WATCHES IN MOVIES

Since getting myself involved in watches, it is just natural that I will always sneak a peek what is on other people's wrist.
This does not only apply to real life people on the street.
It applies even on the silver screen, where fictional characters sport watches that are often or not made for the role.

Who can forget the Submariner Sean Connery wore on the James Bond movie?

Till this day, I think Bond or Connery if you like, remains the only person that can wear a diving watch, on nato strap... with a tuxedo... and still looks good... lol

Roger Moore when he was playing the super womanizer... sorry, I meant spy... :-)

 Timothy Dalton?

I was watching the Expendables 2 movie the other day and I must tell you that the Panerai Bronzo PAM 382 got so much screen time that it's almost ridiculous...
Word has it that every actor got 1 to wear and keep after the movie has completed shooting.
Mr.Bonatti must must be a very happy man to see his company's watches getting the exposure.

And what about Jeremy Renner's character in Bourne Legacy?
Proudly wearing the IWC Double chronograph Top Gun... and in one scene... telling the girl "I need my watch back!!"

What about the Chronoswiss Tora that Anthony Wong gave Tony Leong's character in Infernal Affairs?

The Rolex Air King that Edison Chen aimed for in Infernal Affairs 2?

The Panerai Submersible on Dwayne Johnson and JLC Navy Seals Diver on Paul Walker in Fast5?

Even Cameron Diaz wears a Rolex Submariner Date ref: 16610 in the movie Knight and Day and looks damn good.

Jeremy Renner in Mission Impossible 4? A Submariner Date as well.

And who can forget the scene in the movie Casino Royale where James Bond and Vesper Lynd was having a conversation on the train where Vesper asks Bond "Rolex?" and Bond answered "Omega"... well played Omega... well played.


The list goes on and on...

Later I will be watching Skyfall... and again I will be noticing what watch Bond is wearing, the villain, the Bond girl, the guy sitting next to me, the ticket usher, the guy sitting behind me, the girl selling the popcorn... well, you get the idea... it just comes naturally now... lol

All pics borrowed shamelessly from the internet and credit given to the original owners.

ZENITH EL PRIMERO HW

This is actually my 1st Swiss watch that comes with an in-house movement. And a legendary one at that!

The Zenith El Primero HW (HW = Hand Wound)

I am a big fan of the Zenith brand :-)

Yes I am. Even without knowing the history of the brand, I already liked the brand. Why? The name maybe? Simple reason right?

And boy am I glad.

This is actually an entry level model for the El Primero Class Sport line. The asking price is actually very fair considering the watch is made by a full fledged "Manufacture" with a rich history and powered by their very own El Primero movement.

This movement itself is legendary.

Born on the year 1969, almost forgotten and the tooling almost destroyed amidst the quartz crisis... we all have Charles Vermont to thank that this movement lives on for he actually saved the tooling and equipment for making the movements when the higher power actually asks for the tooling and equipment to be sold as scrap.

Needless to say, the rest is history.

The movement received even more attention when Rolex needed a movement to power their Daytona Chronographs, they look for the best they could find at that time... which is the El Primero caliber 400. The exact one that you see here but with the automatic winding mechanism intact. (Rolex did their own modifications to the base movement)

This is a robust, time tested movement.

As expected with an entry level piece, the movement is not finished with anything fancy. But with the winding rotor omitted, it does show the movement in all it's glory.

The beauty of this movement is that it oscillates at a rate of 36000 beats per hour / bph or vibrations per hour / vph.

That's 10 ticks a second. Most chronographs or even simple time only movements tick at 28800 vph at most.

So this is considered a ground breaking achievement... even today.

This means that when the chronograph is activated, one can actually notice the central seconds hand sweep more smoothly than it's slower counterparts.

Watch originally came with a stainless steel bracelet.

But since it's a thin dressy watch, I started my hunt for a proper crocodile strap and a Zenith signed deployant.

I did eventually found what I want and a word of caution, these accessories do not come cheap.

Strap alone being genuine crocodile is around usd200, the deployant alone costs usd380.... ouch!!

I think the watch looks better on a crocodile strap.

Suitable for dressy dinners and events.

Understated, legendary and superbly made.

I enjoyed the hell out of this watch before it went to a new owner while I need the funding on a new Zenith.

