Tavoric, the JDM Sub Military Homage

I already have a Blancpain Fifty Fathom Homage, The very good Steeldive 1952 to replace my once previous holygrail Steinhart. Steeldive have all the check marks but still that Rolex influence somehow still makes me want something familiar like that. So when somehow I stumble this watch…it’s kinda like wow! I like it!!! Really, really really really like it.

Seems nice right?

This watch is called Tavoric, a Japanese domestic market watch. It’s really hard to find info on this watch. Maybe most of it is in Japanese and even some of it only tells a story rather than review it. Gladly there is one YouTube channel who reviewed it that makes me feel…yeah this watch is OK. And I bought it he he. This is a well used watch IMHO. And oh, it seems that I bought the watch from the guy who makes YouTube video of it he he.

So yeah, first thing first, specification:

• Miyota 9015 movement. Highbeat 28.800 Bpm with hacking function
• 40mm diameter, 48mm including crown
• 48mm lug to lug
• 11mm thickness
• unidirectional bezel
• 100m water resistant
• Saphire glass

First thing I realize when I held this watch is….it is light, almost like a cheap watch ha ha. Probably this is the type of watch that were sell in department store (imagine watch from Target, Walmart or any non serious watch store), it looks like an expensive watch but the devil is in details. And the faux facade is crumbled immediately. It doesn’t feel firm or…tough or something, kinda fragile a little. But don’t get me wrong, it still feels solid, it’s just felt…not a beater watch.

It doesn’t mean the watch is bad, on contrary, this watch feels like a middle class person if watch have hierarchy (and yes watch have hierarchy). This watch isn’t bad but isn’t good, mediocre? Not really. I mean, the movement itself is wonderful, high beat Miyota. On par with my previous Steinhart OVM in terms of performance, but yeah, not the most refined or well decorated or even silent movement (the rotation rotor sometimes could be heard) but nonetheless, in movement department, this watch shines brightly. But…there is a but, Miyota 9015 is a lower class of Miyota so yeah, the winding isn’t satisfying, the crown kinda wobbly, even the dial kinda move a little (maybe need a service since it’s been a while or this watch already have more than five years since production, 10 years if my calculation is right), etc…still to see the smooth sweeping is satisfying ha ha. Thank God for that.

Nice movement, with some identity

Sadly everything else besides movement is kinda tumbling down. The glass is probably mineral (though in Japanese website mentioned it is saphire but….I don’t know) and it is flat (this is the first time flat glass makes the watch kinda dull for me, maybe dome watch will make it better). Sure it makes the watch thin but aesthetically is dull nonetheless. The dial is minimalist, even the upper side is almost blank, the logo and information is on the under part of dial. Honestly it looks good but somehow…bland. No lume whatsoever but the patina is…beautiful somehow. As if the 10 years old watch have it shares of adventure from previous user.

The bezel action is solid, 120 clicks with smooth rotation. Maybe for some people, the green Kermit is beautiful, but for me kinda hard to find a suitable straps, at least in color department, but it has it charms. The back case also cool. Tavoric logo is implemented in nice orderly fashion (Tavoric has cool logo though).

The size itself is classic Rolex, almost exact replica of submil Rolex like my previous Steinhart. With sword hands and what I consider perfect size for most people (20mm strap, 40mm diameter, a classic Rolex). This is the sweet spot for almost everyone. And the thickness…Miyota movement made the case so thin, it is marvelous.

Thin like supermodel in the old days he he

Honestly, due to the lightness, sometimes I forgot I wear a watch, either this is a good thing or a bad thing depends on your preference, thus comfortability factor is a plus. And this watch could be dressed-up or dressed down, though honestly dressed down is more likely since this watch is kinda “cheap” if you look it from near distance he he. But yeah this is a good watch.

To sum it all, this is a good watch, not a great watch. Honestly, if I have the budget, I wanna switch this movement into a difference case he he. The only great things about this watch is the sweeping seconds, the movement itself speak confidence ha ha. It’s kinda like have a small modest city car but with an engine that actually can race. But sometimes as if the movement seems out of place. Maybe because it is an old watch thus it doesn’t preserve the firm or classic style of Rolex submariner style, but then again, the sweeping second hands is a bliss to watch and somehow it is all that matters to me (though I’m still kinda wanna swap this movement into another submarinet style case.

Sanda 9031, The Smaller Cartier Tank Homage

Cartier Tank, an icon, a legend, an enigma shrouded in mystery. This watch is one of the most desirable watch in the world but some people just hesitate to get it for the main reason…the notorious size. Cartier tank is too small for some man (even some called it woman size), even the XL size.

But then again, what is too small? Muhammad Ali showed us that real man can wear it, and more man shows that this watch is unisex, and if you confidence to wear it, who cares if people said it’s too small. And for a connoisseur of small watch, this is right in my alley.

Source from https://www.onlinevips.top/ProductDetail.aspx?iid=3425472&pr=89.88

Another con of this watch is…the movement. For a Quartz watch (sure there are automatic movement), the price is insane, especially since people consider Cartier as fashion watch (not enthusiast or specialized brand). Which I wholeheartedly agree, I always have this mindset that automatic should’ve priced higher due to its more complexity movement.

Thus, homage is the way to go if you can’t visit authorized Cartier dealer, just to have the taste of things to come (or just don’t wanna waste huge amount of cash for this watch), akternative is the way to go. And thanks to fellow watch communities, I found a low cost homage called Sanda from China that kinda highlly recommended.

And just like Cartier itself, the size is really confusing for inexperience person. Rectangle watch have tendency to be bigger, thus the sizing of the watch will be tricky, like some people thinks that Cartier tank extra-large even too big while for some it’s too small. Sanda have to size, the large one Sanda 1108 and the smaller one 9031. The Chinese seller categorized it as man and women watch (kinda like sold pair watch but sold separately).

