Phosphor Appear Review

44 x 15.5mm
49.5mm (lug to lug)
22mm Lugs
Dial adorned with Swarovski crystals
M3D 7 Segment physical display
50m WR
Black leather strap
MSRP: $199

At first glance, especially in the “off mode” the Phosphor Appear looks like a silly fashion watch with too many gems on the dial (the dial is literally paved in Swarovski crystals). When the top pusher at two o'clock is pressed the Appear transitions to “time mode” and the display jumps to life. A magnetically actuated seven segment physical display swaps bejewelled areas for black segments that display the time in a readout that is familiar to anyone who has ever owned a digital alarm clock. As the time advances, the matrix of jewelled areas are progressively modified to show the time. This is all done using Phosphor's M3D (Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital) technology that uses an electromagnetic field to change the positions of each cell, allowing them to create any number (0-9) in the contrast of the jewelled dial. This is almost impossible to describe in text so please, even if you are not interested after seeing the included photos, check out the attached video. The overall effect is definitely a party piece and it left even the most staunch objector with a sly smile on their face. In addition to the visual element of watching the display transition from time, to just seconds, to off and back on again there is an absolutely charming mechanical click as each segment falls in or out of its place. This is something you have to hear in the video, its my favourite part of this watch as it makes a sound something like a typewriter writing in morse code.

The rest of the case is a polished stainless steel that is of a fair grade for its price and is shiny enough to match the dial. There are options in both the men's and the woman's variants of the Appear for a jewelled bezel. The woman's line can also be had with red or pink jewels in the time telling array for a flashy effect with additional contrast. The Appear comes mounted to a simple and soft black leather strap, very comfortable with subtle matched stitching that compliments the watch nicely. At 44mm wide and 15.5mm tall the Appear is in a larger category usually home to divers and chronographs, not fashion watches. That said it doesn't wear overly large but will definitely get noticed given the blinged out dial.

Generally, when you hear “unique” in any review of a watch you should be reaching for your big-boy (or girl) wallet. In watchmaking, anything that is bespoke or custom produced will come with a fair but lofty price tag. Luckily, the Appear wont break the bank with its $199 price point. No, its not high end watch making nor is it really my style given the sparkle that comes from the dial but it is a fun watch that isn't taking its self too seriously and I have become addicted to the sound of the movement.

Our thanks to Phosphor for providing a review sample.
source: Watch Report

New for Review – The Armida A1 Diver

This ETA powered beast is called the A1 and is the first model from new comer Armida Watches. It’s 45 mm stainless steel case is 19 mm tall due to its dramatically domed sapphire crystal. The A1 also features a lumed bezel and a helium escape valve allowing it to achieve 1000m water resistance. Armida was kind enough to let us borrow one so stay tuned for our review in the coming weeks.
source: Watch Report

Prometheus Jellyfish Review

14.4mm thick, 44mm wide, 47.2 at the 6.9mm crown.
195g sized to 7.5″ wrist
316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
90-click unidirection bezel with inset tritium tube
Tritium tubes on all three hands and hour markers. Green color except at 12, which is orange.
SII NE15A (6R15) automatic movement, handwinding and hacking, quickset date, 40 hour power reserve.
Signed, screw-down crown
Water resistant to 300m (990ft)
3-link Oyster-style bracelet with screwed, solid links, solid end links, brushed throughout. Clasp is snap closure with signed fliplock and 3 microadjustments.

One of the things I quite like about the Prometheus watches I've reviewed is their consistently uncluttered and readable dials and designs. A lot of new brands put lots of text on the dial; the Jellyfish has only a small logo and the brand name. Wonderful! Even the caseback is an etched Jellyfish, a nice change of pace from some of the macho model names I've seen.

The Jellyfish is available with black, white yellow or blue dial. In white or black it's most versatile and would make an excellent do-anything watch. In yellow it's more of a casual timepiece, quite fun to wear.

This is my first watch with the SII NE15A. Introduced in 2007, this is a competitor to the ubiquitous ETA 2824 and I'm quite pleased. Smooth to handwind, no rotor noise, fast date change, excellent timekeeping, good date wheel alignment, it's a great movement and in my opinion is at least as good as the competition Miyota 9015 and ETA 2824.

