Category: Jon’s Entries

#FieldNotes – My Father & His Watch

The Matick BlogLeave a comment

In the spirit of Father’s Day this year, we here at Team Matick thought we share with you some of our intimate and personal watch-related stories with the one of the most important men in our lives.

Do you have a story you would like to share?

Feel free to reach out to us and we may just feature them on here.

Marshall

As a young boy, my father didn’t grow up with much to his name. He was born in Penang Island, Malaysia, to a family that was poor, and he was the first son to receive a scholarship to pursue his studies in the United States, which was something unheard of at the time in the family.

He wasn’t a man who celebrated much of these milestones in life, his focus has always been on survival more than anything else. He left for the US as a young boy who knew little about the world outside of Penang Island, with quite literally nothing to his name. He had no choice but to resort to working multiple part time jobs during his studies to keep himself afloat. This thrifty and frugal lifestyle pretty much influenced his outlook on life throughout his youth, and eventually his adulthood. He never asked for much, and could easily get by with bare minimum; that was the kind of man my father was – and still is to this day.

When I was finishing up law school in 2016, I decided to get my father a watch to signify my appreciation. After several months of rigorously saving every penny I could, I managed to save up for a Seiko SNZF17 “Sea Urchin”.

It wasn’t exactly a fancy watch by any standards, but it was a versatile one. When the watch first arrived, I swapped out the rattly bracelet for an aftermarket one with straight end links; I’d say it gives the watch a pretty nice look. I passed this Seiko to him when I got home from the UK couple months later, he didn’t say much about it (apart from complaining about the price I paid for it at the time), but one day he sent me a wrist shot of the watch on his wrist, and the rest is just history. Just by looking at the watch, you can tell that he wears it every single day and on every occasion. All the scratches, dings, and dents, they are all the spirit of my father embedded into this watch, and that is the beauty of it.

This Seiko would eventually also give me something to hold on to, a memory of my father for me to keep and cherish when he is no longer with me, and hopefully one day, pass it down to my children.

KC

The story of my watch journey first began with my father’s 1952 Omega Seamaster. It’s a story I’ve mentioned a couple of times on the KC & JonJon podcast already, but the short version is that my old quartz watch died and I searched the house for any watch that I could wear to work. I stumbled on this old Seamaster, which my father said wasn’t working right. But I shook it a little and the watch immediately started ticking away, and I wore it to work the next day. 

This old Omega Seamaster is a fairly basic, stainless steel, time-only watch with a central seconds hand, and has the bumper-wound Omega Caliber 352 beating within. Patinated beyond all recognition under the heat and humidity of tropical Malaysia, the dial is now a splotchy brown, with some marring of the hands and markers as well. Having finally been serviced in 2016, the watch is now worn sparingly, but keeps good time and has a decent power reserve despite the inefficient bumper mechanism.

The watch itself, however, has some nebulous origins. The serial number dates it to 1952, but my father first got hold of it sometime in the 1980s when it was gifted to him by my uncle. My uncle picked it up from a watch store selling second watches, and it came without box, papers, or service history, as is par for the course with most watches of this vintage. My father then wore the Seamaster for the next 20 years or so without ever sending it for a service, before the power reserve gradually worsened and he gave up on it and kept it in a drawer.

My father, like many others of his generation, learned the need for financial prudency from a young age. Having come from a blue-collar family with 7 other siblings, life was never easy and a dollar saved was more than a dollar earned. The Omega Seamaster was a watch that he appreciated, but also seemed too expensive to send for a service. Why spend so much on this old watch when you can spend less on a brand new one that could tell time just as well, if not better? It is only now in his retirement that he has started to indulge in some of his hobbies, including golf and horology. And that included sending this Seamaster in for a much-needed service.

So this Father’s Day, I’d like to celebrate the spark that lit our joint fascination with mechanical watches: this water-damaged, six decade old watch that simply refused to die. And I hope to keep it alive for many decades to come.

Vincent

I have two watches passed down from the men in my family. 

I inherited the first one from my dad in 2017 when I came back to Malaysia during summer break. I was given the option to choose between a Victorinox Maverick Chronograph and this, a Tag Heuer Formula 1. I chose the Tag of course, because of both the brand and its 40mm case size. As you can see clearly, the watch is full of “character”, as enthusiasts might call it, but really it was just beaten up as my dad works in the furniture manufacturing industry.

The second one came in the form of a 26th birthday present. A little background on my late grandfather: he grew up in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and worked as a truck driver at the age of 18, before moving over to soy sauce manufacturing. By the time my dad was around, he had a company with a business partner manufacturing and selling soy sauce to the local grocery stores and restaurants. Sadly, his then business partner pulled some strings behind his back and ultimately gobbled up the entire business, which resulted in my grandfather being ousted from the company. 

With that, and also the early passing of my grandmother, it resulted in my grandfather feeling defeated. I still remember my aunt telling me this: “After seeing the state that your grandfather was in, we as his children swore to work hard so we can all provide him a better life.” A year after I was born in 1995, his children, including my dad, bought him a watch to signify the success that each of them had achieved for him, and it was this very watch, the Omega Constellation 1512.30.

Jon

You might have heard me talk about the story of how I got into watches on the KC and JonJon podcast multiple times, but since it’s Father’s Day, I’m quite happy to put it all into writing.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a watch on my wrist. Whether it was a funky Swatch, or some McDonald’s Happy Meal freebie, that small piece of real estate on my right arm was taken up. As I got older, I enjoyed pretty interesting fashion watches; watches that told time in quirkier ways than your regular three-hander.

My interest in mechanical watches started when my dad decided he had outgrown three of his watches and gave them to me. These were a Panerai Radiomir, a Gerald Genta Arena Biretro, and a Alain Silberstein Pikto. These mini machines fascincated me, from the sweeping seconds hand, to the spinning thing at the back. That got me doing more research and led me down the incredibly deep rabbit hole of this hobby of watch collecting. So, as much as he complains that I am spending way too much money on watches, I have to give him a friendly reminder that it is actually all his fault.

I’d have to say that my dad’s tastes in watches are similar to mine. He appreciates the finer details, like the enamel dial on his Breguet Classique 7147, but he also admires eccentric pieces, such as the Pikto that he gave me. He’s also given me advice in watch collecting, such as not to buy a certain brand’s products because they don’t contain in-house movements, or to save my money to buy watches from brands with watchmaking pedigree. Sometimes I listen, most of the time I don’t. My dad and I don’t really have much in common, but I’m glad watch collecting is something that we can share.

Happy Father’s Day.

For Team Matick,

Marsh, KC, Vincent, Jon

#LookCloser – Au Revoir, Seals Model A.5 – Michael Knight Edition, in Collaboration with Matt Smith-Johnson

The Matick BlogLeave a comment

FurryWristAbroad (FWA)

Marshall: Just FYI, our KC&JJ episode with FWA and MSJ is now out! Check it out here:

Prologue

A farewell for the brand’s iconic watch, in collaboration with designer Matt Smith-Johnson.

– FWA, 2021

Over the last two years, the integrated bracelet steel sports watch gained traction from a lot of microbrands. The founders of Nodus Watches, Cullen Chen and Wes Kwok, mentioned on their highly entertaining and informative podcast Long Roads that they too wanted to take on the genre of watches popularised by Gérald Genta. 

Last year, I reviewed the Dietrich Pure Time for another website. I still consider it a modern classic, and the stainless steel model simply spoke to me. It modernised the Genta formula and added a design language that only a brilliant mind such as Emmanuel Dietrich’s could conjure. The Pure Time was a collaboration between Dietrich and Matt Smith-Johnson. Mr. Smith-Johnson’s designs have a way of extracting unexpected characters out of already existing model lines. In the case of the TC Pure by Dietrich, he expertly designed a timepiece that is arguably the perfect integrated bracelet steel sports watch. I still to this day get little pangs of pain from missing that watch.

So, when I heard that Mr. Smith-Johnson had collaborated again on another watch, but this time with the much-adored brand Seals Watches, I simply had to have some time with the watch. This is the third A.5 which Mr. Smith-Johnson has designed, and it is arguably my favourite. 

How it Wears

We shall start out this review with a matter of perspective. Due to the nature of my life and the work that I do, I simply do not wear watches with integrated bracelets, or ones that have bespoke lugs. For the daily grind, wearing any bracelet is not an option for it would utterly destroy the laptops I work on. Do not even get me started about dive watches with integrated bracelets and straps when taking them underwater.

