ABC – ups and downs

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

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 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

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

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.

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 — 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!

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!

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!

Ultimate or “old hat”?

The problem with your “ultimate” watch is that it could be just an illusion, for technology inexorably marches ever onwards at a frightening pace, so today’s “ultimate” can very quickly become tomorrow’s “old hat”!

Of course you have to define “ultimate” as it’s not the same thing to each of us.

Casio PRW3000t-7 – today’s ultimate ABC watch?

And do we want to wear our “ultimate” watch or do we wear a “daily beater” everyday watch that meets our basic needs and keep that “ultimate” model for special quiet times, like quality time with the family. And we all have our favorite wants in a watch, features that suit our lifestyle and that we then feel really comfortable wearing.

The model that spends most of it’s time on my wrist I suppose is one that’s around 15 years old now and set simply to show me, in one glance, the time (analog), the day and the date (digital), it’s titanium, has a single crown, good lume, good water resistance and is a neat size. The fact that it also has hidden functionality such as an Alarm, a chronograph, countdown timer and a dual time is nice, though in all honesty I rarely use them.

Breitling02 — Been wearing this for 15 years – and difficult to beat!

In fact this model has been part of me for so long now that perhaps this is my “ultimate” watch – a daily beater and an ultimate watch – now that would be something. And in truth I reckon this is probably the truth of it, but being a “watch” person, there’s always something new and exciting coming along that’s bound to tempt me – perhaps functions or looks, whatever – just something that has that “ultimate” appeal.

So what’s my ultimate model today? – silly question I know, but rather apt as it happens and today my ultimate I suppose is the watch model that manages to really interest me enough to buy one – get in on the wrist – and soon!

I did a list of what features I’d consider on this ultimate model and here it is –

Radio Control – not absolutely essential but does ensure correct, time, day etc.
World Time – great for traveling so I know the time zone is correct.
Auto calendar – goes without saying. and covered by RC anyway.
Solar – no battery to ever worry about.
Water Resistant – to at least 100m, so swimming is OK.
Timer/countdown – useful for parking, cooking etc.
Alarm – very useful – if you can hear it.
(chronograph) – not a necessity for me – never use them.
Sensible size – I do NOT want a silly oversize watch – period!
Back light – if digital a necessity.
luminous hands – if analog or ana/digi – essential
Extras –
Digital Compass – yes – could be really useful, especially on holiday.
Barometer – yes – useful again on walks etc.
Altimeter – yes – useful on walks etc.
Thermometer – no – not a requirement for me.

That’s my list and it certainly narrows the field down, especially when you consider I want this lot in a sensible sized watch, not an oversize one. In fact it narrows the choice down to just 2 models. One from Switzerland and not actually available today, but later this year, the other from Japan. One ana/digi, the other digital only.

The first model on my wish list and shown at the tops of the page, has to be the Casio Pro-trek PRW3000T-7ER an ABC model which is Solar and Radio Controlled, which makes it a rather special thing altogether, especially with the new v3 sensor ABC technology efficiency which allows amongst other things, a considerable reduction in the case dimensions (long overdue in my opinion).
I particularly like this Titanium bracelet version (there is a rubber strap and a textured strap version too). This one has the positive digital display, rather than less clear negative one. I suppose for me the lack of analog hands makes me slightly uncomfortable as I’m so used to traditionally glancing at hands to read time, but I have to admit this digital layout is actually very clear. There’s no doubt that Casio have got these displays down to a fine art – Suunto, Garmin and others take note.

So a very clever watch this with the new upgraded sensors and quicker refresh/sampling and better accuracy. From what I’ve seen already the ABC functions are very lively and the case is not as bulky or cluttered AND of course substantially smaller and thinner than previous models.

My second choice is the wonderful Tissot T Touch Expert Solar ABC model recently announced and not before time, having been asked for by so many for so long and a true competitor to Casio and Suunto. It’s certainly the nicest looking of all of them in my opinion, though the price I suspect will reflect it’s Swiss heritage.

Tissot T Touch Expert Pro Solar. Serious competition to Casio ABC.

The uncluttered exterior design of this model cleverly cloaks the incredible functionality of the interior (some 25 functions) and is the sort of watch you can wear in any situation from everyday to dress occasions, which is no mean feat. The amazing speed of response and clarity from the “touch” face is quite incredible and has to be experienced to believe it, as the multi-function hands immediately and very rapidly speed round to indicate the selected function.

As to availability – both watches UK wise are not directly available as yet, though the Casio can be picked up in Europe and the Far East obviously. My own Caso came from JP watches in Japan and I’d also recommend Seiya too (if they have them). The Tissot I don’t believe is available just yet, but anytime soon I hope.