Notice how you can read the time quickly, and how the date window at 4:30 is visible but unobtrusive. The uncluttered yellow dial reminds me a bit of the Halios Holotype,another nice design. Also note how they rotated the tubes at three, six and nine to make room for an Arabic numeral. Simplicity is harder than it looks.

The bracelet is excellent, and at this price point I was taken aback. Screwed links, solid end links, signed clasp and lots of extra links, no squeaks or rattles here.

As suits a solid watch, the bracelet is non-tapering, which helps keep it from shifting around on the wrist. The brushed finish is low-key and businesslike.

The bezel is great. Easy to use, even when wet, with 120 clicks and markers all the way around, plus tritium pip at 12.

At this point you might question my enthusiasm for the Jellyfish, so I should explain that it costs just $345 (non-EU price). At that price, it has no competition, and the quality is amazing. You really cannot go wrong here.

I personally like the cheerful yellow dial, but it's a less versatile color and would be a stretch to wear in a formal environment. More of a summer, casual-Friday look. The black or white dials would work better for that, or perhaps the blue variant.

There aren't a lot of watches I can recommend like this one. The price is fantastic, the quality amazing, and the style is versatile enough for most occasions. A bit sporty for the truly dressy, if anything, the combination of automatic movement and tritium illumination also excels at starting conversations.

Highly recommended.

Our thanks to Prometheus for the review loaner.

By Paul Hubbard
source: Watch Report

An Introduction to UTS Watches

UTS watches are made exclusively in-house with the exception of the movement which is sourced from ETA in 3-hand, GMT and chronograph varieties. Their cases are milled from solid blocks of stainless steel and the finished watch is then hand assembled and tested before ever making it to a client's wrist. UTS seems pretty serious about quality control and operating under the finest of tolerances. Our favourite thing about these German watches is their unified styling which is seen woven into all of their models. The bar style hands, large markers and octagonal cases are modern and minimalist with no energy waisted on anything that could detract from the practicality or simplicity of the watch and its job of displaying the time. Here is a rundown of two of our favorite models.

43 x 14.5 mm case
ETA 2824-2
Sapphire crystal with AR
1000m WR
22mm lugs
Hex screwed case back
Optional rubber or bracelet
List Price: 2000 EUR

This is the entry level model from UTS and features a 60 point uni-directional dive bezel and is powered by an ETA 2824-2 that has been regulated by UTS's staff to be as accurate as possible (this is done by the same employee that makes the case for the watch). At 2000 EUR (~2900 USD) the 1000m v2 is playing well above the average indie brand but they have earned a reputation for strict quality control that renders excellent time pieces. This is the second version of the 1000m diver and is limited to 200 units with a solid case back.

44 x 16.5 mm
ETA 7750 Automatic chronograph movement
Locking chrono pushers
Sapphire crystal with AR
22mm lugs
600m WR
List Price: 3000 EUR

This is UTS's dive chronograph and is arguably their most appealing design. Generally, we are not fans of dive chronographs as the additional visual complexity of the chronograph registers tends to clutter the dial and dive watches need to have clean and very legible dials. The UTS 600m Chrono has be designed in such a way that the overall legibility of the watch is not compromised by the inclusion of the 3 chronograph registers. Again, the bespoke case and handmade care that creates the 600m does not come cheap, this model retails for 3000 EUR (~ 4400 USD).

UTS watches have a loyal fan base and given their limited production the likelihood of seeing another one on your block is very slim. Be sure to check out their website and let us know in the comments if there is a specific model we should get in for review.
source: Watch Report

An Introduction to the Tag Heuer Aquaracer

In its most modern form the Aquaracer, Tag Heuer's dive watch line, can be had in fifty plus different variations that span quartz and automatic movements, chronographs, big dates and 3 handers. Nearly all of Tag's technology from the Calibre 5 automatic to the Calibre 16 chronograph and the Calibre S Electro-Mechanical movement can be found in their Aquaracer dive watches. Being fan of relatively traditional dive watch styling our favourites are the new 500m and 300m automatics (ref WAJ2110 and WAN2110, respectively). These divers duke it out with fierce competition at hotly contested $1500 – $3000 price point and may just deserve a spot on your most wanted list.

