7th March 2020 – that was the last time a proper #TimeWellSpent GTG was held by our team. I can’t believe it has been almost three years since then. The last one we did was to celebrate the launch of our inaugural Nodus AvaMatick Limited Edition, but for this one – I am just glad to be able to gather the old gang (with some new faces, of course!) over some good food and just catch over our watches, as well as life in general.
The turn out was great, food was awesome, and the variety of watches on display were just as cool. At some point, I almost thought this was turning into a Omega GTG due to the amount of Omega pieces on display, vintage and modern!
That being said, I just want to take this opportunity to thank the good folks at the Front Room for hosting us this evening, as well as my colleague Vincent for helping out with the event. Also, here are some images from that evening to help you better visualize what actually went down that evening.
Signing off 2022. Hope to see you at the next one in 2023!
Just a few days ago, I was graciously invited by Bell & Ross to attend a press conference which saw the official launch of the new BR-X5. Vincent and I were actually invited to a private dinner a couple months prior where we were presented with the BR-X5 prototypes. However, we weren’t allowed to take any photos (and was even required to sign a NDA), so I was actually excited to see whether any of the changes we proposed during that dinner had been implemented, and also to finally share some photos of the watches in the metal with all of you.
The press conference was held at a space many watch brands probably have not used before – the Exchange 106, also known as the TRX Tower, which is the third tallest building in Malaysia, fourth tallest in Southeast Asia, and 23rd tallest in the world. Views were immaculate.
It was quite nice to bump into some familiar faces who we’ve kept in touch with over the years – Adelyn and Tong from Bell & Ross Malaysia, Bryan Chin from Sneakerlah, Wei Yu from Robb Report, and Kelvin Tan from Heart Media.
Market Positioning
In recent years, Bell & Ross have rose to a very unique position in this watchmaking space. As someone who appreciates the art of watchmaking and generally dislikes the extra fluff that comes with modern day marketing, I’d go as far as to say that Bell & Ross are finally heading in the right direction with their recent releases of the BR-05 line up, and now with the BR-X5. In comparison to their previous releases, I am of the opinion that the newer releases have so much more to offer than before in terms of mass appeal and proper watchmaking prowess. There is a much more cohesive and robust design DNA now which is much needed for the brand. In the past, I’ve been to Bell & Ross boutiques on multiple occasions and I’ve struggled to find a model that I really like (with exception to the BR123, of course, but it still feels lackluster in some respects), but with the BR-05 lineup and beyond – It feels like they’ve finally found a sweet spot, and are trying to capitalize on that.
One of the biggest selling points for me is the fact that Bell & Ross had decided to use a special movement (BR Cal. 323) that is created by Kenissi for the BR-X5. Now if you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments within the watchmaking space, Kenissi is a relatively new kid (read: movement manufacturer) on the block that has made movements for Chanel, Tudor, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Fortis, etc. Up until now, Bell & Ross has used ETA and Sellita based calibers, but with the new Kenissi collaboration, expect to see a much higher-grade movement in future Bell & Ross models. This particular BR Cal. 323 features a whopping 70-hour power reserve, a COSC certification and now has a 5-year warranty, compared to the 2-year warranty of the BR-05.
BR-X5
Pictured below are the 3 models released on the day itself: Black Steel, Ice Blue Steel, and Carbon Orange Limited Edition 500 pcs.
The Ice Blue Steel variant is an interesting release, because Bell & Ross are typically known to be quite traditional in their approach when it comes to colour selection – red, blue, black, steel, etc. But the introduction of the ice blue is a refreshing one and I foresee that this would be a popular choice among prospective customers.
Between the three models released, I personally quite like the BR-X5 Black Steel, it is the safest variant in terms of colour selection and I find it quite wearable on a daily basis given my understated and ‘simpleton’ fashion sense. It just makes sense to me, not too flashy or too obvious – just the way I like it.
The Carbon Orange variant is quite a looker – the orange straps feels very loud but nicely balanced and subdued with the carbon case. It is a great showcase of a more aggressive version of the BR-X5.
That being said, I was hoping they came out with something green as well.. but I digress.
I am looking forward to see how will Bell & Ross further evolve the current lineup in the foreseeable future. But one thing is for sure, this is the way forward for Bell & Ross.
Louis Moinet isn’t exactly a brand that is very well known in Malaysia, let alone often talked about within the enthusiast circles I am a part of. For me, I can’t seem to put a finger on it, not because it is not a good brand, but there is still a lot of mystery shrouding the brand’s local presence that I have yet to uncover myself.
