Pilot Log Version 4.0

I bought a Rolex SeaDweller ... again. This time is a M series. My last one was a Z series. Whats the difference? Basically none. They are pretty much the same except that the M series is about 1 year newer. So let's see if this is a keeper ... LOL

Also I couldn't resist and bought a Casio G-Shock GW6900-1. It has the classic 6900 look but updated with the latest model (multi band 6 atomic solar). I am also look into the upcoming GW7900. It also has multi band 6 atomic solar, but also with tide graph and moonphase (why doesn't Casio call it a Gulfman?). It pretty feature-rich, so I may add it to my stable eventually.

And crazy me, I started looking at Panerai. The simple logo PAM 000 and 005 looks good. I also like the Radiomir 183 Black Seal and 210. And then I saw the 243 Submersible ... 1950 Luminor case style, WR 1000M, auto HEV, automatic movement with date feature, big bold uni directional timing bezel, over size crown lever ... Looking at it was the first mistake, asking questions about it was the second mistake. haha~I don't believe I will run out a buy one tomorrow. But man, that's a yummy PAM.

I tried very hard to like the GW2000BD because of its sophisticated all analog atomic solar module and the decent lume (for a Casio), but I just couldn't get used to the hour markers layout on the dial. I wished the dial layout to be with a bigger "12" with no "stick" 12 o'clock marker. Also, I wished the STW and CDT timing are actually only 12hr instead of 24hr, because the small sub-dial makes it hard to read the actual timing information. Other than those, I think the GW2000BD is a very nice all analog G-Shock.

About the Doxa 5000T Sharkhunter, its just a bit too big for my taste. I guess big watch is out for me already. The lug-to-lug size is only 47mm (which is actually quite manageable) but the 45mm case along with the pillow case just make the watch looks HUGE. I wished its a little smaller, maybe around 43mm case size. its also a little "blingy" because of a lot of the polished area and the brushed area are only lightly brushed. And the hour markers are also missing the signature "lines in between the hour markers". I think Doxa does a lot of things about the watch in the right direction (auto HEV, great lume, adjustable diver extension, easy to use bezel, sapphire with inside AR coating), but it didn't hit the mark for me.

Having to let go of the Ball EM II 300 diver made me sad, so I have to do something to made up for it. So I sold the Seiko Power design SBPG001 ... ?! What?! Ok, in return, I am giving the Doxa 5000T Sharkhunter a try. First, the Seiko SBPG001. I like the watch, the clean and simple look. It also has current time in all mode, which is fantastic. But it also has a short lug to lug size (40mm), which I am not quite used to. When the opportuniately of owning a Doxa 5000T Sharkhunter comes up, its only natural that I should let go of the Ball EM II Diver and Seiko SBPG001 in order to get the 5000T. About the 5000T, how about WR 5000 ft (1524m), auto HEV, ETA 2892 movement, adjustable diver extension, an extra seal on the crown tube (not quite triple lock crown, but that's an extra seal right there), etc.

I am going to give the Doxa a try and see how I like it. I am still thinking about a Rolex, just for the heck of it. And I think I should also add the 14060M (sub ND = Sub No Date) because of the triple lock crown, the clean dial and the rich history (the Sub ND is actually the first Sub, Rolex only add the date function later on). But at the same time, what turns me off about the 14060M is the bracelet. My Marathon SAR cost quite a few folds less than a Rolex 14060M Sub ND, and the SAR has a fantasticly solid bracelet. But the Sub ND only has a bracelet with folded end links and center links. Its just a bad match between the watch and the bracelet.

Most likely, I will be interested in Rolex in the following order

1. GMT Master IIC with ceramic bezel
2. Sub LV
3. SeaDweller
4. 14060M Sub ND
5. GMT Master II Pepsi

I still need to decide if I will be moving this to a blog site or another free web hosting? Geocities's going to pull the plug in less than 10 days.