Out of all the watches that have left me, this is among those that I miss the most. Did I mention I am a huge Zenith fan? :-)

No matter how the landscape of my collection changed, there's always a Zenith there.

This is the watch that introduced me to the world of finer Swiss watches. What it means being a manufacture, the value of history and a brand's commitment to tradition.

That is why until today, a Zenith watch will always be an integral part in my collection.

ESSENTIAL WATCH TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Just to show what I call my "essential" tools and accessories.
Being so much into watches, one can never know when we will need these.
So I just kept these around for one of those days.

1st up are the bracelet tools.
A springbar removal tool with a 3.5mm tip fork at one side and a pointy tip end for use with watch lugs that have drilled lugholes at the other side.
A springbar removal tool with a 1.8mm tip fork at one side and a bigger 3.5mm curved fork at the other side.
A screwdriver with a flat 1.6mm head for resizing bracelets with screw in bars like Panerai, Rolex and also the newer Omega models.
The grey block is a bracelet holder to keep the bracelet in place while doing your work.
The blue block is a pressure pin remover for bracelets that are fastened with pressure pins rather than screw pins or bars.
The hammer is to hammer back the pressure pins after resizing.

Next up are my spare straps, deployants and accessories.
The 2 Sinn rubber straps are 22mm and 20mm respectively.
They seem to fit quite a number of watches that I have.
I like them as they are comfortable and perfect for hot and humid days.
I have 4 deployants.
2 Hadley Roma branded ones. An 18mm butterfly push button clasp and an 18mm single fold pressure clasp.
One more is a Glycine OEM 20mm push button butterfly clasp.
I used to own a Glycine watch and I got this one as I am not a big fan of pin buckle that it comes with.
Just personal preference.
The last one is a Zenith 18mm pressure clasp.
I got it to accommodate a future Zenith purchase that have yet to come my way... lol
The 2 small pieces of steel is a custom endlinks for Rolex from Etur. 
And the brown leather strap is custom made by Cheergiant of Taiwan.
(Will elaborate on the use of these 2 in my future post)

And of course nato and zulu straps for those days when you messed up a strap measurement or just wanna change the original strap to a more versatile strap for outdoor activities.
Those with thinner rings are called Nato straps and thicker rings are called Zulu straps.
I keep some at 20mm width and some at 22mm width.

So these are my essential tools and accessories that I feel is a must.
With these, I can resize my own bracelets be it pressure pin or screw pin.
Remove and install spring bars or screw bars... and change straps at my leisure.
I can't afford to go to a shop where they will do it for a fee.
And risk them scratching my watch.
I'd rather scratch it myself... lol

LACO PILOT WATCH

Somehow the allure of pilot watches are really strong in the general watch buying public.
Maybe it's the coolness that is associated with fighter pilots? Tom Cruise? Top Gun? hehehe
Anyway, I used to own this.
Laco 42mm Pilot powered by a Miyota Movement.

This is one of the cheapest offering from Laco and also the cheapest way for a person to get over the pilot watch bug without paying big bucks.
As far as I know, Laco watches are only available online.
They used to offer free shipping worldwide but not anymore.
Now they charge 35 euros for shipping the watch to Malaysia.
Even with shipping included, it will still cost you a little over 220 euros for this watch.
I still think it's good value.

The most recognizable trait of a pilot watch is the triangle marker flanked by two dots.
The pointy hands and excellent lume for easy legibility.
Pilot watches or the B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr) is literally translated as "Observation watch"
Original sizes of these watches are huge... 55mm huge... with a huge  diamond shaped crown.
Of course this is a more sensibly sized 42mm case.
Perfect for daily wear.

During World War 2, 5 companies were commissioned by the German government to built these B-Uhr.
The 5 companies are A.Lange und Sohne, International Watch Company (IWC), Wempe, Stowa and.... yes... Laco.
If you compare prices now between these 5 brands, Laco offers the most affordable watches.

Like I said, for as little as 220 euros, you can own a Pilot watch that is made by one of the original 5.
The historical ties are there hence the value for money.
If you have more to spend, they offer ETA Swiss movement powered ones as well... priced a little higher.
Instead of going with homage makers or non branded ones...
Why not Laco?

OMEGA SEAMASTER BOND 2220.80

With the upcoming release of the new Bond movie Skyfall, let's talk about the modern Bond watch which has been taken over by Omega since the Pierce Brosnan movie Goldeneye.