With that out of the way, I admire this genre of watches from afar. They carry with them an appeal that other watches do not. They, more than any other genre of watches, look like a single piece of art. This cohesive character gives these timepieces the feeling of being an entire suit of armour for your wrists. The beautifully brushed case and bracelet add to this. At 12mm thick, the A.5 can slip under a cuff. It may, for the overall endlink-to-endlink length here is a staggering 60mm, up from its 50mm lug-to-lug. This will make those with wrists smaller than 6.5 inches potentially look elsewhere. I have a 6.75-inch wrist and it wears well to my eyes, as well as to those I asked. However, I do not like watches smaller than 40mm and wear a 51mm Garmin all the time. The bracelet just starts to taper at the end of my wrists. Any smaller wrists, and this watch may prove too awkward to pull off.

Like the Royal Oak, Nautilus, and the Dietrich TC Pure, the A.5 simply looks perfectly at home with any outfit. This limited edition Michael Knight model would look perfect with a suit or even at a formal event. If you are the sort of person who demands others to never wear a watch (or a dress watch smaller than 38mm) to a formal event, I am pretty sure that you also love the sound of your own voice. Yes, this is a limited edition, and the last model to be made in the A.5 range.

The Design

The exquisite detail of this dial is where this version of the A.5 proves to be my personal favourite. The matte dial is subtly raised from the grey seconds ring, and it truly leaps to your attention as a result. The crosshairs give the dial some grounding to not get lost in. The contrast between the hands, modern Arabic numerals, and gorgeous octagonal seconds hand tip makes legibility essentially perfect. The second chapter ring hovers above the other dial elements, further adding depth and weight to the viewing experience. The lume burns bright enough for this type of watch and never caused any concern.

The execution of this dial and all its elements truly makes this a timepiece the eye will never tire of. The applied and brushed steel Seals logo further adds to the watch’s character,  summarised by one word: substance.

The brushing from the logo extends outward to the case except for the outer bezel. This careful use of polishing dramatically frames the beautiful case. This genre of watches is known to be more loved by the owner as time passes. The more scars, the more attractive and alluring the timepiece becomes. So, any off-hand complaints about the placement of polishing on a watch of this design genre is simply nitpicking.

However, areas where one does not have to nitpick to find some fault are the clasp and the interaction with the crown. The crown guards do their job a little too well. With the crown fully extended, the user’s thumb and index finger will grind against the sharp crown guards. Winding a mechanical watch should be a pleasurable experience. However, reengineering the entire stem to pop out even further, or to get rid of these lugs, are in the former case impossible, and in the latter would make for a lesser watch. These crown guards are truly beautiful and add to the feeling of weight and a sense of severity.

The stamped clasp would be fine on most other watches, but it is out of place here. Though it looks delightful when on the wrist, especially with the powerful placement of the logo, its weight and tinny feel and sound do not belong on such a watch. The case and the bracelet of this watch are purposefully substantial, and the thin clasp simply does not live up to the rest of the watch. With the case of the watch being as substantial as it is, the weight balance of the watch is very top-heavy as a result. A milled clasp would truly elevate this watch. Keep in mind that this clasp was definitely chosen due to cost and that of availability from the various choice of suppliers. The microbrand space has to continuously combat with various factors that we as the consumer are not aware of. Usually if there is one or two characteristics of a watch that look and or feel out of place, it is for a good reason. This reason almost always comes down to the cost of production, and the tolerance for how much of that cost is passed down to the consumer.

Lastly, the bracelet links use a pin system. Granted, you will only have to change the size of the bracelet once, but like the stamped clasp, this is out of place today’s market. Screwed links and a higher-quality clasp would essentially make this watch faultless. 

Conclusions

Whereas Mr. Smith-Johnson collaborated with Seals to make two colourful renditions and remixes of the A.5, he now has created another timeless gentlemen’s sports watch that will stand the test of time. If you like watches that wear larger, and want a watch that you can take anywhere, then look no further than the A.5 Michael Knight by Seals Watches.

For more details and specifications, click here.

For Team Matick,

FWA

#TimeWellSpent – A Virtual Afternoon with Omega Watches – Novelties 2021

The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Introduction

Omega has finally unveiled their novelties for 2021, and we at Team Matick had the privilege of being present for the virtual launch. As there are already a number of in-depth articles detailing the exact specifications of the watches in question, we’ll instead be sharing some of our thoughts on these new watches, as well as answering some specific questions that you may have.

Oh, for those of you who are too lazy to read and prefer to listen to this episode (just kidding), check us out here @ The KC & Jon Jon Show:

Seamaster

  • Lens Position: 2479

First up in the line of new releases, we have the Omega Seamaster 300. First released in 1957, the latest generation is thinner than the last-gen model, thanks to the new domed sapphire glass and reworked case geometry. It also has a new movement, with the Calibre 8912 Master Chronometer movement (previously found on the Omega PloProf) beating within.

The watch contains plenty of vintage cues, from its clean sandwich dial inspired by early Seamaster 300 models in the 1960s, to its lollipop seconds hand. All the superfluous dial text has now been moved to the caseback, a good move in our book. As for case size, the watch remains at 41mm, although it may now have more presence on the wrist, with the dial opening increasing to 30.4mm from 29.5mm. On the other hand, the new angled, thinner case and bracelet with female end-links will probably help this watch be significantly more wearable for those with smaller wrists. We hope to go hands-on soon enough, and we’ll be sure to bring you an update!

While there has been a move towards ceramic bezel inserts across the industry as a whole, Omega has opted to use an aluminium one instead for its latest Seamasters, albeit one that is fully lumed. When we spoke to Jean-Claude Monachon, VP of Product/Customer Service and Product Development at Omega, he cited aesthetics as the primary reason for this choice, citing aluminium’s more vintage look. They were also only able to achieve a similar pantone to the dial via the use of aluminium, in order to achieve a pleasing, uniform appearance. 

To assuage concerns regarding reliability and durability, Gregory Kissling, Omega’s Head of Product Management, informed us that there is an oxalic anodised coating on the aluminium that has a hardness of approximately 500 Vickers. This offers a scratch resistance similar to that of LiquidMetal technology used on other Omega models.

The flagship model of the range here is obviously the Bronze Gold Model Seamaster 300. In case it isn’t obvious from the name, this particular Seamaster 300 is fully cased in Omega’s proprietary patent-pending alloy that was inspired by ancient Greece’s Corinthian Bronze. Its composition of copper, gold, silver, palladium, and gallium, creates a soft pink hue that sits between the brand’s 18K Moonshine gold and 18K Sedna gold.

Aside from the prerequisite copper (50%), the main ingredient in any bronze alloy, gold (37.5%) is added to bolster corrosion resistance and the specific amount used is to allow it to be hallmarked as 9K gold. The remaining 17.5% contains a secret blend of silver, palladium, and gallium, which provides colouration, shine, and promotes a more controlled patination process. This particular alloy offers bronze’s corrosion resistance without the scourge of verdigris formation (the greenish corrosion residue usually found on bronze), while still allowing for the formation of an even and mild patina over time. Omega has promised us that this material will age slowly and retain its vibrant shade, while developing a natural and beautiful patina over a longer period of time.

The dial, on the other hand, is made from an aging process with regular bronze, tropicalised to a deeper shade of brown before being coated with a sealant. This coating, along with the fact that the dial will be hermetically sealed within the 300m water-resistant case means that the dial will remain untarnished. Gregory also stated that the desired colour of the dial was impossible to achieve with Bronze Gold due to its chemical stability.

TL;DR

  • Available in black, blue and Bronze Gold variants;
  • Brand new Bronze Gold alloy, offering vibrant hues with slow, controlled patination;
  • More vintage aesthetics, with less dial text and a lollipop seconds hand;
  • New Master Chronometer movements;
  • Fully lumed bezel, but now in strengthened aluminium instead of ceramic; and
  • New, more wearable case dimensions, and female end-links for the bracelet.

Aqua Terra / Constellation

  • Lens Position: 2689
  • Lens Position: 3428
  • Lens Position: 2689

Next, Omega focuses on the discerning female collector with the Constellation Small Seconds and Seamaster Aqua Terra. Firstly, both watches will now have Master Chronometer movements by METAS (Federal Institute of Metrology), with the Calibre 8800 powering the Aqua Terra, and Calibre 8802/8803 powering the Constellation. Both ranges measure in at 34mm, both feature colourful dials, and are available mostly in precious metals, although the Aqua Terra will also be available in a two-tone combination of stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold.

Coming with a new array of textured dials in various striking colours and bejewelled bezels and hour markers, there’s something for everyone here in this new collection.