• I got a Casio G-Shock GW2000BD multi band 6 atomic solar. Its the first affordable Casio G-Shock with lume can read actually be read in the dark. LOL Also, the watch comes with both 24hr STW and CDT is definitely a plus for an all analog G-Shock, though I actually would prefer 12hr STW and CDT for the ease of reading the measurement from the smaller 3 o'clock sub-dial.
• I got a Casio G-Shock GWM850. To make the short story long (<-- yes, haha), I really like the feature of GW9010 Mudman, but I can't stand the toy-ish dial. So along it comes with the GWM850. I has the same functionality as the GW9010, but with a less toy-ish dial layout. And it has the same case construction as the GW810D. What happens next comes naturally ... I swapped out the bezel and bracelet of the GW810D with the GWM850 to make a bracelet version of GWM850, which Casio should have produced with reversed LCD. Though I really like the look of the GW810D, the improvement of the GWM850's functionality make it hard to resist to create a bracelet version of it. I ended up selling the GW810D with the rubber strap and keeping the bracelet version of GWM850. I am liking it and its pretty unique.
• I sold the Citizen Eco drive Navihawk. I like the watch, I like the look, I like the feature (Duratect Ti + sapphire crystal), I like almost everything about it. But somehow I doesn't bond with it. It just doesn't get the wrist time that it deserves. So I sold it for another incoming watch.
• The other incoming watch is the Marathon SAR. I know this is my n-th Marathon SAR already. But I just can't seems to get away from them, cause its such a good watch, with all the design element makes it a really useable watch and they just "make sense". So everything is there for a reason, which is to make it a easy to use diver's watch. I "hope" I will be keeping this one. ;-)
• Ball Engineer Master Diver 300m with green internal bezel. I haven't had a Ball watch for a while already. And the moment openiing up the box and seeing the watch still amazes me of the detail that Ball puts into the watch. I think Ball did a great job on the design and the color. It does looks bigger than it is because of the small bezel (large crystal and dial area). So I am going to give it a try and see if I like it.
• Just arrived is a Seiko Power Design SBPG001 atomic solar. It has a retro design, big crystal, all dial layout. Seems like an interested watch (functional as well) which is different my usually Casio G-Shock.

I think I am over Casio G-Shock GW6900. I think its a great re-issue of a classic. But it just seems like I have so many other watches that keeps me busy and I will make this one a very low priority for me.

I am still in the market of a Rolex, but can't quite decide upon which one. I think the Sub LV because of the Maxi dial (better lume). But the green bezel is a little iffy (don't know I will like it) for me and I would perfer the solild SD bracelet. That brings me to the SD, which I have had one and solid it for no reason. Still likes it a lot and it feels more "ultimate" than the Sub as a diver's watch. And here comes the GMT Master II pepsi. I like the pepsi bezel and the functionaly GMT hand, but the asking price for it makes it a tough choice for me (since I am a diver's watch guy and the GMT Master II is not). The last one is the GMT Master II ceramic. It has a lot of things that I like (Maxi dial, triple lock crown, bigger case size, much improved bracelet, scratch resistant bezel insert), but it has a few draw back for me as well (price, not a diver's watch, WR100m *only*, more blingy, etc). I am still stucked. But I am not in a hurry to get one neither.

Well, I've officially beat up my Broker Hyper by putting a few small dent on the blade. And the blade definitely feels like it can use a sharpening. But the thing is that it a great folder at an affortable price, most likely whats going to happen is that I would sell it cheap, and then buy another one. BTW, all the home improvement project does put some stress on my tools. Sadly to report that I've almost have a few tiny chip on the Leatherman TTi's S30V blade. :( I guess this is my learning curve on how to treat the blade of my folders.

And we just did a MAJOR purchase, and my toy fund has been reduced to ZERO ($0) ... :sad:

So I am tempted to test the market with my recently acquired Omega SMP GMT. No toy funds = no watch hunting = no fun. So letting the SMP GMT go would allow to me have some toy money again.

