Team Matick – Page 3

#LookCloser – Seiko DressKX vs Swatch Sistem51

January 18, 2021 The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: If you came here from our 24th INaUgurAL episode of the KC and Jon Jon Show.. well done. And thank you for tuning in!

Introduction

For many years, there has only been one option for anyone looking for a cheap, fun and reliable sports car: the Miata Is Always The Answer (we hope you caught that). That same cliché also exists for a cheap, fun and reliable mechanical watch: a Seiko 5 is always the answer. Simply search the internet for “best entry level watch” and you will find page after page of articles recommending Seiko 5s in all its various guises and variants. There truly is a Seiko 5 for everyone out there.

One of the latest releases in the Seiko 5 family is perhaps its best to date; the SRPE series, affectionately dubbed the DressKX. Taking design inspiration from its progenitor, the now-discontinued SKX series, and repackaging it into a svelte 40mm package and available in various colourways and strap options, the DressKX is one of the best entry level watches in the market today.

But what if I told you that you could get a fully Swiss made watch with a mechanical movement that’s made with cutting edge technology, all for the same entry-level price? An intriguing prospect, I’m sure you’ll agree. As unlikely as it sounds, it does exist: the Swatch Sistem51. First announced in 2013, it packs a mechanical movement whose assembly is entirely automated; the first of its kind.

Initially released in classic Swatch fashion with cheap and cheerful plastic cases, Swatch would follow it up with more sombre steel cases in the Irony line in 2016. And Swatch has continued to iterate on the Sistem51 series, producing more and more variants and strap options, culminating in the Petite Seconde line released last year. And they retail for just under the price of the DressKX.

If it all sounds too good to be true, that’s probably because (spoiler alert) it is. But owning both a DressKX and a Sistem51 has offered me a little insight into both these watches, and despite the similar price there’s more than meets the eye here. So join me as I put my personal Seiko 5 Sports SRPE57 and Swatch Sistem51 Irony Knight YIM401 (let’s just call it the Knight for this article) in a head to head matchup.

Design

The DressKX, as mentioned, comes with classic SKX design cues; its unique handset (needle seconds hand with lumed counterbalance included), mix of round and oblong markers for the hours, plus a triangle at 12, and the day-date window at 3. This is then packaged into a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet sans dive bezel.

But where the DressKX turns it up a notch is with the markers; they are now applied markers rather than printed ones. In this particular iteration (the SRPE57) the hands and applied markers are also finished in gilt. This combination gives it a significantly more premium feel, and adds a lot of depth and interest to the dial.

In the other corner, the Knight comes with a brushed gunmetal case and textured silicone strap. Inside is an interesting two-finish gunmetal grey dial: a sunburst center, ringed by a circular brushed surround. On the periphery there are printed dash minute markers with small lumed dots at the hours, paired with simple lume-filled black baton hands. There is also a circular date window at 3 that blends in nicely with the rounded hour markers.

The Knight also comes with an excellent display caseback, with a peripherally weighted acrylic rotor that allows for a full view of the movement below it. Other nifty details include a skeletonised mainspring barrel and a tiny peephole through which the movement of the escape wheel and pallet fork are just about visible.

This one’s a tough decision to make, as these are diametrically opposed designs. Where the DressKX has gilt and applied markers, the Knight has a minimalist, almost Bauhaus-style design. In the end, I’m going to have to chalk this one up as a draw as they each have their own distinct appeal.

Wearability

This category, on the other hand, is easily decided. The Knight is not the most ergonomically designed watch in the world, measuring a beefy 42mm in diameter, 50.6mm lug to lug, and 13.8mm thick. The DressKX is smaller in all dimensions at 40mm in diameter, 44mm lug to lug, and is a relatively slim 11.5mm.

Although the hooded, integrated lugs and comfortable silicone strap of the Knight does help it to remain quite comfortable on the wrist, the Seiko has some tricks of its own. With its classic scalloped case design and smaller overall dimensions, this is an easy win for the DressKX.

Robustness and Longevity

I hope fans of the Knight are prepared to be disappointed, because the Knight gets steamrolled here once again. Where the DressKX comes with a mineral crystal (Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex) front and back, 100m of water resistance, and the promise of legendary 4R36 reliability, the Knight packs acrylic crystals front and back, a mere 30m of water resistance, and seriously questionable serviceability for the hermetically sealed movement.

Another point for the DressKX.

Novelty

With the Knight reeling after two straight losses, perhaps there’s a point to be clawed back here. As the name of this category would suggest, there is a certain je ne sais quoi to the Sistem51; an avant-garde mechanical watch made entirely by robots, helped by the notion of being a fully Swiss-made watch. The Knight is also just an excellent looking timepiece, with an intriguing see-through caseback and transparent rotor. The movement also boasts 90 hours of power reserve and a claimed +/- 10s/day accuracy. Combined, it makes for a real conversation starter, even amongst seasoned watch collectors.

The DressKX, on the other hand, is perhaps a little more pedestrian to the casual observer. Although enthusiasts such as ourselves may fawn over the applique dial and gilt details, the general public may perceive it to be an ordinary, run-of-the-mill Seiko.

Where your preferences lie is entirely up to you. Do you prefer the relative uniqueness of the Sistem51 and the story behind it, or the subtle and inconspicuous nature of the DressKX? There are no wrong answers here. But in terms of pure novelty, we can chalk this one up for the Knight.

Conclusion

By the numbers, the DressKX takes home an easy win. Objectively, it is the superior watch, being more versatile, more rugged, and having a decent chance of outliving its owner. The Knight is chunkier, more delicate, and has serious questions about long term reliability.

But does that mean that Sistem51 does not deserve a place in your collection? To answer that pointed question, I think there are two ways of looking at this. If you’re just starting out in this hobby and looking for your first watch, the Seiko is absolutely the way to go. It will sit comfortably on your wrist for an entire day, regardless of what you have on your agenda. And it will run reliably day after day, whatever you decide to do with it. The DressKX is quite simply one of the cheapest, most well-rounded watches out there, and could well be the only watch you would ever need.

On the other hand, the Swatch Sistem51 range offers something quite special to the collector who has already amassed a versatile collection. If this hobby and its ever-increasing prices have you feeling jaded, consider picking one of these up. It serves as a good reminder that novelty and joy are not limited to the realm of haute horlogerie, and that you can still have fun without the exorbitant price tags.

For Team Matick,

#LookCloser – Wear Report – BOLDR x Kenji Chai – Venture Chaigo

January 14, 2021 The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Marshall

Introduction

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It became somewhat of a routine to see Chaigo on my way to school almost every single day, and little did I know I would be sitting here a few years later, writing about the very artist behind Chaigo and his collaborative project with our friends over at BOLDR Supply Co.

