279. POCKET WATCHES...THOSE WERE THE DAYS

We stumbled upon a nice and cute pocket watch last week. It’s a 14k gold plated, in good running condition with a very clean white ceramic dial and the word ‘Napoleon’ clearly inscribed on the dial and probably aged around 60 years.

I still remember the good old days back in the late fifties and early sixties where quite a number of people used to carry pocket watches as a mean to keep time.

There was a smartly dressed teacher then in my primary school who came to school with a gold pocket watch tucked in the pocket of his vest. The students dubbed him 'Mr Smart'.

Subsequent advancement in the horology world of wrist watches has more or less consigned the pocket watches to the pages of history and museum display.

Still, the memory of smart looking gentlemen with their elegant looking pocket watches remained fresh in my mind.

278. PROGRAM MURNI MASYARAKAT KELAB KELEDANG BERSAMA REGIMEN3 SEMPADAN MALAYSIA-THAILAND

Pengorbanan anggota-anggota tentera dan keluarga mereka menjaga keselamatan negara amat di sanjung tinggi oleh ahli-ahli dan keluarga Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang. Apatah lagi mereka yang berada di sempadan seperti di Pengkalan Hulu, Perak sempadan Malaysia -Thailand.

Kami amat terharu dan terhutang budi kepada semua anggota Angkatan Tentera Malaysia dan seluruh keluarga mereka.

Maka dengan itu apabila ada berita tentang pesara tentera memerlukan bantuan, hati kami cepat tersentuh.

Diberitakan seorang pesara tentera, En Roslan dan keluarganya di Kampong Air Panas, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, Malaysia perlukan bantuan. Isterinya yang kurang upaya selepas terlibat dalam satu kemalangan jalan raya memerlukan sebuah kamar mandi dan tandas khas untuk OKU.

Rumah mereka dalam kebun (getah baru setahun ditanam) adalah satu-satunya rumah di puncak bukit jauh dari perkampongan dan kemudahan asas dalam satu kawasan yang baru diteroka. Bekalan letrik diperolihi dari genset dan bekalan air bersih dari perigi di kaki bukit hampir 200 meter kebawah.

Setelah disiasat kesahihan keperluan, Kelab bersetuju menghulurkan bantuan semua bahan-bahan yang perlu sementara pihak regimen menyediakan tenaga kerja dan kepakaran membina.

Projek ini terus diangkat sebagai projek kemasyarakatan perintis kerjasama antara Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang dan Regimen 3, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia.

Gandingan bersama Kelab dan Regimen 3 Sempadan Malaysia - Thailand yang berpangkalan di Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, menyaksikan serombongan 30 orang ahli-ahli Kelab , para isteri dan anak-anak Keledang berkampong ber'Hari Keluarga' di Resort Air Panas, Pengkalan Hulu selama 2 hari satu malam dari hari Isnin 15 Mac 2010 hingga 16 Mac 2010 untuk menjayakan program murni tersebut.

Syukur kepada Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, segala yang dirancang berjalan lancar.

Perjalanan ke rumah En Roslan pada petang Isnin dengan jeep ATM merupakan satu pengalaman baru buat anak-anak Keledang. Pengalaman amat bermakna yang mampu menanam kesedaran betapa tinggi nilai pengorbanan anggota-anggota tentera Malaysia untuk menjaga keamanan negara.

Disamping bahan-bahan binaan, pihak Kelab turut memberi sumbangan wang tunai dan makanan kepda keluarga En Roslan.

Sepanjang lawatan mesra kami ke Kem Regimen 3 Sempadan Malaysia –Thailand, rombongan Kelab disambut dan dilayan mesra oleh anggota-anggota dan para keluarga mereka bagaikan satu keluarga yang akrab. Makan minum sepanjang dua hari disiap dengan sempurna, program lawatan siang dan malam disusun rapi dan teratur melambangkan tingginya disiplin ketenteraan.

Pada hari Selasa sambil rombongan kelab diberi penerangan tentang tugas-tugas ketenteraan di sempadan, program derma darah dengan kerjasama Hospital Sungai Petani turut diadakan.

Rombongan Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang terutama anak-anak Keledang pulang dengan penuh kesedaran bahawa sedikit budi yang keluarga Keladang cuba taburkan pada masyarakat hanyalah sekelumit jika dibandingkan dengan pengorbanan besar anggota-anggota tentera Malaysia dan keluarga mereka yang bersabung nyawa.

COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH THE MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES

As Malaysians we are tremendously proud of our Armed Forces whose main task is to ensure the security and uphold the sovereignty of our proud nation.  The sacrifices of our army personnel especially those patrolling the borders whether in active service or have retired are enormous.

Hence we at Keledang Club were looking for the right opportunity to initiate a joint project with the Army. When news that an ex-serviceman's family in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak near the  Malaysia-Thailand border needing help to install proper sanitary facilities for a handicapped wife, we jumped at the opportunity to assist.