Lazy homage indeed

After seeing the review by other watch enthusiast, most review Sanda 1108, after realize that the large one have 20mm strap, as a small watch connoisseur, I double down on my somehow preferred strap size, the 18mm (though the site said that the size is 17mm but yeah, it counts). Thus I ordered the smaller option with a worried that it might be too small, even for my taste, but I have this weird enlightenment that if it’s too small, you can wear it as bracelet or I could gave it to my wife (like my previous Titus he he).

The difference is subtle but make a huge impact for wrist presence

Finally the watch came, and the specs are :

• Width 24mm (27mm including crow)
• Lug to Lug 30mm
• Thickness 6mm
• Lug width 18mm
• Case Alloy Chrome Plated (Back case Stainless Steel)
• Mineral Crystal glass
• Water Resistant 3 Bar
• Quartz Epson PC20S
• Genuine Leather Strap? With Buckle Stainlees Steel model cartier tank solo

The package is just a simple plastic with Sanda brand on it, nothing to write home about. What matters is the watch and it somehow…deliver? I mean the first glance is awesome. This watch is almost an exact replica of Cartier tank solo, no doubt about it. I never had problem with homage until I came to the bottom tier of homage (cheap territory) and somehow this watch is probably on that level, an almost exact replica, though for some this is a good thing (taste of things to come or a test drive before buying the real one). But the devil in the details and then you knew why the price is cheap he he. Let’s disect this watch shall we.

Actually really, really good

I mean, this watch is faithful (lazy) homage and for some a good thing, but all the pros and cons applied. First, the movement, though it’s actually quite good (Epson is like some sister group of Seiko) and the absence of second hand actually make the whole looks more “sophisticated” in some way. The fact that the movement is a dedicated two hands (no second hand) is actually a good thing, it makes the kinda cluttered dial (that weird Romanian numbers which kinda tilted to left in the 6-9 area is makes me feel icky at first). Sure the ticking sound is there (it is quartz after all) but it subtle that you might not hear it unless you put it in your ear.

My first complain is the strap, it’s not like the strap is bad, for a watch this price, the “genuine leather” surprisingly comfortable, my complain is the size. This watch have 17mm strap (the bigger one have 19mm) and my existing 18mm strap, nato, perlon is not compatible with this watch, so unless it is leather (a thin one) it won’t adapt well with this watch. Don’t know how, the position of the lug make it hard to fit 18mm strap. And the crazy part is, my 16mm strap is too small for this ha ha.

Fit well with my 17cm wrist

Some would be hesitant due to the fact that the case is not stainless steel (only the back case stainless) but if you treat it as a dress watch, you won’t have a problem of rusting and paint chipped or the mineral glass is shattered. Water resistant? Not really believe the 30m water resistant ha ha. But this is quite a watch. Me? I’m gonna abuse this baby like my other watch ha ha. The price won’t make me feel sad if it’s broken.

The only part that is stainless, the back case ha ha

Honestly, it is hard to make a review of this watch (probably also review Cartier watch as a “fashion watch”), this watch specifically is nothing special, but at least it is above average, especially for the price. This watch is the epitome of all style no substance but in a good way. What can I say, if you don’t wanna waste big pile of money for Cartier tank, this is the alternative, a good one I might add. So, if you wanna know why every watch enthusiast thinks Cartier tank is awesome, you could tell by yourself. For me, this watch is beautiful and awesome. Thanks Cartier for the design he he.

Not too shabby for me eh? Really nice

The Amazing Sugess Air Command

Recently, I just found out that Sugess makes another homage with ST19 Seagull movement, again kinda boring though, but this one is special, for me at least, they make a homage of Blancpain Air Command!!! I sell my previous Sugess Chronograph (thank God that watch is beautiful so no wonder there will be buyer for it) to upgrade into this one ha ha. And voila, I bought it in a heartbeat, no regret whatsover somehow.

Nice homage

After waiting for a while, finally it arrives!!! And again, the packaging is the same as the previous Sugess, nothing to write home about. It came with two easy replace leather strap but with so-so quality (not comfortable if you ask me). It also came with a manual but…it could be applied to any ST19 movement watch. Nothing special in packaging area, carry on then.

But the watch itself…it is glorious!!!! To sum it, the rest of the blog probably full of praise and a little complaint (cuz nothing is perfect, there always flaw(s) in everything). First thing first, the spec:

• Type            : Chrono Heritage S423 (let’s just call it Air Command, it is cooler that way)
• Diameter    : 42mm
• Thickness  : 11.5mm (13mm with sapphire glass)
• Lug width   : 22mm
• Lug to Lug : 51mm
• Glass         : Domed Sapphire Crystal
• Movement  : Manual winding Caliber Seagull ST1901 (Gold Swan Neck Version), 21 Jewels
• BPM           : 21,600 BPH
• Power Reserve : 35+ Hours
• Water Resistant : 5ATM (arguably)

Magnificent

This watch is a copy (homage, or anything you wanna call) of Blancpain Air Command, an almost exact replica with a slight difference (most notable dial branding and movement). The original is a beautiful watch with a big size (just like Fifty Fathom). And Blancpain heard the cries of many people who said the watch is too big so they make a smaller version of it, a 36.2mm diameter if it, which is a marvel just like the bigger brother, though I need to see the smaller version to decide whether the smaller is better suit for me. So far this one is perfect for me.

From Shreve Crump Low Youtube channel. The smaller one kinda have weird hands doesn’t it?