For those who do not know what Chaigo means. To put it simply, “Chai” (蔡) is the surname of the artist – Kenji Chai, and “Go” (狗), means dog in Mandarin (a little more on Chaigo’s origin story later). When Leon from BOLDR reached out to me and asked if I wanted to cover the collaboration, I immediately jumped on the opportunity, because in my mind, there aren’t many significant or meaningful watch collaborations coming out of Malaysia over the past few years (with the exception of our beloved AvaMatick with Nodus Watches), or any at all. When Leon first talked to me about the idea and inspiration behind this collaboration, it became very clear to me that this BOLDR x KENJI CHAI partnership was something special and it made a lot of sense. Essentially, it is an artistic union with BOLDR doing what they do best, leading the forefront and pushing the boundaries of microbrand watch collaborations with the direction of a world-renowned graffiti virtuoso coming out of my very own homeland. And that makes me immensely proud.

Background story

The most intriguing aspect of this collaboration is the story behind the project. In my mind, Kenji’s story was an interesting one – his adoption of Chaigo as his alter-ego / spirit animal came about during his darkest moments in the earlier years of his career. According to Kenji, in his own words:

“I was going through some family issues and was generally not the happiest person at that particular point in time. One day I was driving around and spotted a carcass of a stray dog lying on the highway. It wasn’t the first I’d seen, but somehow that day it affected me more. I felt like a stray dog too, inside. Growing up in a broken family, there was a constant feeling of being estranged, never really having a place I felt at home. Somehow, relating to the stray dog ignited a sense of identity in me. I, too, had to fend for myself and learn never to rely on others. I knew that anything was possible if you’re willing to work hard enough, and be really true to yourself. But unlike the dog, I had the power to decide from then on to live life on my own terms. That’s when Chaigo was born.”
-Kenji Chai

I guess in some ways I felt that his story somewhat resonated with me. Sometimes your greatest inspirations come to you in the darkest moments of adversity.

Watch

The heart and soul of this collaboration are encased within the BOLDR Venture, BOLDR’s bestselling watch to date, and presented in the form of a full titanium case accompanied with a titanium bracelet. The application of titanium in the case and bracelet give the Venture Chaigo an almost feathery-light feel to its weight and construction. When I first took it out of its zombie-proof storage box (no, seriously. But as expected because BOLDRRR) and laid eyes on the dial, I thought it had a visually stimulating aesthetic. The visual contrast between the titanium body and the dial is simply unlike any watch I have seen before coming out of BOLDR’s catalogue. Needless to say, the titanium exterior is quite impressive, it exudes an air of toughness and masculinity, which is very much a spiritual attribute carried by all of BOLDR’s watches to date.

Another thing I enjoy about the Venture Chaigo is the case size. Like its regular Venture counterparts, it sits well at 38mm and can be widely considered as a wrist-friendly option for both genders and especially for those who prefer smaller case sizes, like me. But in my book, the star of the show is the matte black dial with Chaigo at its center, accompanied by the multi-coloured Superlume markers. It may not the best in terms of legibility throughout the day, but boy does it come to life during the evening. It is simply one of the most captivating luminescent dials I have seen so far when it comes to utilitarian field watches. To top it off, the dull and subdued appearance of the titanium case and bracelet offsets the dial very well, giving it an aggressive look, which I think would be very appealing to those looking for a watch that’s a little off the beaten path.

The case back is simple but interesting, it comes embossed with Kenji’s very own signature logo “蔡” (Chai) as you can see in the picture below. When it comes to the rest of the Venture Chaigo’s specifications, it is identical to the regular Venture models. It uses a workhorse Seiko NH35A automatic movement, and it comes with a lug width of 20mm, a thickness of 12mm, water-resistance of 200m (660ft) / 20ATM, and a custom printed NATO strap with titanium hardware to match!

Accessories

The watch is not the only thing you will receive in the box, the package also comes with a collectible, 4-inch tall “Graffiti Chaigo” figure. According to Kenji, the figure was a decision to eventually bring Chaigo to life because of how Chaigo had evolved over the past few years and eventually took on a life of its own. These figures are hand-painted with slight imperfections, which is a trait Kenji intended to celebrate as it reflects the uniqueness in every individual.

I absolutely love the Graffiti Chaigo. It is too cool. I would absolutely love to have one of these on my office desk.

Final thoughts

I have mentioned this in a recent episode on the KC & Jon Jon Show (check us out here) that The Matick Blog would no longer do reviews or any articles of the sort. But one thing I would like to keep is the freedom to write about meaningful stories like Kenji’s. In fact, the sole reason why I am writing about this collaboration is that I feel that this project is an important partnership between a watch brand that we respect and an artist of Kenji’s caliber. It represents so much more than just selling a watch or an idea, at least to young people like myself, it also represents what good energy within the watch industry can do and how watches can bring people together.

I have yet to meet Kenji himself personally, but we did exchange a few text messages over the phone now and then. He is exactly who they describe him to be; warm, friendly, and very encouraging. When he heard about my brief story of leaving my job as a corporate lawyer and taking The Matick Blog full time, he was very encouraging and reassured me that my passion will be my guiding light. It’s funny, I don’t actually know Kenji personally, but I felt like I could relate to his journey on a deeper level for some odd reason. Maybe it’s his story, or maybe it’s because in some ways I felt like a part of me grew up with Chaigo. That being said, it is simply amazing to see how much a person can achieve when they put their minds to something.

Today, Kenji is a successful artist who has collaborated with internationally renowned brands and companies such as, to name a few, Tiger Beer, Netflix, Puma, Uniqlo, Volkswagen, etc.

I guess it is safe to say that the Venture Chaigo is one of the more interesting collaborations I’ve seen in recent years coming from a microbrand like BOLDR. I almost felt a little emotional reading about Kenji’s story and his work during the research and writing process of this article. You could feel his passion, energy and spirit shining through in this watch. It is very difficult to put it into words, and I thorough enjoyed the entire writing process from start to finish.

Writing about this collaboration made me think a lot about my path and where I am heading. Kenji is the embodiment of what it means to be truly living your purpose. It is indeed a very gratifying feeling to see someone like Kenji just living his own life, doing his own thing, and succeeding. This is by far one of the best collaborations I have witnessed and written about. As I have mentioned before, this is more than just selling watches, it stood for something much bigger than that.

This is the story of Kenji Chai, and I hope I get to continue to witness his journey and greatness unfold.

On behalf of Team Matick, best of luck, Kenji. Let us all keep striving for greatness.

The Venture Chaigo is limited to 160 pieces and retails for USD 499, more details of the watch can be found here.

