Haven’t mentioned Seiko for some time and here is one of their new models – the Landmaster SBDB005 Spring Drive,
Seiko Landmaster SBDB005 Spring Drive
which owing to the slightly unusual shape of the case looks pretty impressive size even at 45.0 mm wide and 14.2 depth and also maybe overly impressive in price at around £1800 to the UK. Not sure if the concept of Spring Drive sits well with me or not, though at this price I have to say it doesn’t make me want to rush out and buy one.
Now OK it’s a nice watch with it’s excellent (so I’m told) 30 jewel Spring Drive 5R67 movement, good clear dial (clarity is a real plus with this model) with separate 24 hr hand, which is actually not intrusive being skeleton. Power Reserve indicator shows that it’s pretty good at 72 hrs and the black dial and white Lumibrite hands a very decent combination and with excellent night use. The crystal is Sapphire and has anti-reflection coating too and a decent size Date aperture @3. It also has a 100m Water Resistance with a screw back. I note the crown does stick out proud from the wrist once you strap it on, which is a consequence of the short lug arrangement, so it’s easily got hold of if nothing else.
Interestingly being a Bullhead style with the crown @12 you would be forgiven if you thought his might be overly large from lug to lug – well it’s not and coupled with the shortened lug profile at 12 it’s actually only 46.8mm lug to lug, so will fit most wrists, even if it looks big and it is one of those models that does look bigger than it is. I confess I have a preference for models that even if they’re large, manage to look small on the wrist – this is something that this model does not do – but perhaps this is just me . . . . see video HERE.
However one of the plus points is it’s solid Titanium so should at least be reasonably light and I’ve seen 140gms mentioned, so not too bad including the Ti bracelet with fold over clasp etc.
Whilst the idea of Spring Drive first appeared way back it’s only since 1999 it’s been commercial and basically today that it’s reached the required performance currently demanded. Personally I would first consider a conventional automatic mechanical movement until I fully understood and see the actual benefits of SD. However at this moment in time I can get very good mechanical models for the same or less money, using tried and tested technology that’s also been around a long, long time.
Interesting and quite impressive Seiko this may be, but I feel it’s looking too large on the wrist for me.
Always on the lookout for different models and brands from what I consider non-mainstream and here is one I particularly like – the Mondia Grande Montre Automatic Chronograph.
Mondia Grande Montre Auto Chrono – Gents
This model like many in the Mondia range has a touch of Italian style which I’ve usually found to be rather attractive and yes – stylish. The watch has a 25 jewel Swiss Valjoux 7750 automatic movement with a 30 minute elapsed time sub-dial @12 and a 12 hour elapsed time sub-dial @6 plus a Date aperture also @6 within the sub-dial.
The case is 316L Stainless Steel with 5ATM Water Resistance plus an Anti-scratch resistant mineral crystal. The dimensions are 40mm wide, 45mm lug to lug and 13mm depth. The black outlined hands are luminous infilled, there is a black centre seconds sweep hand and the dial has neat blue markers, the combination of which gives the dial great clarity. I also like the fact that the push buttons are oval and not those sticky out things that seem so old fashioned.
In essence it is a very stylish model, practical and yet dressy and one that I certainly would have no trouble wearing myself. The price is maybe upper mid range for me but at around £795 UK it seems to give good value and being off mainstream, your friends might be that little bit envious.
Once again I’ve chosen a watch model that represents not only a traditional elegance but also a masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking, the Laurent Ferrier Geneve Galet Traveller. This first appeared back in 2013 but as so often the case with true elegance models, is still as relevant today as it will be in 100 years.
This particular model is quite unique in it’s approach to dual or world time and use an interesting complication which at the same time is very simple to use. A single press using one of the two oblong push buttons on the left side of the case move the central hand forwards + or backwards -. At the same time the Date @3 automatically changes at midnight, to reflect your new setting, and the subtle 24hr Date @9 shows your true Home Time day and position.
