C3 that the blue Bond uses. Though the white appearance does looks great with the black dial during day light. Since I am a lume-freak, bright lume means something in my book. :p And I was in the process of changing up my collection, so the black Bond had to go. In the future, if I come across a deal with the blue Bond, then maybe I will snatch that instead.

While we are on the topic of the new blue lume from Omega, its giving me second thoughs on my "grail" -- the new 1200m PloProf. I really like the style of the watch (which the why I now have a Ocean7 LM-7), but the fact that the 1200m PloProf doesn't have the "brightest lume" bothers me somewhat. And when compared to the Ocean7 LM-7 (which used SL C3), the lume on the LM-7 is a lot brighter. Combined with the much (MUCH!) lower retail price on the watch itself, I just need to own the LM-7 for a while and see if I could "settle" for the LM-7 instead of the 1200m PloProf.

And recently, I can't take my mind off Panerai 233. It has the 1950 case style, 8-day GMT manual wind in-house movement with date, and a super dome sapphire crystal and display back. It retails around USD$12,000, which is "slightly" out of my price range right now. :p But man, that's a beautiful watch. I doubt I would shell out that much cash for one watch, but who knows?! Maybe something will push me over the edge and I might end up with one. :p (Come on, for one PAM 233, I could have any two of the following: PAM 111, PAM 24, PAM 25, Rolex SD, Rolex Sub LV, Rolex Sub ND COSC, Rolex GMT IIc, ... etc)

Good things come in group of five?

So my five watches arrived already. And here's my initial thoughts:

• Ocean7 LM-7 1000m
  
  I know I *almost* sworn I would not get a LM-7 because the new Omega SMP Ploprof 1200m with co-axial 8500 movement is out. BUT ... I changed my mind when I came around a fine sample of LM-7 at a very attractive price. I still think the new Omega Ploprof is my grail and wish to own one someday. May be this LM-7 will be my "test drive" for the size and feel of wearing it.
  
  So on to the LM-7. This package came with both the black Ploprof style rubber strap and Ocean7's "5 links" bracelet. I haven't tried it on the bracelet yet, but the rubber strap match the watch really well. I do have to say that the fit and finish is not up to par with Omega's offering, but the price tag is not USD$9000 either. :p The LM-7's bezel lock button is a little stiff, making it difficult, if not impossible to use the bezel with just one hand or with the watch on the wrist. And in both locked and unlocked positive, the bezel is some side to side play on it. Its not horrible, but its not great neither. Keep in mind again, I am not paying USD$9000 for it ... LOL :p
  
  The sapphire bezel is nice to look at, and the lumed markers are great. Its not as detail nor clean as the new Omega Ploprof. And one thing I worry about is the reliability of the bezel insert, from bubbling, or how the bezel insert is going to handle water in the long run, etc. But I figure at the price that I paid for it, I can live with the *risk*. For the price of the new Omega Ploprof, I would expect it to least at least 15-20 years without any degrading.
  
  The size of the LM-7 is good. The short lug-to-lug size makes it easy to wear for my wrist size. The watch is large, but doesn't feel overly large. But if I wear the watch tight, then the crown at 9 will dig into my wrist. Luckily, I don't like wearing my watch tight any way.
  
  The crown is large and easy to use, smooth screwing in and out of the crown tube. The Swiss Sellita SW200 movement is smooth to wind. I haven't check the timing of it yet.
  
  The lume *seems* to be good. I haven't really do a lume test on it yet. But I expect it to last through the night with ease.
  
  One thing I do like the LM-7 over the new Omega Ploprof is that the LM-7 has drilled lugs. that makes changing strap much easier.
  
  
• Marathon SAR
  
  This is my "I-don't-even-remember-how-many" Marathon SAR and I am certainly famility with it. After all these time (I guess since 2001 of its introduction), I still think its one of the best value in dive watches. It has all the goodies you want from a dive watch that's user friendly (and I don't even dive!): WR300M, sapphire crystal, large easy to use crown for winding (when dry), tall and easy to use bezel, easy tell the time, great lume, drilled lugs for easy bracelet to dive strap change, diver's extension on bracelet clasp. The watch and bracelet feels solid and its just a joy to wear.
  
