Friday, August 27, 2010

AUTHENTIC ETERNA MATIC PORSCHE DESIGN MENS WRISTWATCH P6000 (SOLD)










BRAND/JENAMA: AUTHENTIC PORSCHE DESIGNED BY ETERNA MATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS BY ETERNA MATIC WATCH CO.

CIRCA/TAHUN: 2010

MODEL: P6000

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: CLEAN SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL / BERSIH TANPA CALAR

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: ETERNA MATIC 7 JEWELS ETA QUARTZ MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: WHITE/PUTIH

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: SPORT/DRESS WATCH

HANDS/JARUM: WHITE / PUTIH

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: WHITE STICKS/PUTIH RANTING

CASING : SOLID BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL / KELULI BRUSHED SEPENUHNYA

LUGS: 20mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 38mm DIAMETER WITH CROWN and 42mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: LIHAT GAMBAR

CROWN: SOLID TITANIUM/ TITANIUM

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE ORIGINAL PORSCHE DESIGN SS BRACELET/ RANTAI KELULI ORIGINAL PORSCHE DESIGN

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

NEW IN BOX COMPLETE WITH INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY AND SERVICE BOOK

PRICE/HARGA: SOLD TO TN. SUWEILI FROM KELANA JAYA.


BRIEF FISTORY OF ETERNA MATIC AND PORSCHE DESIGN WATCHES

FEATURES A quantum leap by Eterna SA Founded 148 years ago, Eterna is an integral part of Switzerland’s watchmaking history. Through the perturbations caused by economic turbulence, two World Wars, amalgamations, industry takeovers, sell-outs, buy outs and bankruptcies, the brand managed to maintain production without a break. Today, under the astute direction of Ernst F. Seyr, the brand is once again moving into the limelight.

Ernst Seyr joined Eterna in CEO in November of 2000 after working for five years in the American Information Technology (IT) industry and prior to that having his own company in the aviation industry. The change of industries didn’t come too hard for him since he believes there are similar demands within the aviation and watch industries. As he explains, “… performance, reliability, first class craftsmanship and outstanding design to name just a few. Expensive toys for big boys if you want. Always having been deeply involved in the technical part of the airplane business and having a sound background in mechanical engineering it was not very difficult to get to understand the basics of mechanical watches. Of course the development of the Indicator brought a quantum leap to my understanding for complicated watches. However, I had to learn a thing or two about the unique way the watch industry works with regards to production and marketing and distribution.” Eterna Porsche Design Indicator Eterna Kontiki Chrono cuir and KonTiki 4 Hands

Question:
What was the state of Eterna when you took overı

Ernst Seyr:
I can’t disclose exact figures, but its safe to say that Eterna never was a mass product, hovering between 50,000 and 100,000 watches a year. Even in the heyday of Swiss watches in the 50s and 60s, Eterna produced fewer watches than its competitors, brands such as Longines, Omega or Rolex. Eterna was never a brand with a truly worldwide distribution. However, it's production spin-off (ETA) was making big money with basic movements sold on a worldwide basis. It’s fair to say Eterna was the hobby of the famous Schild family and they kept it low key so as not to get in conflict with it's ETA customers. On the other hand, in the 30s there was a regulation in place that prohibited companies with a branded watch to have a business as movement suppliers to other companies. Eterna had a reputation for being the best quality watch sold at a very reasonable price and it was always operative even when some other famous companies where dead and buried! So when I took over in 2000 we were well within the historic figures of the last 15 to 20 years, which included the number of employees. The situation today is that our production has dropped by about 50% and we have concentrated on R & D and the design of new products. Also we have pulled out of Asia, Italy and the USA where we had very poor representation. The rest of the world, mainly Europe is currently under reconstruction except in Germany where we have our own distribution set up. Over the last 3 years we have started to very carefully reposition Eterna by means of streamlining the collection and cranking up the requirements for a quality distribution. Of course this is a process that will take considerable time and has to go hand in hand with an important investment into the product as well. Initially, that means a reduction in the quantity we produce over, say, the next two to three years. But we have the patience and the stamina to pull that through! We’ve invested in our own mechanical movements deep into the double-digit in the millions [Swiss francs] over the last 2 years, now we are carefully entering new markets and are aiming for a genuine worldwide distribution in the next 3 to 5 years.”

