343. NICE AND ATTRACTIVE…AND VERY AFFORDABLE

Scouting for Value for Money (VFM), nice and attractive new dress watches is a simple task for me. There are bountiful choices available at reasonable prices in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Look no further beyond the famed house of Orient of Japan who has been consistently producing gorgeous models every year, a very commendable effort indeed.

Spotted many models of interest recently. The prices are ridiculously inexpensive for such elegantly designed models. My top choices are displayed here for common viewing.

Those interested to secure these watches at special prices may do so through LT Watch Gallery.

338. THE DAY I BROUGHT HOME A RUSSIAN MODEL…

By: muzill.mansor

It was three Thursdays ago…In between appointments in Kuala Lumpur and armed with a couple of hours free time, we managed to roll into the Pavilion Shopping Complex hopping from one watch gallery to another. Haven’t been to this place for quite a while and there is just so much to see. So, have to be quite selective.

The Swiss Watch Gallery carries quite a wide selection of interesting IWCs, Grahams and JLCs. Of all the exhibits, the JLC crystal Atmos clocks really fascinated us. With a price tag of RM 72K and RM80K each before discount, any of the two would definitely be ideal to grace a collector's display cabinet. Just adore the pieces and would love to bring any of the two atmos, home except that the budget did not really permit then.

The TW Steel watch kiosk displayed models that were quite familiar especially those already featured in Lt Watch Gallery. Still, we spent some time there just to compare prices. Of course we came out smiling because we offer more attractive prices.

Wata Time Gallery, being one of the largest watch retail outlets offered bountiful of choices. Two U-Boats models were very impressive, reasonably price and worth considering. We might drop by again in the next trip to pick up one unit for the collections.

The stop at the Red Army watch gallery turned out to be no ordinary pit stop. It was a real long stop. There were just so many fascinating Russian models on display. Granted, we have never before given a second thought to Russian made watches although a close friend of ours have a good selection of Poljot, Aviator, Pobeda and Raketa in his collections.

There were so many fabulous and magnificent Russian made models to choose from. One can easily bust the credits cards and the bank balances in exchange for these gorgeous, big and busty models to take home.

Moving my eyes and hands stroking from one model to another, I was mesmerized by this one particular creation of Alexander Shorokoff. Just could not take my eyes of this beautiful creature…stunning, elegant, poised and looking ready to be taken home…Alas, this beau was only for display and not to be sold.

The face with two popping eyes devoid of unnecessary accessories and make-up overdo was so clean and pure.

The back is very transparent with neat engine and magnificent movement with orderly colour tone.

The crown is signed and sealed.

The black leather strap is just fitting.

I was just bowled over… I could not care less. Just wanted to possess the model and bring home and stamped as mine.

Pleaded with Awie, the Salesperson… A phone call to the gallery’s owner and upon my introduction, this master creation by Alexander Shorokoff is mine for the keep. Oh yes, I know the owner from a previous visit. We had then a very fruitful conversation especially after introducing my blog to him.

Securing this Russian beau, a limited edition of only 610 pieces created in Alzenau and dedicated to the people of Alzenau, Frankfurt, Germany was pure excitement, especially so when this is the first Russian connection...watches of course.

Say what? Of course I'm still excited about this encounter.

I'm praying hard for a more stunning beau with Russian connection to roll and flow into my life...and that would just pure blessed because it would be God send!

269. NOT JUST ANOTHER FREDERIQUE CONSTANT...

Sometimes, a casual visit to a watch gallery could end up being an expensive trip.

I was at a watch gallery recently identifying possible gifts for a friend to choose as a present. We were practically spoilt for choice by the many models available. The swelled crowd due to the festive season did not deter us spending time browsing and perusing the various available brands and models one after the other.

After identifying two choices for the possible present from the many Frederique Constant models displayed, the attention was then focussed on one particular Frederique Constant model that the eyes were somewhat attracted to.

Model FC-303X6B4 with its 43 mm diameter and a rose gold finishing case, a cream coloured dial and clear caseback was just mesmerising. Though the dial looked rather large, just could not resist the temptation of having the watch on the wrist. The moment it was placed on the wrist, it kind of grooved and felt fittingly at ease.

This automatic model with an FC 303 movement carries a clear dial with a date display at 3 o’clock and fitted with a genuine brown crococalf leather strap and a matching FC buckle.

The simple solution then was just to let it stay on the wrist and bring it home as a Chinese New Year’s self-present albeit a very much lighter wallet in the pocket and an out of budget expenditure...again.

This FC piece has since become my favourite wear...at least till my next new piece!