On the side note, the Omega Bond SMP co-axial totally surprised me on how much I like the watch. I even thought I like the Speedy style SMP bracelet better than the Bond style. But after owning the Bond SMP co-axial, I like the Bond style better (because the Speedy style SMP bracelet tapered to maybe 18mm at the clasp, which I didn't really like)!

I have been looking for a external hard drive system to back up my multimedia files and digital photos. After hunting (again with the hunting) for a deal, I finally got a sealed brand new in box Western Digital My Book Studio Edition II 2TB (2 x 1TB) for a good price. I will run this system with RAID 1 so the 2 HDD will mirror automatically each other creating a backup. I like this sytem because of the available faster eSATA connection and the ablility to swap out a drive if one of them failed.

Man, so many toys, so little resources ...

As a result, I think my JDM Citizen Eco Drive Navihawk would have to go to make room for the Omega SMP GMT.

At the same time, Casio is going to release 3 G-Shocks that I am interested, the GW5000, GW6900 and (maybe) the new atomic solar Frogman. I am thinking about getting them. I just want to wait and see what's the retail (street) price for those G-Shock will be.

On the other hand, I have purchased a PAW1300T *again* as my ABC (Altimeter-Barometer-Compass) watch. So far, the PAW1300T seems to match my wrist size, the function I want and my wallet the best ... LOL (otherwise, the new PRX2000T would be an even better choice with sapphire crystal and hard-coated titanium)

At the same time, I think I am over the GW2000BD already, even without owning one. I think its a nice new all analog G-Shock, but I just don't see me wearing it too much. In order to save myself from selling it later, I opt to not get it in the first place ... LOL :p And Amazon for some reason decided to jack up the price of their Leatherman Skeletool CX RIGHT BEFORE I want to buy one. So, I protest by not buying one until either they drop the price again or I can find a cheaper one. :p

On the watch note, I a getting rid of the Citizen Aquamount and Eco Drive Aqualand (BJ2000). I just don't think I bond well with them. On the other hand, I missed my Marathon SAR so much that I, yet again, am getting another Marathon SAR. This time without the cyclops and with the Candian Leaf on the clasp. I like and have no problem with the cyclops, just that I want to see if I will like the SAR without the cyclops.

My Seiko SKA427 arrived and I quite like it. The color combo is nice. The case and bracelet is nice and heavy, yet comfortable to wear. The lume is of Seiko's bright. So I am happy with that. I like it so far.

What's next for watches? I don't know? haha~ I am still considering Casio G-Shock GW2000BD, re-puchasing a Pathfinder PAW1300T Titanium, or maybe a Citizen Aqualand JP1010 (with 2 sensors) on bracelet. On the more expensive (i.e. luxry) side, I am thinking about a Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 42mm, SMP co-axial black Bond, or SMP GMT. And lately, the Breitling Avanger Seawolf SS caught my attention. But it does seems to be a overly over-sized for my wrist size.

And I think I am going to add a Leatherman Skeletool CX to my multi tool/knife collection. The lighter weight sbould be more comfortable for pocket carry than the LM Charger TTi.

Another watch that I am thinking about is the Casio G-Shock GW2000 series. Its the new multi band 6 atomic solar all analog "pilot" watch. From user's review, Casio seems to have improved the lume by quite a bit of margine (GW2000 doesn't have LED for night time viewing). The spec looks good with 24hr STW and CDT + world time + alarm. But at the same time, it has the same lag time (the time when the hands needs to dance around the dial to show the correspnding information) when changing modes as the GS1000 and MTG1000 (which both I owned and sold because of the lag). Seems like Casio improved it somewhat by letting the user make further selection without having wait for the hands to stop (except for swapping time zones, or maybe setting the alarm time). Anyway, maybe I will try one. Maybe not ... who knows. :p