Question:
With the acquisition of Porsche Design, Eterna SA has two very different products and obviously two very different approaches. Can you explain the difference in your strategies for these brandsı

Ernst Seyr:
The strategy for Eterna is to highlight the historic values such as innovation, reliability and timeless style combined with true manufacturing craftsmanship and watchmaking spirit. Comparatively low production - a real niche product with a great history trying to appeal to those who care about the ‘true values’, the quiet power of tradition and dedication. With Porsche Design the strategy is almost the opposite - all we need now is tremendous speed. The development of the last two years has clearly shown that the potential of the brand is almost unlimited - provided the product is exactly right. There is a very special expectation out there in the market as to what a Porsche Design watch has to represent. If this expectation is met, the product is a fast mover. Naturally it needs considerable investment in pro- duct development to create a technically outstanding and innovative watch - and even more resources to go out and tell everybody! With the Indicator, we at Eterna have shown that we can compete with the best in the industry when it comes to product creation, engineering and watch making resourcefulness. For the last two and a half years, we have had 12 people just in product development and design and that doesn’t include the outside consultants such as Paul Gerber and several designers we use. This is a good size development crew for a company of 50 people. However, the results we achieved with this crew are absolutely outstanding and they can be held up to projects developed by other brands that have many times our budget and manpower. Now we are into the second stage of development and we are building up our capacity for the production of the Indicator and the new mechanical movements. The space for it is there and we have already invested in the latest state of the art production and quality control equipment.

Question:
Does manufacturing the Porsche Design watches make more profit for Eterna SA than the manufacturing of the Eterna watches and where do you see the greatest potential for the two brandsı

Ernst Seyr:
There is no excessive profit in the Porsche Design products as we have to pay a considerable license fee to produce it and it is expensive to market it. However, part of that goes into the global marketing of the brand and creates volume. So we hope that Porsche Design will be making a good profit for us in the future. As you can imagine, to maintain a costly development department such as the one we now have, we need additional activities to justify this technical overkill. Porsche Design with its high demand on ‘thinking outside the watchmaking box’ is just the right brand to make use of our resources. With Eterna, naturally the greatest potential is in the countries that recall the historic summits the brand attained. Besides the German speaking part of Europe, there is also Italy for example, but during the last 20 years we have not been very successful there, however the brand has good potential as the market is void of our products and with the right approach we see excellent possibilities there. China is another potentially good market for Eterna since we had a special deal with the Mao regime in the 60s whereby gold watches were given to senior government officials, which brought recognition and respect to the brand. Japan is potentially good also because we had a reputation for being a reliable mechanical gold watch. The potential with Porsche Design is worldwide, maybe with the exemption of China, where neither the watch nor the car has a comparable image. We have great expectations in the USA, where we are making a market entry through the Porsche Design (PLH) owned distribution company. For the immediate future our plans for re-entering the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan markets are solely for Porsche Design. Our strategy is to go with one or two main distributors and we are only days short of signing up an agreement so you can understand that I cannot elaborate on this issue at this time.

Question:
You mentioned some time ago that “Mechanical watches don’t make sense if you don’t take the best 3-hand automatic movement.” Do you see the three hand movements as Eterna’s present and future or will you be moving into complications - other than your Kon Tiki chronographı

Ernst Seyr:
What I wanted to say is, if you go into complications you have to start with the best basic movement such as our 3030, based on one of the best 3 hands movement in the history of mechanical watches i.e. the 1504 Eterna movement developed in the 60s. This movement was the basis for the famous 2892 ETA movement. And yes, of course we will move into complications, in fact we have two under development right now.