On Monday morning, a group of 30 club and family members headed north from Ipoh to The 3rd Regiment Camp, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak for the joint community project to install that sanitary facilities at En Roslan, the ex-serviceman's home. The club would provide the financing and all building materials and the army would provide the expertise and labour to complete the project.

From Monday, the 15th March till Tuesday, 16th March 2010,we were treated like family members by the staff and families of the 3rd Regiment jointly organising various programs.

To Lieutenant Colonel Hj Ruslan bin Hj Musa, Commander Regiment 3, ATM we salute you Sir for your kind generosity. We applaud you for your gallantry and  kind heart to have concerned for all your serving soldiers and community yet never lose sight on the needs for those who have retired from service.

Without your networking KELAB KELEDANG WOULD NEVER HAVE NOTICED a cry of help from an ex-serviceman.

As in the words of Dr Zakaria, our beloved Club President, we pray that there will be many more joint community projects especially for ex-servicemen in the near future.

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU LIEUTENANT COLONEL HJ RUSLAN, YOUR FAMILY AND ALL YOUR SOLDIERS AGAIN, SIR.

277. A RARE MOMENT WITH TITONI COSMO 99

Among close friends, it’s an open secret that we are serious watch collectors. So, whenever opportunities avail, we call on each other to update information on our common hobbies.

At times a good watch just popped up on such a visit.

We were at a friend's house just for a casual visit. As we sat down, he drew a watch from the top drawer of a table. He said the watch is meant for us if we so desired.

We had a good look at the watch. Wow, it's a vintage Titoni Cosmo 99. The watch looked pretty clean, neat and complete with the original stainless steel bracelet and original buckle. Just the stainless steel bracelet, an original brand new one would easily cost RM300. We weighted the option and decided to take in the watch as the price offered was quite fair. According to our friend, Titoni Cosmo 99 was released sometimes around early 1970s.

Still we craved for more information. On reaching home, we googled on this model including checking out friendly watch blogs but nothing much surfaced.

Undeterred, we proceeded to inquire from a few old hands who have been in the watch business for years. They put the date of release to around the 70s.

A few images of that particular Titoni Cosmo 99 are displayed here with the sincere hope of soliciting for more pertinent information from dear readers and fellow collectors.

Thank you.

SEJENAK YANG INDAH BERSAMA TITONI COSMO 99

Antara rakan-rakan bukan lagi satu rahsia yang kami adalah kolektor jam. Kerap ke tempat rakan sehobi bertukar maklumat tentang penemuan terbaru jam vintage atau jam preowned mau pun release terbaru di pasaran.

Ada ketika, sesebuah jam hadir dalam kunjungan sedemikian.

Ketika berkunjung ke tempat seorang rakan, dia menyambut dengan tersenyum. Baru saja duduk, dia keluarkan sebuah jam. Nampak cantik dan solid. Sebuah jam Titoni Cosmo 99 terpampang di depan mata.

Jarang sekali kami ketemu jam sedemikian rupa. Bagaikan sebuah muka TV mirip dialnya. Walau pun berusia barangkali sekitar empat puluhan kagum melihat wajahnya masih ayu berseri bagaikan janda berhias beranak satu.

Terpesona, jam yang direnung seolah bersuara merayu minta diabadi pada lengan. Segar bercahaya, tali dan bakelnya masih asli. Malah semuanya asli-asli belaka. Tiada calar dan tiada luka ketara.

Kalau sudah jam berada di tangan, mana mungkin dilepas lagi. “ Sememangnya jam ini untuk abang” ringkas katanya. Bicara harga singkat tanda terpikat lantas jam diangkat pulang. Cumanya tiada banyak maklumat tentang Titoni Cosmo 99 walau pun digoogle dan dirujuk blog rakan-rakan.

Beberapa imej Titoni Cosmo 99 sengaja dipaparkan untuk tatapan. Barangkali ada rakan-rakan kolektor dan pembaca yang budiman sudi berkongsi informasi walau sedikit cuma.

Terima kasih.

276. MANCHESTER UNITED TO THE TOP... AGAIN

There was never a dull moment from the first kick to the final whistle.

As usual, Man U and Liverpool encounters have always been anything but explosive and combative.   

Howard Webb, the referee in charge of the game between Manchester United and Liverpool on Saturday handled the game efficiently despite not showing a red card to Mascherano for the foul committed on Valencia inside the box. 

The game has hardly warmed up when Fernando Torres struck early. From a floated cross by Dirk Kuyt, Torres who was lurking in the penalty box out jumped Vidic and Rio Ferdinand to head home Liverpool first goal in the fifth minute. What a shocker that was...

To the credit of the team, Man U players regrouped and launched counter attacks.