Its kinda funny how I switched from having mostly or all my watches with automatic/mechanical movement (except for my G-Shocks), to now I only have quartz movement. Quartz movement just make switching from watch to watch so much easier since I don't have to set the watch. I still want to have at least one mechanical watch in my collection. The ones I am looking at are Omega SMP GMT or PO, Marathon SAR, Seiko Marinemaster 300m auto SBDX001, Seiko Landmaster 200m auto SBDX007. I know, pretty much all of them are "repeat", please sometimes it takes more than one trial to find the "right one". ;-)

In the mean while, I am going have to get rid off the SS Citizen Aquamount. The relationship just didn't work out the way I want it to be ... :p

What I really like about the 300m Tuna, besides the obvious (tough diver, bright lume, clean easy to read dial, etc), are the details: like the painted second hand (white front and black tail), the battery-change year marking on the caseback, drilled lugs for easy straps change, build for saturated diving (He gas safe), etc

I like the Citizen Aqualand Classic II a lot. And when I saw a decent deal on a Citizen Aquamount (which has both depth and altimeter), I just had to jump on it. So, at least on paper, the Aquamount will have a 24hr chronograph (vs. a 60min one on the Aqualand) and a altimeter which I might be able to use (vs. a depth meter which I almost certain that I would never use. But if I had to use an alitmeter, Casio G-Shock GW9200 would be my choice of watch anyway, haha).

Also, I am looking for a Citizen Eco Drive Aqualand (BJ2000). Its an all analog diver with depth meter, just a different flavour of aqualand ... hehe

Well, I do need an automatic sports/dressy diver since I have none in my collection right now. I am looking at an Omega Seamaster Professional (SMP), maybe 2254 (black MOD dial with sword hands) or SMP GMT. I might even consider a 42mm Planet Ocean (black on black) or the newer black Bond SMP. But the co-axial movements has a premium over the other SMPs.

When it comes to an automatic diver, the first one I consider is, of course, the Marathon SAR. But its not quite dressy enough and I do want to give Omega SMP another try.

I have sold my Rolex Sea Dweller. Why? I don't know. Everything about it is great. But I just can't "bond" with it. Maybe cause it's too "classic"? Maybe cause there are too many look alike out there? Maybe I don't like being associated with the brand "Rolex" (may I say "stereotyped")? I can't tell ... It just never "felt" right when I strap the watch on my wrist. A few things for sure (which at least partial leaded to the departure of the watch):

• For being a lume-freak as I am, the lume on the Rolex SD did left room to be desired.
• The Rolex SD doesn't work well with NATO for my wrist size. (Some people may ask who would wear a Rolex SD with NATO anyway.)
• The clasp doesn't "centered" for my wrist size without removing one (1) six o'clock side non-removeable link on the bracelet. And the process is non-reversible.
• I am NOT a one-watch-man. Or I should say I am not a few watches man. I need more than just one or just a few watches. And part of the fun of being a WIS is the "hunt" for the next watch. Having to put a big chunk of my watch funds into just one watch prevent me from "hunting" ...

Also sold is my Casio touch screen databank. And bought a Seiko 300m Tuna SBBN007. I know I know, its my don't-even-remember-how-many 300m Tuna. But since its being discontinued and being replaced with a much more expensive (but quite similar) version of 300m tuna, I might as well give it one more try ... this time with black bezel, sapphire crystal, and different straps and bracelet.

After almost 2.5 weeks of solid wrist time, my Casio G-Shock GW810D finally reached full charge .. haha~ that took quite a while. :p And I found out my G2310 is down to 2 out of 4 charge level now. So I guess I have to wear it out for some charging. :)

• Bezel: 38mm
• Crystal: 30.5mm
• Case width 2 to 8: 46mm (not include buttons)
• Case width 3 to 9: 51mm (not include crown)
• Top to bottom: 48mm
• Height: 14.5mm
• Lug size: 24mm

On the other hand, I have a Citizen Aqualand Class II (JP2000) coming in. I have always interested in this watch, though I would have no use for the depth sensor function. :p Also, I sold the Casio G-Shock DW6200, which was in my collect but I have never worn it (the watch was in used condition that I first got it though).

