Monday 25 November 2013

CANOPUS @ SUPERSTAR AQUARIUS

Got to visit Star Cruise's Superstar Aquarius recently.
Looks like they have a small watch shop on board.
Being a WIS, of course it's my duty to check it out... lol



The shop is called Canopus Watches and Jewellery.
It's located on Deck 12 of the Superstar Aquarius.


I am quite impressed with the Rolex availablity.
Prices are fixed and non negotiable... they are nice enough to tell me that the watches are tax free.... erm... which applies to the whole of Malaysia actually. :-)


Some Frank Muller watches on display...
Pretty high priced stuff.
Lucky casino punters might pick up one if luck is on their side.


Besides Frank Muller and Rolex, they also have Raymond Weil and Tissot watches.
They also carry some gold and silver bars.
Some jewellery.
Aimed squarely at the casino goers, business seems brisk.
Well, spending winnings is easy right?

Tuesday 19 November 2013

TUDOR HERITAGE CHRONO BLUE REF: 70330B

First of all, this watch is not mine.
It belongs to a good friend.
How did it end up with me?
It was available at my local AD and since my friend wanted it, I just facilitated the purchase while my friend is at a faraway land doing his marine research to end world hunger :-)

With his permission, I was allowed to change around the straps and take some pictures.
Original stickers are kept intact.
The strap changes were done meticulously (with sweat trickling down my face) to make sure no microscratches were left behind.
It's not mine after all...


The Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue ref: 70330B
Sharp eyes would immediately noticed something.
Yes... it's the custom endlinks.
I bought a pair of these endlinks for my impending purchase of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay.
I am annoyed by the gaps on the lugs when mounted on leather strap. (I will leave this for another day)
Surprise surprise, it fits like a glove on the Heritage Chrono as well.


The watch is really stunning in person.
The colours all work together with some style.
I like the date placement at 6 and the bi-subdial layout.
It makes the watch really symmetrical.
I would have loved the a bigger date window but no big deal actually.
Comparing this and the Heritage Chrono Black/Grey, I would have to say this one is nicer.
The applied hour indices is more refined.
The chunkier hands look better too. My humble opinion of course.


Powered by a Dubuis Depraz piggybacked ETA 2892, Tudor still kept the crown and pushers aligned.
The case is wonderfully made.
I know it's difficult to talk about Tudors without mentioning Rolex, but really, the case is made with the same standards as the more expensive bigger brother which makes for a really impressive fit and finish.
Crown is knurled for easy handling.
Winding is smooth.


The Bi-directional 12 hour indicator turning bezel is also knurled in similar fashion like the crown.
The bezel is useful for keeping track of a different timezone.


Case size is at 42mm with a 13mm thickness.
But it wears really well due to the flat caseback.
I like it when watches have flat casebacks.
It's more comfortable to wear and it hugs the wrist more.


Now on to the bracelet.
This is the locking side.


This is the buckle side.


Noticed the white ball bearings?
Apparently those are ceramic. Cool.
They are also spring loaded.


This is where the buckle side meets the locking side.
Fits perfectly with no gaps.
Impressive.


Once double locked, you can see a Tudor shield there.
Good design.


The bracelet is all solid, held together by screw pins.
All brushed.
Feels solid, sturdy and well made.
I can't praise these new Tudor bracelets enough.
They really are made with the same standards as.... yeah yeah yeah... I know... like Rolex... but really... This will be appreciated when it's used day in day out.


The fabric strap that came with the watch is also very well made and comfortable.
I especially liked the buckle and keepers.


A customary wristshot of the watch on the fabric strap and custom endlinks.
I would love to wear this on bracelet but it wouldn't be right to size the bracelet as the watch is not mine.
After taking some time to inspect and scrutinize the watch, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed by what Tudor is doing.
Their watches are exceptionally well made and at their current asking price, I would have to say that they really offer alot... and I do mean ALOT of watch for the money.
Love or hate the fact that Tudor is and always will be Rolex's little brother... There is no denying the quality that Tudor puts on the table.

A big thank you to my friend for allowing me to mess around with his new watch... :-)

Sunday 10 November 2013

AN INTERESTING DAY

As usual on a Sunday, me and my family make our usual trip to a local Hypermall for a movie and window shopping.
A day like any other day.
So I made my way down to a telco centre to get my broadband line cancelled.
I was given a number and I took a seat.
What do you know?
Sitting right beside me is an uncle wearing a Zenith 38mm Tricolour.
Wow... I myself am wearing the Striking 10th!!
What a coincidence.
Until that time, I have never seen a 38mm Tricolour in the flesh.
Strike up a conversation with the uncle and it seems that he noticed what I was wearing too.
He is not your usual uncle, he is not buying blind.
He knows the significance behind the Tricolor dial, the brand, the movement and it's history which makes it even cooler.
An easy going guy and it's so comfortable to start a conversation with him.
We both took out our watches and exchange it for a closer look.
Midway, his number was called.
He just left his watch and and mine with me while he go about his business!! Without any fear that I might flee with it... lol




So I took the opportunity to take a few pictures.
Side by side with my Striking 10th.



Customary wristshot.
38mm is very wearable.

After he is finished with his business and my number got called.
He is still there waiting for me to finish my business...
A fellow WIS looking for company... lol
After I was finished, we talked some more and decided to visit the local AD.

And I saw this.
Newly arrived and still in the transport box.



The Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue.


A very beautiful and cool watch.
Have to see it to appreciate.
RRP at RM13,963.00

In the end, me and the uncle exchanged phone numbers and I am guessing there will be more meetups in the future.
A fruitful day indeed.