2010年12月30日 星期四

Tokyoflash ditches tradition yet again with Kisai Satellite watch

How many different ways can a wristwatch display the time? So many ways, as fully evidenced by the ever-inventive folks at Tokyoflash Japan. Their latest offering is the Kisai Satellite, a USB-rechargeable watch that relies on three flashing "halos" to display the time in a manner that's slightly less confusing than some of the company's other watches, but still confusing enough to confound anyone asking you for the time. What's more, unlike some of Tokyoflash's concept watches, this one is actually available (for just over $90), and in your choice of black or white with either blue or green LEDs.

2010年11月21日 星期日

Citizen Alterna Pilot Eco-Dive Watch

With a name like "Alterna," you'd think there is something very alternative looking about these watches. There isn't. Just another one of those soft sounding names that Citizen likes to give to their  sportier timepieces. My favorite so far is the "Atessa" watch. Which isn't nearly as feminine  a watch as the name might suggest. Actually, the Atessa is a very powerful and durable timepiece. Citizen Alterna watches make up a really large family of timepieces, most of which aren't available in the US. I wrote about another Citizen Alterna watch here a while back. If you Google Citizen Alterna, you'll find a wide range of some really cool stuff. Problem is that non of them seem to fit a "family mold," and you'll be gouged a bit when buying them online as they are not officially for the US market. Also, the name "Citizen Alterna Pilot" doesn't narrow this collection down completely, as there are other models with this same name. You'll need to use the reference numbers which are: VO10-3831T, VO10-6833T, and VO10-6832T.

I have a feeling that this watch is gonna come to the US market. It is part of a series of Japanese watches by both Citizen and Seiko that are thematically similar to watches popularized by brands such as Sinn, and Bell & Ross. It has all the bits and pieces that make a watch popular in the US. Being easy to read, sporty, "activity themed," and not very expensive. Not sure of the exact price yet, but from the Yen conversion, they would cost about $250-$300.

The Alterna Pilot comes in a series of colors (perhaps more than shown here), in an IP black or brushed steel case that is 42.5mm wide. The strap is Nylon, and is sort of a mix between a stand strap and a NATO strap with some contrast stitching. Very sport oriented, I like that. Crystal over the dial is mineral (OK for this price), and luminant is Citizen's Lumibrite lume that comes in different colors. Case is water resistant to 100 meters. Movement is the Eco-Drive caliber 8637 quartz movement that is light powered. Very interesting choice on Citizen's behalf to leave off the "Eco-Drive" label on the dial.

At first look the dial looks like it has a chronograph, but then you realize that those are an AM/PM (synced 24 hour hand) and calendar indicators (day/date). Some people are gonna like that, others simply aren't. No chronograph is OK, but I would have gladly traded the day of the week indicator for a subsidiary seconds hand. Overall I really like the watches -though ideally I would want Citizen to offer a black case with white colored hands and numerals. The blue is quite compelling though. Hands are well rendered in the style they are trying to emulate, but are too short. An interesting design component is the crown. It looks like a interpretation on modernizing the turnip or onion style crown that classic mechanical aviator watches have.  For the price, these aren't too bad, and might end up at your local Citizen retailer soon. Otherwise look online.



2010年11月18日 星期四

Seiko Ananta Automatic Chronograph Titanium Watch

This is the mechanical Seiko sport watch to own in 2010. Representing the purely mechanical - versus Spring Drive - movement based Ananta watches in the US, this new for 2010 Automatic Chronograph ref. SRQ009 in titanium. When I first saw this watch I was pretty sure that it was going to be a limited edition, but it isn't. The titanium Ananta automatic will be part of the regular collection - offering a super sporty version of Seiko's high-end world market automatic. I was able to get my hands on it and check it out, you can see an image of it here where it is looking pretty sexy. I can say that it is pretty nice - and a carbon fiber dial watch that I like!

Speaking of carbon fiber, many of you know that I am not so fond of the material for dials a lot of the time. Often because the look of carbon fiber can make a dial hard to read. Here however, the tighter woven look of it is topped with proper dials, and those famous Ananta diamond polished hands. Lume is placed on the hands and hour markers, making for a very easy to read, symmetrical, and attractive dial. I quite like the insertion of the white seconds marker ring as part of the flange that helps break up the black tones. The sapphire crystal also has a lot of AR coating - so seeing the dial is really a breeze.

