No 381 - Victorinox I.N.O.X. Sky High

If you have seen the videos of the I.N.O.X. you know that this is a true tool watch. For me it was impossible to ignore this timepiece even though I must admit I didn’t love it the first time I saw it. I actually discarded it as a rather ugly creation. But the more I learned about its features, all the tests it had to withstand during its development, this ugly duckling grew into a something beautiful I became to love. The I.N.O.X. is the definition of a tool watch. 

#381 - The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Sky High limited edition, ref: 241772.1

This is actually happens to be my third I.N.O.X. My two first were the classic black dialed version on the black rubber and I must admit it felt kind of weird to have polished details on a watch like that. I knew that obviously it was capable of taking a hit but I didn’t want to expose the glass ring to any unnecessary scratches if I didn’t have to. So when the titanium version was released with its gray bead-blasted finish it felt like a much better way to present the I.N.O.X. I was about to buy one of the Ti's but then suddenly the Carbon version came along and I immediately decided I wanted that one. But then I waited a little too long and when I finally came back into the I.N.O.X. mode again I discovered that the Sky High had been released and then it was love at first sight. I loved everything about it. Its looks, all the cool accessories and of course the whole space concept. The fact that it was limited also made it much more interesting than the others. 

Unfortunately it was impossible to find a used one, because the watch had just been released, so I had to find a good deal on a new one. I considered this watch as potential keeper material so I figured it was worth it to pay a little extra if it was as good as I hoped. The choice fell on Gnomon Watches who first of all had this watch to a very competitive price but also their service is outstanding. I love the feeling of ordering stuff from halfway around the world on a Friday to then get it delivered on Monday morning. Fantastic!

This watch was just as cool as I expected. But as soon as I got it I was thinking “hmm… I wonder how the Carbon version would have felt…” I know, I’m seriously damaged. Luckily my beer brewing buddy Billy got turned on by it so I sold it to him. We now have 33% of our brewing crew wearing I.N.O.X.’s and we will reach 44% as soon as I get a hold of the Carbon. And yes, of course I’m aiming for 100%!

The Naimakka paracord strap. Super comfortable to wear and really cool. Made from a special fibre used in the space industry that is eight times stronger than steel. How awesome is that?

Just so you know, all the pictures in this post were taken by Billy who is a much better photographer than I’ll ever be. So please don’t think that those kind of quality photos is something you’re going to get used to in the future because then I’d have to hire him. No, you’ll just have to cope with my crappy cellphone photos for upcoming posts 😊

I will be back with more posts about the Victorinox I.N.O.X.’s, trust me. I'm not done here. Perhaps I'll the write a little more about the watch's features and the whole concept around it the next time. I haven't really exposed any of the watches I've owned to the kind of test they deserve so perhaps it's time to get a little more creative? It's a tempting thought. I've really only got one complaint that I need to address, that to me is a quite crucial point, and that is the weak lume. Why? I just don't get it. I really hope future I.N.O.X. editions will have more and stronger lume.

 

© All pictures by @billybjorling unless noted.

No 385 - CWC 1980 Royal Navy Divers Reissue

It has been time to once more travel back from the past and return to the present! I just couldn't wait writing about this watch.

It was in the middle of May when CWC announced that they were making a reissue of their first automatic dive watch. I contacted them directly with a “sign me up!” and then the wait began. The first estimated delivery was July and I immediately put the watch as number one on my list of watches to buy. Then in the beginning of June, Jason Heaton wrote this great article for Hodinkee and nothing else except for this watch was interesting anymore. This was going to be my Exit watch.

But July was postponed to August and August became "sometime later this year". So I started to purchase other watches and fell back into my regular flipping pace, and then I started the Tactical Diver project and forgot about the reissue completely. Then last week I suddenly received an e-mail from CWC saying that the watch was arriving any day now and asking me if there was a certain serial number I would be interested in. Hell. Yeah.

My watch was sent on October the 17^th and showed up yesterday on the 18^th. Instead of heading home to my family directly after work I took a small detour and went down by the water, to sit down on a park bench, where I could open up the package in peace and quiet, while the sun was setting down in the sea. I was going to savor this moment.