Both these watches however show real advances on previous stuff, which to me seemed to be marking time for a few years. At last we have (almost) two models that if bought now will certainly NOT be out of date for a bit and will hopefully serve you very well – IF you can get one”!

The elegant watch (5)

Another three elegant models that have caught my eye, not necessarily new by any means but still around. The first is the wonderful Swiss Grovana Day retrograde

This is a 40mm diameter Double Date aperture @12 Date watch with a retro Day indicator @6. Sweet face in optional colors such as silver, blue or black and the 50m Water resistant case is either stainless or pink gold. with a sapphire crystal. Looks like a mechanical model but actually is powered by a Swiss quartz Ronda 7003L movement. This is a very easy to read model and certainly a dress watch that not many of your friends will know – but they’ll love it when they see it!

My second is an automatic mechanical Swiss Longines Master chronograph model L27594783 from 2011 and you can’t get much more classically elegant than this one. A 42mm diameter case, 30m Water Resistance, sapphire crystal plus a neat Date window between 4 and 5 plus a deployment leather strap – there’s always something about Longines that just shouts quality and style and never disappoints.

Third elegant offering is the Baume & Mercier Capeland World Timer.

Lovely Swiss automatic mechanical movement in an elegant 18ct case at 44mm and featuring direct reading of 24 cities under a sapphire crystal. Blue hour and minute hands matched by the blue World Time ring and the blue of the high quality leather strap.

To show the local time you select the name of the city matching your time zone then rotate the 24-hour ring to make the number representing the current time, face the city. You then move the hands using the crown.

Even the back of this model has an elegance and through the exhibition back you can see the automatics at work.

So another three genuine classics almost you could say and probably no surprise that they are all Swiss, as I think it fair to say that classical and elegance are watchwords for many of these makers. Whilst they give that almost old worldly look they in fact do feature subtle functionality often within their elegant looks and not so much “in your face” as so often the case with mainstream watches.

Whether mechanical or quartz these watch brands seem to take a much more traditional account of the exterior appearance of their creations and that certainly works for me.

What price the world?

It never fails to amaze me some of the basic, yet amazingly well specified watches that come out of Casio and because of this I’m always on the lookout for value models and this one is exceptional.

This is the World Traveler AE-1000W-1AVEF and it’s about as cheap and as tough as you need and is of excellent quality. It is also pretty well specified for a model I’ve seen costing less than £19 – which is a crazy low price for such technology. Quartz accuracy wise it’s not high end at +/-30 secs but beats mechanical movement watches hands down.

Basically it’s one of a series of low priced models with different versions, each similar functionality and all representing great value and certainly if you like watches you really must have one or two of these in your collection. As a holiday watch they’re just about perfect.

Water Resistant to 100m these are plastic resin cased and 46mm x 44mm(dia) x 14mm and weigh only 40 grams and have a 10 year battery life (CR2025). Full auto calendar and displays the time in over 48 cities and 31 time zones with quick select multi 4 city display of your favorites. Stopwatch and countdown timers, 5 alarms, 12/24hr switching, LED back light and mineral crystal glass. Very easy to set and use with an excellent and clear positive display it probably, if we’re all honest, provides everything we actually need from a watch. In fact I wonder sometimes why I bother to collect other models at all!

Not a lot to dislike about this model, though I would probably change the strap (I don’t like these rubber/resin “wave” straps as they hurt my wrist) for a silicon deployment – I’ve done this on others as it’s easy to change and then it’s about perfect.

Still a Classic?

I suppose it’s difficult for a watch company to keep introducing and improving models, especially as some of them are considered classics now and so it is with the Citizen Promaster Navihawk. This is a model I’ve always liked and admired. A true analog digital combi watch that became a classic was as easy to use as it was to read, despite the complications and all contained in a compact case – I wonder if this is still true today . . . .

The clearest of them all! — My Navihawk on the right beside my Attesa and Breitling!

Well mostly not true I have to say and in too many cases, though there ARE some model versions that still have that classic Navihawk, Skyhawk look that are not too big, as this seems to be the way of things these days. So many models are really too large in my opinion and often unfortunately coupled with to much confusing “dial clutter” in that they are quite difficult to read. It is a fact that in the human brain and optical system there is a correlation between seeing, understanding, computing and reacting that is both remarkably fast and intuitive. A pilot for example has to be able to glance at his instruments and immediately absorb the data and act accordingly. With some of these watch models, that first glance would simply not pick up the data required without some deliberate scrutiny – and even then can be tricky.

