Watch Note: Naliga Note

Seiko Snow Monster : Thailand Limited Edition

2011-02-25T19:33:00.002+07:00

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)

2010-11-27T10:05:00.000+07:00

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

2010-10-17T09:40:00.000+07:00

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

2010-10-08T23:38:00.001+07:00

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

2010-10-07T11:20:00.002+07:00

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. :)

PAM 127 Video Review (in Thai)

2010-06-28T16:04:00.000+07:00

Just a quick video review of a PAM 127

PAM 249 and Dievas Photo comparison

2010-06-23T11:21:00.001+07:00

This type of dial is called California Dial. This is because the dial maker is located in California. There are many watches that have California Dial but the most famous one is OFFICINE PANERAI PAM 249 and PAM 262 (Platinum case and very expensive). However the PAM 249 is not cheap, its price is around USD 12K-15K depending on the condition (as of the 23 June 2010) . There is a cheaper watch which looks similar to PAM 249. It's Dievas Kampfschwimmer (Kampfschwimmer: Combat Swimmer ) which is much cheaper.

Below photos are the comparison shots of PAM 249 and the Dievas Kampfschwimmer (Click on the photo to see bigger image)

Dial: PAM 249 is on the left , Dievas is on the right. They are limilar

Case side: PAM 249 is on the left, Dievas is a little bit thicker

Case side: PAM 249 is on top

Another side of the case: PAM 249 is on the left, Dievas is on the right

Movement: PAM 249 is on the left, Dievas is on the right. The are both UNITAS 6497 but Panerai has modified by adding power reserve to 56-hour and Swan Neck regulator.

As you can see, they are both very similar. You can choose which one as you like.

Photo review Panerai PAM127

2010-06-21T23:19:00.000+07:00

Panerai PAM 127 is my grail watch. I have it for a while but I'm too busy to take photos and write a long review. This post is just to show some photos of the PAM 127. Click on the photo for bigger image.

Kevin strap makes it more attractive.

Hand driven movement : Panerai OP XI (a modified UNITAS 6497)

PAM 127 On strapworks

Wristshot: 47mm PANERAI is just great on my 7.5 in. wrist.

Nightshot. The Superluminova is glowing in the dark.

The specification of this 'fiddy' is as the following:

Unique edition of 1950 units

Movement: hand-wound mechanical, Panerai OP XI calibre with swan's neck regulator, 16½ lignes, 17 jewels, PANERAI bridges. Glucydur® balance with Nivarox® I, spring, 21,600 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device.
Power reserve 56 hours. Chronometer Certificate (C.O.S.C.).

Functions: hours, minutes, seconds.
Case: diameter 47 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel.
Bezel: polished steel.
Back: see-through sapphire crystal.
Crown guard: (registered Trade Mark) in brushed steel.
Dial: black with luminous markers and Arabic numerals at the quarters. Small seconds dial at 9 o'clock. Marking 1950 at 6 o'clock.
Crystal: sapphire, made from corundum, 2 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.
Water resistance: 100 metres.
Strap: hand-sewn leather with steel buckle personalised PANERAI.

PAM 127 has 26mm lug width. So, it needs 26mm panerai strap.
Why PAM 127 is so popular among paneristi? I think it's because PAM 127 is the most resemble to the 6152/1, the vintage Panerai. The 6152/1 is very difficult to find and its price is at the top of Everest. So, PAM 127 is an affordable version of 6152/1. Anyway, at the time that I'm writing this article, I see PAM 127 is pricing around USD 20,000 - 22,500 depending on its conditions.

Deep inside the Rolex DeepSea

2010-05-24T02:12:00.002+07:00

I came across this post in Timezone. It's very informative so I'd like to put the link here : Deep Technical Design of Rolex Deepsea Sea Dweller. After reading this you will want a Rolex Deepsea. Please note that Rolex Deepsea has 21mm lug so you need 22mm Nato Strap

Review Panerai PAM 249

2010-05-22T18:56:00.005+07:00

I took photos of my Panerai PAM 249 and just had a chance to compose a review (in Thai). Click on the photo to access the PAM 249 California Dial review. Please take a look, viewing photos just worth your click.

Online Watch Auction

2010-02-18T01:29:00.003+07:00

If you are looking for a good watch auction website, I would like to introduce, Hroyy Marketplace. You can buy/sell watches and watch accessories on the website free of charge! Now there are Panerai, Patek, Rolex, Longines, Laco, Steinhart, Omega, etc., up for sell. Please take a look.