From one of the attacks, Valencia accelerated from the left only to be pulled down by Mascherano dragging him from outside the box into the penalty area. With no hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot and yellow carded Mascherano.  Riena, the Liverpool keeper, did well to block the first kick only to see Rooney converting the rebound for his 33^rd goal of the season.

With the score level at one all, the game’s tempo increased tremendously. Manchester United’s five midfielders of Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher, Ji Sung Park and Nani began to exert their authorities. While Fletcher and JS Park were commanding in the centre, Nani and Valencia were menacing on the flanks. Gerard and Mascherano simply had no answer.

Minute 22 saw Vidic sending the ball up the field picking Rooney who floated to Valencia. A beautiful cross by Valencia reached Park who headed just wide to the left. What a golden opportunity missed.

Minute 28 saw Nani sending in a stiff grounder only to be pushed out by the alert Riena.

The pulsating 45 minutes of the first half ended with Manchester United dominating though Torres continued to be menacing at times.

The fast pace of the game continued in the second half. Both teams reappeared with the same line up.

With Vidic and Ferdinand back to their best form and Evra supporting Nani very well on the left, Manchester United looked good for another goal. Gary Neville, the MU captain playing at right back ran endlessly feeding good balls to Valencia. Liverpool was pinned in their own half for most of the time. Several Liverpool seemed frustrated with the situation and started to vent their anger at MU players. Torres and Jimmy Carragher were cautioned.

MU kept mounting the pressure with Nani and Fletcher excelled. On the 59th minute, Park Ji Sung sent in a diving header for MU’s second goal. It was such a memorable moment for the 75,216 fans who packed the Old Trafford stadium.

The sweet moment was momentarily spoilt by a caution to Valencia apparently for time wasting. Liverpool with their never die attitude tried very hard to come back.

With the introduction of Aquilani and Benayoun replacing Kuyt and Lucas, Liverpool gained a slight control.

Benayoun could have salvaged a point for the visitor with minutes ticking away but his soft header went straight into the gleeful arm of Van der Sar, the MU’s keeper who was just superb throughout the game.

The disappointment was clearly registered on the face of Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager.

Just like Spring started to blossom in United Kingdom, Manchester United and their loyal fans were not to be denied the sweet aroma of success.

With the score at 2-1 to Man U, Howard Webb blew the final whistle after exactly 95 minutes and 40 seconds of play sending Manchester United back to the top of the English Barclays Premier League.

Well done MU...

275. JUST FOR FRIENDS WITH A ROGER DUBUIS K10 LIMITED EDITION

It was supposed to be a stop over to sight a few pieces of Rolex submariner, Rolex Turn O Graph and a Rolex Explorer II. A kind of get together 'Just for Friends'. The presence of a piece of Roger Dubuis K10 changed the topic of conversation. After all how often does a limited edition of such a superb and brilliant timepiece like a Roger Dubuis turn up in your palm?

I must admit that it was the first Roger Dubuis encounter and for that I have to thank my friend, the great W. He is the kind of watch collector you like to have around. The kind of collector who is always bubbly and excited to display his latest conquest to close pals, irrespective of time and place.

Such a mesmerising sight! Just look at the impressive and dazzling dial. The 'Roger Dubuis K10' distinctive letters spread over the dial and the red strip minute and hour hands, so bold and beautiful and its a diver too.

Only 888 pieces of this limited edition are released into the market and the exclusive photos displayed here are from timepiece no. 003/888

It is fitted with signed crown, silicon straps and signed butterfly buckle.

The only drawback is this Roger Dubuis comes at an exclusive price.

To own this pre-owned piece, one might have to prise open the cheque book with a sackful of ringgit, 'cos my friend, the great W is only willing to part with it at around 60k.

I understand one new unit cost a bit more than RM 100k. So, folks, if you can spare something close to that sum and keen to have a Roger Dubuis K10 LE no.003/888 hugging your wrist, here's your golden chance...me, no thanks, I'm not into that kind of league.

274. SDR HARITH IDRIS, TERIMA KASIH DAN SELAMAT MAJU JAYA

Beliau mula bertugas sebagai Pegawai Urusetia, Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang pada tahun 2000 ketika saya diangkat sebagai Presiden Kelab. Banyak sungguh aktiviti yang dirancang berjaya dilaksanakan pada tahun itu kerana buat pertama kali kelab mempunyai urusetia sepenuh masa.

Sepanjang tahun 2000, kita berjaya mengambil sekolah angkat, mampu membuat aktiviti garage sales, Kem Usahawan Muda, kem motivasi, Golf Amal, Pestaria, Kempen derma darah, ceramah kerjaya, Kunjungan mesra ke Hospital, sumbangan untuk masyarakat Orang Asli, sumbangan yuran peperiksaan PMR dan SPM dan berbagai lagi aktiviti.