Question:
Do you see Eterna ever getting back to the sort of production figures of the 1940s – between 50,000 and 100,000ı

Ernst Seyr:
Production was around 100,000 in the 1940s and yes, we are aiming to hit 50,000 within three to four years from now. And they will be mostly mechanical. Eterna Milestones

1856 November 7, Dr. Josef Girard and schoolteacher Urs Schild create the company that
later became known as Eterna.

1906 The founding of Fabrique Eterna, Schild Frères & Co. The Eterna name, used previously on the dials, becomes part of the company name.

1914 Eterna presents the first wristwatch with an alarm at the Swiss national Exhibition.

1926 The first watch-cigarette lighter. Each time the flame was ignited, the watch was wound up.

1930 The smallest volume-production Baguette wristwatch with its ‘baguette’ movement is launched and enjoys great popularity with the ladies.

1931 The manufacture of the first alarm clock with an 8-day movement.

1932 Theodor Schild divides Eterna into two distinct companies:
1. Eterna SA for the manufacture of precision watches.
2. ETA SA for the production of movement blanks.

1947 One of the first sports watches, the Eterna Kon Tiki, is used by the crew of Thor Heyerdahl’s balsa boat Kon Tiki, in the 97 day 7,600 kilometre Pacific crossing.

1948 Creation of the Eterna-Matic. For the first time ball bearings were used to mount
the rotor onto a movement with automatic winding. The five ball bearings of the Eterna-Matic becomes the symbolic trademark for Eterna.

1956 In celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary, the highly successful ‘extra slim’ Centenaire wristwatch collection is introduced.

1958 The first volume-produced Eterna-Matic Kon Tiki sports watch is launched.

1962 The Eterna-Matic 3000 at 3.4 mm thick becomes the slimmest automatic wristwatch.

1970 The introduction of the Eterna Sonic, the brand’s first electronic wristwatch.

1976 The Eterna Royal Quartz Kon Tiki, with date and water-resistance to 100 metres,becomes the slimmest quartz watch in the world.

1979 The Eterna Linea Quartz Squelette at 1.5 mm is the slimmest quartz watch
ever produced.

1980 ETA and Eterna set the absolute record with the Eterna Linea Museum at just
0.98 mm thick. Eterna awarded the Grand Prix de l’Excellence Européenne.

1981 Launch of the Eterna CXXV

1984 The PCW group takes over Eterna SA.

1986 With the Eterna Galaxis – ‘Poetry in blue’ – the brand penetrates the luxury watch segment.

1994 The renaissance of the classic Kon Tiki sports watch.

1995 F.A. Porsche takes over Eterna SA.
The new Pininfarina models from Eterna are introduced. 1935 and Art Deco models.

2004 The revolutionary Porsche Design Indicator, a chronograph with combined mechanical- digital chronometer display, is launched at BaselWorld.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

RARE COLLECTION ~ AUTHENTIC VINTAGE EBEL AUTOMATIC BUMPER GENTS WRISTWATCH























BRAND/JENAMA: AUTHENTIC EBEL BUMPER GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1950's

MODEL: BUMPER

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACCRYLIC

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: SWISS 17 JEWELS AQUOMATIC AUTOMATIC BUMPER MOVEMENT CAL. 752

DIAL COLOR: SILVER WITH SUB-DIAL AT 6:00

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: MILITARY WATCH

HANDS/JARUM: BLACK METAL/ LOGAM HITAM

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: BLACK ARABIC /HITAM ARABICA

BEZEL: -

CASING : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL

LUGS: 18mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 34mm DIAMETER INCLUDING CROWN and 38mm LUG TO LUG

LUG SIZE: 18mm

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: EBEL SWISS MADE, SELF-WINDING, ANTIMAGNETIC, SHOCK ABSORBER, WATERPROOF S/N 900901

CROWN: SS CROWN

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE BLACK LEATHER/ KULIT ASLI HITAM SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

WORKING CONDITION, KEEPING TIME, DISCONTINUED MODEL & HARD TO FIND

PRICE/HARGA: RM900 (NEGOTIABLE/BOLEH DIRUNDING)