Til’ next time.

For Team Matick,

Marshall

Featuring our Podcast: The KC & Jon Jon Show!

January 4, 2021 The Matick Blog1 Comment

Its official! You heard it here first.

The KC & Jon Jon Show podcast is now officially onboard with The Matick Blog!

For links to all of their platforms – click here.

“An awkward yet arousing duo having amateur discussions about watches, occasionally about alcohol, but mostly irreverent and absurd humour.”
– JonJon, 2020

Simon and Garfunkel. Batman and Robin. Chris Tucker and that Chinese martial arts dude. Dynamic duos are omnipresent in both fictional and non-fictional media, and now we have another addition to the long, illustrious list of dynamic duos: KC and JonJon.

These two could not have been any different. KC, aka Ng Kuo Chern, is a doctor by day (and sometimes night). Meanwhile JonJon, aka Jonathan Thong, contributes nothing useful to society. Yet, like human-shaped magnets, these two polar opposites were attracted by the sheer force of their witty banter. With a chorus of angels in the background, signifying the holy unity of this awkward yet arousing pair, they decided to share their gospel with the world through the greatest podcast that has ever been created.

It’s also a convenient excuse to get drunk during the day, and unofficially serves as a therapy session because JonJon prefers to spend his money on alcohol rather than a shrink. So please, pour yourself a glass of your preferred poison, and allow KC and JonJon to aurally pleasure you.

Check out below for their latest episode on Spotify.

Some more features and regular occurences on the podcast:

Art by Nadirah Sharif

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

December 17, 2020 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.

#LookCloser – Wear Report – Reverie Diver

July 17, 2020 The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Vincent

Introduction

Thanks to work commitments and the chaos that’s been happening around the world lately, I must confess that it has been a while since I last reviewed a watch.

Naturally then, when Sam from Reverie Watches reached out to us, asking if we would be interested in spending some time with their latest offering – the Reverie Diver, I wasted no time to jump at the opportunity.

Now that I have spent about a week with the Diver, I thought I would do a short write-up of my experiences to share with you.

Before I dive (yep, you saw that coming) right into the review, and to give you an idea of what to expect from the Diver, you should probably check out our introductory post here, if you have not done so already.

First impressions

The excitement hit when I put the Diver on for the first time; the sheer joy of having a watch that fits perfectly on my tiny wrist is quite overwhelming! It felt like the kind of joy I experienced as a kid receiving my first Swatch. What sets the Diver apart and takes it further by a mile from that experience, however, is its guilloche dial that is super playful under the sun, along with the brushed and polished finishing of the watch case. I do find the hands unique and one of a kind, with the similarly shaped seconds hand acting as a counterbalance that compliments the overall visual.

The bracelet has a sweet taper that is everything I look for in a vintage-inspired piece. It had me wanting to stick with the bracelet instead of swapping it out with other straps, mainly because of its hidden lugs, sweet glide-lock mechanism, and just how much the bracelet compliments the watch.

Flipping over, the Diver greeted me with an open caseback, decorated with Seigaiha engravings on the Miyota 9039’s rotor. While it is a subtle decorative touch, I find it a little lacklustre in visual impact, yet to others, it may be a bonus for an open caseback diver. Nonetheless, a little detail that counts.

Looking Closer

I noticed a few things which I would love to see improved in the final, production version of the Diver. Turning the prototype’s bezel is a slightly disappointing experience due to the amount of back-play, something which I hope Reverie will resolve in full production.

No doubt, the bracelet’s glide-lock mechanism is a saving grace for when my wrist expands and shrinks along with the very much temperamental Malaysian weather. Probably as a result of the aggressive tapering, however, it proves to be a double-edged sword, as I noticed that a few of the links weren’t quite small enough to fit under the skinny clasp. Several cuts and dings too could be found as a result of the rather aggressive corners and edges cutting into the steel bracelet.

The crown of the Diver is something that I hoped would be slightly larger, though I had no issues with adjustment thanks to its threaded surface. An educated guess would suggest that the crown’s size was probably held back by the case thickness at 11mm. A missed opportunity at that.

I found the choice of case dimensions to be interesting. It measures only about 40mm across and 43mm lug to lug but does look larger than the numbers suggest. Visually, the case is cushion-shaped, somewhat similar to that of the modern Omega Constellation, i.e. aggressively cut off lugs, which exposes the upper, curved side of the case, and gives the appearance of being thicker than it is from the wearer’s visual angle.

Personally, I would like to see a solid caseback instead of a decorated rotor, which brings the question: What could Reverie do with a solid caseback that would better complement the Diver?

Above all, I appreciate the blurring lines between strictly utilitarian divers and dressier pieces. History notwithstanding, this could have been James Bond’s watch for his cocktail parties and hardcore spy missions alike, ambitiously speaking of course.

In my opinion, the Diver unequivocally possesses some of the flair of its higher-end brethren. At a practically rock-bottom asking price of US$350+ via Kickstarter, there is not much room for argument as the Diver definitely packs a punch in terms of paying homage to a classic design language.

Conclusion

With the above said, the Reverie Diver is a dive watch that nicely combines the virtues of function and elegance in a solid package.

A standout for me was its near-perfect size and dimensions for noodle wrists such as mine. There is some room for improvement, many of which can easily be addressed in production models.

I can see this piece fitting into many collections, including mine. In other words, it’s a thumbs up from me!

If you’re keen on securing one for yourself, head over to the Reverie Diver’s Kickstarter page to help fund its production by clicking here; while stock lasts, of course.

For Team Matick,

Vincent

#Introducing – Reverie Diver

June 27, 2020 The Matick Blog1 Comment

Vincent

According to Marshall, Reverie watches was one of the first indie brands we worked with back when we first started the site in 2015. We have come a long way since then, and so have they. It has been approximately four years since we reviewed the Sea-Spirit. Today, I am very excited to know that we are going to be reviewing their latest offering – the Reverie Diver.

To kick things off, I have yet to receive the Reverie Diver simply because.. well, it got stuck in customs, but that’s okay! I am still going to be “diving” a little bit into my initial impressions of the watch. So here’s my quick take.

When I first laid my eyes on the digital renders of the Reverie Diver, I could feel that something was amiss with its overall aesthetic, but I can’t quite put my finger on it right now simply because I have yet to experience the watch in the metal, and according to Marshall, this was the case with the Sea-Spirit as well. When I had this conversation with the Reverie team, I was told that the Diver that we see today is the brand’s take on a hybrid sports watch with deliberate hints of elegance, meticulously exhibited in all the right places.