  
• Casio G-Shock GW056CJ
  
  I had the GW056 before and I really liked the slim profile and size of it. But I wished for a reversed LCD for a stealthy look but unfortuniately, that's not available for US version of the GW056. This GW056CJ is a JDM 2006 special edition. It has a dark grey case and strap, and very stealthy reversed LCD. The matter in fact, I think the reversed LCD is too stealthy and now I am a little worried about the "viewability" of the time during less-than-optium lighting. Luckily, the duration of the auto-EL is adjustable and it can be set up to 3 second to make it easier to read the time. Besides the reversed LCD, having only 60 min for both STW and CDT is the thing that worries me and may push me into letting it go later. But time will tell.
  
  
• Casio G-Shock G9000-8V Storm Trooper
  
  I got this one as an inpulse buy cause of the great deal. I expect it to be a beater and I will use it as one. You just never know when you will need TWO 1000hr chronograph. :-)
  
  
• Casio G-Shock GW810D (SS bracelet + reversed LCD)
  
  I bought this one at a beater price, and it sure looks like a beater when it arrives. That's fine cause I am not going to baby this one neither ... LOL :p
  

When it trains, it pours (so to speak ... )

With the available funs from the sales of my Milgauss last week. Continuing with the mindset of staying with poor-men's watches, I bought three watches over the weekend (two days). That makes more than one watch per day (1.5 watches per day :p ). And two of them are "re-purchase":

• Ocean7 LM-7 - I know I did say I would not buy one because of the fear of future company support for the watch. But I finally came across a deal that I would consider taking that risk.
  
• casio G-Shock GW056CJ - Its a 2006 special edition with reverse LCD. I liked the GW056 becase of the low flat profile, but the down side of it is the 60 min STW and CDT respectively.
  
• Casio G-Shock GW810D (reversed LCD) - I had one of these before. I modded it with the GWM850 module. Though the GWM850 module has better feature, I never liked the look of it. I eventally sold the moddod G and moved on. I found this GW810D at a beater price, so I might as well get it and use it as a beater. :-)
  

I am sure there's more to come :D

Can't get away from the Storm Trooper

The Casio G-Shock G9000-8V has off white color case and nicked name: Strom Trooper. I had one before. I really like the white face with off white case. And the dual 1000hr comes in handy from time to time. I sold it for some other watches.

Now I am going to have one again. And yes, yet another inpulse buy. I am still afraid that it won't get much wrist time because the other mechanical, solar and kinetic scream: "wear me to keep me running".

Another plan would be to purchase a solar atomic Mudman later, and then do a case/straps swap to make the atomic Mudman into a atomic storm trooper.

I don't know yet. Let's wait and see.

So I have never get away with Marathon SAR, but apparently I keep selling my Rolex(es)

Let's talk about the one that's gone first, which is the Rolex Milgauss. I can't seems to keep Rolex for very long. And may be I am in the process of "trying out" higher end watches. I like the Milgauss, but I don't like it enough to keep it. So off it goes.

I think I need to give Rolex a break off my want-to-buy list, cause while I think they are extremely nice watch, I just don't think they are sticking in my collection.

Now comes the one that I can't seems to be get away with, which is the Marathon SAR. I already lost count of how many Marathon SAR I have bought and sold. And yet, there's another incoming one. Ultimately, I still think Marathon SAR is one of the best implimentation of a proper dive watch in that price segment, especially at the pre-owned market since the Marathon SAR with the original non-tritium dial is already discontinued.

I think the Seiko SUMO 200m diver with 6R15 movement comes very close to the value of a Marathon SAR. But the SUMO lacks sapphire crystal and metal movement retainer. After the after market sapphire crystal upgrade, the price of the both SUMO and Marathon SAR comes very close, while the SUMO still spot a plastic movement retainer. Its not something that's apparent to average owner/user since its inside the case and hidden from view from the owner (unless you open up the case), but that's when the "value" part comes in.

Don't get me wrong, I still think the Seiko SUMO is great value and I would get one (a blue one and mod it with sapphire crystal, SBDX001 Marinemaster clasp and hands) if the right opportunity present itself.

Maybe I should mod Marathon SAR into a no-date version with sword hands since I've always wanted a Rolex Sub ND 14060M. I don't know yet. One thing I do know is that since I sold my Rolex Milgauss, I now have some toy funds freed up and I am on watch hunt again. :-)

So what am I looking for in the short term? I guess mostly lower to mid level ones now:

• Sinn 656 / 856 / 857 / U1 with bracelet
  
• Breitling SuperOcean black dial (model from 2007 only)
  
• Seiko with 8L35 automatic movement
  
• Tag Heuer Carrera chonograph (black dial)
  
• Omega Speedmaster (double sapphire)
  
• Fortis Marinemaster with bracelet
  
• Doxa SUB 1200T Professional
  

That's not a short list .. ;-)

No more D300 and no more Luminox

I am back from my vacation and this actually happened before I left for my vacation. I got my D300 and I shipped it back to the seller the next day, cause the camera is not quite what he described. Havnig said that, I still give the seller points for standing behind the deal and did a quick refund. Though I was able to take the new camera with me during my vacation, at least I didn't lose any money out of the whole situation.