BRIEF HISTORY OF EBEL WRISTWATCH

Starting in 1912 Ebel brought out its first wristwatches. As far back as 1914 Ebel was recognized for their quality by winning a gold medal at the Swiss National Exhibition. After that, other brands ordered complete watches from EBEL for rebranding and resale under their own name. For several decades following that was Ebels main activity. In the year 1929 Charles-Eugène and the watchmaker Marcel Reuche introduced infallible production control systems, which assured irreproachable quality. The brand began to attract demanding new clients like Vacheron & Constantin brand Astral. Under the name Paul Breguette, Ebel created wristwatches specifically for the American marketFor World War 2 Ebel went into watch production for the British Royal Air Force. Ebel made the Videomatic watch, including one of the first retort automatic movements in 1952. In 1973 son Pierre-Alain bought a 70% stake in Ebel from his father Charles. Then in 1975 Pierre-Alain Blum was in sole control of brand. Beginning in 1977 with the start of the SPORT CLASSIQUE line, which, with its famous wave design bracelet, was a huge success. The Launch of the Voyager line was in 1989.

1911 • On July 15th,Eugène Blum and Alice Lévy applied to register the Ebel brand for watches (Eugène Blum Et Lévy) with the chamber of commerce in the watch making capital, La Chaux de Fonds.

1912 • EBEL brought out its first wristwatches.

1914 • EBEL won a gold medal at the Swiss National Exhibition for patented ring watches with pallet escapement and hidden time setting. From then on, other brands ordered complete watches from EBEL for resale under their own name. This became the company’s main activity during the following decades.

1925 • Grand Prix Commemorative Diploma at the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts and Modern Industry in Paris, for making High Jewelry Art Déco wristwatches in platinum, onyx, diamonds and emeralds.

1929 • Charles-Eugène, the son of Eugène Blum and Alice Lévy joined the family firm in October. Together with the watchmaker Marcel Reuche, he introduced infallible production control systems, which guaranteed irreproachable quality.

The brand attracted demanding new clients, such as the VACHERON & CONSTANTIN brand ASTRAL.

Under the name PAUL BREGUETTE, EBEL created wristwatches specially for the American market.

1935 • Diploma at the Brussels Uiversal Exhibition. Ebel was the first watch company to set up the "Western Electric" precision evaluation system.

1935 •Paris Diploma of Art and Technique.

1939-1945 • Ebel went into watch production for the British Royal Air Force.

1952 • Videomatic watch, including one of the first retort automatic movements.

1952 • Châtelaine, a magnificent watch, inspired by the original design of the "Châtelaine" belt.

1961 • Charles-Eugène Blum celebrated the firm’s 50th anniversary with the PRESIDENT model and EBEL caliber 059 with a winding crown that turned backwards.

1964 •First prize at Swiss National Exhibition for the Lune Étoilée in the jewel watch category.

1970 • Ebel won renown with Pierre-Alain Blum.

1971 • EBEL’s turnover increased by 30%.

1973 • Pierre-Alain bought a 70% stake in Ebel from his father Charles.

1975 • Pierre-Alain Blum in sole control of brand.

1977 • Creation of the SPORT CLASSIQUE line, which, with its famous wave design bracelet, was a huge success. EBEL commissioned to produce watches for CARTIER4.

1982 • Launch of the Chronograph SPORT-AUTOMATIK equipped with Zenith EL PRIMERO caliber.

1983 • Launch of the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph.

1986 • ARCHITECT OF THE TIMES introduced to mark the brand’s 75th birthday. Ebel acquired the Villa Turque at La Chaux-de-Fonds, a Le Corbusier building dating from 1916-1917.

1989 •Launch of the Voyager.

1991 • Launch of the Beluga Lichine.

1993 • Launch of the Sportwave and Lichine Tonneau

1994 • EBEL joined the INVESTORS CORPORATION (INVESTCORP).

1995 • Launch of the Modulor 1911 Chronograph

1996 • Pierre-Alain Blum resigned.