This is one of two new titanium Seiko Ananta watches for 2010. The other model is an Ananta Spring Drive Chronograph GMT limited edition piece - which is considerably more expensive that this model. The titanium composition of the watch makes for a very light Ananta. At 46mm wide, this is one intensely light watch for its size (still 100 meters water resistant). Titanium makes for a good color tone as well with the darker, monochromatic tones of the dial. Conventional watch wisdom would have a touch of red, or some other color in the dial, but the all black and white tones look good here. The bezel (with a tachymeter scale), side of the case, pushers, and crown are in black.

Inside the watch is the Seiko Caliber 8R28 automatic mechanical movement with a column wheel and a vertical clutch. I wrote more about this movement and other Ananta watches with it here in another article on Seiko Ananta Automatic watches. A good high-end automatic movement hand-assembled in a really nice facility in Japan. I love the "two step" pushers for the chronograph that allow for very precise starting and stopping of the chronograph. While not a limited model, this Ananta Automatic in titanium with the carbon fiber dial will not be easy to find. Price in Europe is 3,900 euros - with the US price being around that (currency converted of course). Yes, the watch is expensive. But given the quality of the movement, the construction of the watch, and the functionality - you'd be better off comparing it to European chronograph watches instead of other Japanese ones.



2010年11月15日 星期一

IN4MATION G-SHOCK GLX-6900 & BABY G SET FOR JUNE

In4mation would like to introduce its Spring/Summer 2010 set of watches with a new G-Shock GLX-6900 model along with a In4mation Baby G-Shock. In4mation has taken a new approach with its design and focused its watches for more of a everyday use with subtle battleship grey’s with contrast hints throughout both watches. We decided to utilize the battleship grey colorway so the watch could worn on the daily in all conditions weather it be surfing , skating or just doing your thing . In4mation continues to establish its attention to detail and elevate its approach to design along side of G-shock’s superior technology.

2010年11月13日 星期六

Two New MR-G G-Shocks: MRG-7600D-1AJF and MRG-7700B-1AJF

Casio has just unveiled two brand new MR-G G-Shocks for November release. Both are analog/digital models with the Tough MVT movement. They are each made of titanium with a DLC coating for extra protection. There's AR sapphire crystals. The MRG-7600D-1AJF has a retail price of $1821 USD, and the MRG-7700B-1AJF is priced at $2,472 USD. The more expensive 7700 model also features titanium that's been double hardened. They don't look too exciting, but they have a lot to offer.



2010年11月10日 星期三

Men In Burning Red GWF1000RD-4 Frogman and GW7900RD-4 Get US Release

Casio America has posted two new "Men In Burning Red" watches on their G-Shock product page. There's been no official announcement yet, but this seems to be confirmation that these two limited editions will be available in US retail stores. The GWF-1000RD-4DR Frogman has a retail price of $750 USD. And the GW-7900RD-4DR is priced at $150. Looks for these to go on sale soon.


2010年11月7日 星期日

Red & Bad DWX-100S-4V G-Lide G-Shock

Sjors has written a new 50Gs article on the DWX-100S-4V. This G-Shock is the export version with the 2023 module, instead of the 1978 module. This model features the Surftimer mode. It's brightly colored and perfect for Halloween night adventures. Follow the link over for the full read.

http://50-gs.blogspot.com/2010/10/43-red-bad.html

2010年11月5日 星期五

These Awesome Tron Watches Will Only Exist If You Want Them Enough

When there are so many actual Tron accessories that demand contempt, is it so much to ask for these kickass concept watches to become real? Fortunately, this time it's within our power to make these happen. Solidarity, people. Here's how.

Thse LED watches, designed by Scott Galloway, are currently up for vote over at Tokyo Flash, known proprietors of ridiculous timepieces. But this one's not even that ridiculous! In addition to looking badder than badass, they're also remarkably easy to read: the outer ring tells the minutes, the inner ring the hours. Simple.

So please, do your patriotic duty to make these happen in time for the holidays. I've got a few stockings to stuff, and I'd much rather do it with Tron watches than desk calendars.