The case is either white or red gold and the solid silver dial is in midnight blue with those elegant hour and minute hands plus a sub dial seconds @6. Note the centre of the dial is vertically brushed compared to the circular brushed minute ring, such is the attention to detail.A self winding automatic calibre with an offset micro rotor which encompasses the dual time functionality took over 2 years to fully develop, such is the technical challenge of this movement. Accuracy is exceptional and is certified Chronometer by Besancon Observatory.Each year another masterpiece appears from this excellent maker, though if you have to ask the cost, then you are unlikely to be able to afford it. But when you consider such a timepiece with many of today’s resin cased quartz complication watches – well there’s simply no comparison at all, for this watch is timeless perfection and as a collector – wow! (just checked my Stocks – and things are not looking good!) 😦
As everyone knows the Swatch watch is a bit of a collectors buzz. Watches that have color and whacky design features but that never stray off the fact that these are – watches. Their almost always easy to read, easy to ear and easy on the pocket. Some folks of course wouldn’t wear those cheap looking plastic things on their wrists if you paid them – but conversely will wear the latest G-Shock which if course if made from – you guessed it – plastic resin. However one of the good things about Swatch models is that invariably they do actually feature decent Swiss made quartz modules and some are surprisingly good. I am not going to talk about their new System 51 Automatic mechanical range, which I will touch on in a later Post.
Swatch xxSpeed model Chronograph Date watch.
Now I’m not a collector of Swatch (not their branded watches anyway, though I have Brands that are part of the Swatch group, though really feel I should be, being eclectic in my choices, so perhaps I’ll look at these a bit closer and maybe get one or two, just for fun.
I’ve picked out three I like the look of and here they are –
First is the Swatch xxSpeed Chronograph & Date model which is the largest one I’ve selected at 42mm width x 14mm depth. It features as expected a Plastic case, Silicon strap and plastic clasp and buckle and a Swiss Quartz movement. It also in the price range of under £100 at around £70 online, so is pretty decent value for money. I feel when considering sub £100 models that each should be more than just a watch telling the time. I like it to be as practical as possible, so tend to specify a Date function as a minimum requirement and this one has a bonus with the Chronograph.
Swatch “Once Again” model with White on Black.Swatch SUOB709 Date Date
Second is the Swatch “Once Again” White dial on black strap model GB743 and this is a very neat watch at just 33mm x 10mm depth, so is very much Unisex I suppose, but is a really clear reader AND has not just the Date but also the Day – AND magnified too, which is a good feature on a small watch. It has Luminous hands and once again a plastic case and silicon strap, 30m Water Resistance and weighs in at a featherweight 18 gms and is quite striking on the wrist with the stark white/black contrast. Swiss Quartz movement of course and costs around £32 online.
SUOB709 showing Battery hatch on rear.
The third and final model in this selection is the Swatch AUOB709 Day and Date and is the medium sized one here, also a Day and Date unmagnified this time, but very clear with it’s contrasting colorway and luminous hands. 41mm x 10mm depth it is quite slim so will fit the wrist rather well. even if small.
So decent Swiss quartz and all for just £47 it is as the others and pretty decent value and all three I think look pretty half decent on the wrist and regardless of what you are doing – out and about or dressed to kill and off to dinner in the old Tux! And because they are liberally spread about in the celebrity world and used by so many these days, they are always in fashion.
And that’s always a good trick if you can do it . . . .
Note – The original Swatch Watch concept came into it’s own in 1983 and started a revolution in the Swiss Watch Industry when they used just 51 parts system in quartz models and a fully automated assembly line production process. This resulted in an amazing and very affordable range of models.
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NEWS –
Thirty years later Swatch have expanded that idea and produced what they consider is another breakthrough by introducing the Sistem51, which applies now to mechanical automatic movement watches. This is an Automatic (self winding – no batteries) movement with just 51 parts. Comprising 5 separate modules which are welded into a single unit and centred on a single screw. When you consider that conventional mechanical movements have at least twice that number of components and some 500 or 600, it is in many ways a mini-revolution in watch production. This series of watches are produced by maybe the first fully automated assembly process in the World.
However for me it seems rather ironic that with less movement parts you’d be forgiven for thinking the watch would be smaller – well, from what I’ve seen it’s not – isn’t that odd? – However, maybe time will tell and it’s early days.
Like most automatics the movement is wound by the movement of your wrist, but unconventionally and controversially, in my opinion, the watch movement is also now hermetically sealed. It is also anti-magnetic too with the use of copper, zinc alloy and nickel AND the watch never (can’t) needs serviced AND it has a huge 90-hour Power Reserve!
