Cosmo King~the last Monarch

Why the last Monarch??? This is the last batch of Titoni Cosmo King with the look of Rolex oyster. Since the era of Felca, Titoni Cosmo King has been sticking to this oyster look with few minor modifications. After 1995, Titoni ditched this design completely and give new model a total face lift.

This batch of Cosmo King used the 25 jewels ETA 2834-2 (day-date) and 2824 movement (day). It comes with scratch proof sapphire crystal and the gold is 10 micron gold plated. It also has the Rolex screw down crown feature. During late 1990's this watch is retailing somewhere between RM700-1,000. I really think is value for money and I still prefer this old looking Cosmo King.

This is the full gold model.....

62 Grand Seiko; 6246-9001

My dearest 62Grand Seiko Day and Date

Grand Seiko Diashock Automatic Caliber 6246-9001: This is one of the rarest Grand Seiko. A total number of 19,800 pieces were produced at that time. It is highly sought after in Japan and according to a reliable source, it can fetch as high as 200,000 Yen (about US$ 2000) for one in mint condition. Another variant of this watch is Caliber 6245 which only carries date function. (Abstract from: Dr. Wayne Lee)

This 6246 was produced on 1966 at Suwa Seikosha and was the second "GS" automatic model. 6246 was originally sold as a Seikomatic Chronometer but because of Chronometer appeal, the name was changed to 62Grand Seiko. Therefore, 6246A movement has Seiko internal GS standard official approval.

6246A movement has 39 jewels and has slow amplitude of 19800 beats per hour. Compared to other GSs, there were differences in the position of crown and case design. Because only a few were produced, so it is difficult to find one in good working condition today. Glad that I have both 6245 and 6246 in my collection now.

Titoni Race King ~ Vintage Chronograph

Titoni Race King Valjoux 7734

Finally a Race King in my hands..... Not that I am wearing it... simply touching and observing it, is enough to give me great satisfaction. I bought this through an ebay auction. After a much anticipated wait, the watch arrived 4 days later from Thailand. It is a stunning piece of art. The case, the dial, the movement is of original. The bracelet is also original Titoni, but I cannot confirm whether it is initially mean for this watch.

Influenced by the retro design of the 1970s, Titoni creates a man's watch with a stopwatch function and speedometer (Ref. 3000RK). Certain features of the watch's design recall the first robots produced in Japan in the 1950's. The looks of the "Race King" emphasise its technically complex inner workings in an authentic manner.

The dial of the race king employed a so-called styling in which it was a matter of either concealing or emphasizing the characteristic mechanical features of an article. Through the T-shaped arrangement of the dial suggestive of a sports car steering wheel, to evoke a sense of speed. (Abstract from Titoni of Switzerland 90th Anniversary: Passages of Time).

This Titoni Race King is powered by a 17 jewels Inclaboc Valjoux 7734 movement. It is a hand winding complicated watch with 5 hands. The chronograph 45 minutes register is at 3 o'clock position; 9 o'clock is the subsidiary second hand. Date at 6 o'clock is with red coloured numerals, adding contrast to the dial.

Despite the age of this watch; it is still a very fine sportive watch by today standard. It is truly a Titoni classic, a must have for all titoni collectors.

First King Seiko

King Seiko K5155~Birth of a King

This is the earliest version of King Seiko (1st-model) produced in 1963 by Daini Seikosha Co, Japan. This was in conjunction or as internal rivalry with the production of 1st model Grand Seiko in the early 1960's by Suwa Seikosha Co.

The latter version of 1st-model has metal emblem in upper side of the dial and narrower indexes. This watch was acquired from South Korea. Inside this King Seiko K5155 is a manual winding mechanism with 25 jewels. The watch is make of stainless steel and is with original dial and original crown.

At the back is an engraved shield with a royal crown in the middle, symbolizing the majestic of King Seiko in the Japanese watch making industry. Personal opinion; how come it does somewhat look like a symbol of Switzerland and Rolex logo???

Apart from Seiko GS and KS

I will try to introduce a few of high quality vintage japanese watches. These watches are of good craftmanship and value... somemore they do not come with the heavy price tag as a GS or KS. They are classic in their own right....

Seiko Weekdater 6218-8971

Japanese made 35 jewels automatic. Circa 1960's or early 70's. Highly likely before the era of Grands and Kings. This model is particularly rare and to get one in such a tiptop condition is quite difficult. I kind of suspecious whether 6218 is a similar movement used in 62'Grand Seiko (6246)?????

Grand Seiko 5645-7010

Just received this watch from a friend in Japan via EMS speedmail. It looks new and minty. No scratch, no sign of wear and no sign of aging at all.... Which makes me wonder what is this watch doing for the last quarter of the century???

GS 5645-7010 used a high grade 25 jewels high beats (28,800 Vph) seiko in house movement adjusted to 5 positions and 3 temperature settings. This watch was made in 1973.... Even more elderly than I.... Luckily it is made of stainless steel with plastic crystal top. At the screw down back there is a "GS" signed gold medalion showing off the majestic might of Seiko's superiority.

New Grand Seiko 9S55: New GS, new benchmark

9S55-0010, the contemporary basic model of New Grand Seiko range... The most affordable and popular. An alternative choice for those who don't want an ordinary Rolex or Omega. New GS standard is said to be tougher than the Swiss Chronometer test. Seiko puts extreme efforts in assuring the accuracy of 9S55 movement (-2 to +5sec per day). The 26 jewels calibre beating at 28,800 per hour is adjusted to 6 positions and temperature. The movement is highly polished and decorated. Below is a picture taken by Mr. John Davis from pmwf to show the beauty within a Grand Seiko.



The watch is ergonomically design to fit the wrist of the user; therefore it is relatively comfortable to wear. Sometime you won't notice there is a watch on your wrist at all. The sapphire glass is anti reflective coated and it gives a pleasant view of the watch from any angles.
Looking at the case and the bracelet you will appreciate the amounts of work and time Seiko master watchmakers invest in. All areas of the watch case and bracelet is carefully hand polished and satin brushed. This is a beautiful masterpiece with no luminous material used on the dial and hands. The fine polished hands and indices of the Grand Seiko sparkle like diamonds. This makes reading of time relatively easy even under dim light.

Looking at the back case, you can be assured that Seiko taking care of the very fine details in this watch. Consider the time and craftmanship, this watch is worth every penny that you paid for. I am certainly a satisfied customer on this one. In short, Grand Seiko 9S55 is a distinctive fine watch to have.