• 48mm lugs-to-lugs
• 39.5mm bezel
• 43.6mm width with crown
• 29.4mm crystal/dial
• 14.5mm thick
• 20mm lug size
• 148g with all links

The uni-directional bezel feels solid and doesn't have play. And the triple lock crown screw down smoothly and solid-ly (?). I haven't tested out the lume brightness yet. The lume is clean and white under normal lighting. As far as I can tell, the brightness is *decent*. But I need to do a overnight test and see how long it last. (From what I read, I don't think it shines very well. Lume is definitely not a strong point of Rolex SD.)

Well, I pretty much get the Rolex SD for the triple lock crown (over the twin lock crown of GMT), solid and detail oriented construction and the robust complete in-house 3135 automatic movement. What makes me get the SD instead of the SUB ND or SUB Date is that they have not-that-much price different in pre-owned market, and I prefer the solid links of the 93160 (over SUB ND and data's folded links), and I want a date windows (over the ND) and I think SD is just a bit more special (exclusive) than the SUB date (cause it seems like EVERYBODY has either a SUB ND or SUB date). Though I like the pepsi GMT Master II but mechanically its just not special enough (with the lack of triple lock crown) and seems like Omega SMP GMT would give me more for the money (not to mention the great lume on the Omegas) :p

It seems like Rolex Sea Dweller is THE Rolex for me, cause (compare to):

• SUB ND (14060M, non-COSC) - no date windw, folded end links and bracelet links (which might stratch over time), though its THE classic, clean dial and it has drilled lug holes. This one will be my second choice if I am not getting a Sea Dweller.
• Sub Date (16610) - folded bracelet links (which might stratch over time) and its too *common* (anybody, seems like everybody have one), though the smaller case size (and bigger dial size) seems to work better with smaller wrist size
• GMT Master II pepsi (16710) - twin lock crown (only), though I do the like the pepsi (red/blue) version of GMT Master II, the lack of legendary Rolex triple lock crown makes it less special (than the Rolex diver's watches) and the fact that Omega SMP GMT gives it a run for the money (for much less money in fact ... LOL, with better lume as well). If I already owned a Rolex diver's watch and have "a lot of" toy funds burning (multiple) holes in my pocket, then i will definitely go with a pepsi GMT Master II, never say never ;-).

But in the mean time, I am still trying to see if I want to live with "owning a Rolex" (SD). Its a fantastic time piece, almost a gold standard of how a capable tool diver should be. But this also means I am "putting a lot of eggs in one basket", which in turn means I won't have as much toy funds for other watches and such. And also, I would prefer not to be labelled as "one of the those" Rolex owners, which owns a Rolex because its a Rolex (the brand), not because of the history of that particular line of Rolex, the design and construction of the watch, and the completely in-house movement.

If I am going to keep the Sea Dweller, then I will be putting the Marathon SAR along with a few Casio on the market. And I would look for another radioation-free battery-powered quartz beater (Tuna 300m? Citizen Eco Drive Air Diver? Seiko Landmaster Kinetic?). So, now its decision, decision, decision ... ?_?

Now I think think about if I should sell my Marathon SAR to *fund* the Rolex SD. Actually, its more like *replacing* the Marathon SAR with another battery-powered *beater* so that I have more varity in my watches. I will make up my mind when the Rolex SD arrives and it proves to be a keeper.

As a battery-powered beater, I am thinking about a Seiko 300m Tuna, Citizen Eco Drive Air Diver 200m Duratect Titanium (PMX56-2811) or a Seiko Landmaster Kinetic (again for the 3rd time :p ).

On a side note, I have been wearing my G-Shock GW810D as my daily watch in this mean time of "in between watches". Its just nice and comfortable. I hope Casio will release the GWM850 in the GW810D configuration (SS bracelet with reverse LCD).

What I like about the run this year is that they used timing chip so we have better timing for the event for everyone, though my time on my G-Shock GW9200 Riseman was 2 seconds faster than the official chip time (but I digress). But man, they ran out of my T-Shirt size this year and I am stucked with a size XL (instead of L). And I almost didn't get my T-Shirt until I complained to one of the staff. And they didn't have the nice towl, like the one from last year.

