- Never Stop Dreaming -
Recently while screwing around the net due to too much free time, I found that the old Threezero company based in Hong Kong which had collaborations with Michael Lau that made awesome 1/6 toys had now partnered with an iconic artist, Ashley Wood. If you do not have any idea who this Ashley dude is, WIKI HERE will help you out.
This dude here has got some amazing talent and his paintings are really appealing to me because they are gritty, dark and mysterious. But too bad I found out about this piece of info a bit too late. The partnership bewteen Ashley and Threezero formed a new toy company named 3A which puts out Ashley's concepts and paintings into playthings.
I have a soft spot for gas mask, especially the German M38 series of WWII gas masks or the American "dough boy" ones. Then Ash created the "de Plume" series of 1/6 figures which are all handmade and weathered nicely and they ALL don the iconic gas mask resembling the M38(s). I can only say drooling is what I can do because these figures are released world wide to either 50 or 75 pieces from the Bambaland store. While the store sells them for less than US$250, they were snapped up like withing 2 minutes or sometimes even less. Occasionally, you can find them on Ebay at US$850 or US$1000. I really dig these "de Plume" figures but no way will I fork out that kinda moo neh.
Damn these figures are giving me sleepless nights...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Limited Edition Casio G Shock GW-5000B-1JR + Protector
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Many years ago, the Singapore Armed Forces drafted me into a mandatory service to experience what the big outdoors were like. Then I realized that I was nothing compared to those who make a living out of it, the SPECIAL FORCES from around the world like SAS, GSG-9, SAT, SEALs, SDU, etc.
Since then I became materialistically attached to military grade gear because they last longer, have less colors/brands/tags/designs and are always awesome.
Military watches are not something that I put a lot of priority on the top of the wish list because there are many other alternatives out there.
I was looking particular at formal dress watches like Tag Heuer, Rolex, Citizen or Grand Seiko since I already owned an amazing Casio PRW-1100YTJ-1JF which had all the nifty stuff like barometer, altimeter and thermometer, etc for my geeky needs. Besides, the other watches either lack some night lighting or looked a bit too loud for my subtle style.
Somehow by chance I stumbled upon the classic square design Casio G Shock DW-5600E which was very different from the usual big, bulky G Shocks which a were and still are really ugly in my opinion. I wanted a sleek, low profile and unobnoxious watch that I could easily slip under my shirt's cuffs which I seemed to have a bit of a problem with the PRW-1100 and the 5600 series clearly fitted the bill. Though I had known the existence of the 5600 series, I wasn't all that hyped up about it previously so I didn't really do much research into it. This time round, I started with a plain DW-5600E for reference and sunk deeper thru the various DW(s) and GW(s) for almost a month.
I also found out that the 5600 series was issued to the Navy Seals replacing the Rolex(s) which they used to be issued. The reason for that was because the 5600 series were cheaper to replace, more durable to withstand shocks and water borne operations, lighter and smaller and very stealthy.
Dating back to the original first G Shock DW-5000 right up to the DW-5600C, these affordable watches were crafted with pride in JAPAN like a tank in a "Tuna Can" screw back design to put up to pretty much all forms of abuse. (Keanu Reeves was wearing the TUNA CAN DW-5600C in the first SPEED movie.)
Then Casio decided to change the back casing from the DW-5600E series onwards to a stamped metal plate held by 4 screws against an O ring to seal the gasket against water. Slowly, these watches were being out sourced to various countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
I held back on some of these earlier DW series for reasons like a single incandescent light instead of the blue illuminator back light, the need to replace the batteries, not made in Japan, no atomic calibration and the non-screw back design. The newer GW series had solar chargers and atomic calibration and I was particularly looking at the GW-5600BJ and GW-M5600BJ both in reverse, black LCD display. But I held back again because I wanted the date and day of the week to be displayed at the same time and the non-screw back and "not-made-in-Japan" were also factors to be considered. Though these G Shocks are so much cheaper compared to the other high end watches, I really wouldn't mind paying a little over ￥30,000 just to be comfortable.
Not all convinced yet I examined every lead, clue and detail until I found the newly released GW-5000 on the Japan G Shock site which featured the same screw back design coated in diamond like carbon (DLC), has a solar charger so no need to replace batts, has automatic atomic calibration and is the one of the only few G Shock(s) still made in Japan. Still I wasn't all sold to it because I wanted a G Shock with a reverse display.
Digging further, the GW-5000B-1JR surfaced under scrutiny as a limited edition version only in Japan which wasn't even listed on ANY G Shock sites. Many had dubbed this watch as the possible Holy Grail of the 5600 series. So after many days of pondering and the constant soaring of the prices, I snapped up one and started yet another ordeal to pimp it up. The main difference somewhat minor between the regular GW-5000 and the LE GW-5000B is that the LE version comes in a tin case, has DLC on all four buttons and the strap buckle.
By a stroke of luck, I found and subsequently won an auction for a brand new, out of production G Shock protector which many 5600 affectionados are desperately seeking.