Back to the Sugess, this watch is a real show stopper. It’s huge but not ginormous or gigantic, it’s beautiful and it is commanding ha ha. Designwise, if you love Blancpain Air Command, you probably gonna love this. In Sugess Patek Phillipe homage, the brand Sugess on the dial is kinda out of place and annoying, but in this Air Command the word Sugess somehow blends beautifully with the whole dial aesthetic. The bezel also beautiful yet minimalistic, the bi-directional bezel with 24 clicks which is firm enough not to accidentally moved, just like the real Blancpain and most GMT watch (if Sugess decided to make GMT watch, this bezel is primed for the whole GMT bezel needs). The printed dial is beautiful and symmetrical, kudos for Blancpain for design this beautiful specimen. Even if it’s crowded or busy, it still looks beautiful and elegant. The hands also commanding, with sword-pointy hands in all really points out the elegance of it’s design.

Busy and crowded but beautiful nonetheless

The watch also reasonably thick but not…fat? The case is beautifully designed. The upper view (dial) is gorgeous, the bottom side also marvelous with see through case showing the beautiful ST19 movement, side view is also good, though the side view have annoying part…the crown. The crown have this “ugly” brand of Sugess. The crown have this generic “S” that makes the watch less perfect. Thank God the pusher is a joy to behold, and hold to activate ha ha. To sum it, a proportional watch.

The best part is how the watch wears in my 17cm wrist, it fits somehow. Sure spec wise the size is big (commanding) but this is a pilot watch, it needs to be visible, but somehow this watch flawlessly fits into my wrist, unlike my Steeldive 1952 (the Blancpain fifty fathom homage). Both are long watch, both have 51mm lug to lug but somehow this Air Command seems more…wearable (the Steeldive would required a “perfect” or have to be fit strap to make the watch stand firm on my wrist). Probably this is due to the slope or curve in the lug, unlike the straight pointy lug in Fifty Fathom. Seriously, it is almost magical to wear it, kinda like seamlessly blends. Maybe it’s because the diameter and stap is bigger thus makes the proportion more compact. I really enjoys wearing this watch, I wonder of the smaller version is better or probably weird due to the comparison with the bigger brother. To me, this size is perfect.

Somehow Steeldive is bigger

The lume is very good, just like my previous Sugess, this one just like that but better, especially because the bezel also has lume. This watch is stands out in the light and in the dark, very visible as pilot watch should be. Shine bright like diamond he he.

Even the bezel have lume

What about movement? Well, standard ST19 movement. Pretty accurate, beautiful to look at and reliable. If there a downside, probably the ticking noise. It is noticeable, though only if you put it beside you when you sleep. Barely noticeable but still noticeable. But yeah, this movement is a heaven for micro brand to make an affordable chronograph mechanical watch. No complaint here. Oh yeah, about gold swan neck version, barely noticable unless you saw the back case when you activate the chronograph function. So IMHO not a must, the non-swan version is cheaper and still good. The snapback or flyback combine with the satisfying pusher makes chronograph activation and stopping a pure joy, all for an affordable price.

Beautiful movement

This watch is a very handsome watch, strap monster and you can dress it up or dress it down. A very versatile watch that could be wore in any occasion. If you don’t mind the fact that this is a homage, copy or whatever you call it. This one is a keeper for me. It’s big, not loud but gentle and demanding. A very awesome watch. Kudos for Blancpain for this watch (Sugess just blatanly homage it he he).

Pure strap monster

Kamen Rider Black Sun, The Grim, Realistic, Adult Oriented Tokusatsu

Kinda cool at first glance…and it is cool

I miss the “ka-ching” sounds

So, I finally saw Kamen Rider Black Sun, which is very good to sum it all ha ha. I mean, Kamen Rider Black the original is the Rider I grew up with, I saw it in local TV and instantly hooked with the story, characters, and especially the design of the Rider(s), I mean Shadow Moon is one of the best design of all time for me personally. I love the sounds he made while walking, the “ka-ching” sounds from his boot always brings shivers to me ha ha (but in this new iteration they didn’t have that!!! Bo!!!!).

Also, I love the darker tone of the original, with Gorgom almost demonic cult like organization (even when the show re-aired in local TV, some parents filed a complaints because the children are scared and crying, a pinnacle of great show of you ask me), Kamen Rider Black somehow become one of the great, with the dire, kinda sad ending that somehow continue with a sequel (a first in Kamen Rider show) that though didn’t share the tragic plot, still packs lots of great action and characters design.

Well, with that said, this new iteration is a “must” list for me. But with the weird cast announcement, even darker and realistic plot, this new show is very intriguing. And the day finally arrived, I binge-watch the whole show and boy what a ride it is!!! I gave it 7.5 or 8 out of 10. It’s very bleak, grim and even nihilistic but somehow it works, for me at least.

To be honest, the design and plot is more like the manga of Kamen Rider Black, with the insect like design of Kamen Rider (even Black and Shadow Moon design isn’t that different besides the color palete) and also the battle is more primal, gory and bloddy (decapatation, mutilation, blood, etc). But the show had it’s own “agenda” to tell, just like any other story in every era, sometimes the new iteration cater to new generation…but somehow this show cater more for the original fans that grew up with the show but matured. It’s like a pervertion of the old adage, sometimes we watch or read the same book but due to the experience, pain and growth we acquired, the show stay the same but our point of view changes and we gain new perspective and new value from that same media we consume. This show, show a new direction of the plot, toward the “adult” plot.

Kotaro vs Nobuhiko

What does the “adult” really stands for? Japanese story telling usually already contains matured plot with twist and turn that makes the viewer gasp or surprised, but this new plot is kinda a more matured theme somehow. In this world, Kaijin (human that can turned into monster) is living with normal human but treated as second class citizen. Some Kaijin decides to take the right way and declared Gorgom party to fight for Kaijin rights and equality but the war doesn’t end there. This discrimination reach a boiling point when some Kaijin finally decideds that “Hey, we’re stronger than human. Why we should abide by their law? They should’ve become our slaves” thus it escalates into real war.

