What I Like - Part the Second

Yesterday's post left me with a warm and fuzzy glow, so why not push a bit further?  Here are another five things that I find to be pretty swell!

1.  (actually 2 things) Seiko makes a lot of interesting watches.  Not all are available everywhere.  I might be wrong, but I believe that these two beauties are not available in the US market place.  If Seiko's US expert and brand champion Joe Kirk is reading this he can weigh in ; )

Shamelessly borrowed from Seiya Japan

This lovely chronograph boasts an "enamelled" dial.  It is strikingly good looking, and comes in at $2,748 US.

Shamelessly borrowed from Seiya Japan

And this one is by far and away my favorite.  The dial is described as "urushi".

Here are the pertinents -

SEIKO Automatic Presage SARX029

Ref: SARX029 (Made in Japan)

Urushi Printed Dial

DetailsListed price: 118,800 JPY
Case: SSMax wrist size: 18.5cm(7in1/4)
Crystal: Sapphire/ See-through back (Hardlex)
Diameter: 40.5 mm (without the crown)
Thickness: 13.2 mm
Movement: 6R15 23J Automatic (with Hand winding and Hack function)
Accuracy: +25/-15 sec/day
Power reserve: 50 hours
10 ATM water resistance

2.  Carter Beats the Devil -

Shamelessly borrowed by the world-wide info web

If you only read one book this year... well then let's face it, you just don't read that much do you?

But seriously, Glen David Gold's book is without a doubt one of my all time favorite novels.  It combines history, intrigue and the ultimate come-back / big pay back ending.  

3.  The watches of Fiona Kruger -

Courtesy of Fiona Kruger

I've never worn one, but had the privilege of checking them out at BaselWorld this past March.  They are wild, fun, and special.  Let's hope she keeps making them, and the public keeps buying them.  The watch world needs more of this sort of thing, as it does not appear that Alain Silberstein is coming back any time soon.

4.  Heart of Midlothian Football Club -

Shamelessly borrowed Hearts FC

It is often said that you don't choose the club you support, that it chooses you.  Well that can truly be said about my relationship with the Jambos.  Heart of Midlothian, (or Hearts) is based in Edinburgh and have quietly fought the good fight against the Old Firm of Celtic & Rangers.  But more than backing the Don Quixote of the Scottish Premier League, I am a fan of their partnership with Save the Children.  

5.  The Pelikan Toledo -

Courtesy of Pelikan

This one is not at all rational.  The Toledo is a beautiful pen, but it is clearly something for special occasions only.  I do not foresee signing any treaties, trade agreements or multi-million dollar contracts to play in the midfield of Juventus (or Hearts for that matter), but this is a beautiful pen, and one to tell your story with.

Basel World Necessities - Part 3

Presuming that you're a writer and might do, I don't know, some writing...
You're going to need a pen!

Now to be clear, there are a lot of good pens out there.  I am partial to fountain pens, but when you are traveling those are (for the most part) not practical.  Roller balls are nice, but can again prove a bit fiddly.

Courtesy of Pelikan

Point of full disclosure, I own one of these pens, so I think that in fairness I am in a good position to give honest feedback.  This is the Niagara Falls from the good folks at Pelikan.  It is a ball point, and while Montblanc makes a very fine ball point pen, the Pelikan offers something just that little bit different.  This version of the Pelikan has one slight wee bit more heft.  It is substantial and a bit special.  It is smooth in the hand, not too bulky - just "write".

Granted, not everyone will be able to track one of these down - and this is not about expense, but about scarcity.

Now when you are back home at the desk of your daily endeavors and you can opt for a fountain pen...

Something a little different while at the same time perfect -

Another option from Pelikan should help you dot the "Is" and cross the "Ts".  This is the Toledo.

Courtesy of Pelikan

Make sure your freelance clients have paid their accounts ; )

Holy Toledo - the Sh*t that Killed Elvis!

When I was working and living in Finland, I loved to drop in on antique stores and hunt for treasure at flea markets for watches that might be less expensive.  I remember seeing Vacheron Constantin watches and not understanding why they cost so much.  I do understand now - they are singularly magnificent.  And as any long-time reader will know, my buddy Francis - watch seller extraordinaire in San Francisco coined this phrase.  And yes, this is the sh*t that killed Elvis!

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin