Orient Mechanical Force Diver (Model No. SEL03002M)

Most of my Diver watches were in darker colours and I thought that it would be nice to have a different one in orange dial; but the orange shade may be a little too loud for me. This Japan-made Diver has a 40-hour power reserve, which could be checked vide the indicator on its dial.

The Orange would be a good purchase for anyone who don't mind the attention that the watch guarantees. RRP was USD715 (can check at Orient USA) or app RM2,400. It's a good watch but somehow, it doesn't quite sing to me. And the bracelet is just too flimsy for my liking.

Looks like a catch and release then...

Specifications :
    Men / Women:Men
    Power Reserve: 40-hour Power Reserve Indicator
    Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
    Movement: ORIENT caliber 40N5A Made in Japan.
    Clasp: Fold-over with Double Push Button Safety
    Crown: Screwed-down
    Water Resistance: 200m
    Case Material: Stainless Steel
    Case Diameter: 46.00mm without crown
    Case Thickness:13.30mm
    Dial Color: Orange
    Bezel Material:Stainless Steel
    Bezel Function:120 Click Unidiretional Bezel
    Calendar:Date
    Band Material:Stainless Steel
    Warranty Type:1 year

Addition :
I later saw the attached advert with regards to a black piece of M-Force that the seller was selling at RM1,800. Mine is the exact same piece except that the dial is orange in colour, hence less subtle compared to the regular divers' watch.

And as worn by Warrick Dunn from NFL.

Update : Ocean Forty-Four @ 14/4/2014

Full review would be forthcoming later but yeah, it's here...

Tag Heuer Kirium Ti5 (Model No : WL1180.FT6000)

One of the most memorable watch designs from Tag Heuer was the Kirium, which was produced from 1997 to 2008. The watch was a runaway success as it was truly avantgarde by the standards then, and was designed by renown designer Jorg Hysek, whom also designed watches for Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, Cartier, Ebel, Boucheron, Seiko, HD3, and his own brand, Hysek.

During the production for Kirium, amongst the highly collectable piece was the Kirium Ti5 (1999 - 2005). The Ti5 name referred to Grade 5 Titanium, which was an alloy of Titanium (90%), aluminium (6%), and vanadium (4%). The case was made from Titanium, as was the deployment clasp on the rubber bracelet. The Ti5 Kirium was only available with quartz movements, and with either a brushed or polished finish.

I have been hunting for a part of this history from Tag Heuer, specifically for Kirium Ti5; and while many websites claimed that they could assist to hunt for "new old stocks", they were unable to provide a timeline for the intended sale. Pre-owned pieces for the Kirium Ti5 were far and few, as most would be safely tucked in the collectors' watch cases to be appreciated by enthusiasts.

When an advert came out on Mudah for a Kirium Ti5, I knew that I had to act fast. I quickly contacted the seller to check if it was a genuine piece from Tag Heuer (there were lots of good copies around these days), and was informed in the affirmative. I immediately requested for a meet-up and given the traffic in KL, took my bike to be earlier than the scheduled appointment. And then I waited.

This piece was from 2005 ie a good 9 years old now. Condition was very good a it was mainly kept in the collection, although the original rubber strap was worse for wear having hardened over almost a decade and a replacement strap was very much necessary. Minimal scratches and generally very much of a collectible piece. And the serial no. was a good AQ 1668.

Judging from the above pictures, I guess that it was clear that I had managed to close the deal and that the Kirium Ti5 was comfortably nestled in my watch safe now. I shall be hunting for a leather strap for this marvelous piece and just take a look at the carbon fiber dial. What a beauty!

Pictures of My Orient Mechanical Force

Minimal words, just pictures. Nuff said. Enjoy...

Face-Off : Seiko Monster vs Citizen EcoZilla

Minimal words, just pictures. Nuff said. Enjoy...