2010年11月3日 星期三

Casio G-Shock GD-100 Is Easily The Brightest Kid In Its Class

Waaaay back in 1992 Timex introduced their first Ironman watch with electroluminescent Indiglo backlighting and the world of watch face illumination has never looked back. But even though it provides ample illumination for an LCD display (and perfectly stealthy illumination for use in a dark theater) I guess Casio figures there’s finally room for improvement. So their new G-Shock GD-100 models, which will be available at the end of September, feature a new LED backlighting system that’s 6 times brighter than your standard LED. Now I’m not sure who needs a watch that bright since the iPhone 4 has already taken over flashlight duties for a lot of us, but since the G-Shock line seems designed to handle any situation, I guess it’s nice to know it’s there.


2010年10月5日 星期二

Passarella Death Squad x Casio G-Shock DW6900-FS

Casio has put out a press release for the new Passarella Death Squad DW6900-FS G-Shock. This limited edition was designed by the London-based design company. The watch features stra printed ont he face and in the custom backlight. It also has a custom engraved case back and comes in a special tin. It should be available for sale any day now.


2010年10月3日 星期日

Casio Edifice Black Label and More

Casio announced the release of Edifice watches in the US last month, and now the watches our live on their website. Casio US has posted nine models that will be available now in at US retailers. There's a few atomic, solar and chronograph watches to choose from in a range of styles and colors. Take a look at them all and see what you think.

2010年10月1日 星期五

New G-001B "Jason" G-Shocks Attacking in November

G-Street has posted news of a couple G-001B G-Shocks that will be released world-wide in November. This pair is in addition to the four "Jason" models that came out in Japan this month. These have the same 3247 module, so they have the same feature set. It just means there's now more styles to chose from. It's great to see this classic series back alive once more.


2010年9月29日 星期三

This Beautiful Tokyo Flash Watch Was Designed by a 14-Year-Old

Kids. If they're not making a million bucks before they're 16, they're building web design companies or showing us adults up some other way. Like designing really cool Tokyo Flash watches at the age of 14.

It's one of the most basic creations submitted to Tokyo Flash's competition, and YOU can decide whether it gets made. There are 26 days left remaining to vote on its future—so if you like what you see, please do grant the Canadian Tynan Mayhew a thumb's up.

2010年9月27日 星期一

Casio G-Shock – Fall/Winter 2010 | Preview

An interesting tidbit– for those who think collecting watches usually mean seeking out luxury timepieces with a price tag of ten grand and up, think again. As many are probably unaware, except for the aficionados of course, G-Shock has its following of suitors and avid collectors. And on the same note of loyalty and brand popularity, G-Shock has more than doubled its sales since 2008 (remember the horrifying economic crash in 2008 which we are still trying to recover from?) and is currently the number one selling watch brand in the world– for good reasons too. Seriously? A watch that not only tells time, is practically indestructible, in come cases can tell you about the workings of the universe (with the moon and tide graph), self calibrates and self-charges? What’s not to like?

For Fall/Winter 2010, the tale of shock-resistance continues into a new chapter with fresh models and colorways. Aside from new collaborations with Stevie Williams’ skate label, DGK, and with Surfriders’ Foundation, one of the most coolest pieces with the most substantial presence has to be the G-Shock Ultimate Tough GX56. The GX56 is based on the classic DW5600, but it is the largest design in G-Shock history and nearly twice as large as the DW5600. And guess what? The new spokesperson to unveil the GX56 at Shock The World 2010 was Los Angeles’ Lakers’ forward, Lamar Odom, who does need a watch to match his imposing 6′10 frame.


In terms of new colorways, the shiny Opal Face GLS5600 is a sparkly twin of the classic DW5600, with an iridescent band and a ring of opal, rainbow shine around the face. Staying on theme with the classics, the DW6900 has also received an opulent treatment with a reflective, mirrored finish on the face, paired with colorful metallic watch bands.
Last but not least, keeping the surfers in mind, G-Shock debuts the new G-LIDE series which features every possible function a rider can ask for– self-charging, Tough Solar Power, self-adjusting multi-band time 6 atomic timekeeping, shock resistance, water resistance, world time, multi-function alarm and more.
Check out the upcoming G-Shock models to hit retailers and racks soon, and stay tuned for more Casio timepiece news to follow!