This concept was not something unheard of, and as expected, I was told that the design team at Reverie made countless revisions to ensure the balance and synergy between the elements of ruggedness and elegance are properly conveyed in the Reverie Diver’s overall design language.

This is something I really look forward to experiencing when I finally get my hands on the watch. I love the fact that Reverie has stayed true to their roots ever since their humble beginnings by retaining their signature guilloche-patterned dial, which is a trait that can also be found on the Sea-Spirit previously.

To wrap up my initial impressions, I will leave you with some information regarding the general technical specifications about the watch. I know, boring stuff to some people, but still good to know!

Technical Specifications:

Case Material: Made up of 316L stainless steel.

Case dimension: 40mm diameter, 43mm lug-to-lug, 11mm thickness, 20mm lug-width.

Case feature: Sapphire-crystal with AR-coating, 120-click unidirectional dive rotating bezel, display case back.

Movement: Miyota 9039 movement with 42 hours power reserve, hacking and winding, 28,800 vibrations per hour, with ‘Seigaiha’ engraved rotor

Lume: 2 types of Super-LumiNova lume material, with BGW9 (blue) on hands, C3 (green) on indices and bezel markers.

Water resistance: Up to 20ATM with a screw-down crown

Bracelet: Adjustable brushed stainless steel with 6mm tapering, micro-adjustments with extra 11mm extension on-the-go, and quick-release.

Additional items: 1x EPDM rubber strap with tang buckle measures at 20mm lug-width tapers down to 18mm with quick release, 1x leather travel watch roll

The Diver is also available in three colours: Navy, Olive Green, and Warm Grey (and a possible Burgundy release), and all of them come with a 2-year international warranty.

With that said, I can’t wait to get my hands on the Diver and share more of my thoughts on the watch in an upcoming update.

In the meantime, if you’re interested, you can get the Reverie Diver via their Kickstarter campaign and secure a super early bird pricing at US$325 by clicking on the link below:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/reveriewatches/the-reverie-diver-an-elegant-and-functional-dive-watch

Until then, I’ll catch you in my next Reverie Diver update!

For Team Matick,

Vincent

#OpenLetter – #MYSpeedmasterStory – Omega Malaysia x Team Matick

June 25, 2020 The Matick BlogLeave a comment

Introduction

One of the reasons why we started The Matick Blog 5 years ago (we just turned 5 last week!) was to uncover the untold stories of watch collectors in the most non-pretentious manner possible. We have always felt that there is a certain sense of romanticism associated with the bond a watch owner has with his/her watch. That bond is truly one of a kind. And for us, we live for those stories.

Recently we partnered up with Omega Malaysia to uncover those stories – YOUR stories.

The significance of the Omega Speedmaster, and many of the stories that go along with it, have been uncovered and shared with the public, especially over the past several years. Having survived everything; from being an untested piece in early spaceflight, to gruelling tests by NASA, and every manned lunar mission in history, it’s easy to see the appeal of the Speedmaster. And this appeal extends beyond just enthusiasts of watches and space exploration, as it touches the hearts and minds of anyone with a passing interest in history and the tales of intrepid explorers.

But while these stories are well known, what we wish to share via this campaign are your personal stories with the Speedmaster. As Speedmaster enthusiasts are wont to say: there are many Speedmasters out there, but only this one is mine. And that personal bond is exactly what we want to learn about and share.

By answering a brief questionnaire and submitting a photo or two, we hope to be able to dig further into the personal bond between Malaysians and their Speedmasters, and to share them with other collectors. And in return, Omega has generously agreed to provide a few special gifts and exclusive invitations to a future Speedmaster event (mind you, we’re not talking about just any random watch event, you’re in for a treat if you participate) as a sign of appreciation for the local Speedmaster community.

To kick things off, we have reached out to Speedmaster owners that we know personally, but if you’re a fellow Malaysian Speedmaster owner and you’d like to join us on this journey and be a part of a very special community, please reach out to us via email or IG, and we’ll set you up and we promise you, you’re in for a real treat!

For Team Matick,

Marshall, KC, Vincent.

Week 1 #MySpeedmasterStory Recap – 5th July 2020

Throughout the course of the week, we’ve been honoured to share stories from three Malaysian Speedmaster owners: Jimmy Ang, Azfar, and Wen Harn.

We kicked things off with Jimmy, who recounted his initial experience with his vintage Speedy ref. 3592. Treating it with kid gloves, it took him a while to remember that he was wearing a watch qualified for space exploration!

Next up was Azfar, sharing the story of how he purchased his modern Speedmaster on a rather special date: 18.8.18. He also doffs his hat to an Omega boutique manager who helped him with his purchase.

Finally, we heard from Wen Harn as he explained the personal significance of his Speedmaster. Being the spark that lit his horological passion, it holds enough sentimental value for it to be an absolute keeper.

And that’s a wrap for week one of #MySpeedmasterStory! Thanks to everyone who’s sent their submissions in; we’ll continue putting these up for the coming month, so keep your eyes peeled. Let us know in the comments if you’d like to see the full stories from these gentlemen, and if you haven’t already joined us, there’s no time like the present.

For Team Matick,

#LookCloser – Laco Rad Aux Limited Edition / And a Conversation with Matt Smith-Johnson

May 10, 2020 The Matick BlogLeave a comment

@FurryWristAbroad

Introduction

Every watch that I have received for review has presented its unique set of challenges. Hilarious contracts make you promise to return the watch in pristine condition when, in reality, the watch comes into your possession in tatters after months of abuse from other reviewers and influencers. There is also the fact that I am expected to take it diving and return it without the slightest of blemishes. The Laco Rad-Aux thankfully presented the best challenge and opportunity yet. This is the first watch I have handled that is literally a work of beautiful art, and the result of an immense undertaking by one designer and a historic brand. Furthermore, the watch pays homage to a video game series that is very near and dear to my heart, the Fallout series.

For this edition of #LookCloser, we will quickly go over this watch and give it a traditional review, followed by an interview with the man who designed this watch, Matt Smith-Johnson. In closing, we will go over watches in different forms of media, and how gaming plays a very special role in the lives of millions and why this watch is a significant timepiece in the history of horology.

“The Rad-Aux reminded me of the times when the Fallout universe and being immersed in it brought joy to my life. It also reminded me of the solace that the distraction of the various wastelands provided during difficult times. The bleak atmosphere was punctuated with sparks of constant dark humour that easily made certain periods of my life easier. “

– FWA

___

The first thing everyone notices about this watch is the case and its manufactured patina. I usually engage with strangers in passing when wearing a watch for review for their opinion, and all of them immediately pointed out the case. Some immediately recognized it as being inspired by Fallout at first glance as well. Whatever the magicians at Laco do to make this case look the way it does is very effective. This magic is also a proprietary method that Laco uses for such projects. The details never seem to end, especially when looked at closely or under a loupe. All of these weathered details and damage accentuate the pronounced onion-shaped crown and the “RAD-AUX” plaque on the opposite side of the case. This mechanical watch certainly does look like a watch that has been passed down by generations of nuclear war survivors.

