ZENITH HERITAGE PORT ROYAL TAIPEI 101 EDITION

During my recent trip to Taipei, something caught my attention from my favourite brand Zenith.

Funny thing is after googling... I can't seem to find any info on this watch. So I am just repeating what the dealers told me.

It is said that the boss of Cortina Watch met with Zenith CEO Mr. Jean Fredric Dufour and requested that a special commemorative piece be created to celebrate Taiwan Minguo Calendar year 101 as well as Taipei 101... so kill 2 birds with one stone.

The way to calculate the year in Minguo calendar is to subtract 1911 from the Gregorian year.

So 2012 - 1911 = Year 101.

Watch is 38mm in size and full solid yellow gold.

From my observation, dial looked like enamel... I could be wrong.

Chinese characters at 10 o'clock is "One Zero" and the 1 o'clock is "One"

Put them together and you have One Zero One (101)

Nice...

Watch features an exhibition caseback and movement according to the dealer is not from the Elite or El Primero family of movements.
It's a new old stock movement from Zenith's reserves that have been refinished for this watch that carry the ref Caliber 2572.

I really like the watch but unfortunately, I have yet to warm up to precious metal cases.

Somehow I find them difficult to carry.

RRP for this piece is 280k ntd.

If this one comes in stainless steel, it would be an entirely different story. :-)

VISIT TO CHEERGIANT IN TAIPEI

My 1st stop when I reached Taipei Taoyuan Airport?

Cheergiant... It was nice of my friend who picked me up at the airport to swing by the place.

Nothing fancy or renovations in the workshop.
Just pure leather making table tops and samples of the myriad of available leathers.
The smell of leather just permeates the whole shop.

Display window shows that they make belts, wallets, pouches, bags, purses or just about anything you can think of.

Great selection of ready made straps of various leathers and measurements to suit all kinds of watches. You can be sure that you can find something that you like.
If not, you can always place an order and they will mail it to you once done.

Samples of available leathers.

 Just a sample of their work.

Manage to see the lady handstitching a strap.

Shows the amount of work that goes into each strap.

The gentlemen with the glasses is Mr.George Lan, a very nice guy to chat and deal with. Even before meeting him in person, our e-mail correspondence has always been pleasant.

A souvenir for my daughter. A keychain engraved with her name.

My visit there have been a pleasant one and it's nice to finally meet George in person.
Placed an order for a purse for my mom... custom made.
Still kicking myself in the nuts for not picking up a few straps though.
Oh well... there's always next time.

Anyone wanting to give Cheergiant a visit?
Their address is:

156, Chung Hua Road,
Taoyuan City, 33065,
Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel: 886 3334 9479

TAIPEI 101 BOUTIQUE SWEEP

Just a collection of pictures I have taken at Taipei 101.

I must say that it is a haven for watch lovers.

Plenty of boutiques and booths for you to browse watches all day.

Huge Omega ad outside the Taipei 101 building.

Most boutiques carry a large selection of their watches and service is generally pleasant.

Almost felt no pressure to have to buy a watch and sales people are more than happy to introduce and explain their products to you except one boutique.

It was a great eye opening experience for me.

NEW STRAPS FOR SEIKO DRACULA

Finally got back home from my annual family trip.

Had loads of fun in Taipei.

Once home, my Cheergiant Straps arrived in the mail!!

Wheeeee!!!

Today, I will talk about the 1st strap.

An ultrasoft black calf strap with red stitching to match the Seiko Dracula.

Once mounted on, looked really matching.

Again, thumbs up for Mr.George of Cheergiant for his excellent workmanship. During my trip to Taipei, I did make my way to the shop thanks to a good friend. Will talk about that in another post.

As usual, measurements are spot on.

Threads look abit hairy... maybe underwaxed?

Stitching work is superb.

Sent George a picture of the deployant I was going to use... perfect fitting.

Excellent fit on the lugs as well.

Strap is 3mm thick and true to the name ultrasoft calf, the strap is soft and flexible. Very comfy on the wrist.

Looks really good with the deployant... too bad I gave away my brushed deployant and I am left with a polished one.

No big deal though.

I really like the way the strap looks on this watch.

And as for Cheergiant straps, it is my opinion that no other strapmaker can provide what he did for his asking price.

You can custom your straps to any thickness or dimensions or whatnot to fit any deployant or buckles (evident from my earlier custom Rolex straps) at less than 100usd.

Great value for money.

LACK OF UPDATES

There have been a lack of updates since the School Holidays have just started and all time have been given to entertain my 2 little terrors.
And of course I have 1 incoming watch this month and to call it a year.
Watch is already here but unfortunately, can't be wearing it because the straps that I have ordered have not reached me yet...
The wait is almost unbearable... :-)
But stay tuned... I hope a to do a review soon...

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

Here's wishing fellow Malaysians a Happy Deepavali.
Enjoy the holidays :-)