I first heard about Louis Moinet when I was still reading the UK Bar in London. I remembered Ken Munoz, who works with Watchanish at the time, showed up at one of the local Red Bar meet-ups wearing a Louis Moinet piece unique in Lapis Lazuli with a WatchAnish logo. It was later that evening after the get-together I did some googling and eventually came to learn that Louis Moinet is actually the inventor of one of my all-time favourite complications. I never really thought much about them after that, let alone come in contact with any pieces because their watches weren’t exactly my cup of tea.
Last week, we received an email invitation by Ms Wan Xi of Sincere Fine Watches to attend a press event featuring Louis Moinet’s latest offerings. I figured that this may be a good opportunity to learn more about their pieces.
During the event, we were given the opportunity to check out some of their offerings. Again, my feelings about the brand pretty much remained the same as before. They are still not be my cup of tea due to their sheer size and massive proportions (generally my wrist prefers much classical sizes now than before). That said, their latest Time to Race collection caught my attention.
The aesthetics seen here on this collection are quite interesting. What I really liked about these watches (apart from the more wrist friendly 40mm case size) is the chronograph mechanism which are fully visible from the front and encased within a lightweight titanium case. It is a spectacular looking movement that is the Cal. LM96, the column wheel and lateral clutch mechanism is laid out bare for all to admire at the 12 o ‘clock position. Another point to note is that collectors who purchase the watch are able to personalize their pieces by selecting a unique number that will appear at the front of the watch. With the combination of these aesthetic and technical elements, it is not hard to see why the Time to Race is a candidate for the GPHG 2022 “Chronograph” category.
Overall, we had a really fun and engaging evening at the event, we bumped into some familiar faces and some old friends as well. To wrap this up, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sincere Fine Watches again for inviting Vincent and I for an evening of cocktails and to come check out their latest offerings and meet the people behind the brand. We look forward to seeing the team back in KL again soon and al the best for the upcoming GPHG in November!
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.
These are some challenging times for all of us. As we are currently approaching a full month of the Movement Control Order here in Kuala Lumpur – the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well. I know it’s been a heck of a month, and little did we know how much this pandemic would go on and affect our daily lives. Personally, it has been quite a chaotic month for us all here at Team Matick because the Movement Control Order literally kicked in just days after we wrapped up our GTG with Nodus.
Most of us are currently working from home as we speak, except for our resident doctor – KC, who is currently on the frontlines fighting the good fight. For me, work hasn’t slowed down at all, less time travelling to work means more time working. We’re all trying to adjust to the new norm, and hopefully we come out of this stronger, and as better human beings. But for now, we can only do what we can and pray that we pull through these unprecedented times. In the meantime, we would like to offer a little piece of distraction from all the unfathomable chaos that’s unfolding across the globe right now. So here’s a bit of the conversation I had last month with the team and Wes from Nodus Watches as we conclude our third edition of #TimeWellSpent GTGs with the good people of Front Room.
Check out our podcast episode with Wes as well – here.
A big thank you to Terrence Yong and Cedric Hansen for providing some of your amazing photos for the site.
For Team Matick,
Marshall
This conversation took place on 14th March 2020.
Recap
Fresh out of the oven.
KC: So guys, we’re finally here: the event is over and we’ve crossed the finish line. Our little GTG is done and all the AvaMaticks have been delivered. I don’t know about you guys, but that was a hell of a ride. Without meaning to toot our own horn, this was an event with quite a lot of firsts for us, and I’m still stoked about pulling it off.
Wes: That was fun. Exhausting as hell but really fun. We’ve been all over the place for these types of things but Kuala Lumpur was definitely one of the highlights. I think its safe to say that I want to come back here every year.
Marsh: Oh man, I’m so exhausted, but for me, the excitement hasn’t worn off just yet. I heard some of our guests saying that this is by far the best GTG they’ve attended in KL, and that makes me really happy to hear, considering the amount of work and effort we had to put in for this. I think it’s safe to say that this is a mission accomplished. Well done, boys.
Vincent: I’m just glad everything worked out at the very end. I was working early in the morning and thought that I could come earlier too to help out. When I arrived at the Front Room I think I walked into quite a different surprise, given what you guys were doing at that time!
Marsh: Yeah I think you joined us right in the middle of a podcast recording session with Wes. That was quite an interesting experience, and a first for KC and myself. In fact, Wes had just recently published the episode on Long Roads (link here). My voice sounded like a complete potato, man.
KC: Ditto. Not looking forward to people on the internet confirming their opinions of me after listening to me run my mouth!