TL;DR

  • 34mm dials across the board.
  • Vibrant hues and textured dials.
  • New Master Chronometer movements.
  • Mostly precious metal cases with bejewelled bezels and dials.

Trésor

  • Lens Position: 2654
  • Lens Position: 3988
  • Lens Position: 3988

Omega’s deeply underrated dress series has now been revamped, with 2 new variants of the simple and elegant dress watch. The flagship model now has a small seconds at 6 o’clock that is balanced by, for the first time, a power reserve display at 12 o’clock. Powered by the brand new Calibre 8934 Master Chronometer, it is a manual winding movement with 72 hours of power reserve. Coming in a 40mm diameter case, it measures only 10mm thick inclusive of the box sapphire crystal, despite co-axial movements usually being significantly thicker than other more traditional movements.

According to Jean-Claude and Gregory, this was achieved by building the Calibre 8934 from the ground up with an integrated power reserve complication. Unlike other movements that use a module to integrate a complication to an existing architecture, this integration allows for the movement to be significantly thinner. It was also at this point that Gregory mentioned that the Calibre 8900 movement had sufficiently high torque to be a “tractor” movement; an interesting tidbit that we hope to revisit in the future!

The other new model in the Tresor line comes without the power reserve complication but maintains the small seconds display, via the also new Calibre 8926 Master Chronometer. With just the petite secondes at 6 o’clock, it retains a more traditional dress watch aesthetic. One model with a deep, shimmering blue dial was a real standout to us here at Team Matick, and we hope to bring you more pictures of that soon.

TL;DR

  • Brand new movements with small seconds and power reserve complication;
  • 10mm thick, inclusive of box sapphire crystal; and
  • Available in precious metal and stainless steel cases.

Seamaster 300M Black Black

In the vein of the Dark Side of the Moon (“DSOTM”) (and, partially, the Planet Ocean Deep Black), Omega has now launched an all-new addition to the Seamaster Diver 300M line, the Black Black. True to its name, this new variant comes entirely blacked out: the case, crown, helium release valve, bezel, insert, and dial are all made from black zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) ceramic, along with PVD blackened hands, anthracite black Super-LumiNova, and a black rubber strap with black ceramic clasp. Omega was not messing around when they named this the Black Black, something our own Vincent discovered when he asked the question, to which Jean-Claude simply answered: because everything is black, literally.

In order to achieve some semblance of visibility and visual interest, the watch blends a serious contrasting mix of finishes; brushed and polished segments of the case, polished hands to stand out against the matte wave dial, and a textured, laser-ablated finish on the bezel insert. We believe they may have achieved this, based on the quick look we managed to get via the online presentation with Gregory, but we’ll reserve judgement for when we manage to meet this watch in the metal (or ceramic, as it were).

TL;DR

  • New blacked out Seamaster, in the style of DSOTM;
  • Fully ceramic external components;
  • Various finishes throughout to improve visibility; and
  • Nekton-style textured bezel insert.

Moonwatch Velcro Straps

  • Lens Position: 2198

In the most interesting launch of the year, at least for our resident Moonwatch fanboy KC, Omega has listened to their fans and launched a series of NASA-style Velcro straps. We say NASA-style, as they are not quite the same as the original straps used by the astronauts during space missions. Using a two piece construction rather than the pass-through design of the original, the new strap sacrifices security against springbar failure for a more comfortable fit, with less material underneath the watch.

These new straps will be available in 3 colourways at launch: a standard black version most reminiscent of the original, a white version that serves as a callback to the Alaska Project, and a silver version that harkens to the pre-Moon Project Mercury era and their pioneering silver spacesuits. All versions of the strap will come with the classic NASA “meatball” logo, a nod that Speedmaster lovers are sure to appreciate.

As our in-house Speedy fanatic has the wrist circumference of a toothpick, he was concerned about the sizing of these new straps. However, Jean-Claude was kind enough to reassure him that while the initial launch will only come in a “regular” size, short and extra long sizes will also be released to ensure that all enthusiasts will be able to find an appropriate fit.

TL;DR

  • Two piece NASA-style velcro straps;
  • Available in black, white and silver;
  • Comes with the classic NASA “meatball” logo; and
  • Three sizes will eventually be available.

Conclusion

In line with Omega president Raynald Aeschlimann’s vision of streamlining the entire collection, the focus of the new releases was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, consisting of upgrades to existing models, rather than introducing brand new ones. These upgrades include new materials, new Master Chronometer-certified movements, and subtle design tweaks inspired by Omega’s vast archives. Omega is also moving towards having Master Chronometer-certified movements powering every watch, which is a testament to the quality and standard of excellence that Omega strives for.

For Team Matick,

KC, Jon

#LookCloser – Team Matick Picks: Best Watches Around RM500, RM1,500 and RM3,000 for the 2020 Holiday Season

The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Introduction

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Be it Christmas, the year’s end, or you just wanting to buy a watch to commemorate your 2020 (for all the right reasons, we hope), or perhaps even to buy a new watch for a friend / family member / significant other who is fairly new to the watch collecting scene, the sheer amount of choices on the market can be intimidating. Not sure where to start? Fret not, Team Matick is here to help you out. In this buying guide, you will find our recommendations to consider at 3 different price points to suit everyone’s budget.

For the purpose of this article, our recommendations span across 3 different categories of watches for each price point, namely: a tool watch, dress watch and all-rounder.

Note: None of the photos used in this article belong to The Matick Blog, all respective owners have been credited accordingly as indicated under each segment.

WATCH RECOMMENDATIONS AROUND RM500 AND BELOW

MARSHALL’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

1) The Tool Watch: Casio Duro Marlin Diver MDV 106

Photo credits: Watches You Can Afford, Dive Watches Blog, Strap Code, Deployant

The Marlin is one of the very first tool watches that I personally owned which eventually led to the growth of my appreciation for dive watches as a whole. It is the catalyst to my growing affection for the “Submariner” aesthetic. Fun fact: the Marlin was also known as the “Bill Gates watch,” as it was seen on the wrist of Bill Gates on several occasions. Ultimately, the Marlin is a no-frills, “everyman’s” watch. It is understated, simple, reliable (thanks to the 200 meter water resistance and quartz movement), with decent legibility, and most importantly, it is wallet-friendly. It is everything you’d like to see in a budget tool watch.

  • 44mm case diameter
  • 200m water resistance
  • Japanese quartz movement
  • Mineral crystal
  • Approx. RM160+

2) The Dress Watch: Seiko 5 SNKL23

Photo credits: Watch Gecko, Hodinkee

The SNKL23 is, in my humble opinion, arguably one of the best looking Seiko 5s in its class. This specific model is widely coveted and has a dial that screams a million bucks. It offers a lot of ‘watch’ at this price point as it brings to the table a solid workhorse movement with a great size for most wrists. This watch is definitely for those looking to acquire their first dress watch and are not ready to break the bank. This watch right here, is the true definition of value proposition.

  • 38mm case diameter
  • 30m water resistance
  • Seiko 7S26 automatic movement
  • Hardlex crystal
  • Approx. RM300+

    3) The All-Rounder: Seiko 5 SNK809

    Photo credits: Monochrome Watches, The Modest Man

    The ‘809 (and its other more colourful counterparts) is one of the most iconic and recognizable Seiko 5s of our time. The military pilot / field watch-inspired look checks a lot of boxes for both new and experienced enthusiasts alike. It offers a lot of versatility and durability, which is a substantial plus point for a watch that is potentially suitable for every occasion. To put it simply, it is an everyday watch with mainstream appeal. In fact, this is the watch I’d recommend the most to anyone who’s looking for their first watch purchase on a tight budget but would like to own something that is tough enough to withstand the rigors of daily wear.

    • 37mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Seiko in-house caliber automatic movement (with Diashock)
    • Hardlex crystal
    • Approx. RM265+

    KC’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: G-Shock DW5600

    Photo credits: Strap Change, World.G-Shock

    In my mind, this is the quintessential tool watch. It has an array of functions combined with legendary G-Shock toughness; all in a retro package that looks good on any wrist. Size concerns go out the window with this model, as it wears great on practically any wrist, and it comes in a multitude of variants to suit any taste. Splurge a little over RM500 and you can even swing a solar charging version for which you’d basically never have to change the battery. As is often the case with G-Shocks, it’s hard to beat the value proposition of this core model.

