Seiko Snow Monster : Thailand Limited Edition

Seiko has been successfully release many Monster limited editions for Thailand market. The variations between each edition are mainly dial color and number of productions. The prices for these limited watches were originally around THB 20,000 (~USD 650) but when they hit the secondary market the price went up much higher. For example the Yellow Monster's price is now about THB 70,000 (~USD 2300) as the production number is very low at 300 pieces.

Seiko Snow Monster is the latest monster limited  edition which is the 8th model of this limited series. The number of productions is 2555 pieces. There is a rumor that the watches were sold out in lees than half an hour!!. As they are now with watch collectors and grey dealers, so it's not possible to buy this seiko snow monster in original price (THB 19,600). But I know a website that is offering this limited watch via auction. The start price is at THB 1 with no reserve. The auction will start on the 1st Mar 2011 at 22:00 Bangkok Local time and end at 22:00 on the 2nd Mar 2011. Please take this opportunity to get a collectible watch in a reasonable price. Check out Seiko Snow Monster Limited Edition Auction for the detail.

How to remove metal bracelet (video in Thai)

Q. What is the tool for removing metal bracelet from the watch?
A. A spring bar tool can do the job.
The spring bar tool can be purchased from WatchKzy.com

A demonstration on how to use the bracelet removing tool is shown below.

Lume Shots

It's known that the Luminova dials on Officine Panerai watches illuminate like fluorescent lamps. I can say that the Luminova on Panerai is second to none. Let's see what they look like

PAM 5

PAM 232

PAM 249

PAM 127

Wotancraft Panerai Strap : An impression

Wotancraft produces many nice straps for Panerai. Most of their straps are made to generate vintage/old looks on your Panerai. The one I have ordered is the limited edition of 20 straps. Its name is "The X.M.A.S Originale", price: USD 289. I intend to use it with my PAM 127. It took about 2 weeks for delivery.

The package was sent to me via EMS

Inside the package

There is a box inside the package. It's strap box.

When the box is opened, you will see a small leather pouch and a card .

When the pouch is opened, you will see the strap and a submarine key holder (actually I bought this strap because of this key holder hehe :P )

The strap and the key holder are secured in plastic seal. This is the best strap package for my experience.

The strap is highest quality. The leather and color are just what I was expecting. The stitching is the professional work. There are many vintage look straps but I think Wotancraft's strap is second to none. I can use the pouch to carry a watch as well but need to wrap the watch with soft cloth before put it in the pouch.

Mine is number 7/20. Yes, there are only 20 straps in the world.. nice !

On my PAM 127

I just love this strap!

Ennebi Fondale

In 1985, the Officine Panerai faced a financial crisis. So, it was sold to Vendome group. With this change, the head of Engineering department,  Alessandro Bettarini, who responsible for timing instrument decided to leave Panerai for his dream, creating watches for divers and collectors.

In 2004, Alessandro Bettarini and his friend, Luciano Nincheri, have found a new watch company, Ennebi. The fist model is Ennebi Fondale.

The Fondale is powered by a Swiss Made ETA2824-2 automatic movement.

The utilitarian dial means that time reading is optimal under any conditions. The big indices and hands are a must for diving expeditions. Unique two tone brown/red dial is handmade. Each and every single dial is different.

The massive 47mm micropeened Titanium Grade 5 case is beadblasted throughout. A domed organic crystal tops it. The micropeened Titanium Grade 5 bezel is fixed. All of these are engineered for 1000meters water resistance. The unique stainless steel caseback is fastened by 6 special screws. And finally, the straps are fixed onto the case with extra thick screw-in lug bars.  

Over engineered is the only way to describe the Fondale.

You can buy Ennebi Fondale from Ennebi Watch Shop

The best thing is that the Ennebi Fondale has 24mm lug width. So, all Panerai / PAM straps can be used with the Ennebi Fondale. That means you have nearly infinite choices of straps. Kevin, Daluca, Ted Su. As shown in the photos, the strap is Dirk Shark strap.

For me, an Ennebi Fondale makes me forget Panerai for awhile. :)