This of course sounds great, though personally I’m disappointed by the first range of the Sistem51 models, which dial wise I find difficult to read owing to dial clutter. This is a pity as has nothing to do with their new movement concept at all, but perhaps a poor visual design of dial features and colours etc.
Hopefully this will change with new models coming out as I write and I hope to feature a few of them in a future Post.
Note – All watches featured in this Post are Quartz and NOT Sistem51 which are automatic mechanical watches and which I hope to feature in a future Post.
And here’s some more Quartz Swatch models –
Swatch “Summer Socks” SUON110 quartz – Approx £45 online.Swatch “Generation 31” with Date indicator. Model SUOW400 – Approx £47 onlineSwatch “Dr Swatson” Chrono and Date model in Aluminium. Model: YCM006AG – Approx £115 online.
As an eclectic collector of watches the subject of favorites is always somewhat fluid, simply because my collection changes. Some models are sold on, others bought and so my “favorites” might change over the years, though I confess that over the last few years my two favorite Quartz models have remained unchanged. However with my latest addition of the Tissot Expert T-Touch Solar, I might have to make it three favorites, though it will still be on probation as it were. It takes time for any watch model to gain this exalted position and I’ll see how it fares in 6 months time. I know my two firm favorites will still be there, but will the Tissot?
Anyway here are my two established favorites and with the reasons (to me) of why they are my favorites.
My Quartz favorites – The Breitling Aerospace and the Citizen AT World Time
The first, on the left, is my Breitling Aerospace model that I bought about 15 years ago and effectively my daily beater ever since. It’s well traveled, having been around the world a few times and often in places that you wouldn’t send your dog. A fitting testament to the longevity of a Titanium case and solid bracelet is that it still looks great! It has one bezel screw missing I note and I’m pretty sure that was when I had it in for a service some years ago, though I never noticed until about 6 months ago. The sapphire crystal is unmarked with not even the tiniest scratch on it and the casing and bracelet seem almost as new. I do note the bezel has a smoothness to it which has to be cuff wear (if you could call that wear) and that’s about the only thing that says it’s not showroom.
Why I bought it in the first place was that this was a multi-function model with only a single crown (I don’t like much the conventional chronograph pushers) and the dial clarity stood out even in the shop window. The fact that the deceptively exterior hides a really good digital function set and a high quality movement was of course the true bonus. In fact I’d set this against any of today’s quartz models.
It’s over a year since I last adjusted this which was during the Winter to Summer Time change and instead of just moving the Hour, I corrected the time as well and checking it today, it’s running just 32 seconds fast – and that’s impressive.
Breitling Aerospace Quartz – one of the clearest dials you’ll ever see.
However back to the watch – First the standard dial view shows the Time in analog and I have it set to show the Day and Date on the highly visible Fluorescent digital display. Using the center crown you can show the Seconds plus Date, the Time in Hours, Minutes and Seconds, Alarm Time, Chronograph, Dual Time or T2 in Hrs/Mins/Secs, and Timer. When setting the Time, this is done via the crown which has both turn and push functions and the analog hands follow as required. Each function is accompanied by an icon/text on the upper digital display to confirm your selection and all functions are selected and controlled by that single Crown.
For night use the hands, indices and numerals are coated in excellent and effective luminous material, though there is no back light so there is no digital vision in the dark. However I only ever want to see the time at night so no worries for me.
The Breitling is also a very neat size at 40mm diameter and with only 9mm depth is sleek to say the least in comparison with more modern watches, even Breitling. The Sapphire crystal with anti-reflect coatings plus the dial layout with no inner reflections make this one of the clearest watches you will ever see and the minute hand with it’s pivot overhang gives a subtle clarity when reading the time.
Probably if honest this is my absolute favorite and it certainly gets the most wrist time of all my watches.
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Favorites in Quartz
My second “favorite” is this quartz Citizen Eco-Drive World Calendar A-T CB0020-09E and in my opinion one of the best models ever produced (and still produced) by Citizen. It is 45mm diameter including the crown but only 11mm in depth and at 49mm lug to lug and whilst it appears larger is actually an easy fit even on small wrists. Stainless Steel case and 200m Water Resistance with screw down crown, Radio Controlled (5 receivers) and Solar Powered (Eco-Drive) it’s a true wear and forget watch. No battery worries, always accurate to the second and has a superb World Time analog function that’s simply unbeatable in operation.