Vincent: Oh don’t worry about that, doc, I’m pretty sure it’ll be fine. The podcast aside, something that I noticed immediately as I entered the space was the stash of boxes right in the middle of the room. I was very excited when I realised that they were the AvaMaticks that we’d all been so excited about – all freshly packed, arranged, and ready to go home with their new owners. It was quite a sight for sore eyes.
All freshly packed and ready to go.
KC: It was quite the spectacle indeed. Marsh had spent the entirety of the previous day running about to put the final touches. Right before you came in, and before we started recording the podcast, we had just sorted out all the boxes, placed the thank-you notes and Barton straps, and snapped a couple of photos. It was a pretty hectic afternoon. I think it’s safe to say that, as early as you came, you were still a bit too late!
Marsh: Speaking of which, this is also our very first time hosting a GTG in this brand new space by Front Room (a.k.a Seremban Cycle Trading Company), what do y’all think?
Wes: It was amazing. The space was really nicely lit during the day for our photoshoots, the ambiance was perfect for the event in the evening. The food was fantastic, even the pizza passed my New York test.
Vincent: I really love this new space, it’s really cosy with the soft lighting and overall decor. I really liked how the lighting was a little cool during the day and then gradually warmed up as the evening went on. The long table in the middle of the room just screams DaVinci’s “The Last Supper” as well.
KC: The new space was definitely a nice step up. While we’ve always loved the Front Room for its cozy and intimate space, we’ve found ourselves running out of room as our Time Well Spent community continues to grow. This new space is a lot bigger, yet Pete and Jo have worked their magic to keep the same ambiance and feel. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve found a great new home for our events, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Vincent: Oh by the way guys, I was quite busy with work in the days prior to the event, I believe you guys brought Wes around our little neighbourhood, tell me a little bit about what you guys did!
KC: Well it mostly involved a tonne of eating, drinking, shooting the shit, followed by more eating. Pretty much the quintessential Malaysian experience, if you ask me. But given the situation at the time, we were mostly erring on the side of safety, so that was pretty much all we did over the past 24 hours.
Marsh: Yeah, it was a lot of fun. It’s funny how this is actually our first time meeting Wes in person, but it felt like we were just hanging out with an old friend. We had a lot of great local food, great beer and great conversations. I’ve learned a ton about Nodus, as well as the brilliant minds behind the brand. Such a shame Cullen wasn’t here with us!
KC: Well, he’s with us in spirit. And I did send him pictures of Wes with food, just to keep him apprised.
Marsh: I’m sure that made him feel a little better about not being here, and not jealous at all (laughs). Anyway, Wes, what was your favourite dish here in KL?
Wes: I’m actually quite familiar with the food in the region as I grew up for part of my life in Singapore. My childhood favorite has always been mee goreng, but I was actually more taken by the banana leaf place we went to. The Nasi Lemak was also very memorable, but I can make that stuff at home. The curries at the banana leaf place was next level though, so was the food coma. KL, in general, was a great time. The city is awesome, and the location we were at was super convenient. Driving around and seeing the different neighborhoods was awesome. In some ways it reminds me of Singapore, but like an old Singapore from my childhood days. And of course, the event itself was the highlight. I have been friends with you guys and many of the people who came to the meetup but haven’t met anyone in person. It was great to finally put a face to the names. I’m super impressed by the community you guys have built over the years. This event went off without a hitch and it seems like everyone had a great time.
Marsh: Thanks man, that really means a lot to us. For what it’s worth, edition 3 had a very different vibe in comparison to the first two events. I felt like this GTG had a little bit more excitement and energy, thanks to your presence and enthusiasm.
KC: Yeah, I completely agree with you. Wes’s passion for the brand and what they stand for really shone through, which was something that people picked up on instinctively. I think there were quite a few Nodus converts that night! Anyway, Wes, since this was your first time in KL and joining us at #TimeWellSpent, what did you enjoy most about the evening?
PC: Terrence Yong
Wes: Watching everyone get their AvaMaticks was quite special. As an online brand, we don’t often get a chance to see people actually receive and unbox their watches. We do go out and hand-deliver around LA and also throw parties, but seeing this thing unfold on the opposite side of the world was certainly something to remember. The food was fantastic, the beer was even better, and the company was the best.
Marsh: Speaking of watching people get their AvaMaticks, it’s funny how Pete suggested I man the “re-size station”; I had a lot of fun just helping our guests resize their watches so that they could wear them right away. I think that made a great photo opportunity as well as a chance to share an intimate conversation with the new owners about their new watch. Seeing the excitement manifesting on their faces was pretty cool and gratifying.
PC: Terrence Yong
PC: Cedric Hansen
KC: Absolutely, in fact I think there were some great photos of you in action. You know what they say, you fake it ‘til you make it, right?