That’s the synopsis of the plot. What intrigues me is the cast, Kotaro Minami is palyed by Hidetoshi Nishijima (the guy whose movie “Drive My Car” is nominated to Oscar) and “elderly” and veteran actor while the rest of the cast is…younger. Even Nobuhiko (the supposed to Rival and best friend) played by a younger actor which is weird…also most people will ask, why didn’t use Tetsuo Kurata, the original cast, he also old if you wanna make Kotaro older (but probably his controversy makes him not visible at the moment of 50th anniversary of Kamen Rider he he).

Sorry for the Bad Tetsuo Kurata image but..if they waneted to, they can use him but Hide also good

But yeah, after watch the whole series, understand the reason why he was much older than Nobuhiko or even Gorgom high priests, I kinda dig Hidetoshi as Kotaro. I mean, he already a fine actor, he aged like a fine wine and somehow his bitterness, self-loathe and pessimistic Kotaro really growing on me. Also the fact that watching a 50 plus year guy still playin role as Kamen Rider gave me hope or assuraance that I’m not too old to love Kamen Rider, or cosplay as one ha ha ha.

There are some twist in the tradional lore, and like I mentioned, this is for adult and the world is not black and white. There’s no eternal enemy or friend, only comrade in the same ideal, which happened to be easily twisted in front of reality. I mean,we can saw switching factions, cooperation, betrayal and murder in each characters, but we undertsand because they did it to achieve their goal. An this isn’t like cheap Netflix-way to give side characters extra screentime while diminishing the main character (e.g. The Witcher whith Henry Cavill only be the guy who was there while other characters play the bigger role, which for some people is the way to bring minority and other characters more screen time). In this show, everyone has their own agenda and to see the plot thickens with each action is really mezmerising. Even I understand why Nobuhiko switch side and join Gorgom in this show, unlike the orginal where they are fated to be the next Creation King and only one can be the King (you know what that means, fight to the death he he).

So realistic even Battle Hopper & Road Sector isn’t a character, just a bike

Also, I love the plot where the original Gorgom isn’t some cult or illuminaty cabal type, but some Kaijin that wants equality for them, but somewhere along the way they became cult like (even the three origin members became high priest). Or the Creation King somehow treated as some sort of God for Kaijin though the fact that Kaijin (mostly) only needs his/her essence or meat or liquid to produce “heaven” a substance that makes Kaijin regain their strength or maximize their potential and makes them maintain their youthful looks (that’s why Kotaro is older than Nobuhiko, he refuse to use heaven). It’s a sterotypical “power tend to corrupt” the story is really grim, realistic and somehow grounded.

Sure there are plotholes here and there, like if they can made heaven from human, why they still needs Creation King, just do some coup and enslave humanity, you got more than enough lifestocks to produce heaven.Why at first only Black sun and Shadowmoon can “henshin” (transform) and have secondary evolution more robot like form while other Kaijin only have organic more monstruos like form? But somehow Aoi, the girl Kotaro tried to protect and mutated into Kaijin somehow can also henshin and became more robotic, is this a norm for Kaijin or what? Or how come Kaijin only like an issue in Japan though the matter brought to United Nation and became some global phenomenon but it doesn’t showed what happened in other countries, and more but still, the plot is really good and I love it.

Even as the story ended in a cliffhanger like, or probably not since the fight for equality still raging on and that’s the idea probably. You gotta fight for your right, and what is good or better never comes easy. It needs sacrifice, dedication, sweat and tear and all that jazz. So yeah, the story ended with status quo somehow. Open for sequel? Hardly knowing what happened it’s kinda hard to imagine a continuity.

Still, in all the grim, bleak, nihillistic story, they gave a fan service in finale where they recreate the oepning of the original Kamen Rider, along with the original song. It’s enough to make grown man cry or happy ha ha. Sadly, the uplifting nature of the opening is a donwhill into purgatory somehow ha ha. Then again, I really loves the story, I hope more people can watch it, enjoy it and also learn something from it. This is a very good show.

Sugess Vintage Chronograph (Furlan Marri or Patek Phillipe 1463 Homage)

After seeing Baltic Bi-compax Chronograph have a quite good review and even crazy price (in Indonesia it’s sold for Rp. 14.000.000,- or approximately $ 944,96) I was stunned. I mean, that watch using Seagull 19t movement, the one I already had (that I sold because it was too Chinese, design wise and delicate for me) but what makes that watch so excellent?

Besides it is beautiful he he

Is a build quality or finishing could worth that much? Or it’s just marketing or the fact Baltix came from Europe (French to be exact)? Well I don’t have the answer but I have an itch to revisit Seagull movement. I mean, if it were sold that expensive, it has a qualification that have European standard or verified quality right? Right….?😅

So I just browsing to look another watch with Seagull movement, probably a homage of another iconic but not too lazy or exact copy of it, since one of my complaints with 1963 is that the watch is too Chinese for me ha ha. Then I found this Sugess….for a company that loves to rip-off design from others legends, this one is kinda subtle in the copy department….reminds me of Furlan Marri ha ha. I mean seriously, this almost an exact copy but the great part is Sugess is mechanical (while Furlan Marri is meca-quartz) so this is kinda an upgrade ha ha.

The resemblance is uncanny

The next step is to find a seller that willing to ship this baby to Indonesia from China and somehow I found a local guy from different island in Indonesia. So all systems go! 