The only design decision that seems odd for this watch, and for it being in place in the Fallout universe, is the traditional German Flieger dial. Given the lore of the Fallout games, and that the overall design language being used is a mixture of Raygun Gothic and Art Deco, the German Flieger dial initially seems out of place. There are several weapons and other influences in the original artwork of the first Fallout games, and even in their predecessor called Wasteland, that could easily make such a dial design choice not look out of place on the wrist of an Enclave Vertibird pilot.

The execution of the dial is flawless. It is a work of carefully curated details. While the case is 42mm, the dial is 39.5mm, making this watch more wearable than what one would think just by looking at photos. The standard lug-to-lug distance of 50mm and the 42mm case make this watch very wearable. On the back of the case is a health bar progression graphic similar to the original video game Doom – another title now owned by Fallout’s parent company Zenimax, but more on this later. The brilliantly baked-on finish of the hands and the dial draw one’s gaze past the details of the strap and case. Though not aged, the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 markers stand out a little to bring some of the design’s centre of gravity back toward the dial. It would be all too easy to get distracted with everything else going on with this watch, and these small calculated details speak to the ingenious and thorough design.

The wearability and the massive attention to detail that the case and dial were given extend to the strap. This strap alone deserves its own article. While the lug width is a very standard 20mm, the width of the bund backing goes from 33.75mm to 46.25mm. Again, one might look at photos or these dimensions and start condemning the watch as unwearable. This would be false and unfortunate. When you look closer at all the details, you might start to wonder why the price point of the watch is not higher simply based on the intricate detail of this strap.

First, the back of the watch is supported by the aforementioned bund area. Many within the watch enthusiast community love to hate bund straps, but this strap would easily convert them. The bottom part of the thicker bund section is perforated, which results in a very breathable and comfortable strap. The design of the perforations also mirrors the floors seen in the Fallout universe such as in warehouses, factories, and some run-down settlements. One amusing feature of having a strap using such a complex layering of materials is that it seems to vibrate like a smartwatch when the user’s arm flexes throughout the day.

Beyond the bund section, the complexity of the strap simply astounds anyone gazing at it. The distressed and painted leather adds a certain degree of depth when seen at different angles. There are paint blotches all over the strap, further giving this strap a look that it has spent years in a messy wasteland filled with a century’s worth of industrial waste. The aqua blue stitching also matches the carefully positioned blotches to accentuate this effect. The very comfortable and capable keepers have a hazard pattern that resembles the ones found on the Pip-Boys of the early Fallout games. The second keeper mirrors the strap’s underside in its soft material and finish.

The vast attention to detail given to this watch makes it a fantastic companion throughout one’s day. I even managed to wear it with a suit on a couple of occasions, and though it may have looked out of place in the eyes of those who take it upon themselves to judge others based on their attire, it made me smile constantly. Having loved the Fallout series, seeing this watch on my wrist finally made me understand why there are so many Instagram watch-related accounts with “007” or other James Bond-related names. To be clear, I never liked the Bond series, for I found the movies and the womanizing and indestructible character to be a male power fantasy gone too far. In fact, I remember getting a little upset when my Seamaster 300 was announced to be a Bond watch a few months after buying it. Now I can see why these men love their Seamasters and the connection to the film franchise.

The Fallout franchise, however, is not as pleasant as it once was, and recent events have been giving many devoted fans pause. We shall touch upon this at the end, but now we are going to dive into the mind of the zany, creative, and all-too-lovable designer of this watch. His name is Matt Smith-Johnson and he is a watch designer, writer, and the founder and creative director of Sentient Creative in Toronto. Sentient Creative builds marketing platforms. Multi-faceted and massively capable, having the opportunity to be a fly on the wall seeing Matt work is an eye-opening experience. It gives you the window into what a world-class designer and writer is capable of.

So without further delay, here is the interview portion of the review:

FurryWristAbroad – FWA

Matt Smith-Johnson – MSJ

FWA: So before we get into the watch and its ridiculously beautiful and thoughtful design, what was your first memory of when you took notice of watches as a child?

MSJ: I can’t remember a specific moment, but I do recall having a sense that watches were important since I was very young. The first watch I remember having was an all-black and neon ZOT. I was probably around 7 or 8 years old (1990/1991). It was in a display case at Zellers or K-Mart, and I begged my grandfather for it. He caved in and got it for me.

It was way too big for me. My granddad punched an extra hole in the rubber strap so it would fit my tiny wrist. I couldn’t even read the analog dial, but it was a prized possession.

FWA: In your collection, which of your earlier watches speaks to you the most in terms of design? Has it, or another piece been most influential in your design work?

MSJ: I remember in college I had saved like crazy ($400 CAD) and got myself a Diesel DZ-7023 digital LCD watch. It was super angular, looked like a 70’s sci-fi sort of thing, a retro-futurist sort of thing. There was a button you could press to get a tip of the day. The only tip I remember was, “Smile at a stranger”—it was fun and quirky and that is what I loved about it. I still have it, but the digital module is dead from battery corrosion.

FWA: Besides the watch that is the topic of discussion today, which watch design of yours are you most proud of, and why?

MSJ: I have only done a few watch designs to date—it’s a new thing for me and I am hoping I can do much more from here on out. Before focusing on watches I did graphic design, and once upon a time, fashion. I try to avoid feeling proud of anything, to be honest. It’s no religious conviction or anything, I’m just always seeking my next task as a designer.

FWA: Now let us focus on the wonderful Rad-Aux. Were you familiar with the Fallout universe before you undertook the project? As someone who adores the universe, its artwork, and its lore, I immediately thought that you were a veteran of the Fallout series.

MSJ: Oddly, I have never played the game. However, I am definitely a fan of the design, lore, and world-building of Fallout. Also a fan of the clever marketing campaigns. I love the animations they released for Fallout 4.

It was actually Ariel Adams who suggested the Fallout angle for the RAD-AUX. I was originally inspired by Iris Haussler’s Abandoned Trailer Project from 2012. But researching Fallout for this piece allowed me to dive deep, and I can say I respect and admire that series even more as a result. Incredibly detailed world-building.

FWA: What were the challenges in designing this watch in particular? What made you and Laco decide to go down the heavily detailed route that you did? It would have been all too easy simply to modify an existing model slightly with some Fallout themes and call it a day. You obviously did not do this. How many months of sleep did you lose over this project?