Semalam genap 10 tahun 2 bulan beliau berkhidmat dengan kelab. Semalam juga hari terakhir beliau bertugas selepas menyerahkan surat berhenti berkhidmat.

Sememangnya sepuluh tahun adalah satu jangkawaktu yang lama. Satu tempoh yang cukup untuk menimba pengalaman bekerja dengan sebuah NGO Melayu Perak/Yayasan Melayu dan tentunya berjaya mengujudkan rangkaian dan rantaian networking bersama ramai tokoh korporat dan tokoh politik di negeri Perak.

Sdr Harith Idris pasti punya rancangan dan percaturan tersendiri apabila berita tersebar sejak Isnin lalu yang beliau telah menyuarakan kepada beberapa ahli kelab hasrat untuk berundur dari mengendalikan urusetia kelab bagi meneroka haluan sendiri.

Semalam sahlah berita penarikan diri beliau daripada urusetia kelab apabila beliau dengan rasminya menyerahkan surat berhenti perkhidmatan kepada Sdr Dr Zakaria Abdul Kadir, Presiden Kelab 2010 pada jam 2.18 petang di Kelab Diraja Ipoh. Penarikan diri beliau diterima oleh presiden.

Saya dan keluarga ingin merakamkan setinggi terima kasih diatas perkhidmatan diberi semasa saya menjadi Presiden kelab pada tahun 2000 dan sepanjang beliau berkhidmat dengan Kelab dan Yayasan Bakti Gunung Keledang.

Sesungguhnya segala usaha bakti kita tiada yang lain hanyalah untuk keredhaan Allah swt semata. Kita hanya boleh merancang, Allah jua penentu segalanya.

Terkini: Alkisah Harith Idris pada hari Jumaat 12/3/2010 telah memohon semula jawatan yang dikosongkan!

THANK YOU AND ALL THE BEST TO YOU, HARITH IDRIS...

For the last ten years and two months, he was there to handle the Keledang Club secretariat. News of his impending resignation surfaced last Monday. Apparently, Harith has informed a few club members of his intention.

He was recruited in 2000 to handle club secretarial matters and other club activities when I was the club president then.

That was the first time ever the club has full time secretariat staff. Many activities were successfully organised with full cooperation from fellow members and the Keledang Ladies. We managed then to organise garage sales, motivational talks to school kids, contribution to Orang Asli community, blood donation campaign, charity golf, charity bazaar, hospital visits, family day to recall a few activities. 

At 2.18 pm yesterday after the weekly meeting he handed a letter to Dr Zakaria Abdul Kadir, the current Club President confirming his intention to leave the secretariat with immediate effect. His resignation was accepted by the president. 

No reason was revealed to us.

No matter, Harith knows better his way forward to the future.

To him and his family, Intan and Ali, my family and I would like to wish them, a very prosperous future and may Allah bless you all.

Latest:Harith Idris has reapplied for his old post on Friday 12/03/2010.

 

273.I SEE... Ohhh... IWC

I noticed quite a number of my friends who are doctors and lawyers donned IWC watches with large casing. With casing diameter of 50 mm above, IWC watches look pretty thick and solid giving the persons wearing them additional aura of confidence, stability, strength and respectability.

The two images of IWC that are exhibited here were forwarded by MMS to me by a friend as soon as he acquired the watches yesterday from Kuala Lumpur.

Actually those IWC are of the same model but of different colours. He was so excited that the moment he acquired them, he straight away forwarded the images to me.

Have yet to call him but I’ll try to make time in the next few days, that is if I could squeeze through my  tight schedule this week to drop by his place just to have a peek at his latest conquest!

272. A PANERAI HUNTING TRAIL...

A posting by fellow blogger on Panerai last week wetted my appetite to hunt for one. Scouted and enquired around Ipoh seeking for an original Panerai just to have a feel of what it is like to hold one and have a piece of Panerai donning my wrist.

With the assistance of some friends, tracing a piece wasn't that difficult. One piece of pre-owned Panerai Luminor Marina was located at an Ipoh watch gallery being placed there for resale.

Having the honour of touching it and wrapping the strap round the wrist is sheer ecstasy. What more the one that is available is a limited edition no.2040/2600 first purchased in 2005.

The black dial with casing diameter of 44 mm is crystal clear and a pretty sight to watch. The rubber strap hugs well on the wrist and provides a very comfortable wrap.

It might be a diver but I reckon it suits all occasions with its elegant and rounded casing while its chunkiness looks ideal for sports and rugged wear.

Alas, the 44 mm casing diameter is extra large and tend to swallow my wrist so I'm giving this piece a miss to allow fellow collectors the chance to own it. Please refer LT Watch Gallery for sale details.

As for me, there is always a next time...maybe a Panerai with a case diameter of 40 mm will turn up in the next hunting episode.