Watch Recommendation #42 : Seiko Chronograph

I have decided to rename my column to just Watch Recom as I have tried to make publishings every week but got inundated with the realities of the real world. Rest asssured that I will continue to publish watch recommendations that will realistically meet the demands and respect of true watch followers.

My 42nd Watch Recommendation yet again comes from my favorite watch brand.  In the advent of all the Baselworld hoola around the net, I have a found a classy looking timepiece that bears some resemblance to one of the best known chronograph watches in the world, the Rolex Daytona.  And t hough Rolex didn't release a 50th anniversary edition watch of the Daytona as so many wished, they did not disappoint as always.  But the watch that I am recommending you today isn't from Rolex.

It's a Seiko!

The quartz chronograph reference SSB047 has absolutely classic looks.  What attracted me most was the "X" sword hands that is definitely a Japanes watch design incorporated on mostly newer Seiko quartz chronographs.  I aslo love the clean white dial which has different finish for the inner and outer part.  The indices complement the sword hands perfectly.  The the 3 register, 24 hour, minute chrono register and the subdial second hand complement the classic look of a homage to the Daytona.  The tachymeter is on the chapter ring and a fixed 60 minute bezel to complete the look.

Another thing I noticed about this model is the bracelet.  Though its not solid, links and end-links, has a middle link polished finish similar to you guessed it, a Daytona.

The chrono pushers are the standard non-screw type so as the crown as well without any crown guards.  The watch is rated 100m water resistant, 42mm wide case and with the ever reliable Seiko Calibre 6T63.



Here are more great pics I found from an ebay seller.

Now so many times the term homage and watches like these are snobbed by many, well we can't blame them at all.  But I always consider the fact that there is still huge value in high quality watches like these that will serve us for many long years.  This Seiko isn't a complete homage, it gets some design cues from the iconic daytona, but its main character is dictated by the quality and reliability of the watch and the Japanese modern design that can all be had for a price $150 or less.

WWR 25: Seiko SBPG001 Spirit Digital Watch

I was watching 'Octupussy' a couple of nights ago and was amazed by how Bond films were before.  How movie was shot, the camera angles, the lines, the pace of the movie, the fashion, style, and of course, Bond's gadgets.  Goes to show what was the "it" thing back in '83 and how James Bond movies are a reflective on what the world was by the time it was made.

And since this is WWR, in a WIS world, the popular Seiko in the film was the Seiko S605831 and its popular "Cleavage" shot by ladyman Mr. Moore who played Bond.  All throughout the film, Bond wore this watch, from action sequences to formal evening events with the villains.  And got me wondering that can a digital watch be ever worn in a formal attire? Under the cuffs perhaps?  Well, I dont think G shocks will ever gonna be fitting so it must have a stainless steel construction same as the iconic Seiko that Moore wore, sans the TV screen of course, too gadgety for our times today.

So I went out to look for an available Stainless Steel digital watch in the market right now that is not a cheap ultra crazy colorful fashion throw away watch but one that is built that can be worn by a special agent, and still provide the class, pedigree and complete convenience of a digital watch.  Well obviously enough, I found no other watch that fits the bill.

My 25th WWR is the Seiko SBPG001 Spirit Digital Watch.  This 40mm squareish cased digi is housed in a stainless steel case and strapped in a stainless steel bracelet that is practically influenced by the advent of digital quartz watches in the 80s.  This watch is from the Spirit line from Seiko which I believe are JDMs as I don't see them often in other markets and is the outcome of the Power Design projects by Seiko.

Details  as follows

• Case/bracelet: SS
• Movement: S760 Solar
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Lumi Brite: Panelight( EL back Light)
• Accuracy: +/-20 sec per month
• Water proof: 10ATM water resistance
• Automatic time setting: This watch can receive official standard Atomic Clock frequencies of Japan, Germany, England and the United States
• Width: 40 mm (without the crown)
• Thickness: 10 mm
• Full Auto Calender
• World time 32 Cities

This is tagged at $322.  

This technological classic beauty brings hues from the age of the 80's but the innovative prowess of the new millennium and it'll fit comfortably under your sleeve to aid you on your journey to Octopussy's Lair at wall street and grab your slice of success.

WWR 16#: Seiko SBBN011 Darth Tuna Professional Divers Watch

In the world of dive watches, there are only a few brands who really have a real rich history with the art and science of diving.  In my best of knowledge and opinion, I'm not a diver in any level, there are three types of dive watches in the market.  There are desk divers, ISO rated divers, and professional dive watches.  Well now of course these watches are really just accessories, dive computers now do the real guide for the divers, but way back then, the reliability and functionality of dive watches under the vigorous environment under water meant life and death for the diver.   

