Smarter AND fitter?

May 29, 2014 by Bosartis

Whilst checking out all these proposed and often silly phone extension wrist fads and smart watches I came across a very different sort of smart watch – and OK I accept it’s not really the conventional watch, but is anything these days when considering this so called “smart” stuff?

The Fitbit FLEX – Activity & Sleep band.

This one is actually both interesting and also one that might just get you fitter – but only if you want to. No forcing yourself off to a gym or anything like that, but a system that tracks your daily activity, so giving you the opportunity to maybe gently improve your fitness – whatever your age. Now that’s what I call smart and the item is the Fitbit FLEX wrist band.

Just a plain flexible 19.2mm wide band with a few electronic gizmos inside that can monitor your activity – such as the number of steps you take, calories used, stairs climbed, distance you walk or jog (the former for me 😉 ) and an indication of your sleep quality and of course it also tells you the Time. It also can indicate if your goal (yes you can set such a thing) is being met or otherwise with little lights on the screen. It also has a chargeable battery – Lithium Ion no less that manages around 5 days at full charge and a Bluetooth connection to automatically download or is it upload your data to graphical display software on whatever device you happen to have, PC, Mac, Tablet and a whole range of smart phones too.

Within 20ft of your PC etc – check the results

It has quite a sophisticated 3-axis MEMS accelerometer that measures your motion patterns to determine the calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, sleep quality and all that and also has a smart vibration motor, that vibrates when alarms are set to go off.

I told you it was smart – and useful . . . . and so much more useful than a so called smart watch that simply means you don’t have to reach into your other pocket to get your phone out! I mean is that unfit and lazy or what?

This FLEX watch will really make you think – and might make you just that little bit fitter too!

This is certainly a smart watch I can relate to and although it’s not billed as such (smart watch) to me this is far more worthy of such a title and at around £79 (UK) not unreasonable either. And it’s Water Resistant to 10m.

I like the idea so much that it could very well be the “smart” thing to buy – so watch this space! Find out all about it HERE.

Budget Fashion

May 28, 2014 by Bosartis

The thing about fashion and designer watches is that often they are accompanied by a price tag reflecting the ego aspirations of the designer.

By Void – the SOND NYG unisex fashion watch.

In other words, just a tad pricey! So it’s very to note a model that not only showcases clean lines modernity, plus chic and cool but also within s sensible price point. Whilst I have noted it in the past, it still holds it’s own and I feature it once again as there is on the face of it – nothing to it, yet it excels in what is perhaps “fashion” at it’s best.

The wonderfully simplistic and refreshing use of color is perhaps for me partly why this model stands out and it is so neat! It is indeed a statement watch, but not one that jars or grates as it can be worn with aplomb with tuxedo or jeans – it simply works. With it’s injection molded one piece construction and unique strap/watch thread system allows an amazing range of colors to be specified – I particularly like the one shown. In fact there are 8 colors available for each component means an astonishing 500 unique color combinations are possible!

The dimensions are 38mm wide by 44mm top to bottom and only 11mm depth with a 22mm wide band. The battery life is around 2 years and can be replaced via the back “hatch” which is stainless steel. This model is also Water Resistant to 3ATM or 30m. The functions of this quartz model are relatively simple but adequate – Time and Date, AM & PM indicator coupled with a back light. A 2 year Warranty comes as standard.

The price – around £50 (UK).

Something completely different (2)

May 27, 2014 by Bosartis

Another one of these fashion watch styles that is a little different from the mainstream – this is from the BillyTheTree Cloister range – model ESM33.

The Cloister ESM33 from BillyTheTree.com

Handmade and painted dial with distressed copper, sterling silver and various metal alloys with a solid nickel free brass one-piece (single block) case. Limited editions of 1000 each, so unlikely that your friends across the way will have one of these. The quartz movement is unstated, though I would guess Asian generic, which in this style of accessory is probably incidental – as long as it works reasonably well – as indeed most quartz movements do these days anyway.

Very unique in that being a hand painted dial face they are all slightly different and this one I particularly like as the hands are infilled white which give added clarity.

My only gripe perhaps is the cost ( £254) which to me seems perhaps a little over what I might consider, especially as it would have to be imported from the USA to the UK with the added costs associated with such a move (VAT and Customs charges).