Marsh: Dude, you know that’s not the case here, pun intended. (laughs).
KC: Don’t I know it! So while the first AvaMaticks started trickling onto the wrists of our guests, we kicked off the night with our usual small speeches. As is customary, Pete went first by going over the house rules, addressing the do’s and don’ts for the night. I was also roped in for the first time to give a safety briefing of sorts for the night. As Wes often says, we live in freaky times, and I think we all felt it was important for us to put everyone’s health and safety before anything else.
Marsh: Yeah, these are weird times, man. Not sure about you guys but I was so stressed out, given all the uncertainty of the times we’re currently in. In the days just before the event, we were starting to see a second wave of infections, so we had to take extraordinary measures to ensure everyone’s safety at our event.
KC: Absolutely, there were quite a few rules that we had to implement for the evening. For starters, there were no handshakes or hugs; we all resorted to elbow bumps instead. I think it might have started off a little awkward, but it was good to see people get into the swing of things: I personally received quite a few overenthusiastic elbows by the end of the night! And while we’ve always stressed the importance of being careful with other people’s watches, we really had to step it up this time by ensuring everyone sanitised their hands both before and after handling anyone else’s watches. As Wes would say, these are freaky times we live in, and the speech I gave just revolved around the array of safety precautions we implemented for the evening. You guys got to give all the fun speeches though. (laughs)
PC: Terrence Yong
Wes: I feel like I’ve been dodging corona bullets all of 2020 so far, starting in Europe, then to the US, then to Asia. I’ve gotten really lucky, landing in cities where the situation is either under control or the virus hasn’t hit yet. This thing very easily could have fallen apart, but as I always say, we roll with the punches. Everything always works out. I can’t begin to tell you how many times Cullen and I have had close calls on deliveries, travel plans, and everything in between, but at the end of the day, we are still alive and kicking. I know how important this thing was for Marshall – I could feel the anxiety emanating from his body – and really, I’m just thankful not only to you guys but also to everyone who came out and maintained the safety precautions that we set in place, especially because I had another stop to make on the tour.
Vincent: You may have been used to the experience, but we surely weren’t! I gotta admit, it was a pretty touching moment when you delivered your speech, Marsh. The Matick Blog has come a long way for sure. The fact that we got such an amazing opportunity to work with Nodus has definitely helped elevate things to a whole new level. And let’s not forget the food on the night; it was delightful, with pizzas, rolls, meatballs, etc; all prepared by our friends at The Front Room & Kneady Baker, Pete and Jo! And the entire menu was named after Nodus’s product line-up, past and present! Pretty clever, I would say.
The big boss of Front Room, Pete (only second to Jo, the bigger boss of Front Room) feat. Altimet. PC: Terrence Yong
Marsh: Thanks for your kind words, Vincent. And yes, we started the site sometime around 2015, and it definitely hasn’t been an easy journey. We faced lots of challenges and growing pains along the way, and struggled in ways most people wouldn’t imagine nor understand. But you know what, running the site for this long now has made me realise the beauty and the joy of just being present and involved with the process. I have a lot of faith in the team and the good people we surround ourselves with, people like Wes and Cullen are a great representation of the community we are a part of. You know, this whole watch thing for me, personally, as corny as it may sound, but it really is a labour of love, man. Anyway, edition 3 of #TimeWellSpent was definitely, at least in my books, the best GTG we’ve done so far.
KC: Absolutely, it was a genuinely fulfilling evening. That said, I was really glad to see such a wide spectrum of watches on display again. Besides the Noduses that were obviously there for the night, we also had everything from Seiko 5s to a Laurent Ferrier, oh and a Ressence too. Seeing that happen always warms my heart. The founding principle behind Matick and TWS has always been a coming together of passion. And a passion for watches transcends price tags; there’s as much space on our “sexpiles” for a G-Shock as there is for a Patek Philippe.
Marsh: Exactly, I’ve said this a million times but I’m not afraid to say it again. This is what it’s all about. No pretentiousness and snobbery, just an evening of great camaraderie, company, watches, food and beer. It’s just everything we stand for, and I’m very sure for Nodus as well.
Vincent: As I’ve mentioned earlier, this was my very first time joining everyone here at home since returning from the land down under, and it was definitely an enjoyable experience. It was also an eye-opener for me to see the community that The Matick Blog has built over the past couple of years. I truly enjoyed the night and meeting everyone I had heard so much about. I think I’d go so far as to say that it was much more enjoyable than the meetups I’ve had back in Melbourne. Everyone was so closely connected, sharing their thoughts and experiences on watch collecting, which then translated into having conversations about everything else under the sun as well. On top of that, both Wes and I were finally able to put faces to names for all the wonderful individuals from the online watch community, or should I say faces to Instagram handles (laughs).