And my Luminox is gone as well. Not that I don't like the watch. Its just that I don't want to deal with battery powered watch which I can't regenerate the power by movement (kinetic) or light (solar).

I also have a Garmin Forerunner 305 (GPS + HRM) and a Timex iControl iPod remote control watch, sitting there not doing much. I am tempted to see if I should just let them go (to get something else).

More come and go, and they are not all watches ...

I sold my Omega SMP GMT Great White. While I like the watch a lot, I come to realizing I only need one SMP and its going to be the black Bond. So off it goes. Plus I found that I like the Bond bracelet much better, it looks better with the 20mm non-tapering links/clasp, and its more comfortable too!

Then comes the non-watch item. :p I wanted to "upgrade" my DSLR from Nikon D80 (DX) to D700 (FX), knowing that FX will provide 1:1 ratio on the frame captured and better low ISO performance. But the investment to go FX is just too much right now. So I end up getting a D300 and stay with DX format instead. Since I already have the lenses for DX from my D80, I don't have to shell out a lot of money for the upgrade. I pretty much only need to upgrade the DSLR body and re-use everything else (except that I need to get a CF card). D300 still able to give me better metering, betterlow ISO preformance, environment seal on the buttons, live view, etc.

In the future, I may get 35mm or 50mm f1.8 lens, 17-55mm f2.8 lens, SB800 speed flash, the battery grip and that's pretty much it. But that's for later and I am not in a hurry for them.

I have pushed my upgrade to D300 for a long time before I have put more of my "toy resources" into watches. For this time, the sales of the SMP GMT pretty much covers the cost of D300.

For my next watch, I am thinking about a Omega Speedmaster "moon watch" double sapphire, Omega Planet Ocean black/black 42mm, Rolex Y series Sea DWeller / Submariner Date (or LV) / Z series Submariner COSC, Paneria Submersible 24 / 111 (sandwich dial) / 183 / 287, Seiko Marinemaster SBDX001, etc.

Another one down

I really like the look of G-Shock MTG910DJ, I think its one of the best looking G-Shock. I didn't care for the time stamp feature since I can't find a good use for it. Overall I still think its a great G-Shock.

But I just find it sitting in the watch box most of the time when I own it. So I think its better for me to just move on with it. And I will be off to its new owner soon.

On the other hand, the Seiko 200m Kinetic SMY089 has been on my wrist ever since it arrived. My SMP is getting jealous ... LOL

All parties come to an end, ...

which it is the case for my Omega SMP co-axial blue Bond. The will be off to its new owner soon ...

I think its one of the my best buy for my entire collector "career". It has beautiful case and bracelet, comfortable to wear, looks fantastic, the lume is among the best I have seen, the co-axial movement with longer service period and best time keeping over the range of power reserve ...

But if its the "best", then why sell it? Good question. Just like the case of being the best man at a wedding. Per Jerry Seinfeld: "I was the best man at the wedding. If I'm the best man, why is she marrying him?" Ok, that basically got nothing to do with me selling my "best" watch and I just to post it somewhere. Haha~ :p

But the reason for me selling my SMP blue Bond co-axial basically comes down which one should I keep? the blue or black Bond SMP co-axial?

Well, ever since I saw the black Bond, I've always wanted one. I think the black color is deep and definitely gave the SMP a brand new look. The "whitter" lume though doesn't shine as bright as the C3 SL, but it makes the watch looks much better with the deep black bezel and dial. And since I could live with Rolex, which lume is definitely not one of their strength, then I think the "brightest lume" may not be the most important thing on a watch for me.

So, the black Bond wins, and bye-bye blue Bond.

I do think may be I shouldn't be collecting just one (SMP) case style. Diversity is good. May be my next watch would be a Panerai just to make it different. Who knows? LOL :D

Some other Panerai for me to drool on

Though I still can't convince myself of Panerai's pricing, I do like their watches.

Another Panerai that caught my attention is the Panerai 92 Arktos SE from 2004 of 500 units to celebrate the Mike Horn's Arktos expedition.