SMITH & WESSON TRITIUM DIAL WATCH

2009-05-11T00:24:00.003+07:00

SMITH & WESSON TRITIUM DIAL WATCH SWW-357ST
Why wish upon a star when you can wear one?
The discovery of tritium, which is found in stars and falls to earth as stardust, is coveted by watch owners for its luminescence and doesn’t need to be charged by light like other watches. Tritium is a naturally occurring, self-luminous light source, painstakingly extracted using a difficult scientific process.

Wesson® Tritium watch utilizes this incredible substance and will glow brightly and continuously for up to 25 years, whether you are deep in the ocean or the darkness of outer space! The Smith & Wesson Tritium watch, besides using the same innovative technology as military and law enforcement watches, has a colored marker at 12:00 and keeps the date. It is water resistant up to 200M, the bezel rotates, and the crystal is hardened for scratch resistance. Precision Quartz Swiss component movement is housed in a stainless steel casing. It features a screw down crown and has a double safety clasp on the band. Until now, tritium watches have only been available for over $350. Backed by a one-year unconditional warranty, this watch is guaranteed to glow for years!
The good thing about it is that you can get it for less than $100 !!!

Column Wheel Chronographs

2008-11-25T11:57:00.008+07:00

One of my favorite movement type is Column Wheel Chronograph movement. As it is classic and beautiful.
Longines 30CH

Lemania 27CH the base movement of Patek Philippe 5070, 5970

Blancpain Leman Perpetual Calendar Men's Watch Flyback Chronograph

2008-10-22T23:55:00.005+07:00

Gender/Size: Men's, Case: Stainless Steel , Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather, Dial Color: Black, Subdial Use: Hours, minutes, perpetual calendar (date, day, month, year, leap year, moon phases), chronograph with flyback function, Hour Markers: Arabic numerals, Crystal: Scratch reistant sapphire,

Movement: Automatic, Calibre: 55F8, Jewels: 35, Frequency: 21,600 VPH, Power Reserve: 40 hours,

Case Width: 38mm,

Clasp Type: Pin buckle.

More info.. Blancpain Leman Perpetual Calendar

IWC Portuguese Automatic 7 Day Power Reserve Mens' Watch Stainless Steel Silver Dial on Blue Leather Strap IW500107

2008-10-22T23:46:00.003+07:00

Stainless steel case. Matte blue alligator strap. Silvered dial. Date displays at 6 o'clock position. Small seconds dial. 7-day power reserve displays in small subdial. Convex sapphire crystal. Case diameter 42.3mm. Automatic movement. Water resistant at 30 meters (100 feet).

More info IWC Portuguese Automatic Steel Blue Mens Watch 5001-07 / 500107

Observation Watch History

2008-10-18T01:39:00.002+07:00

In the 1930s and 1940s the so-called observation watches were an essential part of a pilot’s equipment. This observation watch served as a means of navigation in addition to the cockpit instruments compass and altimeter during the visual flights common at that time with previously fixed routes and turning points. Before the start of a flying squadron the crowns of the watches were pulled out and the watches were set to zero. When the captain gave the order "Start" the crowns were pulled in so that the watches of each pilots were running synchronously. After a certain fixed time an order previously determined could be performed. It was very important that the mechanical watch movements had to be of highest precision. The technical features of these watches were specified by the Reichs-Luftfahrt-Ministerium (ministry for aviation). The shape of the hands , the design of the dial, the typeface and also the dimension of the crown were defined by this ministry.

The number “12” on the dial, marked with an arrow, enabled the pilot to get a fast orientation in each situation, and by means of the disproportional big crown the watch could be handled without having to remove the gloves. In order to ensure that the dial could be read during night the hands and the numbers on the dial were equipped with radium, a radioactive material with high luminosity. These observation watches were classified with “FL23883”, a description for navigation instruments. This number was engraved on the outside of the case, on the opposite side of the crown.

Due to the high standard concerning precision and reliability the production of the observation watches was a great challenge for the watch manufacturers. In the 1930s and 1940s, only five companies were authorized to produce such observation watches: IWC in Schaffhausen, Lange + Söhne in Glashütte, Wempe in Hamburg, and Stowa and Laco (Lacher & Co.) in Pforzheim. From these five companies only two (Lange + Söhne and Laco) used movements of their own production. The other three companies used Swiss movements.

LACO Black Pilot's Watch Limited Edition only 50 pcs. in the World based on original Observation Watch design

Panerai PAM4 PVD

2008-10-10T12:12:00.001+07:00

I like my Panerai PVD (PAM4) a lot. But, I don't want to scratch it so I don't ware it so often. This black panerai goes very well with almose any straps (tan, brown, dark green, etc.). I normally use the watch as the model for taking photo of my strap collection.
Marino Calf Mustard (USD85)

Marino Buffalo Tan (USD85)

Cordura (USD 150)

Numbers LED Alarm Clock by Areaware

2008-10-09T12:24:00.002+07:00

A digital clock with a nice design. It's designed by Jonas Damon. You can place individual digit blocks separately and styled any way you like. Areaware is a New York City-based design company renowned for home decor and accessories with an emphasis on new materials and original expression. Click on the image for more information.

