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.

Dive to be seen!

Another Casio G Shock “in your face” style is this professional Divers model (not camouflage this time!) the GWFT1030E-9 30th Anniversary FROGMAN ISO certified 200mm Titanium.

Casio G Shock 3oth Anniversary FROGMAN Titanium

This is a dive specialist model which features ISO Certified 200M Water Resistance and a titanium case wrapped in tough yellow colored resin, screw-lock case back and Tough Solar power, so no battery issues.

As usual with many of the Casio models this has a very comprehensive feature set – Auto back light, Tide Moon Graphs, Data memory up to 10 logs and World Time for 48 cities, 1/100 sec Stopwatch, Countdown Timer etc. Unusually this case is an asymmetric design and the offset case and larger than usual band allows much better fit against the skin or over a wetsuit, especially in swimming situations.

Multi-band Radio Control is also included, so is very much a world traveler style watch, with dive times and surface intervals measurement by use of the multi-timers within the digital function set.

I suppose being a bit of a purist still, I tend to think of a divers watch as one that has broad luminous hands and absolute ease of clarity underwater in poor light situations and I sometimes wonder about any digital only display in these circumstances. Casio however have addressed that issue certainly in part by the Full Auto light feature, which means that by turning your wrist towards you, the dial should light up – hence the value of Solar power! But is that as clear as bright analogue hands? For me the jury’s out on that one, but also it might be I’m too old fashioned and set in my ways and this is the way forward and just brilliant . . .
The G Shock toughness however I do accept with Casio’s G Shock testing clearly showing just how good these are in any given and specified circumstance and with that in mind here is the Water Test as done by Casio –

One thing is certain is that even at most depths with this vibrant yellow case color on your wrist, you should be easily spotted by your fellow divers and that’s always a good thing.

Note – whilst this is a big watch at 58.3mm x 52.8mm x 18.0mm it’s only 115g in weight – I have to say I’m really impressed with it. I like the asymmetric case and the whole look of the watch – it’s a winner for me – and I don’t even dive! 😉

G Shock Camo – the watch to be seen in

When G Shock bring out new models it’s difficult to keep tabs on them. Often the differences between what’s on offer now and last week is tricky to pin down and there are currently 192 different styles out there – so not surprising you may miss the odd one or two.

Here’s one I just spotted – what I call the urban camo G or more correctly the Casio GD120CM-5, which is as you can see (hopefully) is an exercise in camouflage if there ever was! But hidden beneath the foliage patterns there lurks a pretty well specified model.

Shock Resistant, 200M Water Resistant, Auto LED Backlight (Super Illuminator), Multi-time (4 different cities) and World Time with 31 time zones (48 cities + UTC), city code display, daylight saving on/off, home time city/world time city swapping.
5 Independent Alarms (one-time or daily) plus an Hourly Time Signal with Flash alert( Flasher with buzzer that sounds for alarms, hourly time signal).
A 1/100 second stopwatch measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99″ Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times Countdown timer Measuring unit: 1/10 second with a Countdown range of 24 hours.
A Full Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099), 12/24 Hour Formats.
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month and a CR2025 battery that lasts around 7 years.
The Module is the 3427 and the dimensions are 55mm x 51.2mm x 17.4mm, so just a tad large for me personally even though it only weighs 72g.

Absolutely THE watch to be seen in this year – or not – I mean with all this camouflage, who’ll even notice you’re wearing it!