The black CWC watch roll inside the tin can case together with the certificate.

#385 - The CWC 1980 Royal Navy Divers Reissue. Straight out of the box (Okay okay! I did set the hands to ten past ten because it looked better).

The watch was delivered in its regular tin can with the white paper cover (I wouldn’t want it any other way). The only new feature was a black leather watch roll inside the case that held the watch which was a nice touch. 

Jeez Louise! What a beauty! I sat starring at it for a while, feeling the clicks of the bezel, listening carefully to the sound of the movement being wound manually, and just forgot about time even though a was holding it my hands. Suddenly I noticed the daylight fading rapidly. "Oh no, Instagram!" I quickly put the watch on my wrist, snapped a few photos of it in the little light that was left before the sun had completely set, and then I hurried home.

Taken in the setting sun.

Many have asked me “£2000, was it really worth it?” and all I can say is that I’m super happy and love it so I guess for me it was.

I will continue to update this post with new pictures and thoughts as this watch will accompany me through my everyday life. I just felt I had to share this with you while it was fresh instead of trying to look back on this moment in two years. 

From yesterday.

Taken this morning while waiting for the bus.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

The CWC Tactical Diver project

Dear readers,

I’m so excited and honored to announce that the Cabot Watch Company have offered me to do a limited run of dive watches. There is no secret that I truly love CWC so the fact that this project is happening is really a big deal for me. I will give you a more thorough review regarding the design and the all the details  when the watch later will be presented here on the blog but basically what I have done is to compile all my favorite attributes and put them into the one watch I love the most; the CWC RN Quartz Diver. Only 20 watches will be manufactured so this limited edition will be quite unusual.

The CWC Limited Edition Tactical Diver prototype with T-dial. The final product will have a L-dial with Superluminova.

Since I announced this project on Instagram just a few days ago, more than half of the watches have already been booked by CWC fans who were so eager to show their interest even though I officially hadn’t gone out and communicated that I was accepting pre-orders. So if you want one just send me an e-mail or drop me a DM on Instagram. The watches are expected to arrive in January 2018. 

Specifications:

• My favorite case design from CWC’s classic RN Diver. The classic Monnin case has really become my favorite of all dive watch designs.
• Destro-version with the crown at 9 O’clock. To ease the back of your wrist from the crown.
• Bead blasted steel case. For a more tactical feel.
• PVD details such as the bezel and crown. For an even more tactical feel.
• My favorite dial design. Legible, classic and clean.
• Nodate. I know, sometimes I hate not having a date but it gives a much cleaner look.
• L-dial with lots of C3 Superluminova. Makes most sense on a modern dive watch.
• Screw down crown and case back. A deal breaker without those two features.
• 300m water resistance. Suitable for everyday activities such as underwater mine clearance or wreck diving.
• 60-click bezel. Keeping it old school. I simply prefer the feeling of a 60-click.
• ETA 955.122 quartz movement with EOL indicator. Reliable and always good to go.
• Fixed spring bars. The sign of a true tool watch!
• Mineral crystal. I love the look it gets after a while from being used. It feels alive.
• Limited to 20pcs. Each individually numbered.
• Price: To be confirmed (it’s going to be reasonable). 

This project have almost made me lose interest in other watches. This watch will really have all the features that I desire the most. Wearing the prototype just confirms that to me every day. It is just awesome! The specs are pretty much finalized but there might be room for some minor changes. I will be updating this post with any confirmed changes and keep checking back and keep an eye out on Instagram for more pictures and any new announcements. 

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

Up and running again!

Oh my God! It took me quite some time but all broken links have now been repaired. Man, this whole Photobucket business was almost driving me insane but now finally all is back to normal and I’ve gotten rid of those scumbags. Some posts like the CWC SBS Quartz Diver, the CWC RN Quartz Diver and the Seiko 7C43’s have also been recently updated with their latest additions along the way. I’ve even managed to scrape together a few new posts and in just a couple of days I will post something I’ve been working on lately that I think is really exciting and that I have been looking forward to very much to officially announce. Perhaps you’ve already caught a glimpse on Instagram?