Good luminous hands and indices, a Date aperture @3, which features a Perpetual Calendar plus a quick indicator of the Radio Control state. It will receive a signal starting at 2am and with this particular watch even worn continuously it manages to pick up the signal every time (no need for standing on a window ledge overnight), despite a considerable distance from the nearest transmitter in Germany ( I live in Scotland). This is a point I have noticed before when checking Casio and Citizen – the Citizens appear to have greater sensitivity. The signal can be verified using the pusher @4, one push and the Second hand acts as a pointer and indicates on the option window @9 (yes or no) and of course there is a manual option which is – push and hold. Summer and Winter Time adjustments are Automatic, but have an ON/Off option and if you pull the crown to position 2 it will indicate if this is selected on the small window between 4 and 5.
The Citizen AT World Time – the very best for traveling.
For travel it’s simplicity itself. Simply pull out the center crown to position 1. The Second hand will instantly point to your Home Time Zone (in the UK it’s London) which is noted around the fixed bezel. The Time Zones are also marked on the outer ring within the dial. To change the Time Zone, simply turn the crown and the seconds hand will point to the City Time Code you wish, then push in the Crown. The analog hands will immediately move to the correct time for that Zone – and that’s it – done! Possibly the easiest travel time setting you’ll ever meet – I love it.
Now – does the Tissot T-touch warrant a “favorite” title – well maybe time will tell . . .
My model has a very flexible Citizen rubber/silicon deployment band with a twin button release and is very comfortable and I almost forgot, IF you need to change the Date (though you should never have to as it’s Automatic and Perpetual anyway) it can be adjusted with a small pin push just above the crown.
I’ve had this watch now for 5 years and it’s never missed a beat and is as good as new – what can I say? In fact if honest I rarely use the many functions that are available on watches these days and the Citizen does what I want. And as I do travel a bit to various Countries even today, the Time Zone change function is perfect for me.
So for a good few years now those two have been my wearable “favorite” quartz models and I’m toying with the idea of adding the Tissot Solar T-Touch Expert – though that’s a still a “maybe” for at least the next 6 months. But one thing I do know – the two models featured above will still be there as my quartz favorites whatever the outcome of any new acquisition and that’s a fact . . . .
Well it might look the part, but does this Aeromatic Cubic Chrongraph 310A measure up to that look? Is it a winner?
Aeromatic Cubic Chrono 310A Quartz
Something that always disappoints is when I see a model with a design that’s pretty reasonable and where, as in this case, it looks quite interesting with it’s square shape, dial layout and color scheme.
I’m hoping and expecting it should be a good buy.
But unfortunately in this particular case not so in my opinion, basically as under the bonnet or hood as you guys in the West say, it seems to have been rather let down. A Cal. VD57 Quartz movement from Hattori (Seiko) that’s available for around $25 was not what I was expecting at all. Not even a jewel to soften the blow in this what I consider a low quality run of the mill date job with a chrono complication added on. I have seen this in Lorus a couple of times and it just doesn’t do it for me. In fact I expected better from Aeromatic.
And that’s a shame as the rest of the case, dial layout and overall look is really quite promising and with rather decent dimensions too, but that’s perhaps the problem with this Brand. Some you win and some you lose as some models are definitely better than others and I speak from some experience, as I’ve had a few Aeromatics over the years.
In fact I still have one even now which has never put a foot wrong and I like it, though not a complication model apart from the date, it ticks along fine and has been accurate enough for me over quite a number of years. And OK it might be a bit reflective in the dial, but overall it was very good value for money.
But this much newer Cubic effort seems to have jumped up to another price point entirely being much more expensive at around $390-$400 which is too expensive for me and considering what’s inside, difficult to justify. Pity too as the specification on the face of it seems pretty OK too especially with the neat dimensions of 42mm x 42mm x 13mm, screw down crown and 10 atm Water Resistance. Hardened Mineral Glass and screw back plus the chrono 1/10 seconds plus 60 min stop watch etc. and a 2 yr Warranty.
But it’s not for me I’m afraid and NOT a winner, which is a shame as I’ve always had a soft spot for Aeromatic, with their classic and pilot looks, but this one – just doesn’t do them any favors at all. 😦
Talking of winners and losers – I have to refer you to the Infantry model (ana/digi) that I reviewed a short time ago (Military Style – August 17th). When you consider it cost UNDER $10, and even as big as it is – in comparison to this one – it is a winner.