But the fun part is, this type defined as Patek Phillipe homage1463, not Furlan Marri…still not complaining since from the picture this watch is beautiful. But for safety measures I chose blue gilded cuz at least the dial won’t be as disappointed if I choose the salmon dial that have high chance of ended up with brown dial (in my mind the blue color is safer to be f*%cked up he he. I mean it’s a basic blue, worst part either too blue or too light blue). 

The resemblance is too generic honestly

So, for Rp. 4.000.000,- or approximately $270 this watch is….awesome. I mean, it’s not the finesse or build quality that is awesome, but the overall package. This watch is really good, IMHO. Sure the box is below average and the quick release leather strap is nothing to write home about (the “genuine” leather is too stiff and too old looking for my taste) but this watch is very good.

Extra straps. Nice but the quality is kinda….meh he he

First thing first, spec:

• Movement seagull st1901 mechanichal 
• Material 316L stainlees Stell 
• Sapphire crystal, maybe?
• Diameter 38mm 
• Thickness 13mm 
• Weight 69 gram 
• Lug 20mm 
• Lug to lug 46 mm 

So yeah, this is the smaller one, the 38mm with 20mm strap, the other version is the bigger 41mm with 22mm strap, but since I own that lovely Rima Chronograph, the vintage small watch is my way to go now!!! Hashtag make small watch sexy again.

The glass is dome sapphire that radiates vintage vibe, it has drill lug to make switching strap easier (though it given quick release strap as default). I could say that design wise, this is a very good watch (because they are homage of a great watch?) and value for money is really good, mechanical Chronograph is expensive, but thanks to Seagull it can be affordable.

Size wise, this is as small as “modern” chronograph could be. A safe size for everyone probably. The build quality is actually pretty good. The brushed, the polished and the form of the case is really nice, not exceptionally astonishing, but really good. No sharp edges and comfortable to wear. Not too thick even with the dome glass.

The crown is kinda weird, etched with the “S” logo that didn’t blend well with the beautiful vintage style, the font is kinda too modern and that blue-ish “stain” on the crown, either the paint chipped off or just faded kinda diminishingly the beauty of this watch.

That “S” really didn’t blend with the whole watch

The movement is also good, it’s the reliable seagull movement that copying the venus movement and thanks to the see-through case, you could admire the beauty movement. Seriously, it is gorgeous and mesmerizing to look at. Also it is a safer bet than vintage Chronograph movement, and since it’s brand new, Chinese, no scarcity in parts department and probably cheaper to service.

Mezmerizing to say the least

The buttons is clicky. Nice to push and satisfied to reset. The flyback is fun and it’s kinda scared me whether I abused it or not since it’s fun to use the Chronograph function ha ha.

The dial is quite good. The details is also good. No dust in the dial and the numbers, hands and layout is really nice. An apple to my eye. This makes my sole reason to ditch Seagull 1963, too Chinese for my taste, is abolished. This felt like a European watch, until you read the brand, Sugess. Somehow that brand font kinda…didn’t blend with the beautiful aesthetic of the rest of the dial, seriously, the “Mechanical Chronograph” font is blending perfectly but the brand name just…stands out but in a bad way ha ha.

That “Sugess” kinda not blending to the whole aesthetic IMHO

The visibility? Well it’s easy to see though the design choices makes no lume applied to the hands, which kinda bad for some people but for me it’s OK. The dial, the hands, the case makes a cohesive beauty, especially to see from the top, every time I check time, a smile burst out to see this beautiful design. I guess thanks to Patek and Furlan Marri for the “inspiration” ha ha. It’s a complication that still feels simplistic.

Beautiful, classic and nice to look at.

If I want to complain (as if the box, paint in the crown, sub par leather straps and others didn’t count as complaints), probably in the little details. But the devil is in the details, and if you look “anything” hard enough or long enough, in details, you’ll see the flaws. It’s not like the flaw that I want to emphasize is hard to find, you’ll hear it he he. Yes, you can hear the movement ticking or sweeping, you can hear the shaft when it is pushed, especially when you’re in a silent environment like library or something. Sure it’s not loud like Timex loud (I even put my Timex in a drawer for it) but it is noticeable.

Another flaw is the water resistant, seriously the back case said it’s 5 ATM, but just like when I have Seagull 1963, I don’t have the confidence or even faith in it ha ha (espescially with the sound of the movement that is…loud?). It feels delicate or even dare I say….fragile? I mean Chronograph is a complicated complication and to abuse this watch is something that either I don’t have the guts or just cautious. This isn’t a beater watch that for sure, but as dressy piece? Absolutely ha ha (and that’s the problem, I’m a casual guy 😅). Also, didn’t trust Chinese product since I have bad experience with Chinese goods in the past he he.

Strap monster indeed

But in conclusion, I really love this watch. It really captures the vintage and elegant feels of the inspiration models, put it in the affordable price but still classy. I have this watch for more than 3 months and accuracy wise, it is reliable. So yeah, if you want to, buy this watch, or any other model that Sugess put. They got Zenith elprimo inspired, Hamilton inspired and so on. I happen to choose this one because it is more “generic” and didn’t resemble any iconic watch (but blatantly copied Furlan Marri though ha ha).

Respecting the 1963 pilot heritage, bundtrsap he he

PS: I just realized that the brand Sugess didn’t fit the classic and vintage style of the watch. It’s like the modern element didn’t fit the whole vintage vibe. Maybe if the dial is sterile it would be better. So, if you wanna buy Sugess Chronograph in other model, try to find something more modern he he.

Poor Man’s Cartier Santos Homage by Solvil et Titus

Recently, when I’m browsing on olx.com (kinda like craiglist in US or local eBay), I stumble upon a vintage watch that looks…eerily familiar. Like something live rent-free in my subconscious mind, a watch so iconic, legendary, so recognizable it immediately triggered my impulse to contact the seller and bought it, thus I have this watch, Solvil et Titus homage of Cartier Santos (the 1978 version if I’m not mistaken).