Anyway, it is what it is. :-) I wonder if I can do it for another 10 years to complete my T-Shirt collection. ;-)

Well, though I like my Traser P6505's styling, I've sold it cause I am done with tritium tube watches and I made a false assumption that the internal parts are easily swappable with other Traser/Luminox (i.e. the chapter ring with the tritium tube is part of the case (btw, don't know why cause the case is titanium and the chapter ring should be in plastic) and the whole assembly has to be replaced when in case of tritium tube replacement. I just don't want to deal with it / think about it. So I got rid of it. I think that's the end of tritium tube watches for me for good. From now on, I will stick to good non-radioactive lume. :D

And the MkII Vantage is sold. I liked it but I think I need a rotating bezel of some kind. I couldn't really get used to the smooth bezel. Anyway, that had to go.

So, what will I get instead? I don't know? :p The watches that I am looking at are MkII Blackwater (Type I no date with GMT bezel), Timefactors Precista PRS50 non-LE, Seiko 300m Tuna, Omega SMP GMT, Rolex GMT Master II/Sub/Sub ND/SD, maybe a few other G-Shocks/Timex ... etc ;-)

Update my For sale and Toy List. :)

I've updated my watch-wanted list and the for sale page.

The Ocean7 LM-4 turns out to be a lemon. Bumper :( The watch is on its way back to the seller. Hope everything will be ok. The watch looks interested, I was looking forward to it.

I survived another snowboard trip. I don't know if I could do it any more. I felt like I would enjoy other activities that put myself in danger more so than trying to slide down a snowy mountain in freezing cold weather.

Nonetheless, I wore my Casio G-Shock GW9200 Riseman with me during my trip. As expected, it functioned flawlessly and was able to tell me I was at about 10,500 ft at near the top of the mountain. One thing though, the strap can barely fit when I wear the watch outside of my ski jacket. But that's only a minor complain. I think being able to put the Riseman through what its designed to do was my only reason for doing snowboard trip ... LOL

I have an incoming Ocean7 LM-4 Shadow with black lume. The price is good for a ceramic cased watch. I am a bit worried that the lug-to-lug size (@ just over 51mm) will be a little large for my wrist size. But I guess I will give it a try.

Good luck on a fresh start (to me).

My first watch sold in 2009 is my Sector 600 analog/digital chronograph. I think its a great watch. Just that I am more into watches that are "my size" more. :p Plus I am going to have that fund (partially) pay for my MkII Vantage. BTW, I am going to send in my Vantage for some warranty issue (hopefully, it will be covered under warranty).

For 2009, here are the watches on my "Get list" so far (of course it will be change through out the year):

• Ocean7 LM-4 (normal dial for the lume)
• Citizen Aqualand (JP2000, Eco drive, etc)
• Casio Overland (Atomic Solar with JP / US reception)
• Breitling Super Ocean (old style dial with arrow hand, black dial) or 42mm Steelfish
• TagHeuer Aquaracer (41mm blue dial)

• Omega Planet Ocean 42mm (black/black)
  I like a lot of things about the watch, but I probably won't get one because of the lack of macro adjustment on the clasp (though the clasp itself is very well built), outer AR coating (easier to mark up), and the fact that you can't tell which hr marker is 12 in the dark.
• Ocean7 LM-7 (black dial)
  It looks great and the bezel has lumed number markings and sapphire insert. But the unknown water resistant (durability) of the sapphire bezel keep me away from it.
• Rolex GMT Master II, Seadweller and Submariner LV
  While they are nice and the prices are coming back as the economy get worse, I don't know if I am ready to live with a Rolex yet ... :p
• Glycine Airman pumpkin (24hr dial, with bracelet)
  A 24hr watch interests me, but I don't know if I would be happy with it.
• Ball watches
  Maybe? I don't know. :p