Marsh: I’m just happy and relieved that everything fell into place at the very end. The delays and shipping issues we faced really had my blood pressure going at some points. I’m not sure if our attendees were aware of the issues and anxiety attacks we had to put up with just to get their watches shipped over (laughs).
KC: Yeah, we encountered some delays with the shipping process, but I’m glad they came through at the very end, literally at the very end. That’s probably a story for another time though; it’s a tale that deserves its very own article!
Marsh: But man, it’s been a heck of a ride. I think we should take this opportunity to give a huge shout out to our main bosses – Pete and Jo, for being so generous in allowing us to host such a great event at their humble little space. Also we really couldn’t pull this off without the help of their dedicated team.
Wes: Yeah, Pete and Jo were great. Honestly, I haven’t had this level of hospitality that they showed. They really went out of their way to make sure that the event went well and that we were all comfortable. The free flow of Tiger beer really helped. I really hope we can turn this into an annual thing. As this company grows, the importance of community grows with it. This trip has reaffirmed to me that we are a community-building company that just happens to sell watches. Your vision for Team Matick is in perfect alignment with our mission for Nodus. Ultimately, these are just watches, but it’s the community that makes the world a bit of a nicer place to live in. Also, if I can get my annual fixing of nasi lemak, teh tarik, and tiger beer, that would be nice too.
Big boss Uncle Pete on the right, bigger boss Jo on the left!
Marsh: I’m happy you feel that way, man. We can’t wait to have you back again next year, and be sure to bring Cullen along for the ride!
KC: Oh man, let me know in advance: I’ll need to steady my heart, and prep my liver, because we gon’ drink to the ground! More seriously though, I think I speak for all of us when I say this was one of the highlights of the year, and we’d absolutely look forward to a part 2 of The Matick Blog x Nodus Watches next year.
Vincent: Same here, definitely down for more of anything Nodus and of course beer. Bring it on! See you guys soon.
Marsh: Cheers guys. To hell with the virus and wear your watches in good health, and see you next year, Wes! (fingers crossed)
The first time I came across A. Lange and Söhne (“ALS”) was when I first heard NBA basketball star JJ Redick talk about his dream watch being the ALS Double Split on Hodinkee’s Talking Watches almost 5 years ago. Fast forward a year after that, I finally got to try on a Zeitwerk in Watches of Switzerland, London. I remembered when I put on the Zeitwerk, I instantly felt a confusing mix of excitement, anxiety, happiness – I was at a loss for words, and for good reason. But one thing is for sure, ALS instantly earned a special place in my heart, and I have held the brand with high regard ever since.
Just a few days ago, Team Matick was invited to a private sit-down luncheon with ALS and Sincere Fine Watches at Nadodi KL to view their 2019 SIHH Novelties. All I can say that it was a helluva horo-gastro experience. This one is definitely right up there on my personal list.
Nadodi, which translates from Tamil and Malayalam to mean “Nomad”, is essentially a cosy little fine-dining restaurant tucked away in the corner of Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. We had some heavy rainfall that very afternoon, but I think it simply adds to the ambience and overall dining experience as we dined and sipped on our cocktails in over some amazing conversations. It felt like there was a very oddly satisfying sense of comfort shrouding us and our conversations at the time.
We were spoiled with a meticulously crafted 12-course menu with emphasis on the Chef de Cuisine’s (the famous Sricharan Venkatesh) unconventional yet modern take on traditional Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. In other words, the entire gastronomical experience was, in essence, a contemporary—South East Asian reinterpretation on classic dishes you typically find in regions neighbouring India and Sri Lanka. I won’t go too much into detail on the food, but here’s a little photo reel of what we indulged on that afternoon.
I, for one do not regularly visit fine-dining restaurants like Nadodi, but similarly to my outlook and perspective when it comes to watches, fanciful presentation and descriptions are known to be a risky game to play, as it can come across as gimmicky and pretentious – these are concepts in which The Matick Blog do not stand for, especially when it comes to this already-profoundly materialistic hobby. But throughout the meal, I find myself almost automatically shutting my eyelids while feeding myself the first bites of every single dish, as I willingly surrender my taste buds to the blend of wonderful synergic flavours the Chef de Cuisine had crafted onto the plate. Ultimately, the artful presentation paid off. It had a purpose, it tells a tale of the ingredients and of course the journey of the analogical traveller (as depicted in the name of the restaurant). Each dish had a story to tell, and each dish beautifully heightens as well as enhances the flavours of its subsequent dishes that were served after.