Poor Man’s homage indeed he he

And since the original Santos is have quite the reputation as arguably the first pilot watch, the first wristwatch, the first sport watch, etc. So yeah, this watch is really a great replacement for my thirst of Cartier without breaking the bank. Also this homage is not some bulky, upped, attention seeker watch that usually most Chinese homage has. This one is a subtle classy piece just like the original counterpart.

Honestly, I can’t find much information regarding Solvil et Titus. But after quite a digging into the rabbit hole, the only valid info is the fact that Titus is once a Swiss brand that acquired by Hongkong and became Chinese brand and their ad is….so so so bad it’s good to have a good laugh ha ha. Especially the Ryan Giggs one🤣🤣🤣🤣. Check their old ad, really entertaining ha ha.

Even the information from case back revealed nothing

Yeah this watch is really affordable, Rp. 500 K (approximately $ 35) and this ain’t some clone or replica, but an actual homage with the size that kinda faithful to the original. Diameter (though it’s rectangular) of 3mm and lug to lug width of 41mm with lug width of 18mm.

Small but beautiful and manly

The size, the design is so versatile, so beautiful yet cool. Like a combination of masculinity and femininity. Even my wife dig this watch ha ha.

Vintage, aging, broken?

Sure the condition is…battle-scarred but it add the character and charisma for me. The dial is damaged to be honest, the case is scratched here and there, the gold (brass) bezel is faded, but at the very least the movement still good, power reserve is good, accuracy is spot on and it is fun to wear.

I was wondering how the watch would look like in it’s pristine and prime condition. So I dig and found this page that shows how glorious this watch is. Just astonishing.

Oh what could’ve been 🥲

After seeing that, maybe the crown on my watch is replaced, or broken and switched he he. Still cool though.

Still looks good, and check that drill lug hole😊

The downside for me is the strap. It’s not the original strap, but a leather strap with some defects. The real Cartier have this famous reputation of wonderful strap (both leather and the steel, and sadly this watch supposedly have the same design in steel strap sector. But alas I have to make do with what I have, though it didn’t diminished the fun factor of wearing this watch.

Kinda hard to fit most straps

This watch could’ve been a strap monster. The size is so versatile and the design is classic and timeless. Unfortunately, due to the position of the lug, it’s kinda hard to find a good or even suitable strap for this watch. I have to make do with leather strap, but the thin one in order to make it work.

The strap also too vintage and old ha ha

That hump is looks bad and too irritating for me

Oh also, another downside, is the date window. I mean, this watch is almost a perfect harmony of simplicity and sophistication, a perfect symmetry. But that date window ruin the streamlined unpretentious design with unnecessary complication, at least for me. And the fact that the dial is aging but the date is kinda pristine.

The date and the dial kinda like decades away

But, though the condition is “bad” I really enjoys the time I have with this watch. Every time I wear it, I wear a smile on my face ha ha. Kudos to Cartier for the design, this watch (an almost exact blatant copy) is so fun and beautiful, regardless of the condition of the watch. If you could find one in good condition, don’t walk, just run and grab it. This is a very fun watch. I just hope the strap is at the very least comfortable to wear, it’s a shame if the beautiful design wasted only on looks. But if you could afford the real Cartier, buy the original he he.

I found your lack of faith disturbing: The Medium movie review

I just watched The Medium recently and it’s awesome and it’s been a while since I watch a horror movie and feel something really interesting and kind of disturbing in someway. I guess in someway this movie is worth dissecting because it is very interesting and have some really intriguing story. I hope you guys OK with a little spoiler here and there, but this is a movie that have deeper layers, so multiple watch is highly recommended.

This movie is a collaboration between Korea and Thailand, it’s a combination of the guy who made Pee Mak and The Wailing, so this is great ingredients for a good movie. And it is a good movie.

This movie is mockumentary style with some found footages elements here and there, the plot is about A Thai documentary team travels to the northeast part of Thailand, Isan to document the daily life of a local medium, Nim, who is possessed by the spirit of Bayan, a local deity whom the villagers worship. The conflict began when her nephew is having a “disturbance” to put it mildly.

She became more aggressive, hostile and not herself to sum it all. This disturbances opened up many layer of depth into the story. Such as the fact that Nim actually not the first choice to be possessed by Bayan. She was a replacement of her sister, the mother of the disturbed nephew who rejected the responsibility, even convert to Christianity to leave that believe and save herself from the burden.

Also the fact that even though Nim is considered as respectful and capable shaman, she is considered as a scam, fake even useless by her family. So the fact that somehow the nephew is disturbed to the point of possessed is wake up call that you just can’t leave the past behind, you have to settle it, not run from it and Nim probably is the only hope to save the possessed nephew.

I love the fact that the mockumentary really shows how the nephew changes from good girl, into a terrifying girl, and became the darkness incarnated he he. The limitation of documentary is utilized in an optimum impact to show the devastation of the disturbance, possession and finally devastation. Even the sex scene is kinda….hot ha ha.

The film is kinda slow burner from the beginning until the middle, but the finale is really paid off the whole experience. I really loves the whole experience. Like I mentioned before, there are layers of story or conflict here. What started as a normal possession movie somehow ended up like an opening of hell gate ha ha. Sure there are hints here and there but it’s so subtle kinda blink and you miss kinda thing. 

Every male descendant of the older sister is having a tragic fate which is part of the story that serves a grandeur ends. Or how the older sister decision to “open up” the nephew “shell” so Bayan deity can enter her and cured the possession somehow become pivotal to the story.

I love how this movie shows traditional exorcism, kinda like in The Wailing with such…authenticity? Because it never gets overrated or blow out of proportion. This movie nailed and combined South East Asia mysticism and Korean hybrid Hollywood approach.