This model here, the 2220.80 is only worn in the movie Casino Royale during the poker game.
Previously, the Omega Seamaster that got the screentime was the older generation model, the 2531.80 which is powered by the Omega Caliber 1120 (Basically an ETA2892-A2 touched up by Omega)
This model is powered by the newer Co-Axial Caliber 2500.
The Co-Axial Caliber 2500 is basically a modified ETA2892-A2 to house the Co-Axial Escapement.
No complaints on the timekeeping as it is COSC certified.

Features a screw in caseback.
Water resistant is rated at 300m.
You can see the engraved Omega globe and also the little red dot on the right side of the picture.
The Omega globe is Omega's way to combat replica makers.
The red dot that is intact shows that the caseback have not been opened before.
After sending in the watch for servicing at the Omega Service Centre, the watch will come back with a blue dot.
Co-Axial movements are only to be serviced by Omega technicians as the oiling of the parts can be quite tricky.

The difference between the old model and the new model is in the details.
The luminious markers and Omega Logo and Branding is painted on the dial while the newer model it is applied.
Luminious markers are also applied and is surrounded by white gold surrounds,
Hands remain identical to the older version.

This is the last of the Seamaster Bond (as it is affectionately called) that comes with wavy texture dial.
This model is already discontinued and replaced by the latest model which comes with ceramic bezels and glossy dial.

And as some of you might have guessed, this watch is no longer in my possession. With the recent release of the new Bond movie Skyfall, just thought I'd share some ownership experience I had with it.
This watch have been with me to the Philippines and also countless island excursion for snorkeling and it still works like a charm.
I'd recommend those wanting a Seamaster Bond to go with this one as it can be had for quite a good price on the pre-owned market.
The newer ceramic models is at least a USD1000-1500 premium over this one which is pretty hefty considering the watch is essentially the same mechanically and the improvements is only cosmetic.

CASIO G-SHOCK G-1200BD-1A

Another G-Shock that I used to have and have since given to my best friend as a birthday gift.

CASIO G-SHOCK G1200BD-1A

Not to be mistaken with the similar looking G-3000 series.

While the G-3000 series comes with an extra cool function known as the "Multiband 5" (It synchonises the local time with the use of satellite signals) which means the watch is in no need of setting.

But unfortunately, the 5 towers than provides the signals is only available in Japan, China, Germany, UK and the USA.

This is the more entry level G-1200 series which is basically the same sans the "Multiband 5" function.

I like the blue coloured numerals, markers and text on the dial.

Gives out a modern techno feel.

This is by far the coolest looking G-Shocks I have seen.

Legibility is excellent with the nice contrasts of the hands, markers and dial.

Standard caseback fastened with 4 screws.

This particular model is made in Thailand.

Just some extra info, Seiko and Casio actually manufactures alot of models in Thailand.

And once in awhile, they will release some cool Thailand only limited editions.

Too bad there are none in Malaysia.

Some Seiko movements are also produced locally in Malaysia, but fitted into watches that are exported to USA and Europe.

Tough Solar on the dial means that this watch is recharged using solar power and according to the manual, it will work up to 6 months on a full charge and fully kept in the dark after that.

As long as it's worn sparingly under sunlight, I guess the battery won't be in need of any changing.

But since this watch is only a little over a year old, I would have to update you guys 5 years from now? lol

The Chronograph function is cool to play around with as it can be used to time accurately up to 100th of a second.

Enter the chrono functions, all hands line up at 12 o'clock.

Once the chrono start, the seconds hand start racing around the dial once every second, stop and the other gauges will show 10th of a second and 100th of a second. How cool is that?

My friend is enjoying this watch and and it's nice.

Nice watch for a great friend.

He has always been a big fan of G-Shocks.

I hope this watch will provide him years and years of great service.

CASIO G-SHOCK DW5600E-1VDF

I recently got this watch as a gift from a WIS friend. The 4 of us was involved in a whatsapp group chatting everyday non-stop about watches and occasionally some other things.
Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1VDF.

In my opinion, I don't think there's another watch that is as cheap, utilitarian and functional as a G-Shock.
It is one of those watches that can take anything you dish at him, then he turns and spits at you saying "Is that all you got?"
Tool watches are a word that once used to describe watches like Rolex Explorer, Submariners, Panerai and a host of others, but cmon... lets be realistic, who wants to use a USD4000 watch as a tool watch?
This on the other hand, costs less than USD100... beat it till it fails, so what? It's cheap enough to replace.