But for something “fashion” different this certainly is just that – and I quite like it.

They’re not going away . . .

May 26, 2014 by Bosartis

Smart watches I mean, even although the take up has not been awe inspiring from the public. For example the new Pebble in Singapore only managed 1400 sales in the first 3 months of this year, so public demand or indeed even interest seems weak to say the least. Perhaps the concept of having on your wrist a gadget that can link to the smartphone in your pocket isn’t appealing or even seen as any great deal. An additional tool that just maybe isn’t required in the first place.

Span Smart watch from Box Clever.

So speaking of concepts, this one is more a watch that’s smart, than a fully blown smart watch – and there is a difference. It’s the Span Smart watch concept designed and thought up by these clever folks at Box Clever of San Francisco and I don’t know about you but I rather like the whole look of it. It seems to me to be more sensible with realistic limitations, but managed in a very “cool” manner indeed!

“smart” alerts can be shown cross the display and controlled by the bezel.

It sort of combines and integrates an analogue style digital watch movement/face with a “jump” hour movement with the hours indicated on the upper half of the dial and the minutes on the lower half. The Date is sneakingly located as a Date aperture at what would have normally been the old 10 o’clock position.

The real clever bit is the odd mesh “bridge” across and above the dial, which is a perforated metal grill which back lights as an OLED screen for notifications. The controls for it;s use are incorporated into the rotation bezel – as a jog dial – isn’t that smart? The screen can also show the digital Time, reminders, alerts, call details and all that “smart” stuff and there’s also a push button to confirm any actions. The watch can be recharged with the micro USB port on the base of the watch.

Of course the main issue with this super cool watch is that it is just a concept and has not yet been put into production, which would be a tantalizing prospect if it did – for me it makes the Moto 360 look perhaps a little pedestrian and much more exciting to even contemplate wearing.

This is the video of it showing the conceptual idea working.

For me this demonstrates a much “smarter” approach to the idea of smart watch technology as it’s innovative and clever and involves the actual watch rather than some plastic screen like cell phone extension pretending to still be a watch, though it isn’t at all. This on the other hand IS a watch with smart ideas built in and what’s more – it looks modern yet stylish and techy too but most of all it looks really really cool!

Moonstruck!

May 21, 2014 by Bosartis

Isn’t is nice to come across a British watchmaker that really excels in making you wonder just that little bit and able to produce a watch that infinitely intrigues you the first time you clap eyes on it.

Blacklamp Carbon Schofield – Made in England.

Such is the power of the Blacklamp Carbon Schofield –

A year of research has gone into creating a proprietary material called Morta®. This is a unique mix of hand-laid and formed carbon fibre small billets. One billet then creates one Blacklamp watch case and as such each watch model is subtly individual from the next. Plus the very highest machine specification of every watch case a showcase of world class English precision.

This model uses the very elegant and robust Unitas 6497-2 movement with a custom hack. Decorated with broad Geneva stripes and heavy rhodium plating.

Incsribed with individual Lighthouse data from around the UK.

Inscribed with individual Lighthouse data from around the UK.

Within the crown of each Blacklamp Carbon wrist watch lies a Tritium gas light. Emitting a low level glow unseen in daylight gives superb luminosity at night, but the fascinating part for me is around the rim of the dial just underneath the crystal, where lies a ring of Moonglow, (developed by NASA) an amazing strontium aluminate GLTD material that illuminates the dial in the dark. And amazingly effective it is too.

The watch is one of a limited edition of only 101 pieces and each one is named after an Englisj Lighthouse, from the Wof Rock in the South West to ST Bees” on the Cumbrian coast. Each one has the tower coordinates inscribed on the case back and description of the flash format.

It will set you back just under £10,000 this fascinating timepiece, so perhaps outside my personal budget at this time, but I certainly wouldn’t mind having one of these on my wish list. For more information check out their web site – HERE

The wonder of “Moonglow” (NASA)

ABC – ups and downs

May 19, 2014 by Bosartis

It’s a funny old business – height and the measurement thereof. I mention this in passing only as the ABC model watches that are around at the moment all feature an Altimeter. Though in actual fact they are to all intents and purposes Barometers which are used to indicate height. The question of course has to be – are they any good? Are they as good for example as my car Garmin GPS? Which begs another question – is the car GPS any good ?