I have found peace, at least for now.
Specifications -
Made in Japan.
Screw back
DLC finished (Screw back, buttons and buckle)
Water Resistant 20 ATM
Shock resistant
Solar powered
Multi band 6 Atomic Timekeeping; "Fukushima, Kyusyu (Japan), Colorado(USA) (Germany England)EU & CHINA"
World time (48 cities)
1/100-second stopwatch
Countdown timer (24hr)
5 independent daily alarms (incl. Snooze)
Hourly time signal
Battery power indicator
Power Saving
Auto-calendar
12/24-hour format
Mineral Crystal Face
Electro-luminescent backlight
Size: 48.9 X 42.8 X 13.5 mm
Weight: 73.8g
Though the watch looks a bit greyish in the pictures, the actual watch is actually clad in a matte, non reflective black resin except for the high gloss, polished DLC buckle, buttons and screw back case.
Many years ago, the Singapore Armed Forces drafted me into a mandatory service to experience what the big outdoors were like. Then I realized that I was nothing compared to those who make a living out of it, the SPECIAL FORCES from around the world like SAS, GSG-9, SAT, SEALs, SDU, etc.
Since then I became materialistically attached to military grade gear because they last longer, have less colors/brands/tags/designs and are always awesome.
Military watches are not something that I put a lot of priority on the top of the wish list because there are many other alternatives out there.
I was looking particular at formal dress watches like Tag Heuer, Rolex, Citizen or Grand Seiko since I already owned an amazing Casio PRW-1100YTJ-1JF which had all the nifty stuff like barometer, altimeter and thermometer, etc for my geeky needs. Besides, the other watches either lack some night lighting or looked a bit too loud for my subtle style.
Somehow by chance I stumbled upon the classic square design Casio G Shock DW-5600E which was very different from the usual big, bulky G Shocks which a were and still are really ugly in my opinion. I wanted a sleek, low profile and unobnoxious watch that I could easily slip under my shirt's cuffs which I seemed to have a bit of a problem with the PRW-1100 and the 5600 series clearly fitted the bill. Though I had known the existence of the 5600 series, I wasn't all that hyped up about it previously so I didn't really do much research into it. This time round, I started with a plain DW-5600E for reference and sunk deeper thru the various DW(s) and GW(s) for almost a month.
I also found out that the 5600 series was issued to the Navy Seals replacing the Rolex(s) which they used to be issued. The reason for that was because the 5600 series were cheaper to replace, more durable to withstand shocks and water borne operations, lighter and smaller and very stealthy.
Dating back to the original first G Shock DW-5000 right up to the DW-5600C, these affordable watches were crafted with pride in JAPAN like a tank in a "Tuna Can" screw back design to put up to pretty much all forms of abuse. (Keanu Reeves was wearing the TUNA CAN DW-5600C in the first SPEED movie.)
Then Casio decided to change the back casing from the DW-5600E series onwards to a stamped metal plate held by 4 screws against an O ring to seal the gasket against water. Slowly, these watches were being out sourced to various countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
I held back on some of these earlier DW series for reasons like a single incandescent light instead of the blue illuminator back light, the need to replace the batteries, not made in Japan, no atomic calibration and the non-screw back design. The newer GW series had solar chargers and atomic calibration and I was particularly looking at the GW-5600BJ and GW-M5600BJ both in reverse, black LCD display. But I held back again because I wanted the date and day of the week to be displayed at the same time and the non-screw back and "not-made-in-Japan" were also factors to be considered. Though these G Shocks are so much cheaper compared to the other high end watches, I really wouldn't mind paying a little over ￥30,000 just to be comfortable.
Not all convinced yet I examined every lead, clue and detail until I found the newly released GW-5000 on the Japan G Shock site which featured the same screw back design coated in diamond like carbon (DLC), has a solar charger so no need to replace batts, has automatic atomic calibration and is the one of the only few G Shock(s) still made in Japan. Still I wasn't all sold to it because I wanted a G Shock with a reverse display.
Digging further, the GW-5000B-1JR surfaced under scrutiny as a limited edition version only in Japan which wasn't even listed on ANY G Shock sites. Many had dubbed this watch as the possible Holy Grail of the 5600 series. So after many days of pondering and the constant soaring of the prices, I snapped up one and started yet another ordeal to pimp it up. The main difference somewhat minor between the regular GW-5000 and the LE GW-5000B is that the LE version comes in a tin case, has DLC on all four buttons and the strap buckle.
By a stroke of luck, I found and subsequently won an auction for a brand new, out of production G Shock protector which many 5600 affectionados are desperately seeking.
I have found peace, at least for now.
Specifications -
Made in Japan.