    • Resin case / band
    • 48.9mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance 
    • Mineral Crystal
    • Rugged af / zombie-proof
    • Approx. RM300+

    2) The Dress Watch: Seiko 5 SNK381

    Photo credits: BabyJoe from Watchuseek, Creation Watches

    This is… an unconventional choice for a dress watch, I know. But hear me out. This particular Seiko 5 comes in a 38mm case with a bracelet that’s reminiscent of the beads of rice aesthetic, with an applique dial plus the requisite day-date complication framed in a polished window. While the look is closer to that of a field watch than a pure dress watch, I think the SNK381 is a watch that punches far above its weight (as many Seiko 5s do) and maintains a semblance of being a dress watch while remaining different from your run-of-the-mill dressier Seiko 5 options.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Seiko 7S26 automatic movement
    • Hardlex Crystal
    • Approx. RM385+

    3) The All-Rounder:  Invicta 8926OB Pro Diver

    Photo credits: Two Broke Watch Snobs

    If you thought the previous one was controversial, well, I’m not sure how you’re going to react to this one. But once again, hear me out: the Invicta 8926 is, objectively, an excellent entry level watch. A classic Submariner homage in the classic, pre-maxi 40mm case, it comes with a decent oyster bracelet, your typical Sub dial and hands, plus a reliable Seiko NH35 movement. Yes, it does come with the twin stigmas of being both a homage and an Invicta, but it also works as an incredible base for any modifications down the road as it has robust aftermarket support, allowing you to modify this basic watch into nearly anything you can think of.

    • 40mm case diameter
    • Seiko NH35 automatic movement
    • 200m water resistance (diving not recommended)
    • Mineral Crystal
    • Approx. RM243+

    VINCENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Timex MK1 Aluminium

    Photo credits: Style & Stylus, Timex, Hypebeast

    As someone who works in carpentry that involves much heavy duty work, I tend to lean towards a watch that’s durable, easy to wear, coupled with a slim profile and great comfort. That has me naturally recommending the MK1 Aluminium as a durable tool watch with its acrylic crystal and aluminium watch case. It doesn’t scream ultimate “tool watch,” coming without many functions and complications that digital watches can offer. It is instead a simple watch that tells time with great legibility and features Timex’s famous Indiglo™ electroluminescent dial. At just RM470, I think this is a deal you shouldn’t sleep on.

    • 40mm case diameter
    • Aluminium case
    • 30m water resistance
    • Acrylic Crystal
    • Quartz
    • Approx. RM365+

    2) The Dress Watch: Swatch Skin Black Classiness

    Photo credits: Hodinkee

    Although it is a watch made from plastic with a silicone strap, the Skin defines the form and dimensions that a dress watch should be. A ridiculously svelte quartz watch with a case measuring only 3.9mm thick, 34mm in diameter, with minimalist looks, it pairs really well with smart casual or dressier outfits. Topping up just a little over RM10 from the base price of RM445 will get you the milanese bracelet which I’m an absolute fan of, being an owner of it myself. I personally have my Black Classiness paired with the milanese bracelet, and its look still puts me over the moon.

    • 34mm case diameter
    • ETA Quartz movement
    • 30m water resistance
    • Plastic case
    • Approx. RM445+

    3) The All-Rounder: Seiko 5 SNK393

    Photo credits: Gliderbee from Watchuseek, Creation Watches

    The Seiko 5 catalog is populated with a whole plethora of, you know, Seiko 5s. But among the billions-and-billions-and-billions of Seiko 5s, the SNK393 here takes the cake for me for the ultimate everyday watch under RM500. As with most Seiko 5s out there, it has a diameter of just 37mm and a lug-to-lug of 42mm, which is a blessing in disguise for small wrists out there. Plus, any automatic watch at this price is pretty much a no-brainer, and a more easily accessible crown compared to many other Seiko 5s makes this an easy recommendation that will only set you back RM379.

    • 37mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Seiko 7S26 automatic movement
    • Mineral Crystal
    • Approx. RM379+

    JON’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Seiko 5 SNK803

    Photo credits: Fifth Wrist, Worn & Wound

    Honestly, anything from the SNK80x range will do. The only difference is a matter of colour, but my personal favourite is the beige. The 5 in Seiko 5 represents the five principle attributes behind the line, which are: Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring), Diashock (shock resistant design), automatic winding, day/date indicator, and water resistance. All of these qualities lend the Seiko 5 range enough versatility to basically cover every category in our list, which is a bit of foreshadowing here, but in terms of a starter tool watch, it’s hard to get past this particular model. I should know, as this is the watch that kickstarted my journey into the hobby.

    • 37mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Seiko in-house caliber automatic movement (with Diashock)
    • Hardlex crystal
    • Approx. RM265+

    2) The Dress Watch: Orient “Bambino” FER2400BW0, Gen. 2 Ver. 2

    Photo Credits: Worn & Wound, Drop

    While the Orient Bambino has gone through multiple generations, my pick would be the 2nd generation-cum-2nd version Bambino. The mix of Roman numerals coupled with baton indices give it a vintage vibe, one that might be associated with some of the works of Vacheron Constantin. Now, that is genuinely high praise for a humble brand like Orient. Like the aforementioned Seiko, the beige dial is my preferred choice, which provides a perfect canvas for the blued hands. With dress watches, it’s all about the little details, something the Bambino is not short on. With the vintage coat of arms, minutes track, and cursive fonts, there is much to admire here.

    • 40.5mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Orient F6724 Caliber automatic / hand-wound movement
    • Approx. RM500+

    3) The All-Rounder: Casio AE1200 “Casio Royale”

    Photo credits: Tick Talk, Afford Some Time

    Originally, this was going to be classified under the tool watch category, but it has since been changed to an all-rounder, simply because of its resemblance to a watch a certain James Bond wore in “Octopussy”. This watch, affectionately nicknamed “Casio Royale” for aforementioned reasons, retails for basically spare change, but has a whole host of features; more so than any other watch in this article can boast. The most important of these is the world time function, which allows this watch to track all the time zones in this world.

    • 39.5mm case diameter
    • Japanese quartz movement
    • 100m water resistance
    • Mineral crystal
    • Approx. RM125+

    WATCH RECOMMENDATIONS AROUND RM1,500 AND BELOW

    MARSHALL’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: BOLDR Venture Field Medic II

    Photo credits: BOLDR Supply Co

    The VFM II is an enthusiast-level watch that was specifically designed as a tribute to medical professionals who are currently at the frontlines battling against the COVID-19 pandemic. A noble and meaningful cause by BOLDR, I would say. But for the average person, the VFM II is a heck of a tool watch to have on the wrist. It houses a hybrid meca-quartz movement (think half-mechanical, half-quartz) by Seiko, a.k.a the VK64. The dial features a very unique pulsometer scale which is usually only found on “Doctor’s watches”. That said, the VFM II is a tough-to-beat option (quite literally) with a light-weight titanium case and a visually stimulating dial. There is simply no reason why you should overlook this.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • Titanium case
    • 200m water resistance
    • Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM1,211+

    2) The Dress Watch: Orient “Bambino” Small Seconds RA-AP0005B10A

    Photo credits: A Blog To Watch

    In my book, the Bambino lineup has always been a solid contender from Orient over the past few years for affordable classic dress watches. This particular model, the Bambino SS (small seconds), is no exception. For just under RM1,200 (actually, the Bambino SS costs even less in Malaysia, depending on how hard you look), you are getting an exceptional timepiece in almost every technical aspect. The Bambino SS is handsome, houses a workhorse movement, and is very wearable for its size for most people. A true value proposition in its own right, I personally and highly recommend the Bambino SS wholeheartedly.

    • 40.5mm case diameter
    • Orient F6222 caliber automatic / hand wound movement
    • 30m water resistance
    • Domed mineral crystal
    • Approx. RM1,235+

    3) The All-Rounder: Seiko SPRE55 “DressKX”

    Photo credits: Watchclicker

    The DressKX is, in my mind, one of the best value-contenders coming out of the Seiko umbrella this year. Here at Team Matick, it has been affectionately dubbed by our KC as the “DressKX”. The marriage between the SKX signature case aesthetic with a less-cluttered dial seems to be hitting all the right spots for many watch enthusiasts, including myself. A significant plus for me is the upgraded 4R movement. Mark my words, this is a Seiko you do not want to miss if you are planning to opt for an all-rounder type of watch. It is one of the best watches; one I’d highly recommend for anyone who’s just getting into the hobby. For less than USD300, you are essentially getting a watch which fits the “all-rounder” category almost too effortlessly. That said, my only complaint is that, unlike its older brothers (SKX007 / 009), the DressKX does not feature a screw-down crown, but is still rated for water resistance of up to 100 metres. All things considered, it shouldn’t pose any issue for the average wearer / watch enthusiast, just don’t dive with it for good measure.