Well I played around with both items this weekend and found some odd little quirks.

First I decided to calibrate my Casio ABC watch here at home. I duly checked the Barometer which was 995mb this morning as indicated by the Casio. I then had to find out the height above sea level of my house and I checked Google maps and found it was 116m, so I used this as my datum point. I then duly set the watch to read 116m at 995mb – so far so good.

Casio showing 995mb Barometric pressure. Note the graph showed better weather yesterday but over the last 20hrs or so no change history. Also note the trend icon @3 which also shows no change. Each dot indicates 2hr intervals and 1mb up/down values

But when I checked my car GPS it told me the altitude here at my house was 108m – now that’s 8m difference or around 26ft and yet just 35m down the road (not up, you notice) it read 114m.

It seems that GPS altitude is maybe not as accurate as I thought for all sorts of reasons and boy are they complicated! Now I’ll not go in to Ellipsoid Earth calculations or altitude measurements that actually indicate height above WGS84 as opposed to barometric above sea level indications, or quality vertical measurement, because frankly I don’t understand it all either! BUT suffice to say that in general a GPS car unit requires at least 3 preferably 4 satellites and a clear sky above to get a meaningful altitude reading and even more preferably including connection to a satellite that’s “under” you – which you won’t get as the earth is blocking it from you.

Anyway playing around further I drove a route that swung by a particular crossroads and it was interesting to check the reading at the crossroads, but driving in from two different directions. On the first run the crossroads altitude was indicated as 70m by the car GPS, but on the second run when I approached it from another road it now indicated 96m – quite a discrepancy. Since reading up a bit I now know that the GPS was not managing to get the required signal reception, as there was a little tree cover on the second road. Hence the difference.

In contrast my Casio ABC watch on both runs indicated the crossing was 72m above sea level. My Casio also indicated the barometric pressure was now 998mb, so both figures had changed from my house location. This was fine as the crossroads are definitely lower than my home, so as expected, lower altitude meant higher pressure and vice versa. The weather hadn’t changed in the 10 minute drive. Indeed when I returned to my home location the pressure was 995mb again and the altitude was as before 116m.

Note – In town today I stopped at local supermarket and both car GPS and Casio indicated 28m. It was wall to wall clear sky so the GPS managed it’s maximum efficiency and nice to see they both agreed with one another.

But practically the Casio barometric Altitude versus the car GPS altitude is the clear winner, which I have to say did surprise and please me no end! I also note that the better hand held GPS units also use Barometric Altimeters, so GPS direct read is not the favored system and remember the aviation industry still use pressure Atmospheric/Barometric systems and for quite a few good reasons.

The fascination of the Barometric system of course (as far as Altitude is concerned) is that also changes with the weather. For example had I gone off in the car and a nasty weather front blown in, the atmospheric pressure will have dropped. When I got to those crossroads my Casio Altitude reading could easily be incorrect by 40m and indicating an Altitude of something like 115m or higher! So basically as long as the barometric (atmospheric) pressure remains fairly constant, then your Altitude readings will be reasonably accurate. If not then you really need a decent map with height indications on it, so you can recalibrate your ABC watch with the correct height at that pressure. You see?

There are lots of things you can do with the ABC watch if you are a hiker or climber of course, with recording of ascent/descent altitudes and so on and it can get pretty involved, but always remember weather change means pressure change so calibration is the key – so if doing these pursuits my advice for what it’s worth – TAKE A MAP (with co-ordinates/height indications and all the rest of the data).

As far as the Casio PRW3000T is concerned it is proving to be quite brilliant, Altimeter, Compass and Barometric Pressure being uncommonly accurate. It is VERY clear to read (makes Suunto, Garmin and some others look poor in comparison – the display is streets ahead of them all, it’s light to wear, not too big at all and I’ve yet to take it off. However I do at night so it can receive it’s Radio signal (though I forgot one night and it received without any problem at all). Power save is interesting when it’s dark – after a time the display goes off and even when receiving a signal the dial is blank. Any light at all comes near and it’s instantly on again – fascinating!

So my older compass watches are relegated to the drawer, though the odd one is a reminder of technological progress so will be in my display cabinet – the rest will be on their way to auction no doubt.