1997 • Launch of the BELUGA.

1999 • Launch of the E TYPE.

EBEL brand taken over by the LVMH group in October.

2001 • Launch of the CLASSIC WAVE, Remake of the 1911. Introduction of the BELUGA MANCHETTE and launch of the SATYA.

2002 • Perpetual Calendar. Launch of the BELUGA TONNEAU and introduction of Jewel watch on the theme of MER OF THE SUD (Southern Seas)

2003 • TARAWA line launched. On 2 April, EBEL launched a new, unconditional 5-year international guarantee, including changing batteries and replacing bracelets. Launch of the Haute Jewellery collection "Jewels of the Nuit" and re-introduced the 1911 La Carrée2004 • Claudia Schiffer became the latest face of Ebel in a new advertising campaign in September 2004.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE SEIKO 6309-7040 GENTS DIVER WRISTWATCH (SOLD)










BRAND/JENAMA : SEIKO DIVERS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 6309-7040 CUSHION TYPE DIVERS
MOVEMENT/ENJIN :6309
ORIGIN/BUATAN : JAPAN
NO. SIRI/SERIAL NO. : 516067
CIRCA/TAHUN : 1970's
CASING/KEMASAN : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT/PERGERAKAN : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL: BLACK
BEZEL: UNI-DIRECTIONAL BLACK BEZEL
MARKINGS/TANDA JENAMA : DIAL,BACK CASING, RUBBER BANDS
BAND/TALI : ORIGINAL SEIKO BLACK RUBBER DIVING STRAP
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 24mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT/UKURAN : 44mm X 46mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION/KONDISI : MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME
PRICE/HARGA: RM550 (SOLD TO TUAN W.HARUDIN FROM NS)

About 6309-7040

n 1976 Seiko introduced its third generation 6309-704x divers to replace its ageing 6105-811x models which was due to be phased out a year later. Oh, by the way when I use the "x" in a caseback number (e.g. 704x), it covers all variations of the watch. In other words, it includes both the 6309-7040 and 6309-7049 models which are essentially similar. The last digit denotes the export market the watch was intended – in this case a -7040 is for most overseas countries while a -7049 is specifically for the North American mark.

The 6309-704x is easily identified by its fat cushion styled case (it was in fact, the only other cushion cased Seiko diver other than its predecessor, the 6105-811x), round index markers and the distinctive sword-like cross. Early 6309-704x divers were made at Seiko Japan’s Suwa factory while later batches were assembled in Seiko’s overseas plant in Hong Kong (now part of China).

For some reason Seiko decided to discontinue the cushion case look and its 2nd generation 6309-729x models adopted a slimmer case, almost similar to the contemporary 7s26-002x divers (such as the SKX007) that is being sold today. It also sported all-rectangular hour markers and a V-shaped 12 o’clock index.

By and large, many vintage Seiko enthusiasts prefer the 6309-704x model over the 6309-729x types. My guess is that the 6309-704x feels more comfortable on the wrist due to its expanded case shape and has that very classic vintage Seiko diver look. Another matter is the quality of the dial itself. You can easily find a used 6309-704x with almost pristine looking dials but looking for an equally well preserved 6309-729x dial is a real challenge

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.

From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.

A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.

The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.

The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.

In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.

In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.

1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.

Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.

Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.

Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.

Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.

And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.

In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE SEIKO 6309-7040 GENTS DIVER WRISTWATCH (SOLD)










BRAND/JENAMA : SEIKO DIVERS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 6309-7040 CUSHION TYPE DIVERS
MOVEMENT/ENJIN :6309
ORIGIN/BUATAN : JAPAN
NO. SIRI/SERIAL NO. : 472549
CIRCA/TAHUN : 1970's
CASING/KEMASAN : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT/PERGERAKAN : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL: BLACK
BEZEL: UNI-DIRECTIONAL PEPSI BEZEL
MARKINGS/TANDA JENAMA : DIAL,BACK CASING, RUBBER BANDS
BAND/TALI : ORIGINAL SEIKO BLACK RUBBER DIVING STRAP
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 24mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT/UKURAN : 44mm X 46mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION/KONDISI : MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME
PRICE/HARGA: RM550 (SOLD TO TUAN W.HARUDIN FROM NS)