All I can say is that ALS picked the right place to host this luncheon, because the food served that very afternoon embodies the spirit of the German brand all too well – meticulous, thoughtful, purpose-driven, focused, and most importantly, both the restaurant and watch brand holds a very subtle but yet conservative sense of rebelliousness to their approach, as they both resemble a modern and tasteful tribute to timeless classics (in this case, classic Indian and Sri Lankan dishes).
Among the watches shown that afternoon were the 25th Special Editions of the Lange 1, Richard Lange Jumping Seconds in a beautiful black dial made from solid silver and red accents, the absolutely stunning Langematik Perpetual Honey Gold, the elusive Datograph Perpetual Tourbillion with a rose gold dial housed in a white gold case, and finally one of my favourites – the Zeitwerk Date.
Lange 1 “25th Anniversary”
The Lange 1 is known to be one of the cornerstone pieces from ALS, this particular model as seen here on Meor’s wrist features deep blue numerals and beautiful blue steel hands. A quick flip to its caseback would reveal an absolutely stunning engraving of the A. Lange & Söhne headquarters dating back to the year of 1873, as well as the names of co-founders Walter Lange and Günter Blümlein, and finally the words “25 Years Lange 1” in German (25 Jahre Lange 1) to commemorate it being the prelude piece to this very special collection.
Photo credit: WatchesbySJX.com
Richard Lange Jumping Seconds
Here we also have the highly decorated Richard Lange with a deep black dial. What really piqued my interest in this particular execution is the addition of a Remontoire. In simpler terms, it is a device specifically designed to improve rate stability over the watch’s power-reserve by supplying constant torque to the escapement. This particular mechanism also acts as a secondary source of power and is periodically rewound by the watch’s main source of power.
Spot the Remontoire!
Langematik Perpetual Honeygold
One of my other favourites out of this particular collection solely due to its very unique case made out of Honey Gold. (wherever you are… Pooh) I have always thought that I would never be ready for a Yellow Gold watch until my mid-30s due to the deep rich yellow tones of a Yellow Gold case, but this watch single-handedly changed my mind. I am absolutely infatuated with the Honey Gold case’s subtleness as it changes its gold tones under different lighting, almost like a camouflage effect.
Datograph Tourbillon Chronograph
All I can say is – Goosebumps, goosebumps and goosebumps. No, if you are asking, it is not a Salmon dial. In fact, it is made from solid pink gold. That aside, like many iterations of its predecessors, I expected no less from the elusive Datograph. A quick peep at the caseback gives its viewer a rapid dose of euphoria. Don’t believe me (really now, mate)? Here have a look and see for yourself.
I see Langepolis.
Zeitwerk Date
Finally, I had the chance to once again spend some time with my favourite ALS. First and foremost, I am absolutely loving the way ALS introduced a date function to the Zeitwerk without having the need to open up another date window aperture, which in my most humble opinion, would inevitably further clutter the dial. The application of the ‘time bridge’ definitely takes the cake for me as it effortlessly complements the dial extremely well.
Wrapping it up
To wrap things up, I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank the wonderful team at Sincere Fine Watches and ALS for having us at the showcase, to name a few – Joan, Wendy Yeow, KiKi. We are truly humbled by this invitation. Looking back, it felt like our journey started not too long ago, and to be invited to a showcase to dine with the biggest names in the watch industry is a milestone and truly a humbling experience for us here at Team Matick.
Because we now live in a world where traditions are often challenged or perhaps even abandoned and shunned aside, I always believe that it is important for watch brands to seek a neutral ground, in which respect and creativity would act as the bridge to marry the timelessness of tradition and innovative spirit of contemporary watchmaking. After seeing this wonderful collection from ALS, I can only wish the brand well and hope that they carry on this spirit into the near future.
For more info on this particular collection by A. Lange and Söhne, click here.
Last Thursday, our team saw the official launch and opening of Officine Panerai, the 159 year old-Fiorentine-based brand’s very first boutique here (designed by the greatly acclaimed Spanish Architect and Designer, Patricia Urqiola) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We were invited by Panerai as special guests for the evening, so here’s a brief recap of what we saw, what we wore, and what we experienced that very evening.
I think for me personally, the highlight of the evening was our very own private viewing of the technically impressive Radiomir 940 Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon GMT. Check out the photos below.
We also had the pleasure of viewing the beautiful and elusive PAM995 with a military green dial as seen here below.