Ah the ups and downs of the watch collector! 😉

Size matters

May 17, 2014 by Bosartis

Whilst I have recently featured Casio G Shock models and of course applaud them for all sorts of reasons, not least the “tough” movement protection and functionality, I still have one main concern and that is “SIZE”.
For me and many others they are just that little bit too big.

GW9400-1 Triple Sensor G Shock – 55.2 x 53.5 x 18.2mm – oversize

And this is right across the range of over 190 Casio styles. Even the more basic function set models are somewhere in the order of 50mm across and basically the reason for the size has to be the additional outer protection resin profiling.
I also have to accept with the ABC models and Triple Sensor technology the older Sensor module sizes dictated the overall dimensions. However, that said I’m really pleased to note this has been addressed recently, albeit on a non G Shock Pro-Trek model. I would add that even some of the non G Shock models with this kind of functionality have also been very much on the large side.
So perhaps a start of a size reduction trend? and interesting to note that Casio now admit watch size was and is an issue. Their own sales blurb on the Pro-Trek 3000 series says as much, so I’m hopeful with the new and smaller 3rd generation Sensor modules coming in, perhaps size reduction is now seen as a good thing.

The model shown above is the Casio Rangeman GW9400-1 which is a Triple Sensor ABC model G Shock, with a very comprehensive function set including Tough Solar, World Time, Radio Control (6 receivers), shock and mud resistant, 200m Water Resistance, plus Sunrise and Sunset indications and the ABC features of Altimeter, Barometer/Thermometer and Digital Compass – so is about as full featured as you can get. I mean this has the lot – BUT – it is big!
Now don’t get me wrong here, it is big, but not impossibly huge like some silly watches that are out there, but for the world average size 165mm circumference wrist – it is just too big for comfort.
I’ve always been of the opinion that Casio tend to get away with this large size basically because they have very light weight case designs, so the watch never feels heavy on the wrist. (the model shown for example is only 93g).

Another model which is possibly more relevant here is the Protrek PRG270-1 – this has a less protected design that the G Shock, though still has a dimension of 50mm across, which is still substantial. It does however have my preferred dial as does the following model I have picked as my best Casio yet.

Casio PRG270-1

Casio PRW3000 series – reduced case dimensions

So OK all that said, I also said they do have a model now that is smaller with all the bells and whistles – though not G Shock – and as shown on the last image – this is the Casio Protrek PRW3000 series. (introduced in 2013).

Again without the G Shock characteristics and following on from the PRG271, this model does have a case size that should fit anybody and a dial that’s much cleaner and uncluttered than G Shock, so clarity is much improved, especially when considering compass bearings and so on. Note the main digital numerals are also larger. Another point is that on most G Shocks with combination digital and analogue displays, the clarity is never great, as the dials are just too cluttered and with too much information jostling for position.

Dimensions wise the width of this PRW3000 is reduced down to 47mm and only 12.3mm thick, so sits snugly on just about any size of wrist with ease. The top of the range model (as shown) has what’s called an aluminum toned resin case plus a full Titanium bracelet and weighs just 100g . The reduced size is even more remarkable when you consider this model is also Radio Controlled.

Each model shown here share the same upgraded v3 sensor set, so I have to assume that the extra case protection of the G Shock model still prevents any size reduction – which is a pity.

So it seems when considering any G Shock model you may have to accept that size is always going to be an issue – in this case a width increase of 6mm or 0.5″ extra. So unfortunately a trade off at the moment, though with Casio acknowledging that size is an issue, it would not surprise me if they suddenly introduced a smaller G Shock with everything on it too.

And as to supply – a problem is that many new models or variants never see the UK shores and if you want to keep up, then a frequent check on the domestic Japanese market is the route to go. And on that subject there are now luckily a few Japanese Internet traders (genuine Japan based retailers with physical shop locations) where you can buy with confidence. Just remember you may have Customs and Tax liabilities to consider before you take the plunge.

I personally recently purchased the Casio PRW3000T model – it’s sort of taken top spot in my Casio collection at the moment, so I hope to feature it in some depth in a future Post. I personally think this model is a small milestone as it features the smaller and more efficient updated Sensor modules and a reduced overall size.