Infantry £10 watch – an Analog/digital Winner and great value for money!
Having had a number of Compass and ABC models, both mechanical and digital, this month sets a milestone for me. This is because I’ve at last got myself a watch I’ve always wanted ever since it was announced last year. The solar version of the Tissot Expert “Touch” – and what I call the finished article at last from Tissot. Whilst the Expert Touch was around and OK, it always seemed a little bit “first generation” to me until this lovely piece of engineering appeared. And even though the watch diameter is slightly larger, it scores in every other department. And unlike the Casio models this manages some 26 functions including the ABC functions with just 3 pushers and no exterior sensors, so exterior wise is pretty sleek.
Tissot Solar T-Touch Expert on standard view (optional calendar shown). Best Compass watch?
How does it do all this? Well the secret lies in the sapphire “Active” crystal which has 7 areas of “touch” sensitivity from which most functions operate. Tissot in my opinion have managed a real step up in functionality and successfully managed to de-clutter the whole operating interface.
The Tissot Solar T-Touch Expert is well finished, comparatively sleek and rather attractive with its combination of mechanical and digital function that at first touch takes your breath away – or it did mine. They’ve moved on from the original T-Touch models and revised functionality. For instance they have removed the Temperature indication which I’ve always thought unnecessary as you have to take the watch off the wrist for 20 minutes before any sensible ambient temperature reading can be realized. So not just a solar version, but a serious rethink and redesign and I commend Tissot for taking this approach.
Outdoor wrist shot – no studio here, but as it is.
Dimensions are slightly larger at 45mm diameter (47mm including the crown) and it looks quite imposing as the bezel being relatively small in width, it seems to be all dial – and what a dial. Fortunately the watch is only 14mm depth and the lug to lug at 52mm means it can still fit most wrists, except perhaps the very smallest. My wrist is 170mm and it fits – just – and as it’s all Titanium, it’s so light you don’t even know your wearing it.
It’s the analogue display where this model scores – indeed it’s a masterpiece of understatement – it is uncluttered and deceptively simple. The broad hour and minute hands are luminous and have great contrast against the black dial background. The upper half of the dial has a black carbon-like texture which is not carbon fiber but the solar panel and the lower half is the digital display, which can show a considerable amount of data. The digits are quite large and in gold fluorescent against a black background and visible in all light situations.
Luminous hands and selectable back light for digital display is excellent.
At night or in darkness there’s also an excellent light system and the digits easily read. This coupled with excellent luminous hands and markers means it’s very good indeed in the dark and without fanfare or fuss.
Without doubt the dial is a real surprise especially if you’re more used to the Casio style of display set up.
As said this is an “Active” or “touch” sensitive glass and using it is a delight, as the response is both positive and amazingly rapid. And there are basically 7 “Active” areas on the glass. 6 around the dial indicated by the large “shield” markers plus the text on the bezel edge and the 7th active point is at the center.
The 6 functions from the top and clockwise are Meteo (barometric pressure), Altimeter, Chrono, Compass, Alarms (2) and Timer.
To use any of these functions firstly you have to “activate” the touch glass – and this is simply done with a 1 sec touch on the crown @3 and acknowledged by a flashing T-Touch icon on the display. If you then touch any of the 6 areas, the selected function will indicate by the hands instantly moving to form a pointer. And here I have to say that actions speak louder than words – as there is so much to explain, I can see why videos are the preferred review – just seeing it done, says all.
Before going on however I should explain that the standard dial view is as follows – The Hour and Minute hands show the Analog Time (T1) and the digital display shows the Date, Month, Year with the Day on the right upper line of the digital display – as shown in image (2). This is the setting I use, though you can instead have the digital display show the Time (T1 or T2) including seconds.
If we start with the center touch functions – after you activate the glass ( 1 sec press on the crown for 1 sec). Touch the center (1) and the digital display changes and now reads the Time (T1) which will usually be your home time. If that’s all you do, then the time and the hands will read the same time. But if you touch the center again (2) (whilst the dial is active) then the display changes to T2 or the second time zone. This might be where you are traveling to and a useful travel function is that you can Swap the two times and the hands will instantly change to T2, rather than T1 – ideal for air travel. When you are on your way back you can swap them back again to your home time T1 analog and T2 on digital.