I’ve also had the opportunity to try on one of my favourite offerings from Panerai – the PAM590 Luminor 8 Days Acciaio. This is a Panerai that is dear to my heart, and for good reason. For me, it is the Panerai to own, because it possesses traits that ties the history and the present for the brand, and it bears a very interesting seal that is seen only on a handful of Panerais to date, which I absolutely adore and find charming. The seal as seen on the 590’s 3 o’clock position “8 Giorni Brevettato”, which means “8 days patented” in Italian first surfaced on a Luminor Submersible produced for the Egyptian Navy back in the mid 1950s. Apart from that, the 590 is technically impressive for its 8 day power reserve, it is also aestehtically simple, casual, and it retains the traditional and iconic aesthetic of a Panerai Luminor i.e patent crown guards, beautiful Sandwich dial, Bettarini case etc which are all features that gradually drew me into the watch.
Overall we had a really fun and engaging evening at the launch, we bumped into some familiar faces and some old friends as well. Truth be told, this actually isn’t my first time in the boutique but being in here that evening felt somewhat fresh but familiar at the same time. Albeit the massive crowd and turn-out, the service was still pretty much top notch and impressive, so on that note, a big thank you to Li Min and Jean Koh from Panerai for taking really good care of us that evening.
In any case, if you’re around Pavilion KL, I highly recommend you pay them a visit.
PS. Before we dive into this one, I just want to take this opportunity to wish our friends Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Here’s to 2019!
“It was, to paraphrase the oft-quoted saying, organised by watch enthusiasts for watch enthusiasts..”
Credit: Cedric Hansen
KC
A little bit over a month ago (sorry guys.. work..), and after a very long time (we know!), we finally hosted Edition 2 of #TimeWellSpent at our unofficial home base at the Front Room & the Kneady Baker, a cosy little space located in the unassuming neighbourhood of Taman Desa. Unlike the inaugural edition, which was done in collaboration with Ming Watches, we opted for a more casual theme for this particular iteration.
Marsh, Max, KC. Credit: Cedric Hansen
The evening kicked off with us greeting our guests with a bottle of beer which was followed by the mandatory “Hey, so what’s that on your wrist?”. And as expected, when you put a bunch of watch geeks (well, maybe around 20+) in a cozy little space with some light booze and amazing homemade food (those pizzas are bomb, by the way), that little greeting and handshake would then subsequently escalate into a full-blown (and shameless) geek-out session between like-minded individuals, and that was pretty much the case for the entire evening.
As such, the watches on display and topics of conversation emerged organically and naturally from the attendees themselves. Although several distinct groups were initially formed along the lines of their social circles, it didn’t take long for those lines to becomed blurred, and soon enough there was but one circle of friends surrounding a tray of watches.
That tray of watches was perhaps one of the highlights of the night. It started off innocently enough; Marshall and I placed a simple wooden tray lined with various canvas watch rolls and placed the few watches we had brought along on them. It was simply meant to be a part of the general decor on the night, but everyone who walked in felt a strange draw towards it. Soon, there were so many watches that we even had to whip out a second tray.
I don’t know what it was about those trays, but in my mind the mingling of those watches seemed to represent the overall feel of the night: in the same way that Seiko 5s and Nodus watches were literally rubbing shoulders with a Moser and Jaeger-LeCoultres, newbies and veteran watch collectors alike were doing likewise. There was no regard for price tags or status, simply a genuine and heartfelt appreciation for this indulgence we call watch collecting. All we can say was that the camaraderie and the atmosphere for Edition 2 was simply amazing, and it is and will always be what we at The Matick Blog strive to cultivate and achieve.
EAT YOUR VEGGIES!
To cap it all off, Pete and Jo, the good folks behind the Front Room, served up a magnificent series of handmade gourmet pizzas that were gobbled up as quickly as the pair could churn them out. With hearty toppings on a crust that was simply divine, paired with a few ice cold beers, we were thoroughly pampered by our gracious hosts.
Simply put, this get-together was, in my humble opinion as a fellow watch enthusiast, a joy to both organise and attend, and we at Team Matick can’t wait to bring you the third edition of #TimeWellSpent in 2019. So keep your eyes peeled, we’re hoping to make this next one even more special!
A little over a week ago, we braved the Sunday-evening blues to hold what is probably our most highly anticipated event to date. For those who haven’t been keeping up with the latest from us at The Matick Blog, we have recently collaborated with Front Room to bring you a series of quarterly GTG events held exclusively at Front Room, featuring up-and-coming independent/micro brands in each edition.
Hard to believe as it may be, a lot of hard work went into even a small, humble gathering that is our last GTG. In many ways, there was also a steep learning curve, because unlike our previous two GTGs, we wanted to follow up with something special, and of course something a tad more ‘official’, and I think we managed to do just that. This event represents a monumental step for The Matick Blog into a new direction and we really couldn’t be happier to be able to share this with all of you fellow watch lovers.
