Beautiful Citizens

I've always been damn impressed by Citizen's dial details. Here's the gorgeous Bullhead chrono...



And a limited edition top-of-the-line Campanola... quartz or not, these watches are beautiful! Photos taken from Higuchi.

Seiko 5 40th Anniversary Divers Titanium

The rumoured new Seiko 5 40th Anniversary titanium model finally makes its appearance. Me thinks, at USD600+, it's a bit pricey for a lowly 7S36 movement with sapphire.



You can view comparo shots and more details at Chronograph's forums.

Zahim Albakri's Double Shot

Yesterday I was on the verge of falling ill but since I bought tickets for this show, I went anyway. It's brilliant - one of Zahim Albakri's best performances and another gem from Krishen Jit and Huzir Sulaiman.

JLC and KL fashion week

Had the pleasure of attending the KL Fashion Week launch sponsored by Jaeger Le Coultre. I was invited courtesy of The Purists. Here we have the MD of JLC for SEA making his speech (I know his name but I don't know the spelling).

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Since the event was also to coincide with the JLC Ideale launch, here we have the artistic designer of the watch.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Then we have the beauteous Elaine Daly hosting/emcee-ing the whole event...

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

This was the nicely decorated entrance tunnel to the event, held on the rooftop on the yet to be completed Avenue K.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

A crappy shot of the JLC Ideale, the star of the night.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

The designer (again, another person I'm not going to attempt at spelling his name) jamming with Greg Lyons and gang on the sax.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

I had several shots of the EXTREMELY gorgeous models on the runway parading the creations of the KL big 6 but unfortunately, they were all crappy. I should have brought my DSLR. Sigh.

Funny quote on Travel Sick

As Travel Sick's Grub Smith was chomping down hotdogs in a hotdog challenge, he narrated, "I was stuffing my face at a velocity rarely seen on porn videos put on fast forward." Those Englishmen really have a way with words!

If you have yet to catch this crazy show, remember to catch it next time every Wednesday night 10pm on Channel [V]!

It's snowing.... in some places...

Thanks to a heads up from Mike's blog...

Phoenix Park, which I visited early in 2004, already opened their skiiing season with man-made snow. It'll have to do until snow falls later in December...

Ah the memories...

Kalbi at Jung Won

Kalbi at Jung Won in the Korean Village again. Those who know me know how much I love this dish... yum!

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Honey Bee Cafe SS2

Honey Bee Cafe... a newly opened place in SS2. We stumbled upon it while looking for a place to yamcha late Saturday night (Yen and I).

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

We ordered a bunch of stuff... some half eaten samples here... sausage cheese roll, cola magic pop ice blended, waffle with ice cream, assam laksa, yam rice, soups, some tong yuen... really a lot for 3 people (Ram joined us after Yen went to pick her up).

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Here's a shot of some customers having fun in their special VW Beetle table in the middle of the cafe.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

All in all, I found the drinks to be quite nice but the food needs some improvement.

Some superb Citizen quartz chronos

All photos taken from Worldlux. Some gorgeous specimens from Citizen with the 5700 calibre... excellent Eco-drive with some really nice complications... and really affordable too!



A closer look at one of the 5700s



Another dial colour... two tone!



The famous large dialled Citizen Nighthawks. Love that PVD version (the left one).



Shots of the Citizen calibre 8700 chronos now... lovely lovely!!!



A closer shot



Another one...



A blue dial 8700... just as gorgeous!

Good Luck James

James is leaving Seoul and returning to Canada. I wish him all the best! Too bad we could not make it to Sexy Bar!

ETA ordered to supply competitors

What surprising news... the Swiss Competition Commission has ordered ETA (owned by Swatch Group) to continue supplying their movements to Swatch Group competitors. Funny how it reflects judgements passed on Microsoft across the Atlantic.

You can read it HERE.

Friday dinnertime

Ah Friday evening... my favourite time of the week... especially when there is no traffic jam on the way home. Too bad I had to face an asshole on the road (with a Johor plate - that state really has some demented drivers) and I had to give him the finger. Anyway, I wanted to do some shopping for my housemoving and ended in Jusco's Home Centre. While I was there, I whiffed the familiar fragrance of assam laksa so I investigated and found myself at Home Centre's cafe. Unfortunately, the staff didn't seem bothered to serve me so I fled to Mark's Assam Laksa instead (next to Johnny's Thai Steamboat - funny how they all have their owner's name). Here's a view of the service counter where you decide and place your order.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

So here's their chiew pai (specialty) i.e. the assam laksa. I've eaten at this place several times before but I think lately their gravy has become a bit watery (and the bits of fish quite inconsistent).

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Knowing me, the assam laksa would be insufficient, so I ordered a plain nasi lemak with a fried egg and some curry on the side. This was much better (although the boiled egg was a bit dry).

