New Shoes

Changed new leather straps for 2 of my Divers watches. I am not a fan of rubber bands.

Another Vintage find

For a while, I have stopped collecting vintage watches after my once vintage craze. But recently I acquired a very nice new-old-stock Pagol and last week, I chanced upon a mint Eterna-matic.

This is an ETERNA-MATIC 1000 5-Star with an automatic movement. The movement hacks and the date is quick-change via the crown at first position. The hands show some ageing and I don't think the lume is working anymore. Every part of this watch is original, with stamped crown and bracelet clasp. The previous owner is the first owner and he has worn it carefully a couple of times many years back and have since kept the watch in showcase. The very classic minalist look melts my heart and I acquired it in a flash. I think I may be starting another Vintage revolution soon!

As the Year of the Ox comes to an end, a Bullhead arrives!

SEIKO Automatic Chronograph

Caliber 6138-0049 Twenty-one jewels

Bullhead design with crown and pusher buttons arranged vertically

Dated: February 1978

Finally chanced upon this Seiko Bullhead at K2. I have always wanted to add a Bullhead to my 6138 collection and even though this brown version is less rare than her black counterpart, I am not complaining. The overall dial and bezel was in very good condition and it is hard to find Bullheads, let alone in pristine condition. The original Seiko fishbone stainless steel bracelet has all the links and the condition very good.

Unfortunately, the crystal was badly scratched and the hands went through a failed re-lume effort. I placed my reservation with Mr. Goh who kindly kept this watch for me while I await shipment of the glass and hands.

The glass came from Jonathan (United States) aka Swedefreak. Jonathan manufactures to exact specifications the discontinued parts of the Seiko watches. His mineral crystal fitted like a glove and even my watchmaker was impressed!

The new-old-stock original Seiko minute and hour hands came from Hans (Malaysia) aka Seikokaki. I have bought NOS hands from Hans before and all were perfect.Finally after 2 weeks of waiting, the parts came and Mr. Goh presented to me a "brand new" Bullhead. The clean crystal brings out the excellent condition of the dial!

I chose to wear with a white stitched brown leather strap to bring out the "Racer" appearance of the Bullhead! I am very pleased with this acquisition and restoration project. Thanks to Mr. Goh, Jonathan and Hans who made this happen.

Captain Pogue's 6139

SEIKO Automatic Chrono (close to NOS)

Caliber 6139-6002 Seventeen jewels

Dated: April 1977

It was said that Capt William Pogue wore the 6139 during his space mission. An iconic Seiko in classic pepsi tachymeter bezel and starburst yellow dial.

I acquired this new-old-stock piece from fellow WIS Chuck aka ttsugar from Taiwan. The bezel is perfect and the bracelet and clasp clean. The dial and inner bezel still retains their original colour and the starburst effect still very prominent. Fantastic condition for a watch older than I am!

I just have to Get my Helmet Back

SEIKO Automatic Chronograph "Helmet"

Caliber 6139-7100 Seventeen jewels

The problem with collecting vintage Seiko automatic chronographs is that you always have to "buy one, sell it once you spotted another better one"!

I once had a 6139 Helmet but sold to raise some funds for another purchase then. Recently, I chanced upon another excellent condition piece belonging to a local collector and bought it in a flash. Now I had better rest my guns on the 6139 (after scoring this and the Pongue) and re-focus back to my 6138s.

This completes my 7A38 collection (for now)

SEIKO Quartz Chronograph Day-Date (NOS)
Caliber 7A38-7280 Fifteen Jewels
Dated: December 1987

I was browsing my blog and discovered I left out a 7A38 writeup. This 7A38-7280 houses the same 15 jewels full metal quartz movement as the 7190 that is currently in my collection.

The 7280 has a beautiful enamel like white dial with cursive arabic numerals making her an evergreen classic. The gold accent further enhances the vintage feel of this watch.




Stamped "Japan" caseback marks the distinctive Japanese quality of that era. Now I have two pieces of complete set new-old-stock 7A38, I think I will stop for now for this series.

The Black Wave

Recently I went on a watch-buying spree as I thought since my baby girl is arriving end November, I better get the watches I wanted!

The Alba 200m Divers "Black Wave" was purchased from Chuck aka ttsugar from Taiwan. This watch is from the same series as the Blue Manta-Ray but came on a solid stainless steel bracelet instead of the rubber strap. As usual, I swapped her onto brown leather which a Panerai-feel to the look.

The above lume shot was courtesy of the Chuck. Chuck is a great seller and this is the second watch I bought from him in a month. The Alba came with papers, warranty (stamped 1998) and tag, without box. Thanks Chuck!

Rare new old stock Citizen Quartz "AEROCHRON"

CITIZEN Quartz Aerochron
Caliber C046

My search for a Citizen 1st generation Aqualand was futile. Although I managed to locate one new old stock piece in two-tone (rare!) bracelet configuration, the price was much too high to justify. A few steps away at my favourite watch haunt, a new old stock Aerochron caught my eye. Well, this managed to satisfy my "hunger" for the Aqualand for a moment. But will this satisfaction stay? Only time will tell!

Here is a description of the Aerochron (shamelessly lifted from William Mansell's site):

This is the world's first watch manufactured with the dedicated balloonist in mind with electronic altimeter functions. The following features make this watch the ideal choice for outdoor leisure sports where general altitude and barometric measurements are useful: Altitude measurement function operate between -980 and 17,000 feet. Barometric pressure measurement function valid between 500 and 1,050 mbars. Memory function capable of storing up to four time/altitude records. Elapsed time chronograph/memory function. Ability to withstand temperatures as low as -20C (-4F). Slide-rule bezel for use in calculating fuel consumption rate and distance etc. Housed in a water resistanr stainless steel case.