On behalf of Front Room, I would like to start off by thanking our sponsors and the amazing team from Carlsberg Malaysia, Felicia, Pearl, Alex, Gary and Ezra, along with Brooklyn Brewery for partnering up with us and providing us with some of their most popular craft beers (Brooklyn Lager and East IPA) for our enjoyment. We would also like to specially thank Praneeth Rajsingh from MING Watch for joining us as a guest speaker. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our special guests from the media for dropping by and providing coverage of the event: Daniel and Mindy from Peak Magazine, Cedric from the Grid Asia, and Eric from Jasmine Magazine. And last but not least, Chef Daniel and his partner Miki from Pop Up Dining KL for preparing a specialty canapé menu, which was specially tailored to pair with the Brooklyn Lagers and East IPAs.
Jo and Pete from Front Room, Praneeth from Ming, and some random dude on the right.
While the overall success of this event was due in no small part to the contributions of our sponsors and special guests, how could we forget our dear guests who paid the price of admission and came to join us for the event?! Thanks to you guys (and girls), all seats were sold out within a few days before the event. Without doubt, a gratifying sight was witnessing so many watch enthusiasts and collectors of familiar and new faces, from all walks of life, gathering and enjoying each other’s company in an intimate space. Once again, we at The Matick Blog are thrilled to say that the event was another resounding success – an evening filled with smiles, laughter, as well as great conversation over fantastic food and drinks.
Being there at the event, I don’t quite recall the last time I have felt this happy. The evening is definitely going to be a highlight of my life. The camaraderie on display on that evening was nothing short of amazing, quite unlike any other watch-related event I have ever attended. For that, we are extremely grateful and appreciative of your support.
Once again, on behalf of the team, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to those of you who came to join us for our inaugural GTG event at Front Room. To those of you who missed out or couldn’t make it, fret not, for Edition 2 is already in the works. And next time, who knows who’ll be our next guest?
On behalf of Team Matick, I would like to start by apologizing for the lack of content and engagement on our Instagram page for the past couple of months. But rest assured, because by any means we were not basking ourselves in stagnancy during these few months, but instead we were tirelessly working on a new joint venture with our new partners at Front Room.
As of today, I feel very elated to announce that The Matick Blog has found a new home at the Front Room for a series of GTG events in the near future.
So what exactly does this mean for us and for you? For starters, this joint venture represents a step into a new direction for us at The Matick Blog. By doing so, we are now able to use this as a compelling platform to showcase the things and aspects we care and love about watches, the community and world that surrounds it in general. It allows us to unite watch enthusiasts from all walks of life within an intimate space here at the Front Room, to share and mutually cultivate that genuine love and passion for everything that revolves around the world of watch collecting and appreciation. Ultimately, this would also allow us to expand our horizons and build on a stronger sense of what we stand for in the relatively closed-off world of watches here in Malaysia.
After our first two GTGs last year, which we received overwhelmingly positive response from our attendees, we knew that we had to follow up with something special. At this juncture, I think we’ve done just that and we could not be any happier to be able to share this joyous occasion with you.
The Front Room is co-owned by Pete and Jo, it can be described as a cozy little space and café, tucked away in the warm neighbourhood of Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur. It is also a business purely founded on and fuelled by passion, which is in many ways, homogenous to what we hold dear to our hearts here at The Matick Blog when it comes to watches and the world that revolves around it.
F.Y.I, like many of us, Pete – the owner of the Front Room, is also a chronic watch geek.
So on the 27th May 2018, please do come on by for drinks, watch talk, and an all-around good time with us at The Matick Blog and fellow watch enthusiasts.
Also joining us as guest speaker is Praneeth Rajsingh, a co-founder of MING. He’ll spend some time sharing some of their watches and answering any questions you have about the brand. If you are a fan of the brand, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Festivities will run from 6.00pm to 8.30pm, and the venue will be located at the Front Room in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur. For all details and to RSVP, please drop us an email at info.teammatick@gmail.com or DM us at @thematick.blog on Instagram. Once your seat has been confirmed, an official invitation containing all the relevant details will then be sent to you.
The setting and dress code of the event will be casual with some specialty finger food specially prepared by Chef Daniel Yap, a young chef who earned his chops at the 2-Michelin Star Piccolo Lago in Italy and later founded the popular Pop Up Dining Kuala Lumpur, to specifically pair with Brooklyn craft beers sponsored by Carlsberg. Lastly and most importantly, feel free to bring some of your own watches…
Since seat availability is extremely limited, we kindly ask that you RSVP as soon as possible.