About 6309-7040

n 1976 Seiko introduced its third generation 6309-704x divers to replace its ageing 6105-811x models which was due to be phased out a year later. Oh, by the way when I use the "x" in a caseback number (e.g. 704x), it covers all variations of the watch. In other words, it includes both the 6309-7040 and 6309-7049 models which are essentially similar. The last digit denotes the export market the watch was intended – in this case a -7040 is for most overseas countries while a -7049 is specifically for the North American mark.

The 6309-704x is easily identified by its fat cushion styled case (it was in fact, the only other cushion cased Seiko diver other than its predecessor, the 6105-811x), round index markers and the distinctive sword-like cross. Early 6309-704x divers were made at Seiko Japan’s Suwa factory while later batches were assembled in Seiko’s overseas plant in Hong Kong (now part of China).

For some reason Seiko decided to discontinue the cushion case look and its 2nd generation 6309-729x models adopted a slimmer case, almost similar to the contemporary 7s26-002x divers (such as the SKX007) that is being sold today. It also sported all-rectangular hour markers and a V-shaped 12 o’clock index.

By and large, many vintage Seiko enthusiasts prefer the 6309-704x model over the 6309-729x types. My guess is that the 6309-704x feels more comfortable on the wrist due to its expanded case shape and has that very classic vintage Seiko diver look. Another matter is the quality of the dial itself. You can easily find a used 6309-704x with almost pristine looking dials but looking for an equally well preserved 6309-729x dial is a real challenge

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.

From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.

A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.

The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.

The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.

In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.

In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.

1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.

Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.

Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.

Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.

Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.

And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.

In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE SEIKO 6309-7040 GENTS DIVER WRISTWATCH (SOLD)










BRAND/JENAMA : SEIKO DIVERS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 6309-7040 CUSHION TYPE DIVERS
MOVEMENT/ENJIN :6309
ORIGIN/BUATAN : JAPAN
NO. SIRI/SERIAL NO. : 131059
CIRCA/TAHUN : 1970's
CASING/KEMASAN : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT/PERGERAKAN : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL: BLACK
BEZEL: UNI-DIRECTIONAL PEPSI BEZEL
MARKINGS/TANDA JENAMA : DIAL,BACK CASING, RUBBER BANDS
BAND/TALI : ORIGINAL SEIKO BLACK RUBBER DIVING STRAP
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 24mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT/UKURAN : 44mm X 46mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION/KONDISI : MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME
PRICE/HARGA: RM550(SOLD TO CIKGU WAN FROM JERANTUT)

About 6309-7040

n 1976 Seiko introduced its third generation 6309-704x divers to replace its ageing 6105-811x models which was due to be phased out a year later. Oh, by the way when I use the "x" in a caseback number (e.g. 704x), it covers all variations of the watch. In other words, it includes both the 6309-7040 and 6309-7049 models which are essentially similar. The last digit denotes the export market the watch was intended – in this case a -7040 is for most overseas countries while a -7049 is specifically for the North American mark.

The 6309-704x is easily identified by its fat cushion styled case (it was in fact, the only other cushion cased Seiko diver other than its predecessor, the 6105-811x), round index markers and the distinctive sword-like cross. Early 6309-704x divers were made at Seiko Japan’s Suwa factory while later batches were assembled in Seiko’s overseas plant in Hong Kong (now part of China).

For some reason Seiko decided to discontinue the cushion case look and its 2nd generation 6309-729x models adopted a slimmer case, almost similar to the contemporary 7s26-002x divers (such as the SKX007) that is being sold today. It also sported all-rectangular hour markers and a V-shaped 12 o’clock index.