There is no doubt these Casio models are really terrific watches and a testament to their progress over the years, from what were once regarded as digital gimmicks by some, to the wonderful, innovative technical icons we have today. And even though having a watch collection and being around watches for many years, I find myself on a monthly Casio watch now – in anticipation of what new masterpieces they come up with . . . Oh yes!

Just a note – It is of course fact that there is competition in the world of Triple Sensor and the Swiss Tissot T Touch Expert Solar model is announced and on it’s way – it is stylish, sleek and with a 45mm width case could be the one that beats them all . . .

Buying from Japan

May 12, 2014 by Bosartis

So how easy is it to buy that latest watch model from Japan?

Rather than talk about what should or should not happen, the following is an account of my own experience just recently and over a UK Monday Bank holiday as it happens.

Not being able to get the watch I wanted in the UK – the Casio PRW3000T-7 Titanium bracelet version, I decided to purchase from one of my preferred Japaneses sources – http://www.shoppinginjapan.net The main reason I like this company is that they have a good stock of the latest Japanese domestic models, often not available elsewhere – and if they indicate on their web sites they have stock – they do! (How often have some said they do when they patently don’t!).

They are not only online being on Ebay and also have a direct internet site, but also are physically located beside the Bay Side Marina Shopping Arcade (open 10-4 Monday/Friday) in Yokohama and have a direct phone contact so you can talk to a live person. The web site is good and they have a large stock not only of the latest watch models, but all sorts of electronics, cameras and so on. They can also be found on Facebook where they display many photographs of the watches they sell.

Prices are quoted in most currencies and they have a currency calculator link onsite, so it’s easy and delivery is FREE worldwide.

The buying process couldn’t be easier as they use Paypal and delivery is via EMS who hook up with Parcelforce here in the UK.

So in my case things went as follows –

26th April – Went online (used Ebay entry) and bought with Paypal.
26th April – Received email confirmation of the purchase via Ebay and Paypal.
26th April – Received Email from the shop confirming payment and advising they would post item the following day. They noted delivery times were usually around 8 working days to the UK.
28th April – Received Email update from Ebay confirming item sent.
May 1st – Email from shop advising Tracking number and confirmed posting on 28th. This included an EMS tracing report – showing item posted 28th April – and already in UK Customs on the 30th April.
7th May – Using the tracing tracking number – item was shown as moved from Customs to Delivery at Parcelforce Post Office UK and HELD – pending Customs charge.
8th May – Having the advantage of knowing the item was being HELD – I phoned Parcelforce, was advised the charge and paid over the phone.
9th May (Friday) – Received letter from Parcelforce advising item HELD and payment required etc – – however I’d already done this and advised it would be released and posted Monday 12th may.

12th May – Watch arrived via Parcelforce at lunchtime. All OK and in perfect order.

So bearing in mind this clashed with a UK Monday Bank holiday this was pretty good.

So what payments are we talking about?
Basically this is 17% UK VAT plus a Clearance Fee from Parcelforce for sending out letters, processing of payment to them and subsequently transferring to Customs , which was £13.50.

So a perfect transaction with shoppinginjapan and a pleasure to do business with and in a pretty quick delivery – only being held a few days at UK Customs until import charge paid. The charges can be paid either online or phone and if you use your tracking info, once you see it is held – simply phone them up and pay – saves you waiting for their letter. The watch is released the same day. So pretty efficient even at this UK end.

And this is the watch in question –

Casio from Japan via www.shoppinginjapan.net website - excellent service.

Casio from Japan via http://www.shoppinginjapan.net website – excellent service.

Yes this is it – wearing it already and changed the Home City to the UK very easily (it was set to Tokyo) then set it to Receive and the Radio Control picked up the signal from the UK transmitter at full strength (I’m in Scotland) and the time changed immediately to UK time (auto-adjusted for British Summer Time DST). I’ve also already tried out the Digital Compass without calibrating it and it’s spot on – Wow! that was a surprise.

So highly delighted with this watch and so glad to see that the size reduction is perfect for me – once I adjusted the bracelet links (removed 4 all together) remembering the small split collar holders within the links, which took me about 10 minutes max. No doubt this is one of the best Casio’s yet and my Japan transaction one of the easiest.

From the Orient

May 12, 2014 by Bosartis

Always had a liking for the orient Watch Company ever since I first spotted it many years ago in Singapore. It seemed to me at that time to produce models that were excellent as regards reliability and quality, especially considering these were mechanical, not quartz.