MSJ: The big challenge came with making the prototype on time for Wind-Up NYC, in 2018. I only had about 45 days to make the strap, box, postcard, manual, Polaroids, and bottlecaps. I used every available minute to get that done on time. The head of the watch was made by Laco in Germany.

Prior to that, designing the pitch for Laco took around 200 hours. There was a primary rough draft I shared with Ariel, and then a completed version with some additional details.

FWA: The strap of the Rad-Aux is easily more complicated than many other watches or entire model line-ups of certain brands in itself. Take us through the design process that resulted in such an artful success. Not only is it beautiful, but it is easily one of the most comfortable straps I have tried on all year. Was comfort a primary goal with this strap, or did the design easily allow for it to be as snug, pleasant and homelike on one’s wrist as it is?

MSJ: I used to make straps back in 2011, and I think about strap design a lot. I wanted the strap to help make the watch look aesthetically closer to the Pip-Boy from Fallout, but also have the practical benefit of comfort. The perforated bund adds breathability while bulking up your wrist for the 42mm flat-lug case.

FWA: Beyond the watch and the strap, the box and the many items that it comes with are simply delightful for a fan of the Fallout series. They help build the world for the timepiece as one opens the box, but also builds a wonderful relationship with the watch as this gorgeous box finds a nice home on a display shelf.

The box itself is actually rusted. For the reader to understand, it is actually covered in real rust. What was the process in making the box the way it was?

MSJ: I worked with a prop-maker from Delaware (Anders Aller) and we went back and forth a few times to get the look just right. He actually made a small-scale test version for me to begin with. Once I found the right tin maker in Chicago, I had them send him the prototypes for weathering.

Anders and I had a discussion about what story the box needed to tell. I said it needed to look like it has been knocking around in a dirty rucksack for 50 years before being abandoned in a shed with a leaky roof. The result looks pretty accurate!

Anders was a delight to work with, and he also helped with the production of the bottlecaps.

FWA: The many little items within the box do a magnificent job of placing the watch within its alternative world. What pieces of lore did you decide to include in the artwork and why?

MSJ: For the fictional owner of the Rad-Aux, I developed a story arc in my head. The owner was someone compassionate, who grew into a needlessly confrontational individual; a storied and sentimental person, who came to an unceremonious and prosaic end. A life with an amazing story, consumed and forgotten by the passage of time.

As for specific lore, I will say this: In Fallout, each vault has a unique story. One vault in particular, has a logically assumed outcome based on the parameters of the experiment it contained. I decided my character’s story would start there, in defiance of expectation.

FWA: Given the complexity of this project and its various parts that needed such a high level of attention, what have you taken away from this experience, and how will it affect your watch designs moving forward?

MSJ: Seemingly impossible goals can be achieved if you work with the right people. Everyone who helped me realize the completed prototype was amazingly supportive. I only worked with people who got as excited as I did about this project, and I can’t wait to do something like this again.

FWA: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to entertain a fan of the Fallout franchise and someone who loves watches.

MSJ: No problem! Thank you for taking interest in the Rad-Aux project. 😎

Closing Thoughts

This watch has the possibility of being a historic timepiece. There have been video game-inspired and branded watches in the past, but not on the scale of the Rad-Aux, and definitely not made by such an established, reputable, and historic brand such as Laco. As many other brands force tie-ins and collaborations with movies, musicians, music genres, or cities, the Rad-Aux fully embraces the Fallout universe in its entirety with an astonishing amount of detail and design.

Many of the writers here at The Matick Blog were and are still gamers. As we have all grown up into working professionals, spare time has become an ever-growing luxury that sadly has resulted in us not playing video games as much as we desire to. Watches such as the Rad-Aux allow us to take the universes that we fell in love with along with us.

With all this being said, franchises such as Fallout and their integrity are in jeopardy. At the time of this writing, the subscription service for Fallout 76 called Fallout First has been released to much controversy and animosity from the gaming community. Ever since Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, started to receive funding from private equity firms such as Providence Equity Partners, the company’s decisions have slowly started to alienate their consumers.

The cycle of profit for a video game developer is unlike many traditional industries. They require a large amount of investment for two to four years to develop a game. Only after the game’s release, after several large installments of investments are made, only then can a video game developer and its stakeholders start to see some revenue. This is not a very attractive business model for investment firms. As a result, such subscription services and gambling and lottery tactics called loot boxes have been introduced within games to generate a continuous source of income.

There is also the mechanism of forcing gamers to grind away at the same tasks and missions within the game. These are the only ways in which players can obtain desirable items within the game. These items can range from cosmetic upgrades to powerful items that give them a competitive edge against other players. These systems are based on an internal lottery systems such as random number generators. Usually players can purchase the right to speed up their progress by making it more likely for them to obtain the said desirable items by increasing their chances at the lottery. The developers then charge what they believe to be the perceived worth of these digital items. Fallout, like other game series, employs this method of revenue generation, and in the past players felt like they were being taken advantage of. The issue with all of these tactics is that they are supplying the consumer with features that were standard in an initial game purchase not too long ago. The government of Belgium has in fact made loot boxes illegal for they are exploiting children and those with addiction problems.

As a result, as aging gamers who only have a small amount of time to once again turn on their consoles or gaming computers, we are bombarded with these new predatory and unsavoury tactics. We do not have the time to grind away at repeated missions to progress in these games. Bethesda and other developers have introduced in-game stores such as their Atomic-Shop which attempts to keep selling the consumer more items as they keep playing the title they have already payed for. At least for the time being, there are fantastic games without these built-in extra sources of revenue outside of downloadable content. Some such games are The Witcher 3, the recently released The Outer Worlds, and the recently announced Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga. These games reward their players with outstanding writing, level design, soundtracks, and most importantly fair and reliable gameplay.

The Rad-Aux reminded me of the times when the Fallout universe and being immersed in it brought joy to my life. It also reminded me of the solace that the distraction of the various wastelands provided during difficult times. The bleak atmosphere was punctuated with sparks of constant dark humour that easily made certain periods of my life easier. Many can relate to this, as can the writers of The Matick Blog. Video games such as the Borderlands series have in fact created characters dedicated to those who used video games in the last moments of their lives as a coping mechanism. In Borderlands 2, the character of Michael Mamaril was made in loving memory of a cancer victim who played the series in his last days. This is the power of video games. This is why many of us keep coming back and will never give up on the genre of entertainment. No matter what difficulties the industry sees, just like the field of horology, we will not abandon our interests or support for such powerful industries and experiences.