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Breitling Colt GMT

The new Breitling Colt GMT... I think it was launched last June. Anyway, I tried on the black dial today... at approx RM5700 after discount, this is among the best buys for a high quality automatic GMT. The version with the very cool steel bracelet can be seen HERE. Can you see the slanted links? Very cool.

Been reading a few reviews on the watch and owners seem to agree that the watch is definitely a better buy than the Rolex GMT Master II or the Explorer II due to it being more user friendly and the watch definitely feels like it has better build quality (it's a really hefty piece of steel 500m rated!). I cannot disagree. You can read more owner impressions of the lovely watch at WatchUSeek.



If you want one, you better be quick. This new model and the new Superocean Steelfish (I highlighted it HERE) are selling like hotcakes in the US and Europe (and in some places, you have to be put on waiting list).

The Incredibles

The Incredibles fever is on! Children everywhere can sleep better... These are the display booths at 1 Utama to commemorate the Pixar movie.



A closer view of the large display sponsored by Epson.

KoreanDVDs discount coupon

Korean DVDs is having a Christmas promo on their DVDs. I've shopped at their site several times already and they are not only reliable but also prompt. The discounts are great and are applicable for all DVDs (not only Korean movies). Check it out HERE! Please remember to include my reference number thread0019473106 when you make a purchase so that I get further discounts too!

If you need coupons to be emailed to your inbox directly, just email me and ask for one!

Take one hammer...

A link providing an insight into the great mind of George Daniels, the inventor of the co-axial escapement used in some of the newer models of Omega. His invention is also acknowledged to be one of the most important ones in the past century. A great read HERE!

Congratulations to new watch owners!

Congratulations on 2 friends who bought the following watches respectively. You know who you are!

The Breitling Superocean Steelfish



The Tissot Le Locle



Both wonderful specimens of quality watchmaking.

Winners at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve

Ilia posted the link of the winners at the WatchUSeek forum...

Have a look HERE!

Mikael from Ikea

I bought the Mikael computer desk from Ikea... decently priced at RM345, I decided to take the afternoon to assemble it. It was a daunting task but I was up to it. Here you see some of the parts coming together.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Here you see the bottom module ready.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

The final completed product. While the material was lacking in quality, the machining work was quite good. I managed to fit the pieces in quite well and was pleasantly surprised.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Seiko Brightz Retrograde

2 beautiful specimens from the Seiko Brightz range. Both using the 4S27 retrograde automatic movement and both offering stunning design and build quality. Photos are again from Katsu-san of Higuchi.



This one has a sapphire display back!

Grand Seiko GMT SBGM001

The utterly beautiful Grand Seiko GMT SBGM001. One of my dreams watches. At USD3600, it's pretty pricey and I would not be sure to buy this over the Rolex GMT Master II or Explorer II. Nevertheless, it's beauty is flawless to me. Enjoy this photo and the other photos by Katsu-san of http://www.higuchi-inc.com



Pic2
Pic3
Pic4

Oakley's are cool

Oakley's Chop Top 2.0 titanium... I finally went back to using Oakley's for my prescription glasses. I used to use them but got fed up with Oakley's back then, spare parts were scarce. To top it all off, the glasses were really uncomfortable for my fat head.

So, in between, I bought a pair from Focus Point. Let me tell you about Focus Point glasses... the in-house frames are decent but the in-house lenses are crap... horrible coating that is not durable but expensive!

That said, when I tried these Oakley's, I was happy with the weight of titanium and the colour was excellent (polished brown). I could never wear a pair of Silhouettes (or any rimless brand) as the frames are too thin and I like my frames to contrast with my face.

I got them from Reliance at Bangsar which is truly an institution when it comes to optical wear. The place is perpetually crowded but the service is excellent. Huge range of the latest models. Furthermore, you see local celebs and models patronizing the place. But you know what's the best part of it all? Their prices are not expensive at all! Really competitive.

Bibik Express, Ikano Foodcourt

Upon recommendation from the AW forums, I went to try the Bibik Express at Ikano. I ordered 3 dishes.

The otak otak was quite good... spices were sufficient and it had a solid piece of fish beneath the rempah. I would have prefered the fish to be spread/broken up within the rempah though (instead of just a solid piece). The fish was fresh and I consider this to be above average but another wish would be that the spices were not so finely ground (by blender).

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Then I had the paitee (top hats). I liked the combination of colours. They had this aspect right with the fried shallots, spring onion and chilli bits. However, the texture was not quite right. I have yet to find paitee in KL that had the right crunchy textures. This is because the paitee did not have cucumbers or taugeh (not that I could taste any) and the mengkuang was cooked too soft (but lacked caramelization). The shells were freshly fried but the chili was extremely disappointing because their cili cuka (vinegared chilli) had neither umph nor taste. Still, I whacked this platter within minutes.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

My main course for quite predictably the Malacca nyonya laksa. What I liked about their version - the sambal was good... and necessary to flavour the gravy. It looked a lot like the pictures on the wall. The gravy was thick and had almost the right taste. The crunchy texture was also present thanks to taugeh and the cucumber strips. What I did not like about their laksa? No omellette strips (they gave half a boiled egg instead). The gravy lacked some ingredients or did not have enough of it (causing it to lack a bit of kick). I must repeat that the sambal was necessary to give the gravy the extra bit of taste. If they gave you the sambal belacan with the laksa, please tell them to give you the right one instead.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

I love Ikea, I hate Ikea

Had to go shopping at Ikea for specific space-saving solutions... I must say that I love Ikea because of excellent ideas and really cool looking designs that are very functional. Lots of pretty women around too!