    • 40mm case diameter
    • Hardlex crystal
    • Seiko 4R36 Movement
    • 100m water resistance
    • Approx. RM1,114+

    KC’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Seiko “Arnie” SNJ025P1

    Photo credits: Hodinkee

    The Seiko Arnie is, as its name suggests, a reissue of the original H558 worn by Arnold Schwarzeneggar in movies like Predator and Commando. Encased in a Tuna-like shroud, this analog-cum-digital watch offers a terrific array of functions in a chunky but surprisingly wearable case. Falling under the Prospex banner, the modern Arnie offers ISO-certified dive credentials, and even includes solar charging, so you’ll never have to worry about switching out the batteries. For a tool watch at this price that offers more than your basic set of features, while also having the cool factor of being a watch featured in popular media, it’s hard to look past the Seiko Arnie.

    • 47.8mm case diameter
    • Solar H851 movement
    • Hardlex crystal
    • 200m water resistance
    • Approx. RM1,450+

    2) The Dress Watch: Swatch Sistem51 Knight

    Photo credits: Swatch, Watch Shop UK

    Once again, I’m going left field for this option. But in my humble opinion, this Swatch offers a lot of bang for your buck. Besides the novelty of having a fully-machine assembled mechanical movement, it comes in a stealthy PVD treated stainless steel case and minimalist dial design that makes for a subtle yet interesting watch on the wrist. It may be a little beefier than the ideal dress watch, but the overall design stops it from sticking out on your wrist, which is what you need from a dress watch. Plus, the 30m of water resistance is right at home in this category.

    • 42mm case diameter
    • Sistem51 Automatic movement
    • 30m water resistance
    • Stainless steel case
    • Approx. RM895+

    3) The All-Rounder: Citizen Promaster Nighthawk BX1010-11L

    Photo credits: Citizen

    The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk range is a series of watches that I have always admired, but have yet to own. While there are a couple of models that are very well known, for the purposes of this list I am looking specifically at the BX1010-11L. A modern take on the quintessential pilot watch aesthetic, it comes with a world time complication, a perpetual calendar (in the sense that you’ll never have to adjust the date, though there are no indicators for month or year) and 200m of water resistance. This all comes with a deep blue sunburst dial and Citizen’s signature EcoDrive solar charging. Hard to argue with as a watch that wouldn’t look out of place in any situation.

    • 42mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance
    • EcoDrive movement
    • Mineral crystal
    • Approx. RM1,205+

    VINCENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Seiko PADI ‘Turtle’ SRPE99 

    Photo credits: Watchuseek, Designer Optics

    In my opinion, the Turtle is the ultimate tool watch at this price point and needs no introduction. Just ask Uncle Google about it and it will tell you just how much of a legend the Turtle is. It was THE tool watch that assisted in Antarctic explorations, deep sea diving expeditions, and the modern adventurous desk diver at their day jobs. In all seriousness, the watch wears really well despite its deceptively large on-paper dimensions, a result of its cushion case. With the rich historical significance of this watch, you can’t possibly get more watch for your money at only RM1,494, or you can even opt for the SRP779 at RM1,199.

    • 45mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance (ISO rated, suitable for diving)
    • PADI special edition
    • Seiko 4R36 automatic movement
    • Approx. RM1,494+

    2) The Dress Watch: Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph

    Photo credits: Time & Tide Watches, Dan Henry

    While there are many dress watches like the Seiko Presage series in this price bracket that might offer more bang for your buck with automatic calibre movements, I think the 1937 is something that’s great for its price and has a magnificent look. Inspired by watches from the Art Deco era of the 1930s, and being a bit of a Patek Phillipe Ref. 130 homage, the watch demonstrates elegance with its vintage sector dial. Coupled with a Seiko meca-quartz chronograph movement within, the watch remains slim without sacrificing that mechanical sweep seconds goodness when activated. Value, elegance, great vintage execution? It’s a yes to all three for me, and at a price of just RM1,100.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement
    • Sapphire coated K1 mineral crystal
    • Approx. RM1,100+

    3) The All-Rounder: Brew Retrograph

    Photo credits: Brew Watches

    This is another meca-quartz chronograph, but one in a unique rectangular case with exciting dial colour options that is very easy to pair with any casual, business or even dress outfit. Despite its limited availability with only seasonal restocks, it is still a watch that’s still too good to overlook at RM1,400+. For your information, Brew Watches was born from an inspiration and association with coffee, and it’s all about the coffee-centric details with the watch. You get a coffee bean motif Brew logo on its crown and specific chronograph markings at 30 to 35 seconds as it’s the optimum time for espresso extraction. If you’re a coffee nerd like Marshall and I, these details are just the cherry on top of an already excellent watch.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 50m water resistance
    • Hybrid meca-quartz movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM1,418+

    JON’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Nodus Sector Dive (Tidal / Seafoam)

    Photo credits: Nodus Watches

    This price segment is interesting in the sense that there are various microbrands that the vast majority of people outside of the watch community might not be aware about. One of these is Nodus Watches (“Nodus” us, senpai!), who has built up quite a loyal following and may or may not have a reasonably close relationship with Matick. Their Sector Dive range has cool dial colours, are powered by the reliable Seiko NH35 movement, resistant up to 150m of water, and have incredible lume. Seriously, what more could you want?

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 150m water resistance
    • Seiko NH35 automatic movement
    • Approx. RM1,722+

    2) The Dress Watch: Baltic HMS 002

    Photo credits: Baltic Watches

    Do you like the Jaeger Le-Coultre Master Control Sector Dial, but can’t stump up the best part of RM25,000 to purchase it? Well, luckily for you, Baltic is here to save your bank account. This may be stretching our under RM1,500 category, but at current exchange rates at the time of writing this article, you only have to stump up just over RM100 extra to be the owner of the HMS002. For that price, you get a classic, almost JLC-esque design, powered by a reliable Miyota movement. You’d also be able to appreciate a variety of finishing, from a sandy matte central dial, to the brushed sector ring, and a polished case.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 50m water resistance
    • 821A Miyota automatic movement
    • Hesalite crystal
    • Approx. RM1,642+

    3) The All-Rounder: Seagull 1963 Chronograph

    Photo credits: Worn & Wound, Watch Review Blog

    I don’t want to get too political here, but anti-China sentiment has been rife within the past few years. Despite the majority of products being made in China, some of which may be the devices you’re reading this very article on, there’s still a stigma to that label, unfortunately. That being said, the Seagull 1963 Chronograph is very much made in China; a faithful reproduction of the original used by the Chinese Air Force in the, you guessed it, 1960s. Replete with this gorgeous gold dial and Chinese characters, and powered by a column wheel chronograph, I’ll wait here patiently while you research other column wheel chronographs at this price point.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • Seagull ST19 hand-wound movement
    • Acrylic crystal
    • Approx. RM1,576+

    WATCH RECOMMENDATIONS AROUND RM3,000 AND BELOW

    MARSHALL’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Laco Aachen 39

    Photo credits: The Columbia Watch Society

    I am of the view that pilot watches are severely underappreciated as a tool watch. The Laco Aachen 39 is, in my humble opinion, one of the best and most solid pilot watches in the market currently at this price point, and one that is not talked about enough in the watch enthusiast community. Whilst the Laco Aachen 39 uses a smaller case than most traditional pilot watches, I personally think that 39mm is a good size for most wrists in today’s modern context. Furthermore, the finishing of the dial and the case of the Laco Aachen 39, along with the extra-bright luminescence, exerts a lot of wrist presence which makes up for the slightly smaller case size. The dial is your standard “Type-B” dial with an inner hour index and larger outer minute index, which is typical for most pilot watches at this price range. This is a watch that is built like a tank and one that I cannot recommend enough, especially for those who are fans of the pilot watch aesthetic.

    • 39mm case diameter 
    • Type B dial layout
    • Miyota 821A automatic movement
    • 50m water resistance
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM1,645+

    2) The Dress Watch: Tissot Heritage Visodate Automatic

    Photo credits: Monochrome Watches, Tissot Official

    The Visodate was one of the very first dress watches I desired so very badly during my university days. There is simply nothing I can nitpick with this watch. It is simple, handsome, well-built and comes in a great size with a robust Swiss movement. It is also one of the most versatile dress watches I have come across so far due to its neutral looking dial; it is simply effortless to have it look good on almost any strap you desire to wear it with. Don’t believe me? Check it out at your nearest Tissot boutique and you can thank me later for this recommendation. It is THAT good.

    • 40mm case diameter
    • ETA 2836-2 automatic movement
    • 30m water resistance
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM2,800+

    3) The All-Rounder: Merci Instruments LMM-01 Original Mecanique

    Photo credits: Hodinkee

    The Merci LMM-01 is a watch that is high on my “to-own” list. There is something very compelling about the overall look and feel of the watch. What I really adore about the LMM-01 is how Merci Instruments has found a way to conceptualize a watch that utilizes a design meant for mid-century military usage and infused it with an elusive sense of romanticism that is hard to come by in today’s world of watches (at least in my humble opinion). To sum it up, the LMM-01 is one of my favourites for 3 specific reasons. One: it has a purpose-driven form and evokes mid-century design in a very appealing way. Two: it is very simple to dress it up and dress it down to suit any occasion. Three: It is a watch you just don’t see everyday.

    • 37.5mm case diameter
    • ETA 2801 hand wound movement
    • 50m water resistance
    • Mineral crystal
    • Approx. RM2,482+

    KC’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Certina PreciDrive DS2 Chronograph

    Photo credits: r/Feathered_Brick from Reddit, Certina

    The PreciDrive movement is, in my opinion, one of the absolute best bang-for-buck movements in the horological world today. It is a thermo-compensated quartz movement with a chronograph that measures up to 1/100th of a second, with 30 minute and 12 hour counters (no absurd 24-hour indicator subdials here, hint hint Seiko) all in an extremely wearable 41mm case. In addition to this, the chronograph hands reset extremely quickly for a quartz chronograph; a little nod to enthusiasts who enjoy the snap reset of mechanical chronographs. Just a fantastic package overall and an exemplary quartz movement for a phenomenal price.

    • 41mm case diameter
    • ETA quartz movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • 100m water resistance
    • Approx. RM1,823+

    2) The Dress Watch: Orient Star Power Reserve RE-AU0002S00B

    Photo credits: Orient Watches

    It’s hard to make one of these lists without including an Orient, but I’ve opted to go above and beyond the typical Ray/Mako/Bambino choices, and go for one of Orient’s more premium offerings. The Orient Star Power Reserve is a reserved, understated and classy affair, with a subtle power reserve complication to boot. Offering a refined design and surprisingly good finishing for its price, the Orient Star offers a sterling dress watch that punches well above its surprisingly humble price point.

    • 38.7mm case diameter
    • Orient Caliber F6N43 automatic / hand wound movement
    • 50m water resistance
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM2,000

    3) The All-Rounder: Longines Conquest VHP

    Photo credits: Watchoninsta, Deployant, Longines

    In case you haven’t been able to tell, I am a quartz enthusiast, and I am including yet another stellar quartz movement here from the house of Swatch Group. The Longines Conquest VHP (Very High Precision) has a thermo-compensated quartz movement that is rated to +/- 5 seconds per year. For context, a typical quartz movement is rated for +/- 15 seconds per month, and even the fabled 9F quartz movement from Grand Seiko is only rated to +/- 10 seconds per year. Coming on either a rubber strap or steel bracelet, plus an extremely wearable 41mm case, the Longines Conquest VHP could easily be the only watch you would ever need.

    • 41mm case diameter
    • L288 quartz movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • 50m water resistance
    • Approx. RM2,890+

    VINCENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Seiko ‘Alpinist’ SPB117

    Photo credits: Hodinkee, Gear Patrol

    This elegant yet robust tool watch, at least in my book, comes from Seiko. Having personally owned an Alpinist SARB017, the SPB117 in black dial is one of the best, no-nonsense tool watches that you can get in the market. With a price tag approaching RM3,000, the reissued Alpinist has modern dimensions of 38mm that almost anyone can rock on their wrist, while staying faithful to the vintage Laurel Alpinist that started it all back in 1959. This variant of the Alpinist features shark tooth indices and offers more versatility for your day to day life, work or play.

    • 39.5mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance
    • Front: Sapphire crystal / Back: Mineral crystal
    • Seiko 6R35 automatic movement
    • Approx. RM3,034+

    2) The Dress Watch: Baltic Bicompax-002

    Photo credits: Baltic Watches

    The Baltic Bicompax 002 is yet another sector dial that I’m pretty much a sucker for. Being one of the dressier watches in Baltic’s lineup, it is still fit for the occasion despite being a chronograph. Beating within is a manual-winding Seagull ST19 movement that has been adjusted and regulated by Baltic themselves in their home base of France. The Bicompax 002 is able to deliver a quality chronograph without breaking the bank at RM2,600+. If you’re in the market for a simpler and more affordable option, look no further than the three-hander HMS-002 (see above) at only RM1,600+.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 50m water resistance
    • Seagull ST1901 hand wound movement
    • Hesalite crystal
    • Approx. RM2,671+

    3) The All-Rounder: Astor and Banks Fortitude 

    Photo credits: Hodinkee

    The Fortitude is an easy recommendation, coming from the microbrand Astor and Banks. In the spirit of keeping these recommendations within budget, the Fortitude is one of the best everyday wear watches that you can get below the price tag of RM3,000. The Fortitude measures in at 38.5mm diameter and 46mm lug to lug, making it easy to wear for Malaysians with smaller physiques like myself. The bracelet wears nicely too, measuring 20mm at the lugs, tapering down to a vintage 16mm. With a higher grade Miyota 9015 automatic movement from Japan and Swiss Superluminova-X1, the watch couldn’t possibly pack more punch at its price point ranging from RM2,600+ to RM2,800+.

    • 38.5mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Miyota 9015 automatic movement
    • Approx. RM2,600+

    JON’S RECOMMENDATIONS:-

    1) The Tool Watch: Hamilton Khaki H69439411

    Photo credits: A Blog To Watch

    The Hamilton Khaki has many visual similarities to the Seiko 5 SNK range, but it sits within the Swatch Group, which makes it Swiss and instantly better compared to its Japanese counterparts. Like the SNK range, there are also multiple models within the Khaki range that you can choose from, whether you want a quartz, manual, or automatic watch, and they all come in a variety of colours. My personal choice would be the H69439411, white dial with faux-tina indices like its 1960s forebears, and an 80 hour power reserve, so you don’t have to worry about constantly winding this watch.

    • 38mm case diameter
    • 50m water resistance
    • Sapphire crystal
    • H-50 hand wound movement
    • Approx. RM2,065+

    2) The Dress Watch: Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 

    Photo credit: Tissot Official

    Tissot, like Hamilton, is also a storied brand that has been absorbed into the Swatch Group. What this essentially means is that they have access to ETA movements, and are able to produce watches containing these movements at a reasonable price point. With this watch in particular, you get an 80 hour power reserve movement, which is basically unheard of for most brands, at an affordable price point. Once again, this watch may be a contender for an all-rounder, especially judging by its versatile looks and that lengthy power reserve, but it has been beaten by a watch that can actually better that power reserve.

    • 39.30mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM2,300+

    3) The All-Rounder: Mondaine Stop2Go

    Photo credits: A Blog To Watch

    The only movement that could better a mechanical movement with an 80 power reserve is a quartz. With the Mondaine Stop2Go, we have one, but it is a truly captivating one. For one, the seconds hand completes a smooth sweep around the dial in only 58 seconds, pausing for 2 seconds before the minute hand jumps to the next marker, and the cycle repeats itself. This is a representation of the sweep of its counterparts in actual Swiss railway stations. Secondly, its design is also a replication of actual clocks in said Swiss-Federal Railways stations. With the complexity and history in this watch, what more do you want?

    • 41mm case diameter
    • 30m water resistance
    • Mondaine stop2go caliber 58-02 quartz movement
    • Sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM2,860+

    HONOURABLE MENTIONS

    Lorier Neptune Series III, & Falcon Series II

    Photo credits: Watch Clicker

    In general, Lorier’s lineup of watches are some of the best looking vintage inspired watches out there. Both the Neptune and Falcon emphasise wearability, at 39mm and 36mm case diameters respectively, and straight lugs that emphasize its vintage design. The angular bracelets are rather playful under good lighting conditions, which is something to be commended at this price. While the clasp has fewer micro-adjustments, the focus on vintage inspired design can be seen from the domed plexiglass and the bracelet tapering from 20mm to 16mm. While the Neptune is more of a tool watch, the smaller Falcon will please more wrists out there. Both the Neptune and Falcon are priced at around RM2,000.