One look at the dial, you can tell the time, day, date and month.
The backlight is blue when light button is pressed.

On the right side, there are pusher buttons for Stopwatch start stop and also the backlight button.
On the left side is the mode button for you to shuffle between functions such as stop watch, alarm, countdown timer.
The adjust button is to... well, adjust the time or date or timer functions.
A nice touch is that the adjust button is recessed lower than the rest of the buttons as to avoid accidently pushing it during normal wear.

Screw in caseback. Alot of info is engraved there.
And of course these are now made in China.
The made in Japan ones costs a bomb if one could find them.

The 4 of us are suppose to engrave a little something to commemorate it as our "Brotherhood" watch but space is lacking and the need to remove the caseback for engraving makes us scrap the plan.
Now, we only know in our hearts what this watch means to us personally.

There are of course other similar looking models with more functions like solar powered ones or collaboration models.
But I guess this bare bones one still offers the best value for money.

It is next to my Tissot T-Race as my grab and go watch as well.
This is better suited for sporting activities like jogging or hiking (like I am an active person anyway... lol)

MAURICE LACROIX PONTOS RECTANGULAIRE CHRONOGRAPH TITANIUM

After wearing the Tissot T-Race for 4 years, I took my 1st step towards a Swiss Automatic watch.

Maurice Lacroix Pontos Rectangulaire Chronograph Titanium.

As the name suggest.

It's case shape is rectangular and it features a chronograph complication.

Powered by the ever venerable ETA7750.

Rotor is decorated with Geneva Stripes or Cote's de Geneve, and the bridges are decorated with Circular Grains or Perlage.

Nothing to shout about but the movement being seen thru a display back is something nice.

A very nice and easy to handle signed crown.

Push and pull type, non screw in.

That explains the Water Resistance rating of 50m.

Rectangular chronograph pushers to go with the rectangular case.

Easy to push and operate. No complaints.

Watch came fitted with a rubber strap, nicely curved at the start to follow the curve of the wrist.

The titanium case is also slightly curved.

Good design in my opinion as the watch sits snugly on the wrist.

People say small details matter alot.

And it does. One of the reasons why I chose this as my 1st Swiss is simply because at that time, I was looking for an automatic chrono, I do not want a round case and I want it with a rubber strap.

This watch ticks all the right boxes.

One thing that got me simply smitten is the seconds subdial.

Instead of using your normal pointed hands, this watch actually features a transparent disc with a triangle printed on top.

At times it actually looked like the triangle was floating on the dial.

Well, little details matter.

Being my 1st Swiss Automatic, I actually did not do much research before my purchase.

Which is a lesson I will remember.

I actually paid more than I should have for this.

Well, lesson learned and moving on.

No regrets as I have enjoyed this watch to the maximum.

The person I sold it to actually is putting it up for sale recently.

I am seriously considering getting it back. Should I?

TISSOT T-RACE 2004 ATHENS OLYMPICS

This watch is my 1st swiss watch.
Quartz Chronograph.
Was my daily wearer for 4 years.

I must admit the dial is pretty busy.
8 years ago, complicated dials is what I like.
Subdials, chrono functions and so on.
Back in the day, 3 hand watches are considered too simple.
I would not give them a 2nd look.... lol

This watch is used... or abused by me... evident by the amount of scratches... even the caseback is scratched... I have no idea how it got there.
I was a sucker for limited edition those days.
This was a Limited Edition of 4999 pieces.
Now? Anything more than 100 pieces, I don't consider them Limited Editions. Just a reason for the dealers to cut discount rates.

The crown and cyclops for the date is actually styled like a brake caliper for motorcycles. The bezel is the disc brake.
This model actually appeared as a Moto GP limited edition watch as well... limited to... you guessed it... 4999 pieces.

The lugs design are also pretty cool.
The rubber is integrated to the lug and fastened by a bolt.
Inspiration from motorcycles again I guess.

This watch has just gone thru a fresh battery change.
Being a quartz, it definitely kept good time.
This watch is still with me and placed in my watchbox together with my other mechanical watches.
I still wear it from time to time when I need a "grab and go" watch.
And also I use it to time the accuracy of my mechanical watches and also as a reference when I set my mechanical watches when they stop running after fully unwinding.