Panerai 92 Arktos SE

The SE model has a uni-directional compass bezel, the Crystal is 4.2mm thick, and its anti-magnetic up to 100,000 A/m. Water resistance 30 bar or 300m.

Also the PAM 252 North Pole GMT (2006 Limited Edition - 500 pcs) and PAM 186, both with GMT hands.

What should I "try" next?

Okay, so ... I am pretty happy with the watches that I have right now. But ... the hunter for the next watch can't stop right there (or here), right? hehe :p

So What should I get next?

Since I am a fan of Omega, I am thinking about a Speedmaster, the moon watch 3570.50 or the double sapphire (front and back) 3756.50. Things that I may not like are the lack of date complication and the water resistance is only to 30m. I am used to diver watches with WR200m or more, so 30m seems a little ... not enough. :p But the history of the Speedmaster definitely intrigue me.

Then maybe a 42mm PO with black bezel and white numbers. I like the PO and its definitely an "upgrade" from SMP. But at the same time, its a lot of the same watch as my co-axial SMP (same 2500C co-axial movement, same layout of the manual HEV) ... and yes, I am weird. Cause I can have 2 co-axial SMP with different color but think co-axial SMP and PO are somewhat alike ... LOL :D

I also toyed with the idea of yet another Seiko Marinemaster 300m automatic (SBDX001). I have had quite a few of them and I was never been able to keep them in my collection. But a Seiko 300m MM auto on rubber strap just seems like a proper tool (diving) watch. I don't think I want history to repeat itself (again, with the buying and selling of Seiko 300m MM auto), but I really dig that tool watch look.

Omega Seamaster 1200m Ploprof, Rolex GMT Master IIc and Panerai 243 or 312 seems to be a little out of reach right now. But if I happened to come across a good Rolex Submariner ND COSC, Submariner Date (Y series with lug holes or LV), Sea Dweller (Y series with lug holes), PAM 111 or 24 submersible (with the new strap change system). Then I might bite the bullet and get one.

I will just take my time, I am not in a hurry to get another yet. I think this is a good sign that I am happy with my watches right now.

I am serious this time, my first new watch in 2010

We are already into 2010 for 11 days, how can i not already have a new watch. That's unpossible.

So my first new watch for 2010 is a Seiko 200m Kinetic diver SMY089. That's the one that I want for my (quartz) beater. Also I should be able to use my Marinemaster clasp with adjustable diver extension on it. Along with the more reliable 5M63 kinetic movement with 6 months power reserve. I think its going to be a great reliable watch.

I never really liked integrated bracelet. But since I am a bracelet guy and I should be able to use the clasp from Marinemaster, I don't really mind the integrated bracelet.



I may "classify" the following "watch" to be a "tool". I am also getting a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS with heart rate monitor (HRM). Its basically a training tool straped on your wrist. There's no way it can be worn as watch. But it seems like a great tool when I am running outside, it will tell me the speed, distance and heart rate information, etc. I can also use it when i am on my bike as well as my runs.

I have doubt about the lume on the Omega 1200m Ploprof

I really like the new Omega 1200m Ploprof. I consider it my grail watch, which I would like to own some day. Come to think of it, I might have doubt about it.

I own an Omega SMP blue Bond co-axial. The over-sized applied indices are nice-n-big, filled with lume (which seems like they are bright Super Luminova (SL) C3). That's a good thing, and I love it because its effortless to charge up, its easy to read any time of the night, and it easily last through the night.

I also own an Omega SMP black Bond co-axial. It also have over-sized applied indices filled with lume. But Omega used a lume material that grows blue in the dark, but appears much more white in day light. The new blue lume looks nice in day light, but it doesn't match the brightness of the SL C3 used in blue Bond co-axial. I still like my SMP black Bond, but the lume doesn't make me happy like the SMP blue Bond.

Now comes to the Omega 1200m Ploprof. I think it also uses the same blue lume material as the SMP black Bond since it glows blue in the dark. And from the online photos, it seems like the lume appears pretty white in day light.



(Credit: Photo by MarJnk on rolexforums.com)


So I wonder ... would I be happy with the lume of the Omega 1200m Ploprof? I still like the watch and I am not taking it off my list. But it does got me thinking ... wouldn't it be nice if Omega would stick to SL C3. Think how bright the lume on the 1200m Ploprof would be ...

Day dreaming with drools (car related)

I watched a few segments of Best Motoring (International) the other day, they did a nice comparison between the BMW M3 and Lexus IS-F, and how comes the what if I am shopping a car now ...