2010年9月25日 星期六

Incipio Linq keeps the iPod nano watch craze going with $25 'carrying solution'

Did you find the iLoveHandles iPod nano wrist strap a little bit too restrained? Never fear, Incipio has served up this new Linq case, which swells up the 6th-gen nano with an ostentatiously rugged shell, a velcro strap, and a couple of daring new color options. Whether you're a fan of baby pink or macho blue, there will be a Linq... just for you. Damn, you can build a whole advertising campaign around that. Anyhow, this new take on the iWatch concept will be available early next month for $25 with additional straps setting you back another $10. Or you can just buy a real watch -- the choice, as always, is yours.

2010年9月23日 星期四

Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch will be on sale by end of 2010




It's always good to see a concept, particularly one as appealing as Seiko's "active matrix" E Ink watch, make it to retail product. The company's had a thing for E Ink timepieces for a while  now, but what sets this new one apart is the supposed 180-degree viewing angle it affords -- and, of course, those retro good looks do it no harm either. Then there's also the radio-controlled movement, which receives its time from the nearest atomic clock, and the solar cells framing that electrophoretic display. All very nice and neat, but the best news is that it might (might!) be priced within reach of regular Joes and Vlads like us. We'll know soon enough, a retail release is expected by the end of the year.

2010年8月30日 星期一

The Mutewatch Begs to be Touched

We’ve seen high-concept watches  that are interesting, but the inevitable realization dawns that it takes ten minutes and vector calculus just to figure out what time it is. Mutewatch is different, its touch-based design actually makes it more…useful.
Gone are the days of trying to remember which buttons to press; the Mutewatch uses a simple swipe interface to activate the screen and toggle through alarm, timer, and clock functions. The alarm vibrates rather than creating a loud ruckus and is deactivated by pinching the watch. Pre-orders are available now in white, gray or red color options for €19 (~$25), which will be deducted from the full €199 (~$260) price when it ships

Tokyo Flash’s “Night Vision” Watch Might Be Their Most Readable Yet

There are just 26 days left for people to vote on whether the Night Vision  concept watch should be put into production. I vote YES, if only because it’s their easiest-reading yet. Don’t believe me? Check it out:
Admittedly, at first I thought the 12 bars around the perimeter disappeared, depending on the hour. So, if it was 4 o’clock, only four bars would be visible. But then, I looked closer—and saw that actually, each bar around the edge corresponds to the location on an ordinary analogue clock. So, in this case, it’s 3 o’clock—and the minutes are spelled out in the middle, in digital form.
So far, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5, so there’s a very good chance Tokyo Flash will create it. Still—best to cast your vote to help it along, anyway


Gridlock Concept Watch Not as Complicated as It Looks

With an face that seems ripped right out of Star Trek’s LCARS, you’d think the Gridlock is yet another Tokyoflash watch that’s nigh-impossible to read, but you’d be wrong. It’s actually quite simple once you figure out the hook.
The face is divided into two sections: the circle-like part and the box-filled matrix. The circle is the hour, and is displayed just like an analog watch. The matrix is split vertically, with the two halves showing minutes. See? Simple:


Concept watches for ODM shown off

Michael Young designed some concept watches for ODM. The reverse watches look pretty and weird at the same time because you can’t really tell the time with one look.
The watches have got no hands just some backlight on the side.
Watches are available in different colors black, gray, olive green, and coral red.

Casio G-SHOCK 2010 August Watches

CASIO G-SHOCK update their incoming line of watches for the month of August, 2010. Some pre-existing themes have been re-introduced including a “Matte Black Red Eye” pack seen over less popular styles, the AW-591ML-1AJF and the G-300ML-1AJF. Two tonal “Crazy Colors” DW-6900s also enter August’s release scheme, represented by blue and red colors.








Neon Genesis Evangelion x G-Shock GA-110

Never expect GA-110 will be made in this way, a collaboration of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Casio is really doing something this year to make all new models appealing. All fans must be alert and get ready to get your hands on one of these.