Screw back
DLC finished (Screw back, buttons and buckle)
Water Resistant 20 ATM
Shock resistant
Solar powered
Multi band 6 Atomic Timekeeping; "Fukushima, Kyusyu (Japan), Colorado(USA) (Germany England)EU & CHINA"
World time (48 cities)
1/100-second stopwatch
Countdown timer (24hr)
5 independent daily alarms (incl. Snooze)
Hourly time signal
Battery power indicator
Power Saving
Auto-calendar
12/24-hour format
Mineral Crystal Face
Electro-luminescent backlight
Size: 48.9 X 42.8 X 13.5 mm
Weight: 73.8g
Though the watch looks a bit greyish in the pictures, the actual watch is actually clad in a matte, non reflective black resin except for the high gloss, polished DLC buckle, buttons and screw back case.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fluid Viscosity
- Never Stop Dreaming -
Money is like water be it in the aspect of Feng Shui or other forms of representation. And in the coming months, I will have a high outflow against a slow and low inflow. Won an auction for a used film scanner that had eaten into my S15 reserves and now I have other items on the waiting list to be realized namely a replacement for my lost mittens and some other "wanted but not needed at the moment" stuffs.
I will probably post up some pictures of those items that I had bought recently with a small review.
While looking for durable bag accessories, I stumbled upon this company, Kifaru, which was touted as the best in the market since their stuffs are mostly hand crafted with pride in the USA. Though I do like my current pack because of the lack of PAL webbings for a low profile look, some of the Kifaru's range of packs got me salivating. But ultimately I was simply looking on the practical side of maximizing my limited financial status so some small pouches and accessory are all that I need, that is if I do travel around. I need to pack my supplies, clothes, gear and camera stuffs so I want something not too crazy but still able to pack all the above mentioned stuff.
Sleeping bags...been looking at them for a while but the Snowpeak Japanese Futon ones seems rather cosy and sleepable than compared to the usuay "mummy" type...
Gonna buy mummy a nice Canon S90, which I had fancied for a long time but have no practical use for it since I already have some DSLRs which I will haul everywhere I go.
Since getting the film scanner, I had dumped the crappy Made in Indonesia Epson GT-X 970 which broke on me 2 times in 1 winter because of power failure at my friend's place and hopefully salvage some funds after he auctioned it off.
Looking forward to another 2 more weeks before I say goodbye to 3 years of being a clown to these kids. I see myself cleaning up my new place, moving the necessary furniture in, awaiting the arrival of my parents, my brother and my friends and then the start of my new life in a new environment and a new job. Of course if someday YOU could see the same sunset that I see everyday with me, it will possibly be the most amazing feeling that I had denied for a long time.
I am almost there but still not there yet...my heart is racing fast at times skipping a beat because I have my new crash pad all designed in my head. I will probably put the aquisition of the Rolleiflex to a later date since I am saving up for the S15 which will be the most expensive possession in my 2.5 decade of walking this planet.
Now with that much outflow leaking away, I really should start to look for a more viscous fluid to control the flow.
Money is like water be it in the aspect of Feng Shui or other forms of representation. And in the coming months, I will have a high outflow against a slow and low inflow. Won an auction for a used film scanner that had eaten into my S15 reserves and now I have other items on the waiting list to be realized namely a replacement for my lost mittens and some other "wanted but not needed at the moment" stuffs.
I will probably post up some pictures of those items that I had bought recently with a small review.
While looking for durable bag accessories, I stumbled upon this company, Kifaru, which was touted as the best in the market since their stuffs are mostly hand crafted with pride in the USA. Though I do like my current pack because of the lack of PAL webbings for a low profile look, some of the Kifaru's range of packs got me salivating. But ultimately I was simply looking on the practical side of maximizing my limited financial status so some small pouches and accessory are all that I need, that is if I do travel around. I need to pack my supplies, clothes, gear and camera stuffs so I want something not too crazy but still able to pack all the above mentioned stuff.
Sleeping bags...been looking at them for a while but the Snowpeak Japanese Futon ones seems rather cosy and sleepable than compared to the usuay "mummy" type...
Gonna buy mummy a nice Canon S90, which I had fancied for a long time but have no practical use for it since I already have some DSLRs which I will haul everywhere I go.
Since getting the film scanner, I had dumped the crappy Made in Indonesia Epson GT-X 970 which broke on me 2 times in 1 winter because of power failure at my friend's place and hopefully salvage some funds after he auctioned it off.
Looking forward to another 2 more weeks before I say goodbye to 3 years of being a clown to these kids. I see myself cleaning up my new place, moving the necessary furniture in, awaiting the arrival of my parents, my brother and my friends and then the start of my new life in a new environment and a new job. Of course if someday YOU could see the same sunset that I see everyday with me, it will possibly be the most amazing feeling that I had denied for a long time.
I am almost there but still not there yet...my heart is racing fast at times skipping a beat because I have my new crash pad all designed in my head. I will probably put the aquisition of the Rolleiflex to a later date since I am saving up for the S15 which will be the most expensive possession in my 2.5 decade of walking this planet.
Now with that much outflow leaking away, I really should start to look for a more viscous fluid to control the flow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)