For around $65,000, the choices would be BMW M3, Lexus IS-F and Mercedes C63 AMG. The BMW M3 should be a pure joy to drive with the balanced chasis and proper 6-sp manual transmission. The C63 AMG would be awesome as well with the hand built V8 power plant and huge (pizze pie sized) brakes. But for some odd reason, I would see myself getting a Lexus IS-F instead. Its not the fastest, not the prettiest and its pretty Lexus first try on a high power luxury small sports sedan (while BMW and Mercedes already have a few generation of those in the pockets). But I can't seems to get away from the idea of the really fast and reliable sports sedan. And the design elements definitely looks odd, if not weird. But still, IS-F it is for me.



(Lexus IS-F)


Then comes to maybe around $30k-$45k, how about Nissan 370z, Infiniti G37S, Chevolet Camero SS or Corvette (C6), Ford Mustag GT, Subaru WRX Sti, Mitsubishi Evolution X, a pre-owned Acura NSX, etc. I like the 370z, but the stupid rev-match down shift feature turns me off because it tries to make people appears to be better driver than they really is. And the Camero SS and Corvette are nice, but American cars are not famous of their reliability, and I don't want to own something that would give me more trouble than I already have. An old NSX would be nice, yet I would always worry about it being expensive to repair. My heart would probably goes to 370z, in spite of the stupid rev-match feature (which can be turned off). But in reality, I would likely to go with STi. Evo X is nice too but STi adds more utility to a super fast package, though lacks the option of a sunroof.



(Nissan 370z)




(Subra WRX STi)



For less than $25k, Mazda Miata or MS3 or pre-owned RX8, Honda Civic Si Sedan or pre-own hatchback, Subaru WRX hatchback, Mitsubishi Lancer Rally Art, VW GTi, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V or pre-owned 350z, pre-owned Honda S2000, pre-owned Toyota MR2 spyder, etc. I owned an S2000 before and that's an absolutely lovely car. I like most part of the RX8, except for the lower mpg. Miata can be had for a wide range of choices of price and feature. It seems like a great substitute for S2000 (when money is an issue). My heart would go with S2000 or 350z. But in reality, maybe a MS3 or WRX hatch back would fit better as a do-it-all vehicle. I also really like the Civic Si Sedan for its lower cost, easy to live with suspenson, seats 5 adults, proper 6-sp maunal and iVTEC power plant.



(Mazdaspeed 3)




(Civic Si Mugen Edition)


But whats a day dream without super cars like Nissan R35 GTR, Porsche 997 Turbo or GT3, Chevolet Corvette Z06 and ZR1 ... which all of them I would have no chance of owning in near future ... LOL :D



(Nissan R35 GTR)




(Porsche 997 GT3)




(Chevolet Corvette Z06)

I like them, but I can't have them

I like watches. Period. That's no secret. But there are some watches that I like, but I want to avoid getting ... Its like my mind is fighting itself (Like vs. Should) ...

I like the look of the newer Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500m with cal. 5. It looks nice (no paper), slightly over sized at 43mm. the nice detail on the dial, hand applied indices, the lume should be decent, auto helium escape valve. What's not to like?

BUT ... while its nice, it has nothing on me. I found it to be "just another good looking dive watch" and that's it. I like it cause it hits all the marks as a pretty nice dive watch, but I don't think I would get one because it doesn't ring my bell ...



(Pic from the web)


Another is the Ocean 7 LM-7. I liked the original Omega Ploprof 600m and I like the new Omega Ploprof 1200m even more, and the LM-7 looks somewhat likes them with 1/5 of their prices, the lume is very good, and seems like a solidly built watch. What's not to like?

BUT ... it looks too much like the new Omega Ploprof 1200m which makes it an homage of an existing model (which i don't like that idea very much). And also, buying watches from a small and new watch company worries me.

Ok, here's the scenario: So now I got the watch, I like it very much and have been wearing it for a while. Few years down the road, when this particular model is no longer made or what if the company is closed all together, something on the watch needs to be replaced (simiply something breaks: crown, crown tube, bezel, bezel insert, etc). So now what? What if they don't stock up parts? And nobody else has replacement parts for it? What to do then?! Junk the watch? Sell it as parts as it? I know having the watch repaired in such a case will cost some pretty pennies, but at least I can bring it back to spec and I can continue to enjoy wearing it. With small company (if they don't stock up parts), then I would be left hanging, with a watch that sorta work, but not entirely ...