My short time with the Rad-Aux brought me an unexpected amount of delight. It reminded me of the first time the massive slow creaking doors to Megaton opened, or entering the Cafe of Broken Dreams in Fallout 2 and running into the various other fourthwall-breaking Lone Wanderers, or having to decide whether to rescue or murder a replicant/android version of your son in Fallout 4. This is why I am thankful to Laco for undertaking such an exhaustive project as the Rad-Aux. This is why I am grateful to Matt Smith-Johnson for doing the universe such justice through his tireless efforts. This is why I am utterly filled with gratitude that a watch such as the Rad-Aux exists, for it is my hope that it will result in the release of other timepieces that are inspired by such wonderful and colourful worlds as the Fallout series.

For Team Matick,

FurryWristAbroad

#TimeWellSpent – GTG Edition 3 – Team Matick x Nodus Watches – Launch of the AvaMatick

April 18, 2020 The Matick Blog1 Comment

Marshall

Introduction

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.

Take it easy, my dear friends.

For a closer look at the AvaMatick – click here.

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — 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.

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?

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.

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)

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.

NodusxMatick-11 — 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.

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)

*sounds of beer bottles shattering into pieces*

’til next time, Wes.

#LookCloser – Dive Report – Nodus Avalon (and AvaMatick)

April 11, 2020 The Matick Blog1 Comment

@FurryWristAbroad

Introduction

Writing a review, or criticising the hard work of friends is never going to be pleasant. I had my reservations at first when asked to write a review for the Nodus Avalon and the recently released AvaMatick collaboration between Nodus and The Matick Blog, but these feelings were put aside after living with the watch.

It is from months of wrist time on land and underwater that it became evident to me that the Avalon is a great template for other watchmakers and brands who are in the business of making dive watches. If they are interested in making a dive watch that a frequent diver would actually want, and more importantly use, these are the characteristics that make a good and serviceable mechanical dive watch.

“The Nodus Avalon is dangerously punching above its weight class in terms of quality, attention to detail, and that indescribable special feeling when one picks up a fine watch. This is made abundantly clear with the AvaMatick which even feels more special due to its meticulously crafted glossy dial, well-tuned application of gilt, and the subtle peach pigment used for the Matick text and seconds hand tip.”

The Case Size & Depth Rating

Overly thick dive watches that are not quartz miss the mark on most occasions. Their excessive size in the name of toughness, whether that be for depth rating or impact resistance is useless. Not only are depths past 100 metres rarely ever reached for technical divers on closed-circuit-rebreather systems (CCR), but any real shock resistance is negated using a mechanical movement. We will revisit shock resistance in the next section so hold onto that thought for the time being. The 300-metre depth rating is fine for the most part, but anything with a screwed-down crown and a rating of 100 metres is more than enough.

A thinner case also allows the watch to be more accommodating and to not catch onto a buoyancy compensation device or other pieces of gear as divers are getting ready for their dive. The Avalon has a thickness of 12.9mm. A thin case profile also results in a watch that is not as eye-catching. This surprisingly comes in handy since most attractive dive destinations are in remote or unsafe locations. The last thing divers would want to do is compromise their safety due to needlessly making themselves a target. The AvaMatick does look and feel substantially more special because of its guilt hands and slightly glossier dial, however.

The only temporary issue which arose did so on the caseback AvaMatick. On the Limited Edition’s deeper engravings a little bit of rust first appeared after a few dives. This rust was easily removed with a little toothpaste and it after a month it has not returned.

The Movement

It is a fact that due to their extra moving parts, mechanical movements are not as shockproof as their quartz counterparts. The Miyota 9039 automatic movement offers a few benefits for those who must dive with a mechanical watch for some reason.

It is thin, allowing a thinner case. It is very accurate for a movement in this price range. Both of my Avalons each are just a couple of seconds slow a day. My Phantom Black Avalon has seen more wrist time than my Monarch Orange and AvaMatick examples, and they still perform on an equal level. Like all other watches by Nodus, this is due to each movement being carefully regulated and put through scrutiny by the founders of Nodus themselves before shipping the watches to their customers.

The most important and often-overlooked factors by other venues who write about such topics are the servicing and replacement costs for such movements. Having a movement such as this Miyota, or that of a commonly used Seiko allows for a certain peace of mind. This comes from knowing that if a damaging impact were to occur to such a watch, or damage through excessive wear and tear, one would not have pay a lot of money to get the watch serviced. In some cases it is simply easier and economical to just replace such movements during the service.

Furthermore, the Miyota in my Monarch Orange Avalon performed admirably when put through some stress tests. The Avalon only lost a couple of seconds during these small tests. These were after a couple of 5 kilometre sprint interval sessions, and after a cold weather test of being left in a pile of snow in minus ten degrees Celsius. Cold-weather reliability matters to some divers since water temperatures can easily be a few degrees above the freezing point at depth. Other commonly used movements (from ETA for example) have shown a much greater variance in performance and accuracy when I subjected them to similar conditions.

The Bracelet and the Importance of Standard Lugs

While the bracelet provided is of excellent quality and supremely comfortable, the standard 20mm lugs are key. They allow for custom straps to be fitted to the Avalon, thus allowing it to be worn with varying exposure suits with ease. The clasp is one area that I would personally like to see improvement on though. It is perfectly serviceable and beautiful as it is, but, the lack of an extension clasp is a disappointment, and one that I would gladly pay more for. This is mainly due to the fact that the Avalon absolutely sings and is at home on its gorgeous bracelet. Having to take it off and put on a rubber dive strap was almost a painful experience. We will touch on this and more in the last section of this review.

Lume

The lume performance on the Avalon is perfectly serviceable. Most dives on a single tank will not exceed 45 minutes. For this duration of time the Avalon’s lume burns well enough to be easily legible in all conditions. It will not burn as bright as certain Seiko MarineMasters, nor will it burn bright throughout the night as you sleep. If a brand has to allocate their resources towards certain aspects of their design, I would prefer a viable and functional performance for the lume rather than making sacrifices elsewhere. The valued cool factor of having what enthusiasts call a “retina-burning lume” is understandable, but not ultimately relevant. The C3 Super-Luminova used also has a green hue to it. During the day it makes the watch seem to be standing at attention and gives this timepiece a unique character that brings a smile to the wearers face. There is an inconsistency of the lume when comparing the hands to the indices. The hands are slightly dimmer than the indices due to the hands being rather thin. This is mainly due to certain sacrifices having to be made overall to achieve the thin profile of the watch. This is not a deal breaker, but it is noticeable.