Touch the center again (3) and this calls up the Battery State indicator, touch again (4) and this selects a sub menu, which I’ll explain later. If you don’t touch anything for 20 seconds the dial will go inactive. Note the watch features a Perpetual Calendar and auto sets itself for the months. The upper and lower pushers are basically + and – controls when using the Stopwatch, setting times, alarms and timers and so on. On occasion the + pusher is used for other functions such as the Swap feature where the T1 is substituted for T2 etc. The Crown pusher is used firstly to Activate the glass and also cycle through various menus once selected and to validate settings. Sounds complicated but in use it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it.
BEST COMPASS – Hands are True North pointer. Digital display is angle in degrees between 12 o’clock and True North pointer. Declination can be set in menu.
I suppose the Compass function is the most impressive as it actively uses the hands as a single North/South pointer, just like a conventional pivot compass, whilst the digital display indicates the direction @12. You can also set Azimuth as an option whilst in Compass mode.
Generally when you select a function via Touch, the Hands instantly form a pointer and point to that function text, so indicating your selection. Cleverly however and I love this, if it is pointing say at the Chrono or Alarm, after it initially points to your function it then quietly eases itself to a horizontal position, so as not to obscure the view of the display, which is really neat.
I’ll not go into the various functions as you can easily download the instructions to see how this watch works, but suffice to say it works flawlessly and is very impressive to say the least. I also would comment that it’s nice to have a model with all these what I call outdoor functions but without the outdoor look. Also not having to wear a large piece of plastic resin for once, but something more akin to a traditional watch is rather nice. It’s also very classy, elegant but with real presence as it is a substantial chunk of solid smooth Titanium. My version has a rubber strap with a very neat deployment clasp. Unlikely to change it as it is a rather bespoke Tissot fit, though knowing me, if it does break or go brittle in time I’m sure I’ll find a way . . . 😉
In the meantime it is a very comfortable strap indeed and I don’t foresee any issues at all.
As far as the Solar and battery aspect is concerned, apparently once charged it will manage to keep working just fine for up to a year in a low light environment. The Water Resistance is 10Bar or 100m, though it should be noted that the Touch functions will NOT operate if the glass is in contact with water. It is not a divers watch.
The watch case if I forgot to say is solid and all Titanium and the 3 x pushers are surface coated Ti also (not plastic). The watch is very solid yet light at 80gms (2.8oz) complete with strap and once on your wrist it’s virtually forgotten. The ABC features of the watch are really very good and there are options with every one of them, so is a very comprehensive and well thought out function set.
General notes on the functions –
T1 and T2 – this can show two separate times and normally used as Home Time and Dual Time zone and very useful when traveling. The analog hands usually show T1, though this can be swapped for T2 when traveling and the hands then will indicate T2.
Altimeter – once selected it displays for 10 hours continuously and options wise you can Preset your Altitude and there are Altitude difference readings with sequential readings every 2 seconds – Elapsed or Stopped Time, Total cumulative Altitude Gain, Mean Vertical speed of ascent in metres/min or feet/min, Total cumulative Altitude Loss, Mean Vertical speed of descent and Elapsed time or Stopped Time. As I say very comprehensive.
Meteo – or Barometric Pressure function the hands are superimposed to indicate the Weather Trend and the Relative and Absolute Barometric pressures are indicated.
Chrono function measures Lap Times which can be stored and recalled for Total Race Time statistics (max timing limit 99 days, 23 hours and 99 seconds) and Split Times can be recorded.
Alarms – There are 2 separate Alarm functions and used with the main time T1. An Alarm last 30 seconds without repeating. Alarms are stopped by pressing any control.
Timer – This is a countdown Timer with a range of up to 99 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds. There is also a Regatta setting which incorporates a 0 to 10 minute countdown for timing the run-up to the start of a regatta. When the countdown reaches 0, the watch switches to Chrono mode for the race.
If the watch if not being worn for a while there is a Standby Mode option where you simply select Eco – Switch OFF, the hands point to 12 and the display goes blank in 5 seconds which economises the battery. Again touch any control and the watch reverts to normal function.
My likes –
I like the fact that after a very short while it is very intuitive to operate and I can leave the instructions at home!