Clear Vision Automatic

Reference: FC-303X6B4

Movement:

1. Caliber FC-303

2. Alternances 28,800 / h

3. Jewels

4. Winding Automatic

5. Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Features: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Case:

1. Materials: Stainless steel 10 M rose gold plated

2. Glass: Sapphire glass

3. Crown: 2-O-Rings

4. Water-Resistant: 60 meters

5. Diameter : 43 mm

6. Height : 10 mm

Deep Brown Croco calf leather strap 20 x 18 mm

267. WATCHES MAKE EXCELLENT GIFTS...

A friend of mine requested for some suggestions of items fitting for a farewell gift. One of his staff is leaving his company to assume another job assignment closer to the home town.

Being a watch enthusiast, the obvious suggestion would definitely be a package of decent wrist watches as a parting gift.

Two sets of watches from the house of Frederique Constant were selected for him to choose.

Set A contains an automatic watch reference no. FC 220SW4S5 with a white dial fitted with a black leather strap reasonably price at RM 2595 before discount.

A silver coloured roller ball pen 'CARAN d ACHE' complemented the watch.

The elegant set is placed in a wooden lacquered box that can be engraved.

Set B with reference code: FC 220SW4S6 comes in a similar lacquered shining brown wooden box containing an ultra thin gold coloured quartz watch fitted with a genuine brown leather strap complemented by a matching gold coloured 'CARAN d ACHE' roller ball pen.

The set is quoted at RM2895 before discount.

A right choice would definitely make an everlasting memory to someone...

260. THE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT AUTOMATIC LONGINES LINKAGE...( JAM TANGAN LONGINES PENYEMAI SATU RANTAIAN...)

I’ve always like Longines especially the automatic timepieces. This model/Ref. no. L 47082117 was purchased from a KLCC watch gallery early May last year during one of those watch browsing trips.

The white clean dial is very simple for it displays only the hour and minute hands without the second hand, the day and date functions. The roman numerals add to its elegance. The only flaw to me is the inverted Roman numerals of V and VI which I personally despised. I prefer the numbers to be upright, the way it should be.

For an automatic timepiece, this Longines model is super light giving the impression that it is quartz. The subtle golden and silver finishing of the bracelet adds to its character of exclusivity, formality and poise suitable for dinner wear or for that matter for any formal function.

For the price offered, I thought then this automatic timepiece with skeletal caseback was a bargain. Little did I realise that there was a SALE ongoing in my home town, Ipoh and the same model was being offered at a price cheaper by RM 500.00. Well that’s quite a load of difference for a timepiece, my friend.

The story of this Longines did not end there. Much later during another trip to KLCC I dropped by the same KLCC watch gallery to look at some Omega timepieces including limited edition ‘moon watch’. The manager, an Ipoh-born lady upon recognising me as a former customer took me around to see some new models and offered fantastic discounts on some of the Omega timepieces I enquired.

I guessed sometimes you have to ‘invest’ a little to get the right linkage. So, that RM 500.00 extra for the Longines after all, was dirt cheap!

Jenama Longines memang antara jenama jam tangan yang menjadi idaman sejak sekian lama apatah lagi yang berjenis automatik.

Model ini L 47082117 dibeli dari sebuah butik jam di KLCC semasa sesi rambu-rambu santai jam di KLCC.

Dial putih bersih yang hanya memaparkan logo, jarum jam dan jarum minit tanpa fungsi tarikh ,haribulan dan jarum saat tampak simple dan bergaya. Angka-angka roman yang tertera menambahkan seri permukaan dial. Cumanya saya kurang selesa dengan angka roman untuk nombor lima dan enam yang seolah terbalik. Saya lebih senang jika angka lima dan enam tegak seperti yang sepatutnya.

Sebuah jam automatic kebiasaannya agak berat tetapi model Longines ini terlalu ringan seperti gaya jam Quartz atau yang berbateri. Tali berwarna emas diselangi warna perak yang dipasang menambahkan lagi keanggunan jam ini. Sesuai sekali dipakai ke majlis resmi atau mana-mana acara formal.

Seronok dan senang hati bila dapat beli pada harga yang dah dirasakan harga runtuh.

Masa jalan-jalan kat Kinta City Ipoh pada satu hujung minggu ternampak jam model ni sebiji kat satu butik jam tangan di situ. Waduh, murah pulak di Ipoh bila tanya harga lepas diskaun. Kurang sampai RM500, yop! Takpe lah dah terbeli nak buat macam mana, redha je lah...

Sebulan dua lepas tu masa kunjungan kat KLCC singgah semula ke butik yang beli Longines. Bila dibuka cerita beli Longines tempoh hari, ingat pulak si Pengurus kelahiran Ipoh tu.

Saja singgah, ingat nak tengok-tengok Omega terutama model Moon Watch. Memang dah banyak kali round kat tempat lain tengok model Omega. Jadi kurang lebih tahu gak harga sebenar. Alhamdulillah, banyak pulak diskaun yang dia offer untuk Omega kali ni.

Itulah kekadang kita sendiri tak sedar ada ketika sedikit pelaburan awal mendatangkan banyak manfaat di kemudian hari.

Setakat RM500 untuk membina satu jalur rantaian...Ai, murah sangat tu!