The Navihawk A-T Classic JY8035-04E is one that perhaps is already in that grey area of confusing presentation and is one I wouldn’t want to own for that very reason. To much stuff in the dial coupled with smaller digital “negative” displays – surely not the best idea! It’s also 48mm wide which is close to the limits, especially when you consider my old model in the image here is only 41mm diameter and not much more lug to lug.

Fortunately though there are many versions around as I say and it seems I can still pick up a Hawk version that will just about satisfy my requirements. However I do accept that some of the newer models have added functionality in comparison to my old Navihawk, such as Radio Control and Eco-Drive and may through necessity perhaps be slightly larger, but they have to be within reason.

The Navihawk JN0004-51E is about the closest to my old model and with the same specification – that is no Radio Control and not Eco-Drive, but everything else and even the dimensions are very similar. However not much point in getting one as it’s more or less the same – however it IS nice to see that it is still available which does show it’s class.

Citizen AT8020-03L Blue Angels with strap

More adventurous is the AT8020-03L Blue Angels model (2013 I think) which is updated in respect of having Radio Control and Eco-Drive but surprisingly only fractionally larger than my old model at 43mm x 12.3mm and importantly only 49.2mm lug to lug. The arrangement of the sub dials fortunately is such that the “aircraft instrument” surrounds don’t muddle the data, which they can do with more than 2 x sub dials, so from a clutter point of view, whilst just about on the limit is in reality just about OK (not great but OK). In fact this is a really nice model and some thought has definitely gone into this, certainly with the multi function retro sub dial @6 which also shows the Day of the Week on it’s right side and the Radio Signal data on the left. Note no digital display on this model, yet the analog presentation manages pretty well, albeit at the clutter limit.

This model also rises above the usual with it’s subtle blue/yellow color combination – the ion plated bezel for instance has a yellow sunk edge which matches both the dial pointers and the back of the strap. The strap incidentally is 23mm, a little unusual will be tricky to replace when it’s time comes.

My last and rather attractive models is the Promaster Titanium JY8000-50E which is a little way off the traditional Navihawk look and more like my Attesa, which I got some years ago when it first came out via Seiya in Japan. Function wise it has everything and great clarity too even using the same dial format, though with cleaner dial surrounds and broad hour and minute hands – it is a class act (47mm x 14mm) – BUT this is not what I’m looking for here and my Attesa is too similar to even consider.

So my quest for an upgrade to my old Navihawk has to be the blue strap AT8020-03L Blue Angels which is daily beater material all day long – so I’ll be looking for one I’m sure. Though the rotating calculation bezel is something of an extravagance as I can’t think when I last used one of those – but what the heck!

I’ll maybe see what prices I can get one for . . . . . just for interest . . . . . . . Soon! 😉

Solid performer – Enforcer

I love it when someone tells me they’ve just seen a powerhouse watch – so I check it out – And this is what I found –

The Invicta 13681 Reserve Corduba Enforcer.

This is an Automatic chronograph in Titanium and a great Kevlar strap. Now this is what I call – eh – solid! The round 48mm wide x 19mm deep Titanium case hides a Swiss 25 jewel ETA Valjoux 7750 Automatic Chronograph movement. The outer titanium unidirectional bezel has a textured edge for grip and a luminous Tritnite Diver scale in orange. Assisted lever pushers on the right side and a large well figured large screw down crown complete the exterior, apart from the Helium release valve which is almost concealed on the left side.

The dial is very black and features large Tritnite numerals @12, 4 and 8 with dot markers on the hour with chronograph sub dials plus a full Day and Date aperture @3. A centre sweep orange tipped second hand compliments the large broad hour and minute hands which are each coated with Tritnite luminous compound. The crystal has what’s called Flame Fusion treatment which is a high heat and pressure application plus Aluminum Oxide creating the impact resistance of mineral and scratch resistance of sapphire – apparently . . .

The strap is Kevlar and is 10″ long x 24mm wide and the Water Resistance is a huge 1000m or 100 ATM, which doesn’t surprise me at all . . . and this solid timepiece comes with a 5 year Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Had to Post it simply as I love the look of it – though personally it’s not really for me as I doubt I have the strength to wear it. Seriously I quite like this model as it’s remarkable easy to read and the large date and day window is an added bonus not seen too often on 1000m watches.

However a case thickness of 19mm will really make a mess of my tuxedo and shirt cuff . . . well James Bond does it so why shouldn’t I? 😉

On a critical note I would get rid of the superfluous writing around the dial – Corduba Series and 1000 Meters are simply distracting from a decent dial. Also the Invicta Reserve above the Day and Date window could also be smaller. Clean that up and it would look much better in my opinion.