I like the clean lines, how it wears and how it fits the wrist.
I like the Eco function which can be set to automatic, thus saving battery life overnight, if no watch operations or movement detected.
I like the excellent night vision luminous hands and the digital back light – both are simple and effective.
Dislikes –
Not really a dislike, though perhaps my preference would be for a standard strap fitting, but hardly an issue.
Price maybe, though I’m not complaining as there’s truly not another Ana/Digi ABC model like it – period!
As I say it is easier to review the watch and it’s functions by seeing it in action, which is why video is perhaps the best way of illustrating the watch functions and I hope to make a small video, though with my poor video skills I hesitate . . . However I’ll give it a go and see what happens and hope to post it later in the month. Maybe . . . .
Other images –
Display is OFF. This is the Eco mode which activates if no operation or movement is detected in any hour period between 22:00 and 05:00hrs. To switch ON touch any control.
There is also a feature called Synch, where IF for any reason (strong magnetic influence or severe knocks) the hands are out of synch with the time or don’t align properly when superimposed as a pointer, this can be adjusted in the settings menu. In short Tissot seem to have thought of about everything.
So what do I think about my last purchase for 2014? Well OK it was pricey but I am very pleased with it. I unpacked it from it’s pack from Switzerland just the other day, noted the large user instruction booklet (17
Big booklet in 17 languagesDecent print size on instructions manual
languages and decent size print, by the way), took off the protective stickers, sorted out the strap to fit my wrist and strapped it on. A week later and it’s still on my wrist so that probably says it all.
However as to my video review, it may take some time as my video skills are just about non-existent and it may take a little time – if ever. It is an exciting watch this Solar T-Touch and I’m looking forward to some time with it and as to the instruction booklet. I note the pages are held loosely and have a tendency to too easily rip out (as you can see in the image they have perforations spine side) so I might just take out the English pages (40) and bind them separately.
It’ll be easier on my wrists and biceps I’m sure! 😉
Update – see commentary 2nd Nov 2014 on side bar.
Quote –
“And this is what I truly like about the T-Touch. Display wise each function has total exclusivity on the dial when called up. There is nothing else is on the dial except your selected function. And this is a real plus and something that no other ABC watch model has. Perhaps this is why the watch is described on the back as a “Smart Watch” – because of this exclusive display of only selected information. I’m surprised this feature is not emphasized by Tissot as I am certain they have missed a trick here by not doing so, as it’s an aspect that only once you see it do you realize it’s true significance and in my opinion one of the features that really does blow the competition away. . . . .”
It’s a brand I’ve always had great admiration for and for more years than I care to remember. Certina have been one of the most consistent Swiss Watch Manufacturers since 1888 when they were founded in Grenchen in Switzerland. Having just last year in 2013 celebrated their 125 years, revised and altered their logo in line with today’s markets and now affiliated to the Swatch Group, I’ve picked two models which particularly caught my eye recently.
Certina DS Multi-8 Chronograph
For Gents I’ve chosen the Certina DS Multi-8 Quartz Chronograph, which has a very neat and understated ana-digi design within a compact 42mm stainless steel case.
Beautifully made as you would expect from Certina, this model incorporates an anti-reflective Sapphire crystal with a digital Date display, which also shows Time Zone function, Timer and Alarm. Water Resistance is a strong 100m and as I said earlier all within a neat and solid 42mm Stainless case. I particularly like the push buttons which are nicely profiled and the watch comes with a high quality leather strap.
The simplicity of the numerals font and good legible face make this a very practical watch for me, uncluttered and good to wear in almost any situation. Price wise this is available here in the UK at around £560 and considering it’s set against the quality of the Certina brand, represents excellent value.
Certina DS Podium Ladies Date Watch
And the 2nd model I’ve chosen is actually for the Ladies – the Certina DS Quartz Podium (C025.210.16.428.00) which I think is delightful and practical. Not often do you see a Ladies watch with a Big Date aperture which particularly effective and clear, is balanced perfectly by the very elegant yet practical hour and minute hands. It also sports a fine centre seconds hand in black. The dial is white Mother of Pearl Roman figured and the minute chapter ring is colored, which compliments the complete ensemble. For me this is a really perfect set up and I love the look of it.