By and large, many vintage Seiko enthusiasts prefer the 6309-704x model over the 6309-729x types. My guess is that the 6309-704x feels more comfortable on the wrist due to its expanded case shape and has that very classic vintage Seiko diver look. Another matter is the quality of the dial itself. You can easily find a used 6309-704x with almost pristine looking dials but looking for an equally well preserved 6309-729x dial is a real challenge

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.

From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.

A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.

The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.

The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.

In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.

In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.

1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.

Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.

Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.

Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.

Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.

And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.

In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

LUXURIOUS AUTHENTIC HUBLOT MDM DEPOSE AUTOMATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH








RETAILED USD3,500 WHEN NEW

BRAND: AUTHENTIC HUBLOT MDM AUTOMATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH
MADE IN: SWISS BY HUBLOT WATCH CO.
CIRCA/TAHUN: 2000's
MODEL: 1530.1 MDM DEPOSE MODELE S/N 259842
CRYSTAL: CLEAN SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
MOVEMENT: HUBLOT 21 JEWELS AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT
DIAL COLOR: BLACK
FUNCTIONS: HOUR, MINUTES, SECOND CENTER SWIPE AND QUICK DATE AT 3:00
HANDS: SILVER TONE METAL HAND
MARKERS: RAISED SILVER TONE ROMAN MARKERS
CASING : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL WITH HIDDEN LUGS
LUGS: 18mm
MEASUREMENT: 36mm DIAMETER WITHOUT CROWN and 44mm LUG TO LUG
ENGRAVING ON CASEBACK: HUBLOT LOGO, MODELE,  5 ATM, S/N
CROWN: HUBLOT SIGNED SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
STRAP/TALI: REPLACEMENT RUBBER BAND WITH ORIGINAL DOUBLE FOLD HUBLOT CLASP 
SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8"
COMES WITH ORIGINAL HUBLOT INNER BOX, EXCELLENT CONDITION, KEEPING TIME AND RECENTLY SERVICED
PRICE: RM7,500 (NEGOTIABLE)


Bried History of Hublot Wristwatch

A scion of the Italian Binda Group dynasty, best known for making Breil watches, Carlo Crocco left the company in 1976 to strike out on his own and create a new watch company. Moving to Switzerland he formed MDM Geneve and set about designing a watch that he named the Hublot after the French word for "porthole". The watch that he created featured the first natural rubber strap in the history of watchmaking. It took 3 years of research to create the strap. Despite failing to attract a single potential customer on the first day of its debut at the 1980 Basel Watch Fair, the watch quickly proved to be a commercial success with sales in excess of $2m in its first year.

The Jean-Claude Biver era

Carlo Crocco, preoccupied by his own design work and many activities for the Hand-in-Hand Foundation, a charity helping deprived children all around the world, set out to look for the man who could oversee his watchmaking business. In late 2003, Jean-Claude Biver, then president of Swatch Groups's Omega division, met Carlo Crocco, and in May 2004, Biver assumed duties as CEO, becoming a board member and minority shareholder in Hublot Watches.
Upon his arrival, Biver set about creating a new flagship collection that was unveiled in Basel in April 2005, with the Hublot "Big Bang" chronograph. It was an immediate success and orders increased threefold in one year. A few months later, in November 2005, the Big Bang chronograph was awarded internationally, receiving the "2005 Design Prize" in the "Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix", the "Sports Watch Prize" at the "Watch of the Year" ceremony in Japan, and the Middle Eastern Prize for the "Best Oversized Watch" at the Editor’s Choice "Watch of the Year" in Bahrain. Following the arrival of Biver in 2004, the brand's sales hit 24 million Swiss francs and by the end of 2006, sales were bordering on the 100 million Swiss franc mark. 

Acquisition by LVMH
In April 2008 it was announced that luxury goods group LVMH had acquired Hublot from founder Carlo Crocco for an undisclosed fee, adding to its existing portfolio of watch brands including TAG Heuer. 

Hublot WISeKey
At BaselWord 2009, Hublot unveiled a new method of detecting counterfeit watches. Using a WISeKey smart card, the system authenticates watches on Hublot's servers. The system went live in August 2009.