So keep checking back now a little more often as I intend to speed up the posting. I also plan to post some more fresh content to mix it up a little instead of just looking back into the past. 

A huge thank you to all faithful readers! Your encouragement is what drives and motivates me.

No 261 - Seiko SUN021

I had only had one Kinetic watch before giving the SUN021 a try and that was the SKA511. I should have known better but somehow the color combination of the SUN021 appealed to me and it was enough to win me over. But man, if I thought that the SKA511 (which was about 43-44mm) felt big I can tell you that the SUN021 was an absolute monster on the wrist with its 48mm. It didn’t feel nothing like wearing a Tuna. I mean, Tuna’s can be big without feeling clumsy. This one only felt heavy and awkward. I’m not going to go in on too many details about it but the Kinetic feature didn’t do it for me this time either. It was an ugly and uncomfortable watch and it did absolutely nothing for me.

#261 - The Seiko SUN021 Kinetic Diver.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

No 259 - Casio G-Shock DW-8201WC-2T

My first Frogman. Bought back in July 2015. Now I finally understood what G-Shocks were all about. They were about the Frogman’s! They really are the coolest and the most badass watches in the G-Shock line-up. Because of their screw down caseback they give a much more professional feel to them. Being much more expensive than regular G-Shock’s is definitely contributing to the feeling of being a better product as well (I know, I’m that easy to fool!). I actually took for granted that the Frogman was going to have a built-in depth-meter and was quite disappointed that it didn't. I thought that might be the reason for the higher price but I guess the price only has to do with a different construction. The latest Frogman's do come with a depth-meter though but the price also tripled. I'm doing my best trying to motivate myself to get one but I'm not quite there yet.

#259 - The Casio G-Shock DW-8201WC-2T. My first Frogman. Not in the original color combination.

Due to being modified this one came very cheap. Originally it was supposed to have an all clear see-through resin case with a blue print but apparently it is quite common that these see-through cases fade towards a yellowish tone over time. Therefore it has become very popular do re-dye these cases in various color combinations. This one had been given a nice ocean turquoise tone and its letters had been painted yellow. It looked awesome and had a nice summer vibe to it. It was released in the summer of 1998 as a limited edition in a collaboration with the W.C.C.S. (World Coral-reef Conservation Society). The limited edition Frogman’s are highly sought after among collectors and the price you have to pay for the old cool discontinued models makes you don’t want to use them because the minute you do its value just plunges. Buying expensive NOS to collect and cheap second-hand for actual use would be my recommendation.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

No 257 & 258 - Casio G-Shock DW-6900

Funny G-Shocks. I absolutely love them! The more crazy-looking the better. Like I’ve written before: they are like drugs and once you start you only want more and it quickly becomes a habit. Here are two examples of G-shock's I bought just for fun right before going on vacation two years ago. I wasn’t looking for a G-Shock with any high-tech features, I just wanted something durable that would tell me the time. I was more focused on something with a cool look that would pop and I ended up with these two. The golden one made me look like I tried to want to be a rapper and the crocodile skin version looked like it had received a really bad STD. Both of them eventually ended up with my friend Leben when he also was in the need of a cheap beater. First he took the crocodile I think but somehow he lost it after a while. Then he took the golden one but in some mysterious way he managed to lose that one as well. 

#257 & 258 - Seen to the left. The green DW-6900CR-3D and the golden DW-6900GD-9D. More about the Frogman and the Navihawk in upcoming posts.

G-shock’s doesn’t always have to be expensive but the cheaper they are they usually lack some of the more necessary features. To me Multi-band and Tough Solar features have become two features that are essential when buying a G-shock.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

No 256 - Seiko SBDC005

Did I really need to give the Seiko Sumo another go? Absolutely not. The second I opened up the box I said to myself “oh no, why?”