The clarity, as with the gents model above, is again quite outstanding and the beautifully finished Stainless Steel case shape is both unusual and stylish. In silver tone finish with a Sapphire Crystal and 10ATM (100m) Water Resistance, this model is also practical. Added elegance comes in the shape of the large milled crown with the Rose colored cabochon insert which matches the high quality leather strap and lends it an air of sophistication that I’m sure will appeal to the fairer sex.
Case wise this model is 32.5mm x 8.85mm which for the woman of today is a perfect size and more modern than the very small profile cases of yesterday. The leather strap is inclusive of a butterfly clasp and at around £260 in the UK is in my opinion extremely good value for a watch of this quality.
Both models come with the Certina 2 year Guarantee.
The problem is if my Wife sees this post – I KNOW she’ll want one! Now OK the Festive Season is just around the corner so maybe, just maybe I’ll smuggle one in to her Christmas stocking . . . . . .
This is what I call a kids and holidays watch – the Cannibal Compass CG146.03 from the Condor Group.
The Cannibal CG146.03 Compass model from Condor Group
Inexpensive at under £20 and looks the part, expedition style and with a strap compass built on – and it’s not so small that adults can’t use it at 37mm diameter. Has a modified expedition style velcro fast wrap strap (with compass fitted) which is perfectly adequate and all in all it doesn’t look too bad.
This is a quartz analog model instead of the usual cheap throwaway digital and it has a date window @3, center seconds hand in red and broad green infill Hour and Minute hands with matching numerals with 24hr markings too. Water Resistance is OK at 50m (5ATM) and with a standalone strap button compass with cardinal marks + big red North pointer. So if you’re up the creek without the proverbial, or lost (it happens to us older guys) then you can hopefully find an approximate heading that might just save your **s . . . . . 😉
The watch case is resin with a well marked bezel (non rotational) and a hand setting crown @3.
As I say, it’s just the thing for those Safari style holidays, where you may be somewhere that’s not the most secure, so a cheap watch like this maybe just the ticket. If it gets wet – OK, if it gets lost – OK, no sweat and hardly any loss either. Whether the button compass will manage the entire holiday is debatable as often these guys are pretty basic made. I’ve had various button strap compasses over the years from Suunto, Silva, The Army Store and goodness knows who else and some are just fine and others not so fine, but as these cost so little, one is about as good as the other and probably depends on that particular unit or maybe the day of the week it was assembled!
But all that aside, here you get a cheap watch, that looks the part, seems to work just fine, Asian quartz no doubt and as accurate as you need. If it works for the duration of the holiday, you’re in profit and if not, use the other one you gave to your boy!
The most stylish and refreshingly “wow factor” model I’ve seen from this new Brand, which once again is inspired by the 1950’s Italian roadster racing cars and in this particular color combination is my favorite model.
The fabulous Autodromo Stradale
Unlike the last model, the Monoposto which sported a Meca-Quartz hybrid design movement, this is a full mechanical automatic, the Miyota 9015, which I have always reckoned a very good movement indeed. It has useful features such as – seconds hacking, 24 jewels, quick date correction, second hand reset and good shock resistance. I also prefer the styling of this model, though I personally love every model that Officine Autodromo have produced so far. I understand the Brooklyn based Company was founded in 2010 and the first models launched in 2011 by designer (industrial) Bradley Price and there are some designers I reckon – and he is one of them.
Exhibition back view of the Miyota 9015 Automatic
The Stradale is a really stylish and beautifully finished model with Sapphire Crystal and is a neat size at 40mm diameter by only 10.8mm depth. The “floating” appearance of the K1 glass numerals disc gives the dial a subtle “depth” and clarity. And the slightly eccentric vintage position of the wire attached lugs being low on the case, give the watch a real stand out look on the wrist and coupled with the 18mm padded leather strap is just perfect.
Best described by simply seeing it’s picture.
It’s really nice to see a watch a million miles away from the macho, high tech look of the ubiquitous “military” style shock this and shock that, which seem to dominate the market today. I know as I have plenty of them! But this – is something rather special.
Wow! I think I MUST have one! (at around $750 (£550) – it’s a lovely thing) . . . . 😉
Addendum – One of the problems I tend to find, with a watch like this one – it’s so good, that I can guarantee you won’t find it anywhere, say in a couple of years time. So, if you want this one – my advice is – get it now!
Watch space 
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