Seiko is one of the brands who offers those three types of watches (including a dive computer). And during 1965, they came up with a complete redesign from their usual divers watches and came up with the Tuna.  Well its called that by its fans because it just resembles a tuna can.  Flashforward to 2010, they now came up with a blacked out version of this Tuna and now with an ever reliable Seiko quartz movement.  This is my WWR # 16, the Seiko SBBN011 Darth Tuna.

Specs of this awesome and massive divers watch.

Movement 7C46 Quartz from Japan
Sapphire Crystal
Unidirectional Bezel
Titanium Case, Ceramic Guard
48mm Case Diameter
15mm Case Thickness
1000m Water Resistance

What really struck me about this watch is how it wears on your wrist.  Before, looking at pictures of all Tunas, I could just not fathom wearing a hockey puck on your wrist.  But when I actually tried this on for size, it seems I could not get it off and the sales lady was expecting me to get it already.  It wasn't too big, well for the contemporary sizes of watches nowadays, I mean you could literally wear it casually and not emit some show-off presence that your wearing the monster of all watches, and my watch will eat yours kinda type.  I believe its size was meant for something.  I also like the originality in design that it helms from the classic Seiko divers watch, those arrowhead hands and hour indices, but are bigger, bolder and badder considering its size and functionality.  Its standard rubber strap is a sturdier vent type of divers strap that has a blacked out buckles and I would say more comfortable that the Seiko Z22 rubber straps that comes with mose Seiko Divers Watches.  Considering this to be 1000m, without a helium escape valve is an extraordinary feat by the case itself.  The design of the tuna is also not for fashion or in any sense like that, its not a bling out substance, as it roars for the rough oceans and the pressure of the deep.  




Here are pics borrowed from all over the net.

WWR 7: Seiko BFS SNKF09

Hello everyone, apologies for the unannounced hiatus i did on this blog but now I'm back and have much to catch up.

For the pas few years, the big watch industry has been a new fad and lots of rival entries coming up with bigger and badder models. From the most popular Panerai, to squaris aviator bell and ross, to the evreythng is big TW steel, and to the italian bad boy Uboat, they size up from 44mm to around 55mm. With the hug fad and market follwing such, almost everyone from the industry wants to join the wagon. Seiko, for entry level offering has their SNKF09. Dubbed by WIS in forums as BFS (Big Freakin Seiko). This actually is an old model from Seiko and I just couldn't go without recommending this watch. This one is kind of hard to find nowadays and I think Seiko has already stopped its production, thus making your own personal search more challenging.

The case of the BFS is 42.5mm without the crown and has the bigger 24mm lugs from the usual 22's from Seiko Diver's. The first time I saw this watch, I was quite confused to which it belonged to, but from my opinion, it would rather fit on the Pilot watch category with it's big lume arabic numbers, large distinct flight style hands, thick leather options, big white dial face. I believe all compliments to a person airborne.





The movement is bulletproof 7S26, 100 meter water resistance, all stainless steel case, day-date features, and a very affordable price. I'm sure you can find one not more than $150.





*pics are borrowed from Seiko Watch Forum. Thanks!

WWR# 4: Seiko Automatic Watch SARB071

Seiko is well known over the world for their cheap auto dive watches, and their kinetics too. But little do only know that Seiko was truly the first to bring to the market the quartz wristwatch way back in December 25, 1969. And aside from that, Seiko also does manufacture middle to high end mechanical timepieces which are of majority offered only to JDM (Japan Domestic Market). And so my WWR for this week is from the latter. It's a mid-range JDM Seiko, which is the SARB071 Automatic Dress Watch. Why this watch? well from browsing along Seiko's offerings, this one's look sung out to me. For me it's got that vintage japanese design similar to the world's first quartz watch and commemorative edition...

Seiko Astron 1969


Seiko Astron 40th year Commemorative Edition 2009


...powered by the mid-range 6R15 movement which can also be found in the popular Seiko Sumo diver's watch. That sleek and lean design of the hands and hour indices enclosed on the semi cushioned case is something truly Seiko design. The crown has that "S" logo and the exhibition case back marvels you with the robust and dependable automatic movement. And yes, apart from the low-end Seiko movements, this one hacks and winds.