The ending it’s so chaos ha ha. I mean, I knew things will went south the moment that the supposed to be protagonists Nim, abruptly died before the final showdown, after Bayan temple is defaced. Her friend, fellow shaman gathered his team to perform exorcist but apparently the curse is too strong and suddenly the spirits possessed almost everyone and those who didn’t possessed became victim of horrific act from the possessed ha ha (imagine zombie outbreak with blood thirsty monster). Also the shaman itself died in the process, so yeah it’s a party he he.

The final act is so satisfying as if the slow build up is paid off. Just like the VVITCH (Anya Taylor-Joy movie) where the finale is so grandiose, this movie is just like that. The difference is the scope and scale. The slaughtering is longer and the sense of havoc is overwhelming as if all hell break lose. Kinda funny that the crisis happened because some bad karma regarding the ancestors bad deeds is reaped by today’s generation.

The ending shows that Nim had a doubt that she is powerful enough to lift the curse, or even that she is even have real power in the first place. Even her sister, who rejected Bayan in the first place also had doubt when she was bestowed Bayan power in the finale, which given the people a fighting chance but blew up because she couldn’t bear the sight of her child in pain due to the exorcist, so she stopped repelling the spirit and chanting the prayer, resulted in the death of her and probably Bayan spirit. 

Well, the movie ended in a bad ending, kinda typical for horror movie but this movie ending felt…natural. Not forced. Evil prevail isn’t what people had in mind, it was something else, more…sinister or subtle.

All the characters had doubt in their mind regarding deities, or religion to be more general. And, for a guy who has experience with this kinda supernatural stuff, or any endeavor we tried to accomplish, faith is a crucial element. And that’s what happened here. 

Nim had a doubt because her family never believed in what she did or what she’s capable of, also the fact that Bayan shrine is destroyed added the confusion and doubt. Her sister already throw away her believe and convert to Christianity only to admit that she had to be the vessel of Bayan in order to save her daughter, which ended abruptly because the evil spirit using her motherly love to defeat her.

So yeah, this is a nice movie, a very good one with a message, at least for me, have a little faith, O ye, of little faith ha ha.

Neuralcam Update. A Worthy One

Recently, Neuralcam app have this ”continuous” update, like every week there’s an update which making me wondering whether it’s a good sign or a bad sign…thankfully it’s the first one.

Neuralcam had this tendency to failed at saving the photo you took (the long obligation steady hand add the insult) and sometimes the result is too artificial or fake IMHO. And I’m glad they ”try” to address it (the quote mark is because sometimes the photo is failed to save or the result is still too artificial sometimes).

My phone is iPhone XS Max, a good photo but still no lowlight capabilities in native cam. So this update is making me happy so far. Hopefully with more updates the result will be better just like the lowlight in iPhone 11 (natural and not too bright).

Here are some samples of the improvement:

Brighten up without too much artificial brightness

This is actually very good

Too bright for my taste

Light up the picture a lil too much

So, what about daylight photo? Well, it’s too vivid and too artificial for my taste though.

Too vivid, sharpen and saturated for me

But not that all daylight mode are bad. The macro feature is actually good.

Nice…

If there’s one caveat for me is only the fact that the new feature AI improvement is paid feature (the 12MP is already free since NeuralCam is paid app though). Well, after using the AI improvement, which is kinda hit or miss for me, see that bird house for sample, I don’t know whether it is worth to pay more for the feature that still under development IMHO. But all things said, the update is really good and for every iPhones user under 11 series, this is one of the best lowlight camera app has to offer. Kudos for the developer.

Steeldive 1952. Blancpain Fifty Fathom On A Budget

Covid hits everyone mercilessly and not everyone can adapt, survive and especially strive…and I’m one of those unlucky soul ha ha. In order to survive I sold my holy grail watch, Steinhart OVM. But I need some replacement. Something that hopefully equal, but cheaper than that magnificent Steinhart ha ha. It’s a daunting almost impossible, most likely it is impossible, task.

Then I begin to mapping all the pros and cons of Steinhart that would make that task easier. And the first notable feature is homage of the legendary and rare diver and the second is simple aesthetic. That two quality is my main concern. And after surfing the web for quite sometimes I found the ideal candidate, Steeldive 1952. A Chinese homage of the arguably first diver watch in the world and one of the most beautiful watch ever, Blancpain Fifty Five Fathom.

So I ordered it from Aliexpress with the help of third party for custom and after pay Rp. 3.500.000,- or approximately $ 247 the watch finally arrive in the cheap plastic container with all the certificates and some extra equipment to adjust the steel strap. I honestly expect more bonuses since the watch is delayed for many times and the seller even ask whether I want a refund and cancellation, it finally arrived ha ha.

The case is cheap plastic though it looks military he he

First, let the spec speak for it self:

• 316L stainless steel case
• Diameter case 41mm
• Lug to lug 52mm (that long?!)
• Lug widht / strap 20mm
• Thickness 15mm (thick baby!!!)
• Movement NH35
• Water resistant 300m (seriously???)
• Bezel ceramic, bgw9
• Glass top hat sapphire
• Stainless Steel Strap

Honestly this watch even exceed my previous pros for replacement watch. Not only it checks the legendary diver and simplicity, it even also have 300m water resistant (at least what it said on the dial ha ha). So yeah I’m actually happy. I got myself the no date dial for the Simplicity sake and steel strap for the formality. 

So, this is the watch, lo and behold ha ha.

Cool, simple and easy to read. Also that 300m water resist👌🏼

They’re proud with the movement and company to say the least

Kinda wish the crown has some sign or something. it’s bland

One thing that bugging me is the movement, sure the site said it’s Seiko NH35, but usually it had a ghost position but somehow I didn’t find that ghost position here. Did I get a different movement? Well, even if somehow it broke, another NH35 could fit the bill and I can mod it ha ha.