258. BETWEEN THE TWO BALL TIMEPIECES

Got an MMS yesterday afternoon from a friend also an avid watch collector and owner of a watch gallery, featuring a blue face of a new watch. On closer look it is the face or dial of a wrist watch with the word BALL clearly spelled on the face.

Straight away gave him a call. It’s always his style sending images without any wording or explanation. If details are required then one has to give him a call. He will always giggle first after the customary hello. He got a kick by giving surprises and tempting us, his friends and fellow collectors on new releases and new stocks.

He said he has just received two units of brand new BALL wrist watches. There are many enquiries from fellow collectors especially when both are displayed at his gallery. I told him to hold both the watches and only release to others after I’ve sighted both later in the evening.

Actually I’ve sighted a few BALL models on my walkabout the other day at the Midvalley Megamall, KL. Kind of like the look and the name especially knowing the rich history of BALL watch which is synonymous to American Rail.

Anyway back to the story of the available BALLs at my courtyard. There are two available, the white dial and the blue dial automatic. Just have a look at the two. I think you would agree with me that both are equally stunning, clean, neat and beautiful.

The price quoted too is reasonable, much cheaper than some of the pre-owned watches and vintage watches now offered on the market. Both the watches come with the original box, certificate and international guarantee.

253. Ingersoll Pennsylvania Limited Edition Watch

American brothers, Robert and Charles Ingersoll are famous in the watchmaking world for hitting many firsts and developing innovative designs that were affordable for the man on the street.

They developed their automated production process for wristwatches in 1892 and Ingersoll is now one of the oldest American watch brand.

Ingersoll is famed for the “Dollar Watch”. Costing a dollar, or a day's pay back then, this watch became known around the world. It acquired the name “Yankee” and made the Ingersoll brothers well-known.

These days, the Ingersoll quality timepieces are still retail at very affordable prices. Elegant designs, contemporary looks and reliability remained as the signature of this popular brand.

One of the limited editions model released in 2009 is the Pennsylvania range. At less than two grands, this rose gold, sapphire-fitted crown, dual time sub dials, 45 jewel automatic, sophisticated and complicated watch with seven hands on its dial can easily rolled into any collectors inventory.

I reckon once in a while, a timepiece with a little complication would be fun to wear.

Specification:

Model: IN4403RWH from the Pennsylvania Range
LIMITED EDITION
High Quality 45 Jewel Automatic 'Battery-Free' Movement
Rose Gold Stainless Steel Case
Circular Dial
White Dial
Dual Time Sub Dials
Time Zone 1 Sub Dial features Rose Gold Hands & Numerical Hour Markers
Time Zone 2 Sub Dial features Metallic Blue Hands & Roman Numeral Hour Markers
Black Minute Markers
Metallic Blue Seconds Hand
Power Indicator with Metallic Blue Hand
Retrograde Date Display with Metallic Blue Hand
Stainless Steel Caseback
Screw Down Caseback
'Skeleton' Movement Window in Caseback
3 ATM / 30m Water Resistant
Genuine Brown Leather Strap
7 Hole Adjustable Strap
Rose Gold Stainless Steel Deployment Clasp
Prominent Branding on Dial, Case back, Clasp & Strap
Presentation Box
Instruction Manual
12 Month Manufacturers Guarantee

Retail price:RM1420/USD 405 before discount

Dimensions:

Strap Length: 240mm
Strap Width: 19mm
Face Diameter: 45mm
Face Depth: 14mm
Weight: 110g

252. SEIKO SPORTURA HONDA F1 ULTIMATE KINETIC CHRONOGRAPH

Much has been written on the Seiko history, Seiko models, Seiko Museum and Seiko tradition of fine Japanese watch making. Seiko, the official timekeeper for two summer Olympiads and three winter Olympiads must have produced thousands of fine models throughout its 128 years of existence.

This write up highlights the model that was produced as a result of collaboration between Seiko and Honda, each a giant in their own line of industry. Honda, as widely reported has withdrawn from the F1 Grand Prix effective 2010 season. That makes this limited edition model more prominent and a must -own time piece to watch collectors, particularly the Seiko collectors.

Retailed at RM19,818.00/USD5,662.00 before discount, one unit is still available at an Ipoh watch gallery awaiting the right collector to bring it home.

It’s elegant, solid and quite heavy . This beautifully hand crafted time piece is a sheer joy just to feel and touch, what more to own it and have it on the wrist once in a while.

The price might be a bit stiff but I reckon in time to come, it’ll be a very prudent investment.

Specifications

*Kinetic

* Chronograph up to 12 hours in 1/10 second increments

*Stainless Steel Case/Hard Coating

*100m Water Resistant

*Curved Sapphire Crystal Glass

*Three Fold Clasp with Push Button Release

*See through Case back

*Separate Display of all Functions

*Duration of Full Charge: approximately 1 month

*Limited Edition of 750