Alright, so it was orange. The orange faced Seiko’s have been proven to become quite uncommon as soon as they’ve been discontinued. The orange Sumo perhaps haven’t received a rare status yet, and perhaps it never will, but it is definitely more uncommon than the black and blue versions. So when I found one really cheap I just had to, as always, give it a try.

#256 - The Seiko Sumo SBDC005.

But it’s just too big. And it’s ugly. I don’t like the case, nor the bezel or its insert, not the font on the dial, not the 12 hour marker, not the bracelet. The list goes on and I’m just going to leave it at that…

...almost…

Recently there was a Zimbe version released, the SRPB055J, which had a dial that faded from black to blue, purple bezel insert, golden hands and crown, and with a PVD treated case and bracelet.  And it looked awesome! So weird that it became awesome. But it was way too expensive. Otherwise I might would have want to reconsider trying out the Sumo yet one more time.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.

No 255 - Rolex Submariner 14060M

Let me take you back to the spring of 2015. This is where I made my final attempt trying to find a keeper for myself.

OK, so the first true keeper attempt (the JLC Reverso that I wore when I got married) was a failure. And the Explorer II that replaced it was also sold. How on earth could another Rolex then be the answer in my search for a lifelong keeper? I remember reasoning something like "the nodate Submariner being an icon that set a standard among dive watches and that the four lined COSC version in my opinion was one of the most clean looking newer dive watches you could possibly get your hands on". And everything about is perfect. I still think so. But the fact of wearing a Rolex finally killed me. I was lost in the vast sea among all other Rolex wearers and became anonymous. I’m pretty sure I have explained this feeling writing about Rolex in the past but I had never felt it so strong before. The feeling of “being stuck” with this Submariner for life was horrible (I know, boohoo, what a silly "problem" but you know what I mean). I was of course hoping that this watch would cure me from the watch flipping madness but instead it just made me realize even more that I’m far beyond from being saved. And believe me when I say I tried. I tried so god damn hard. But it was impossible. It didn’t matter that the money from the watch was originally the money from the Reverso that my wife gave me. Keepers just aren’t for me and that’s it. No need to try anymore. A hopeless case of a kid in denial.

#255 - The Rolex Submariner nodate COSC, ref.14060M.

 

I think I really learned my lesson this time. I haven’t owned a Rolex since I sold this one back in the summer of 2016 and the thought of buying another one haven't even crossed my mind. I had it for almost 18 months and it really was my main watch during this time. I tried to spice it up with a Rubber B, which I think suited it great, and sometimes I threw it on a nato strap, but it wasn’t enough to make it more interesting. The watch said nothing about my true passion for watches. No watches beyond this point were ever bought for myself as promised keepers. Some have instead been bought as potential keepers but with the option to sell if not satisfied. Great solution, huh? I'm a frikkin' genius!

Here’s a bunch of random wrist shots from during the time that the Submariner was my number one watch.

On my way to work riding the bus.

Riding that bus again.

Guess what I'm doing here!

That's right, on the bus again! Reading Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving. Great book!

Did you know Nike made special running sweaters custom made to fit Rolex?

Out for a walk around the Royal Djurgården Park in Stockholm.

The classic ten past ten shot that you always try to score.

On a gray nato. Didn't have a Phoenix available at the moment. Would have been much better.

Really good on the Rubber B.

Taken in the car this time believe it or not.

With the camo sweater on ready to go hunting! (actually I was in the grocery store..)

I know you weren’t reading this post expecting a history lesson about the Submariner. Neither were you interested in reading about its specifications because 99% of you already know that. No, that’s not what this blog is about and you know that as well. Instead I tried to share some feelings that perhaps (hopefully!) I’m not the only one having. I hope that there’s at least a few others who can relate to what I’m describing and if so it might be nice to know that you are not alone out there. And to all of you who still enjoy reading this blog without thinking that I’m crazy, this blog is for you!

At the bus station in the fall of 2015. Had my Don Felder 70's look going on here.

A couple of days later when the long hair was gone and beard had been trimmed down.

The final picture of it before it was sold.

© All pictures by a Watch Flipper's Diary unless noted.