    Lorier Neptune Series III

    • 39mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance
    • Miyota 90S5 automatic movement
    • Dome plexiglass crystal
    • Approx. RM2,021+

    Lorier Falcon Series II

    • 36mm case diameter
    • 100m water resistance
    • Miyota 90S5 automatic movement
    • Dome plexiglass crystal
    • Approx. RM2,021+

    Baltic Aquascaphe

    Photo credits: Monochrome Watches

    The Baltic Aquascaphe is yet another vintage inspired dive watch that is rather popular amongst the watch community and costs RM2,800~. The strongest design points here are, in my opinion, its sandwich dial and overall dial proportions. Compared to the Lorier mentioned earlier, where the bracelet design is an integral part of the experience, the Aquascaphe here puts all its attention on the dial and watch head itself, and pairs well with either the tropic-style rubber strap for a skin diver aesthetic, or dressed up with a beads of rice bracelet. This can easily be swapped with the Alpinist as a potential tool watch, but the Alpinist makes it to the list as it’s more easily accessible at your local Seiko dealer.

    • 39mm case diameter
    • 200m water resistance
    • Miyota 9039 automatic movement
    • Double dome sapphire crystal
    • Approx. RM2,858+

    Mr Jones Watches the “Ascendent”

    Photo credits: Mr Jones Watches

    The Ascendent’s is one of MJW’s most interesting, ornate and delicate creations to date. The artist behind the gilded artwork, Marion Labbez, said that the watch was conceived as a celebration of the challenges we all face to scale our personal mountains. She wanted to create “a hopeful visual invitation to look forward. Explore, discover, climb, travel: experience the world around you. Never look down, the only way is up and the journey is fulfilling.”  As for the sophisticated and elegant gilded artwork on the watch glass (yes, you read that right), it was created with gilded palladium applied in different ways to achieve two different textures. All we can say is that the Ascendent is not a watch for everyone, it is only for those who like to live life a little off the beaten path. 

    • 37mm case diameter
    • 50m water resistance
    • Seagull ST1721 automatic movement
    • Sapphire glass
    • Approx. RM1,350+

    EPILOGUE

    With this concludes our list of watch recommendations that you can grab for your money at price points of RM500, RM1,500, and RM3,000 for this holiday season in 2020.

    Of course, this guide is not meant to be, by any means, exhaustive. But we certainly hope that our recommendations have given you a rough idea of the vast range of options out there in 3 different price points.

    Let us know in the comments if you have any recommendations of your own that you think should be on this list.

    Til’ next time, guys!

    Wear your watches in good health, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    Here’s to a better 2021 ahead.

    For Team Matick,

    Marsh, KC, Vincent, Jon.

    #FieldNotes – “A Christmas Tragedy: How Friends from Across the Globe All Came Together to Help Their Friend KC”  

    The Matick Blog2 Comments

    “I never thought I’d ever be so excited to see a grown man cry.”

    – Wes of @noduswatches

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Marshall

    Today we thought we tell you a little story – a detailed account of what transpired over the past 2 months. Prior to publishing this, I’ve read the draft over and over, and all I can say is that what we’re about to tell you pretty much sums up in a nutshell, what watch collecting means to us at Team Matick – the camaraderie, friendships you forged over sharing the same passion over these beautiful little objects that ultimately outlast us at the end of the day.

    I’ll never forget the warmth of this wonderful community, nor will I ever take it for granted.

    So before you jump into this #FieldNotes entry, here’s a little bit of a background to give you a bit of context. Sometime around Christmas of 2018, our mate KC unfortunately lost his beloved Nodus Contrail, which was the trigger for this ‘expedition’, our friends from all over the globe (mind you, humans from several continents were involved. Absolutely amazing.) decided to give our dear buddy a little push and to present him with something even better.

    So without any further ado, the story goes a little bit like this …

    .

    .

    .

    “A Christmas Tragedy: How Friends from Across the Globe All Came Together to Help Their Friend KC”  

    Written by: Furry Wrist Abroad (@furrywristabroad) & KC (@the.watchdoc)

    Edited by: Adam H. @ahartfie

    Photo Credits: Nodus Watches (@noduswatches), KC (the.watchdoc) , & @wiswc

    Disclaimer: real names and locations of participants and events will be left anonymous and/or will use their Instagram handles.

    Prologue:

    (by Furry Wrist Abroad in Canada)

    It was a pleasant Christmas Eve for many of us. Some were finalizing their plans for family dinner parties. Some had just gotten back from a long scuba diving trip and were furiously getting ready for Christmas parties. Some were sobering up from one Christmas party as they gathered up the strength necessary to go to another party. Some had finally gotten the chance to sit back and relax for the first time in what seemed like months. However, all our collective attentions were immediately drawn to our phones when we read the following in our group chat. For it was not all quiet that Christmas Eve. A little mouse was certainly stirring, and his name was KC.

    Act 1: “The Band of GDMFE”

    (by Furry Wrist Abroad in Canada)

    “Worst Christmas Eve Ever,” wrote the ever-lovable yet always dramatic KC.

    We were used to such statements from KC before, but this time it very well may have been his worst Christmas ever.

    “It was in a watch pouch in my bag. I don’t know if somehow I dropped it, misplaced it, forgot it, or if someone nicked it, but it’s gone,” KC explained to us as he had either lost his beloved Nodus Contrail, or had it stolen.

    KC's long lost Nodus Contrail
    KC’s long lost Contrail.

    Even though we all held out hope that the watch would be found and returned to KC, within minutes we started a separate chat that did not include the victim in this tale. The chat included thirteen members who all had come together through their love for watches. We all had gotten to know each other through Instagram and all resided in different countries, states, provinces, and cities globally. Even though watches are what brought us together, we only talked about watches some of the time. Matters such as work, family, nutrition, and many other topics were openly discussed thus creating a safe haven for a group of people who quickly became good friends.

    One member even offered KC his own Avalon after offering his condolences.

    “Sigh, it’s fine,” replied KC. “Worst case, time to buy an Avalon?”

    “Do you want my Avalon?”

    “Lmao no man. It’s very generous of you, but no thanks.”

    Without hesitation, all members agreed to chip in and buy KC a new Nodus Avalon to help fill the void left by his missing Contrail. When you get to talk with someone for over a year on a daily basis, you get to innately know when someone has been wounded by an experience, and we all knew it. This would later be confirmed by KC speaking with one of the founders of Nodus, Wes Kwok, a full month later about how devastated he still was about the loss of the watch.

    @Jwit94, a member of the group who is close to Wes, brought him into the fold and very quickly we got to work choosing the right colour of the watch. Some of us within the main chat went along and did some digging and some investigative work into discovering his preference. Unfortunately, whenever the topic of a Nodus came up, KC stopped making any sense and said that he would love to have any colour variant. When asked about his chance to get a new one in the future in case Nodus ever re-released the Contrail, he again would fall into a panicked emotional state.

    “It’ll never be THAT Contrail though,” KC wrote followed by a long and desperate silence.

    The other chat in the meantime was anything but silent.

    “You guys are a bunch of dirt bags,” typed @ralphman5000.

    “No, YOU’RE crying!”

    “Nobody did anything like this when I lost or got my Speedmaster Alaska Project stolen. (It’s not too late to do the right thing),” typed the man known as the “Future Cat Laser Man” because of his hilarious Instagram profile photo.

    One of his closest friends (or rivals depending on the day), @thechronotrooper chimed in as well. “As horrible as he is to me, I’m in.” Little did he know that this venture from all of us would be dramatically transformed because of his close relationship with KC.

    Act 2: “The Hunt for the Finishing Touch”

    (by Furry Wrist Abroad in Canada)

    When asked whether we could get a custom engraving on the watch for KC, Wes surprised all of us by springing into action by resolutely saying yes, and that he would cover the costs for the engraving. At this point, all of us were extremely involved emotionally, so when it came time to decide what the engraving should be, the suggestions came raining in.

    Our not-so-gentle giant of the group @ea8 first chimed in. “Lose this one and we send @camronlaz for your hand. Love yah.”

    “Don’t bloody lose this one,” offered @tritiumballs.

    Future Cat Laser Man himself @ralphman5000 offered his suggestion which resulted in a roar of laughter. “If you can read this, you run the risk of losing it! Put it the heck back on your wrist, son!”

    As the laughter died down, we were then treated to comic gold from KC’s close friend @thechronotrooper. “Lose your virginity, not your watch.”

    It was perfect. After about twenty minutes of causing twelve other grown men to be reduced into tears laughing across the globe, we all agreed that this should be the engraving on the back of the watch.

    Wes quickly leaped into action getting the watch engraved and sent out to @wiswc, KC’s other close friend who lives nearby. The watch surprisingly arrived on KC’s birthday. However, after a vote we decided to wait until more of his friends could be there when he received the watch, and to give him and his lovely lady some privacy on that special evening.