Bezel

The bezel on a dive watch (contrary to popular belief) should not be overly stiff. Once divers’ equipment is on, they will not bump into anything outside of an emergency situation once under water. In some cases such as the Seiko SKX, an overly soft or loose bezel has in the past resulted in its bezel moving during the dive. This was primarily due to the type of exposure suits I was wearing and the expansions and contractions experienced on multilevel dives. In these scenarios the bezel actually rubbed against the suit and adjusted. There is definitely a fine balance between loose and stiff bezels, and Nodus achieved it here with the Avalon. The bezel is fine as long as the bezel can be operated when wet with wet hands without having to resort to applying lots of pressure. Both the ceramic and steel bezels will attract marks as time goes on, but this just adds to the character of the watch. The ceramic bezel will gain gorgeous stripes and lines which over time resemble the stripes of a tiger. Lastly, past certain depths the dive bezel may become harder to operate due to the increased pressure. Having an already stiff bezel may just make it uncomfortable to use past 60 feet underwater.

A final point about the bezel comes from a dear friend who also owns an Avalon. He observed that when his hands were excessively sweaty, that he would have appreciated a more aggressive knurling on the bezel’s edge for a better grip. No one asked why his hands were so sweaty and so frequently for we feared that it would alter the dynamic of our friendships. (Marsh: lol)

Legibility

Though I have only taken the Phantom Black Avalon and AvaMatick diving, there are some principles that made this the case. A highly contrasted dial, markers and hands make for a viable tool underwater. While diving with either, the astounding legibility allows for easy legibility out of the periphery of one’s vision. This is important for there are many other factors I would rather be focused on than trying to decipher the time. I have taken dive watches with various coloured dials underwater and I have found watches with black dials, white markers, white hands, and polished outlining to the hands and markers the best. The polished outlining of the hands and markers allow for the light to catch these features further aiding in legibility.

The non-reflective dials of the Avalons are also highly appreciated. If too reflective, on bright days one can be temporarily blinded by a reflective or highly polished watch. The AvaMatick’s slightly glossy dial when compared to the Phantom Black’s did reflect a bit more light directly back at me while at depth when I was close to the surface on a sunny day. Though this was noticeable, it was not something that bothered me too much when compared to other watches with much glossier dials in the past. It puzzles me to see dive watches with reflective dials on the market because of this.

Quality

The main reason why people would dive with a mechanical dive watch is because of their love for mechanical watches. The quality of the Avalon and its CNC-machined 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case make falling in love with the watch all too easy. The overwhelming sense of quality that one receives from a Rolex is something that nearly had me seeking a Sea Dweller last year. Surprisingly I felt the same sense when first wearing the Avalon. However, this gives rise to an unexpected issue that we will cover in the last section of this article. For the price point, the Nodus Avalon’s sense of reassurance by its quality throughout will ignite your inner horology enthusiast. It wears on your wrist with a feeling of security, confidence and unequivocal aptitude. This will result in the confidence required to use such a tool.

Furthermore, the level of quality and attention to detail with this watch makes me want to wear it. I bought the Phantom Black Avalon for the sole purpose to take it diving after owning the Monarch Orange Avalon for a couple of weeks. The dial’s details of the markers cutting into the chapter ring are just one example of what makes this watch one that I actually want to wear.

Closing Thoughts & Suggestions for Improvements

Your sense of romanticism, adventure, and appreciation for craftsmanship brings you to such wonderful communities, sites and magazines such as The Matick Blog. These notions that we value and love to explore, however, can be taken advantage of by watch brands. Through expensive marketing campaigns and misinformation spread by consumers trying to justify their purchases, you may be led astray into buying something that you may not ever need. Furthermore, you may end up regretting the purchase. Purchasing and owning something because it is overly engineered is something that I too have done in the past. It is important to make an informed purchasing decision especially if you ever intend to use these watches for their advertised purpose. The visual of diving with a meticulously crafted companion on one’s wrist is something that we have been sold quite effectively over the years. Even if you never plan on diving with your watch, knowing all of the above-stated facts may dissuade you from spending a lot of money for a false power-fantasy not grounded in any truth. Thus if you are looking for a mechanical dive watch that would in reality be used with comfort as a tool, look no further than the Nodus Avalon.

I would advise other watch brands to make dive watches similar to the wonderful Avalon if they genuinely care about their timepieces being used in their intended and advertised environments. It is because of the two years of hard work in developing the Avalon that has resulted in what I believe to be the best all-around mechanical dive watch on the market. This is why I find myself having a difficult time reaching for another non-quartz powered watch for my dives. Thank you Nodus for making this watch. It is my hope that other brands will learn from this watch and make watches that are actually desirable for those of us who love to explore our underwater world.

I would like to close this review with some thoughts on the Avalon, and an issue with such a high quality watch at this price point. The Nodus Avalon is dangerously punching above its weight class in terms of quality, attention to detail, and that indescribable special feeling when one picks up a fine watch. This is made abundantly clear with the AvaMatick which even feels more special due to its meticulously crafted glossy dial, well-tuned application of gilt, and the subtle peach pigment used for the Matick text and seconds hand tip. On wrist, the Avalon surpasses Seiko Marinemasters and heads directly for models such as the Tudor Pelagos and Omega Seamaster in terms of substance and feel. This raises an issue. With some more effort, and a higher price point, I would gladly pay for a more premium Avalon. Only a couple of details need refining for such a model. First, the lume consistency in colour and strength on the hands and indices should be uniform. A stronger and longer-lasting lume would also be appreciated at a higher price point. I would further suggest that the seconds hand more be in line with the original Nodus Trieste. Having the seconds hand essentially replicate older Seiko’s and modern MarineMasters simply feels unnecessary, for the Avalon has such a strong and unique character all on its own. Personally, I am not a fan of homage design elements in watches, especially if the watch itself is strong enough to not have to recall designs from staples within the industry. Lastly, this beautiful bracelet needs a high quality adjustable multi-levelled dive extension clasp. Rolex and Omega’s “glide-lock” systems come to mind here. The quality of the bracelet and how it effortlessly flows into the painstakingly crafted case deserves a clasp that ensures it staying on a divers’ wrist at all times.

Cullen Chen and Wes Kwok have accomplished such an admirable job with the Avalon and the AvaMatick, that it raises the question of what they could accomplish at a higher price point. The Avalon is very close to perfection as it stands right now. Here’s to hoping that the fine gentlemen at Nodus will at some point in the future offer watches with this level of execution, but unburdened by a sub-one thousand dollar price point.

P. S.

At the time of this review, we note that Nodus had just retired the Avalon for now and we have been notified that it will be making a return late 2020 / early 2021.

For more details regarding Nodus Watches, click here.

To all of the new proud owners of the new AvaMatick, wear your watches in great health. And thank you for being a part of this amazing journey. We hope you stick around!

For Team Matick,

Furry Wrist Abroad