(Pic from the web)


That brings me to another one, which is the Zinex Heliox. It has a great unique (vintage) look and bold dial / hands styling, and the lume is certainly great. Also its WR 2500m (!) and has auto HEV. What's not to like?

BUT ... with 46mm (width) x 18mm (height) case size, its not quite wrist friendly for my wrist size. And again, this is from a small company. So the supply of spare parts are in question.



(Pic from the web)

My 2009 report card (watches)

2009 is coming to an end in a few days. Its time to take a look at my (watches) report card and see what I got ...

There was really big changes this year for me this year. We bought our first home, went from owning a (few) Rolex(es) (not at the same time though) to none, and from slightly screwed by the credit card company to having to sell the watch (with small profit) and let the new owner of my watches to absorb my credit card fee ... (btw, lesson learnt here: don't trust credit card company with all their fine prints. One way or another, they are just out to separate as much money as possible from you! I got lucky and end up with a net lost or $0 this time. But I learnt from my mistake and won't do it again, ever.)

So I went from this (actually not too long ago):


(SA DM 500M LE, Omega SMP blue Bond co-axial, Seiko Tuna 300m, Rolex Sea Dweller 4000, Omega SMP GMT Great White, Marathon SAR)

to this:


(Omega SMP GMT Great White, Omega SMP blue Bond co-axial, Omega SMP black Bond co-axial)

I really liked the Rolex GMT IIc. But that's still a little too big of a piece cake for me to take (... for now). I like Rolex(es) and I might get another one in the future, on my short list would be:

• Rolex 16600 Sea Dweller 4000 (Y series or earlier with lug holes),
  
• 14060M Submariner COSC,
  
• 16610LV Submariner Date 50th anniversary,
  
• 116710LN GMT Master II (ceramic bezel)
  

But that would be for later ... much later.

I think I have found my *sweet spot* for case size, which is about 41-42mm. The Omega SMPs fits the bill and it shows. (i.e. I own three SMPs now) I think they are great value for the quality and quite frankly, they are much cheaper to collect then Rolex, LOL :D

I like the SMPs very much and there are still a few of them that's on my radar:

• Non-Americas Cup (2230.50),
  
• Limited edition with grey dial,
  
• SMP Titanium (2231.5),
  
• and of course, my grail, the new 1200m Ploprof,
  
• 42mm Planet Ocean black/black on rubber strap (may be ...)
  

Anyway, it has been a fun year in watch collecting. There was a few ups and downs, but I think its always "you win some, and you lose some". I look forward to 2010 and see how much collection is going to change. :-)

So what if I have enough funds to buy my watches?

[Day dream mode on]

Any other day (let's call this day #2) when I was "day dreaming" (again), what would I get if I have enough funds to buy the watches that I want (as of 12/08/2009)?

I would probably get ...

1. Rolex Milgauss black dial (116400)
   
2. Rolex Sea Dweller 4000 (16600, Y series with lug holes)
   
3. Rolex Submariner COSC (14060M)
   
4. Rolex Submariner Date 50th anniversary (16610LV)
   
5. Rolex YachMaster (16622)
   
6. Rolex GMT Master II (117610LN, which I already have)
   
7. Omega Seamaster Professional 1200m Ploprof (with mesh bracelet, my grail)
   
8. Omega Seamaster Professional co-axial blue bond (which I already have)
   
9. Omega Seamaster Professional GMT white dial(Great White, which I already have)
   
10. Tag Heuer Grand Carrera 17RS2
    
11. Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) Master compressor diver chronograph (186.26.40)
    
12. Panerai 243 1000m Submersible (K series or later because I prefer the L dial)
    
13. Panerai 320
    
14. Doxa SUB 1000T Professional Military Edition (which I already have)
    
15. Seiko Landmaster automatic 10th Anniversary (SBDX009)
    
16. Grand Seiko Spring Drive 200m diver titanium (SBGA031)
    
17. Casio PAW2000T with titanium bracelet
    
18. Casio G-Shock DW5600C (with 901 module, which I already have)
    
19. Casio G-Shock GW200RB Frogman
    
20. Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 (which I already have)
    
21. Casio G-Shock GW9200-1 Riseman (which I already have)
    
22. Casio G-Shock GW7900B
    

I figure out I would probably need about USD$68,000 for them. I priced them as below MSRP, its more like "the price that I am willing to pay for them" ... LOL :D

Not too bad, isn't it? ;-)

[/Day dream mode off]