The bezel rotation is not…premium ha ha. it sounds bad if it’s a correct term. Little backplay but OK. But hey, it has lume!!! Watch how awesome the lume is. It’s on the dial, bezel, hands and it is lit. Though it’s not last that long though

This is dope!!!!

Honestly, what didn’t make me happy it’s the strap ha ha. The one thing that supposed to make the watch more expensive or more formal actually didn’t work somehow. It looks weird though it felt firm and sturdy.

It’s not seamless. The strap is a generic strap from other watch?

At least the strap have its own identity with Steeldive logo.

Back to the watch, I immediately realized how chunky this watch is. The thickness is huge and lug to lug is insane…52mm, my Steinhart is 50mm and I always felt it was too big for me. But I still purchased this watch for you one reason only….Blancpain Fifty Fathom, the first diver and the simplicity of design, which is beautiful. And the price is in affordable area.

My previous holy grail watch Steinhart OVM only flaw for me is the fact that it’s too long (lug to lug width) and also the fact they release the smaller, true to the size OVM that became the exact replica of Rolex Milsub, the origin. And now I’m wondering why this thick-long boy didn’t make me feel like I wearing a gargantuan oversized watch.

I mean, looking at the size, this watch should’ve been oversized for my 17cm wrist but somehow it’s not. I don’t know if this my head try to deny it or something, but somehow the watch wears seamlessly on my wrist. It might be due to the impeccable and tested design by Blancpain. The curve lug makes all the difference somehow. Sure the thickness is still too high, but it’s manageable since I saw the watch from the top.

For comparison sake 😅

I know this isn’t some premium homage like Steinhart, or even “good” Chinese company like San Martin or something, Steeldive is in the middle of the hierarchy, but this piece is really something. Sure lots of the right things is due to Blancpain meticulous, perfectly and simplicity design of the watch, but Steeldive gave us the taste of it in the fraction of the real thing. Sure the movement is nothing to write home about, or the case isn’t that polished (some sharp points here and there) but overall, I’m happy with it. 

Steeldive 1952 is also one of the higher price in Steeldive collection of stolen iconic designs (read:homage) and the fact you could choose the dial and the strap, this watch is a mod haven. With Seiko movement, you know you can go wild with this ha ha.

This is a keeper😍

Updated after more than 1 month:

Honestly this watch is….OK-ish for better or worse. Movement is a workhorse, the design is classic and timeless (due to the homage factor) with a modern twist (the Steeldive logo and signings). The finishing and build quality is mediocre, fits the Steeldive line as mid-tier watch (the premium Chinese line is San Martin for most people).

After honeymoon phase over, you start to real the flaw on the watch. The dial and hands looks bland and…soulless? Maybe after awhile and battle scarred and scratches, the watch will have more character (as the vintage Blancpain looks good beaten up).

Also the unique size makes it bulky and wearable at the same time. As if it’s noticeable but not oversized, my small wrist didn’t feel the   rejection of big, chunky oversized watch. This watch is very nice. I’m glad I bought it.

Also the NH35 factor is the potential waiting to unlock. I mean, this is a mod monster, if you’re into such thing. Also a strap monster ha ha.

NeuraShot A Great Camera for iOS

Recently, I stumble on a camera app call NeuraShot in iOS. And ever since I saw what Google cam can do for camera, especially for low light performance, I always search for iOS answer for Google cam.

So far NeuralCam still reigns on low light performance (though it still inferior to Google cam) and I wonder if this app created by Sumat Purewal can can at least dethrone NeuralCam for me. This is a paid app though. So, is it any good and worth your money?

If you look at the spec and all that jazz, this app is frankly speaking it’s really promising. And after some tasks here and there I can finally say that to sum it all up I really like this app.

The time it took to process a shot is somehow faster than neuralcam. And it’s an accomplishment for me to say the least. Because most people said that Neuralcam is the champion of taking a low light picture and if you ask me somehow this app is better in someway. But it’s only for the NightMode he he. The other modes kinda took its time to produce the shot, thankfully the results is quite good. Also, from my experience, NeuraShot have better success shot due to the fact that NeuralCam sometimes crash or even freeze on my iPhone (I’m using XS Max…so I guess it’s not that bad of a hardware he he.

Let’s just let the picture do the speaking and I hope in someway I can give all of you that watched this some alternative to neuralcam because this app is really good in my opinion.

This shot is really dark, and honestly NeuralCam is more naatural but NeuraShot is more pleasing IMHO.

This is a different mode in NeuraShot, almost the same and can’t tell the difference

NeuraShot is trying to hard to lit the scene, and to be honest, the Native iOS cam is better ha ha

The difference is almost non existing, unless you do pixel peeping, NeuraShot produce more details

Also, NeuraShot produce more natural tone in normal light

See the red? NeuraShot produce more true to real scene

In the well lit lowlight, NeuraShot produce too bright picture somehow

This is pitch black, and NeuraShot is really trying too hard to lit the shot ha ha

Well, this is depends on your preference, NeuralCam is more of my taste though

Again, NeuraShot is too bright, but it all depends on preference

To sum it all, it’s a very promising app. Sure it could take some improvements here and there, but as it is, it’s a very good app, though you need to know what mode to use and took some learning curve. And to know it’s just some guy working on it it’s really blow my mind. one person can really makes a difference. Well, Mr. Sumat Purewal, I salute you. Hopefully you maintain this app and improve it in the future. Please don’t make the lowlight too bright, just a sharper less noise and natural is all I ask he he. If you update the app, it might dethrone NeuralCam for me.