Here are some pics of the SARB071 (courtesty of www.seiyajapan.com)









Here are the specs:

Made in Japan
Case: SS
Dial: Black
Crystal: Sapphire
See-through back: Hardlex
Diameter: 38 mm (without the crown)
Thickness: 11.2 mm
Weight: 77g
Movement: 6R15 23J Automatic (with Hand winding and Hack function)
Accuracy: +25/-15 sec/day
Power reserve: 50 Hour
10 ATM water resistance

Need I post more details? Oh yeah I almost forgot, it's tagged at $454 in SeiyaJapan.com website. A definite win from powerhouse watchbrand Seiko!

Homage slash Rip-offs

I was urged to write this thought upon a chance topic on a watch forum on homages or rip-offs. Totally surprised on the level of design copies these brands do, sacrificing probably their dignity and character just to get heads above water from the competition. But do they really survive? Guess this defines how dumb or smart you are....

Invicta rip-off of Citizen/Seiko

Invicta's 5747 Force Flight and the Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk


The most obvious copy of all. Even a WIS like me would look twice to verify. The dual time hands makes the clear distinction with that aero design.

Invicta 2615 Pro Diver and the Seiko SKX781 Orange Monster


The dial colors, Monster like indices and bezel edges will tell you that you bought the wrong Invicta. Good thing those arrow hands were not applied, the hands on that Invicta look horrible. And the no shroud design just makes it a little monster with no muscle.

Invicta Pro Diver and Timex T29781 now takes on Rolex Submariner




I bet your eyes are rolling over like playing a game of spot the difference. But to be fair, the Timex and the Invicta have their share of markets due to the massive price difference. Quality surely pays a lot of gap, but the two will surely hold up to any beating. But back to my case, would you really buy an original brand with a fake design? Expeditions and Ironmans are a better bet.

Timex T22232 inspired by Tag Heuer Monaco




Well yes they have lots of differences, but surely the designer from Timex was probably watching Le Mans or scrambling through magazines with TH ads when he sketched out this design the next day. Both are good on their own levels of class.

I have personally lost respect for Invictas, good thing I never bought one. Timex, almost but not yet, they're there so that the masses can have a respectable one too. I do hope this list won't be added.

Best/Worst Brands

Just came to my head when I was pissed off by my ISP's service and thought of having a list of worst brands that I have used and of course note those that have served us impressively (all the time)

Let's start with the Worst (like the bad news to come first)...and note not in any order. If you are one of the top guys who manage the brands listed on this list...one obvious message >> go to work or there won't be any!

1. A4 Tech - products of electronic devices mostly for the PC/computing industry. Have tried their keyboard, mouse and headset - all broke after 1 year use.
2. Globelines Broadband - clearly an ISP which was also stated obviously above. Not a month that it breaks down, longest was 3weeks. Great customer service but what the heck if it always have no connection. Listening to the call centers ain't gonna solve our issue.
3. Leaveland Shoes - had these shoes when I was like in 3rd grade, the rubber sole broke like after 3 months use, I was a kid that time obviously and it just stayed in my head
4. Teva - I used to love this brand, coming off with a great design and a promise of durability out there - complete opposite just on the first outing. Just by walking on creeks and running water took out the glue on the sole leaving it with an open end ready to rip out anytime. Will buy the local sandals next time.


And now the good news..yes the best and admired brands for me. They have never let me down. Here's my 2 Ks....Kudos and keep up the good work!

1. Hersheys - there is no other, no contest to other choco brands. Chocholics all over will agree.
2. Puma - yes the shoe and apparel brand. Very comfortable and durable sneakers. Classic and modern designs. Always a fave.
3. New Balance - Comfort and functionality probably the best. Wait, they've got cool classic designs, made it even better.
4. Genius - name says it all. Have couple of their products, still works even if I have to take them to the trash for an upgrade.
5. Nokia - most popular cellphone brand ain't because of pure marketing only.
6. Seiko - IMHO, the best watch brand of all, that is if everything is considered, and I mean everything.
7. Winamp - the media player born way back before everything got ituned. Still has the best audio sound for me. Will never ever replace the Llama when listenin tracks from the PC.
8. Panasonic - Its the new kenwood or pioneer or even sony, they've got good units around.
9. Coke or Coca-Cola - there is no other cola. Nothing will ever beat its taste even though its not healthy.
10. San Miguel Beer - not probably but actually the best beer of the world!
11. McDonalds - best fastfood chain, love the fries
12. KFC - best fastfood fried chicken, plus the gravy--heaven
13. Toyota - efficient, efficient, efficient. Has become the trailblazer and front runner in the automotive industry. This is the car that you need.
14. Canon - vivid colors, wide range of products, don't need balls to shoot great photos.


The list maybe pretty obvious, well just to admire the brands that make our lives simply the best and the brands that placed a cloud above our cash.