However, I must say I hate Ikea for the following reasons...

1) Stupid kids on their bloody Heelys making a nuisance of themselves
2) Bloody ah-sos who block the path of my trolley
3) Slow pokes who block the path of my trolley

And to add to that, it's Hari Raya... why the hell is the Ikea in Klang Valley crowded? Don't these people have somewhere else to go holiday and leave me to shop in peace?

To top it all, I have to go there again soon as I could not get everything I wanted (small car could not possibly fit the drawers I eyed).

South Pacific Restaurant Happy Hour

South Pacific Restaurant... since they're having their annual happy hour promo, we decided to head there for some seafood!

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

The lobster steamed in chinese wine and herbs... RM98 for 800 grams of solid crustacean goodness!

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The patin steamed teochew style (with sour plum and salted vegetables) - RM33. Not too appropriate for the patin (river catfish) though. Yen loved the blubber! We also ordered some asparagus cooked in belacan but the portion was small and not worth mentioning. All this plus 4 bowls of rice and 4 glasses of orange juice between Yen and me heheh... note that all prices are happy hour prices.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Breakfast

Preserved orange drink from Wongkok Char Chan Teng (Hongkong-style Mongkok coffee shop) for breakfast. They typically serve it in large beakers... and I had it along with a bowl of ham noodles. The cili padi is of course for the noodles.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Omega Moon To Mars Speedmaster Pro

The new Limited Edition Moon To Mars Speedmaster 3577.50.00 with another Lemania handwind 1861 Omega Calibre. Very cool and a good companion to the recent 35th Anniversary Apollo 11 Omega Speedmaster (photo courtesy of Besview). However, a worrying trend if Omega continues to churn out LEs like nobody's business!



Read more about recent and upcoming Omega Speedmaster releases here...

Seiko Criteria 2005 pocket calendar and Happy Deeparaya!

Cheng Ekin smiling at me from the Seiko 2005 Pocket calendar given to me by the salesgirl of City Chain KLCC as I was browsing through their new display booth on the concourse level.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

That said, I'd like to wish all Hindus and Muslims a Happy Deeparaya! As such, it's a holiday for us in Malaysia on 11th Nov, 15th Nov and 16th Nov.

BabeKL has excellent explanations on this festive occasion...

http://babeinthecitykl.blogspot.com/2004/11/have-blessed-deeparaya.html

La Bodega Tengkat Tongshin

The bar at La Bodega Tengkat Tongshin. We had adjourned here after a heavy but wonderful Peranakan dinner at the Nyonya restaurant nearby. Ordered a couple of mojitos and 1 platter of serrano ham and some sauteed mushrooms each. A lovely end to the evening (unless I decide to go clubbing - how unbecoming of me). By the way, I heard that this La Bodega serves pork where the Bangsar one doesn't. I highly recommend this place. The owner and staff are friendly and attentive. Very cosy and warm joint.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Tracy has an update...

Hot choc from Starbucks

Hot chocolate from Starbucks... not bad... very pretty swirl too!

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

James' foot

James hurt his foot... and at the same time, he quoted what I told him over YM. Have a look at the bottom of this POST. Hahah!

Clear photos of the new Seiko Criteria

An update on my previous post...

The autos...

http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1451
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1453
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1450

The quartz chronos

http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1452
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1456
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli_viewItem.asp?idproduct=1455

Nanta at Shawn's Blog

I read Shawn's Korea Life Blog often and saw his latest post on his experience at Nanta. Have a look HERE!

New Seiko Criteria Range

Please excuse the crappy photos from my camera phone...

The new Seiko Criteria range (probably 2005 range). Comes in 2 variants... automatic and quartz chrono. The automatic is powered by a 7S36A movement. Roughly 36mm diameter. Has a display back but the movement is spartanly decorated. Mineral crystal. Bracelet is solid steel (not folded) and the heft of the watch feels great!

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Here's another shot of the automatics in various colours. You may see that it has a cyclops for the date at 2 o'clock and an aperture for the day at 6 o'clock. I really like the design. Some of the bezels have a striking colour.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Now here are the chronos. They are quartz and have an alarm complication as well. Well made and has similar arrow hands to the automatics. Slight design change from the last Criteria range. There's a red dialled Limited Edition (1000 pieces) for this.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan

Here's a cluttered shot of the white dialled automatic which first caught my eye.

Copyright (c) Kelvin Tan