Steinhausen Single Watch Winder

2008-10-04T13:43:00.000+07:00

A watch Winder is a must for watch colloctors. These watch winders can be very expensive stuffs. However, there are some good and not so expensive watch winders. Chick on the image for a good one.

German Watch Manufacturers

2008-09-28T15:07:00.000+07:00

There is a list of the websites of the established German watch manufacturers at WatchUseek.com forum. Check out . I copied and pasted the list here. If you want the clickable link please visit the original post at the German watch manufacturers at watchuseek.com
A. Lange & Soehne
Alexander Shorokhoff
Almanus
Alpha Time
Archimede
Arctos
Aristo Vollmer
Ars eTempus
Askania Uhren
Bagger & Gehring
Bethge
Blancier Lotterman & Söhne
Botta
Braun
Brior
Bruno Soehnle
Bunz
Chronosport now Guinand
Chronoswiss
Churpfälzische UhrenManufactur
Damasko
D. Dornblueth & Sohn
Egon Hummel
Erhard Junghans
Erwin Sattler
Forum
Fricker
Garde
George J Von Burg
Germano
Glashuette Original
Graf Zeppelin
Guinand
Hacher
Haldi
Hanhart
Heinrich Geisen
Hentschel
Holdermann & Sohn
Jacques Etoile
JB-Gioacchino
Jochen Benzinger
John Harrison
Joerg Schauer
Jubilar
Junghans
Junkers
Kadloo
Kronsegler
Kurth
Laco
Lang & Heyne
Leumas
Limes
Lindburgh & Benson
Marcello C.
Martin Braun
Maximilian
Mechanische Zeitinstrumente
Meer
Meistersinger
MM uhren
Montano
MSC uhren
Muehle Glashuette
Nauticfish
N.B Yäeger
Niessing
Thomas Ninchritz
Nimbus
Nivrel
Nomos Glashütte
Otium
Otto Berger
Otto Schlund
Philippe Rosen
Rainer Brand
Rainer Nienaber
Rheinmeister
Riedenschild
Sainbach
Schauble & Soehne
Schaumburg
Schempp
Schmeltzer 1881
Schneider Manufaktur
Sinn
Sothis
Steinhart
Stowa
Temption
Thiel-Ruhla
Tourby Watches Hagen
Tutima
Union Glashuette
UTS
Volker Vyskocil
Wempe
Zeppelin Uhren

Laco Black Pilot's Watch with Original Pilot Strap

2008-09-07T09:58:00.001+07:00

WatchKzy.com is carrying Original Pilot Watch Strap for pilot watches. The price is about USD75.

I attached the strap to my Limited Laco Black Pilot's Watch. It looks very handsome. During these few weeks, I use this watch every day. I got a lot of good comments about the watch. Someone just asked where to buy it.

My new watch

2008-07-28T12:01:00.000+07:00

My new Laco Black Pilot limited #03/50 has arrived last week.
I attached a RIOS Pilot strap to make contrast between strap and case. It's just a very cool watch for daily use.
The PVD case is very cool and the dial is very easy to read time. I just love it.

Laco Black Pilot Watch Limited 50 pcs.

2008-06-25T16:54:00.000+07:00

Laco Black Pilot's Watch
Limited Edition 50 pieces world wide

Spec:

- Stainless Steel Black PVD case with 42 mm diameter
- B-Uhr (observers watch) dial
- Movement ETA 2824-2
- Big crown (bigger than showing in the photo)
- Domed Shappire Crystal
- Individual number on the case back
- Made in Germany
- Price: THB 32,500 or USD 1000 (Free shipping world wide)
- More information (in Thai) http://www.watchkzy.com/watch/laco/limited-black-pilot.html

Laco Bangkok Limited Edition 30 pieces

2008-06-17T17:46:00.000+07:00

January 2008, WatchKzy.com, Thailand authorized distributor of Laco watch of Germany, collaborated with Laco to produce a limited edition watch model for Thailand market.

Laco Bangkok Limited was the outcome. There are only 30 pieces world wide! very limited!!

Specification:

Movement: ETA2824-2

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 42mm

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal

Water resistant: 50m

Strap: Original Pilot Strap

Mine is number 03/30. I just love it. Now, I'm thinking of sending it for DLC coating.

Welcome

2008-06-17T17:33:00.000+07:00

Hi, I am a watch collector located in Bangkok, Thailand.

This blog is built for collecting information about watches; new, used, old, mechanical, quartz, digital, analog, etc.,