    As the days went on, many of us kept the chat open and talked about how excited we were about our KC receiving the watch.

    “He is going to lose his poop when he receives the watch by the way,” I said. “He kind of has a negative outlook towards humanity which is why this watch would mean so much to him.”

    “I never thought I’d ever be so excited to see a grown man cry,” said Wes, resulting in instant laughter.

    There was never any pressure added by any members of the group for others to contribute funds. Many actually contributed too much which resulted in us adding a couple of straps as well.

    There has been a lot of talk about smaller watch companies and their place within the horological world. This experience would not have been possible without the help and enthusiasm from Wes Kwok and Cullen Chen of Nodus. Much has been made of the status of “micro-brands” but this is proof that categorizing these companies under such a title is not doing them the justice they deserve. With a level of care and passion for their consumer base that larger and established companies usually feign through marketing campaigns, Nodus has shown us the true value of their company. Not only are their watches on par, or as their new release the Avalon has shown, superior to its established competition, the people behind the company truly care about their work. More importantly Cullen and Wes care deeply about the people who wear their hard work daily in the real world.

    In a discussion surrounding the engraving, Wes went on to tell us, “Also, I just want to say that I know you guys are doing something nice for KC, but it was a reminder of why I started this crazy venture with Cullen in the first place. Crazy how these little objects can bring people together.” Needless to say, all of us are indebted to Cullen and Wes and are eternally grateful.

    To many outside this hobby, such an effort from more than a dozen people globally would seem awfully strange. They do not know that even though the watches are what brought us together in the first place, we became friends because of who we are outside of our shared hobby. All of us come from vastly different backgrounds, hold different jobs, are in our early twenties, or are so old that others continually make fun of us, some have large families, and some of us are single. Yes, we all love watches. More importantly though, we all are people who put others and their concerns ahead of our own without hesitation.

    On the day of the hand-off of the Nodus Avalon to KC, we received a picture from @thechronotrooper of himself and KC on their way to meet @wiswc. Some of us grabbed an alcoholic beverage to celebrate. Then we waited.

    Act 3: “Through the Lens of the Victim”

    (by KC in Malaysia)

    I am, for better or worse, a rather sentimental person. Perhaps that’s why I haven’t sold a single watch, although I have gifted several pieces to friends and family. Perhaps I subconsciously attach memories and meanings to my watches. Or maybe I’m just a hoarder.

    The Nodus Contrail, however, really was something special to me. It was the first micro-brand watch I had ever purchased. It was also the first watch that I bought purely based on the recommendation and testimony of my friends. Friends I’d never actually met in person, but whose opinions and tastes I trusted. It also helped that we, as a group, talked about way more than just watches, and we were always on the same wavelength even when our opinions differed.

    Buying the Contrail was also my first contact with Wesley Kwok, one of the co-founders of Nodus Watches. I think I harassed the poor man for days before making my purchase, but he did an excellent job of tolerating my persistent harrying. And when he told me that the Laguna Sand was close to selling out, I bit the bullet and made the purchase.

    My experience with the Nodus Contrail was no secret; I made my love affair with that watch rather public to the watchfam on Instagram. I fawned over the thoughtful design, unique aesthetics and excellent ergonomics. And when I’d gotten over the honeymoon period, I found that I was still in love with it. I had already expressed my opinion on the piece in several short posts on social media, but I figured it was about time for me to write a full review.

    Alas, it was this full review that led to my downfall. On Christmas Eve, I spent my day at a café in a shopping mall to work on my review, while I waited for my better half to get off work. I had my camera bag with my Olympus E-M10 Mk III, the Nodus Contrail in its canvas pouch, and my iPad + keyboard cover with me. As I sat in the café, I put my thoughts to electronic paper and took several pictures of the Contrail.

    Shortly after, two close friends gave me a call and said they were nearby and asked if I’d join them. Agreeing to do so, I packed up my things and made my way over. It is at this point that I believe my memory must be failing me. I have a distinct recollection of placing the Contrail back into the pouch, and the pouch back into my camera bag. But several hours later, when I wanted to show off my new camera to my friends, I realised the pouch was missing.

    I was immediately crestfallen. My friends often call me needlessly pessimistic, but I had a feeling that I would never see the Contrail again. Nonetheless, I went through the motions; I retraced my steps and dropped by all the local lost & founds, as well as all the cafes and stores that I had visited. No luck. The Contrail was gone.

    Heartbroken, I sought out my support group on WhatsApp: the GDMFE. Of course, they offered me the support I needed. And helped confirm that I wasn’t crazy for losing my mind over losing “just a watch.” Or at the very least, that I wasn’t the only crazy one. As for the conversation going on behind my back, I hadn’t the slightest inkling.

    Fast forward a couple of weeks and a couple of whiny reminiscing posts later, and the Avalon was weighing heavily on my mind. Yes, I did want another Nodus, and the reviews were universally positive. But no, I couldn’t make up my mind: the blue and green both looked stunning and I couldn’t decide between them. I decided that was a sign that I simply wasn’t ready to purchase one just yet. I was still talking to Wes, and he mysteriously dropped hints about future models that I might like (as is his wont to do), so I decided to bide my time. I knew I would get another Nodus, I just didn’t know what or when. I figured time would tell, but maybe in a few months. Definitely by the end of the year. I had no idea just how wrong I was.

    With @thechronotrooper back in the motherland, he invited me and @wiswc out for drinks. But with some complications with the timing, we ended up settling for a quick lunch. I picked up @thechronotrooper from his place and we headed to the agreed location a little earlier than planned. Once we were there, we engaged in our usual banter. After about an hour, @wiswc strode in and took his place.

    The scene was set. A small, brightly lit café. I sat with my back to the counter, with the two of them in front of me. As I got up to turn around and place an order, @wiswc took out a package wrapped in green wrapping paper and thrust it towards me.

    “Open it,” he said. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted @thechronotrooper pointing his phone towards me.

    “The hell is this?” I asked.

    “Just open it la,” said the both of them.

    As I held the box in my hands, a thought flashed through my mind. The size of the box, the weight of it, it all felt familiar. Something I’d felt just a few short months ago.

    “Guys, no way-”

    “Just open it la, damn it!” cried the two of them in unison.

    I whipped out my Swiss Army Knife (much to the approval of @jwit94) and opened up one side of the packaging. Pulling on it slowly, a familiar looking black box presented itself to me, shortly followed by the Nodus logo with one simple word below it: AVALON.

    IMG_2269-1
    LOL KC

    After several minutes of me being speechless, jaw agape and generally making a fool of myself, I composed myself sufficiently to take a look at the gorgeous Clover Green Avalon before my eyes. But while I was busy looking at the dial, @thechronotrooper suggested I take a look at the back.

    Flanking the vine-wrapped Excalibur in relief on the caseback were the words:

    unnamed
    Specially addressed to KC. Someone tell ’em!

    If that doesn’t sum up the relationship that we GDMFEs have, I don’t know what does. Words utterly fail me in expressing my gratitude to this family that I’ve never met. I am touched, thankful, and utterly humbled by this gesture. It has become one of the most precious watches in my collection, and I can’t wait to build more memories with it on the wrist.

    I will be buried with this Nodus Avalon. Partially because I truly do love this gorgeous watch. Partially also because I’ll never hear the end of it if I meet these guys in the afterlife without it.

    Epilogue:

    (by Furry Wrist Abroad in Canada)

    Addressing the vibration on my wrist I looked at my Garmin and saw a message from KC. Because of his insane work hours he would often be conversing with us on the other side of the planet during our work hours.

    Upon unlocking my phone I read the full message from the adorable Good Doctor. “Hey, can you keep a secret?”

    Intrigued I responded as quickly as I could. From experience some of the conversations that I had in the past that started out this way turned into something serious down the line. “Of course, what’s up?”

    “Well, it’s regarding the Avalon,” KC instantly replied.

    “Is something wrong with it?”

    As with most instant messaging applications, I could see that KC was furiously typing away. After a couple of minutes I got the response.

    “KC, are you serious?” I asked.

    “Yes.”

    “Does this look like what I think it looks like?”

    “Yes it does unfortunately. But, no one could have seen this coming,” KC replied in his attempt to relieve my newly found concern.

    As KC went on to explain what the issue was and that it had nothing to do with the Nodus Avalon that we gifted him, and that he was totally in love with it, I grew silent.

    I finally gave in and asked.

    “Oh no! KC, what have you done?”

    – To be continued

    IMG_0146

    P.S.

    Special thanks to everyone collectively involved in making this happen. 

    You guys are frickin’ amazing.

    For Team Matick,

    Marshall