Orient Star SEL050001S dress watch

Of course they make both, but for me it’s the mechanical movements with their excellence/cost ratio that’s always impressed. However I would comment – for me at any rate, I always feel that their models have that slightly old style Japanese look – I don’t mean this in a derogatory way in the lightest, but in your hand, to my mind they don’t have that sleek universal Seiko “perfection” look about them. I hasten to add that this in no way detracts from the value for money of the watches at all – it’s more about my personal view on the styling and it also doesn’t apply to all models. The second model for example is about as universal/modern as you can get and is mechanical value personified!

The first one however is the elegant Orient Star Classic SEL05001S dress watch.
Gold tone stainless steel cased with a domed mineral crystal is a neat 38,5mm diameter. Dauphine style hands, a Date aperture @3 and a Power Reserve indicator @12. Typically Orient in that this model features an in-house automatic mechanical hacking movement, this is the Japan made Cal 40N52 and features an exhibition back so the movement is visible.

A brown leather Crocodile style strap compliments the case nicely.

The watch company was actually conceived way back in 1901, but known more since 1950 as a Tokyo based maker. A subsidiary of Seiko from 2001 and Seiko Epson in 2009 it’s one of the few watch makers with totally in-house mechanical movements. Within the company there are actually three brands, Orient, Orient Star and the Japan domestic range of Royal Orient.

Orient Elite FET0H001B0
100m Screw down

This model shows the diversity of the company and this is the Orient Elite FET0H001B0 which features a Day and Date Cal 46B40 Japan mechanical movement. It is 42mm x 11.65mm stainless steel cased, 100m Water Resistance, screw down crown, Sapphire crystal with a black carbon fiber figured dial.

I particularly like the Day sub-dial feature and the smaller 24hr dial. The date window is @6, broad hour and minute hands with a center sweep seconds hand and all in a nicely balanced dial format.

Once again it has an exhibition clear back where the mechanical movement is clearly visible and incidentally the quality of the case can also be seen. It is a rather well built quality model with a complimentary figured rubber strap and buckle, the patterning on the strap reflecting the carbon fiber dial background.

Unfortunately for us here in the UK the Orient range of models are quite tricky to obtain and usually need to be sourced from abroad, which is a pity. So care has to be taken regarding the source, customs charges, delivery times and so on as the excellent cost ratio of these models can be eroded. Basically what i’m saying is that as priced these are great value models, but add in custom charges, VAT and 3rd party profit margins and personally I would have to think carefully before taking the plunge.

Hot air it’s not!

May 10, 2014 by Bosartis

Well with that Post title it has to mean something – right? I’m talking about a watch brand I’ve always had a soft spot for and that’s the German made Zeppelin. Of course the “airship” Zeppelin actually used gasses such as Hydrogen or Helium, not Air at all – but what’s a little poetic license for my Post!

Zeppelin 100yrs Model 7690M-1

This is the Zeppelin 100yrs series model 7690M-1 with a smart 22mm wide mesh buckle bracelet which sets this chronograph off rather well, instead of the more usual leather. Powered by the Swiss Ronda 5020B Startech Quartz movement, this is an excellent and reliable engine used by quite a few mid range quality models.

I suppose I like this particular model as it is so”classic” in appearance that it just has to be good. A good size at 42mm x 11mm means it’s not a silly oversize, but eminently sensible with it’s solid satin hand finished stainless steel case, twin sub dials plus a large double window Date aperture @6. The dial is white with black clearly defined hour, minute and center seconds hands. I particularity like the extended overlap second hand which is such an aid to good reading when in chronograph mode.

The sub dials are running seconds on the right @3 and elapsed hours/minutes (up to 12 hours) chronograph readings on the left @9 with a unique 2 hand indication. Plus there is also a Pulsometer and Telemeter with appropriate graduations on the chapter ring. A solid screw in stainless back and hardened mineral crystal on the front and with 5 ATM or 50m Water resistance completes this rather stylish model.

It is also not expensive at around 260 Euros which is great value – however one downside for me is the fact that it’s not luminous – had it been that’s the one feature that would make me get one- tomorrow!

Mind you I’m still tempted!

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Monthly Archives: May 2014