WAJ2110 – 500m Calibre 5

43 x 14 mm
Tag Calibre 5 (ETA 2824)
Sapphire crystal with AR
Rubber insert in bezel
Date with cyclops at 9 o'clock
Auto helium escape valve (HeV)
500m WR
Bracelet or rubber strap
MSRP: $2750

This is Tag Heuer's premium, non-chronograph diver and there is a lot to like including high contrast styling with an innovative rubber bezel and a gorgeously detailed dial. The 43 x 14 mm case is nicely sized given its 500m water resistance. This is being marketed as a tool dive watch and even has grip studs on the bezel for use with diving gloves and includes an HeV, I don't even dive and I still find these features cool. The price point is very high given that the Calibre 5 movement inside is essentially a Tag Heuer decorated version of the ETA 2824 which can be found in dive watches for a fifth of the 500m's asking price. Indeed, when you get a known brand name on the dial things tend to get quite a bit more expensive than your average indie brand. The Tag Aquaracer 500m can be found at a discount from retailers in both brick and mortar or online settings and, provided you buy from an authorized dealer, Tag watches carry a 2 year international warranty.

I love the styling of the 500m diver, I think it looks both classy and rugged all at once. The only problem with the design is the cyclops, which adds clutter and the date isn't so small that you need a magnifier and the possible longevity of a rubber bezel. Its tough to say how it will age and how much of its age will show, especially when competitors like Oris have moved to ceramic bezels for their serious dive watches. This style is also available with a silver or blue dial, a rose gold bezel and even a full black version with a PVD coated titanium case and yellow luminous markers and hands. Given its price point well below Rolex and Omega's divers we think the WAJ2110 500m will be a successful model for Tag Heuer and hope that in the future there is an option to have one without the cyclops.

WAN2110 – 300m Calibre 5

41 x 12mm
Tag Heuer Calibre 5 (ETA 2824)
Sapphire crystal with AR
Aluminum bezel
Date at 3 o'clock
Included bracelet
300m WR
MSRP: $1700

This is the little brother to the 500m and they share little more than common movements. In the 300m you still get the Tag Heuer Calibre 5, albeit at a more attractive price point but you will give up some of the hardcore features seen on the WAJ series. The WAN2110 does not have an HeV nor a special rubber bezel with studs for gloved gripping, but it does have classic good looks and a refreshingly slim profile. Measuring a very reasonable 41 x 12mm this 300m Tag is meant for a more conservative wrist and would likely be compatible with almost any style regardless of how casual or formal it is. The spartan dial is very legible and features an anti reflective coating on its sapphire crystal.

The included bracelet is 20mm wide at the lugs but tapers in from there to its double safety push-button clasp. The 300m water resistance suggests the watch will be capable of all but the most extreme marine adventures and this is something to appreciate about a watch that will fit under even a snug shirt sleeve. The WAN series is available in either black or blue and can likely be found with a discount. We like the WAN2110 because it combines the ruggedness of a dive watch with just enough class and practicality to be the only watch you wear.
source: Watch Report

Timex Ironman Global Trainer w/GPS Technology Review

In my efforts to prepare for my wife's 40th birthday wish of us running the DisneyWorld Marathon in January 2012, not only have I been training but looking for tech gadgets to help me do so more effectively and efficiently. The first in this gadget-fitness series was the Sennheiser/Adidas MX 680i Sports earbuds which continue to provide me a worthy musical/sound experience while running/exercising/working out. In this second in my fitness review series, I will be looking at the Timex Ironman Global Trainer w/GPS Technology and heart rate monitor.

My hope is that the Ironman Global Trainer's integrated GPS capability and wireless heart rate monitor will help me train better and more efficiently by precisely monitoring (and logging) my distance, pace, accent/decent and heart rate while pounding out the miles.

Timex Ironman Global Trainer with heart rate includes:

Ironman Global Trainer Rechargeable, Water-Resistant Watch
Free Access to Online Software Powered by Training PeaksTM
Comfort digital ANT+ heart rate sensor with adjustable elastic strap
USB Recharging and Data Transmission Cable
AC Adaptor for USB Recharging Cable
Watch Bike Mount
Quick Start Guide

Product Features:

SiRFstarIII-powered GPS technology requires no calibration
Calculates precise speed, pace and distance in real time
Measures location and altitude with ascent/descent distances and rates
Recalls up to 50 custom routes for pace tracking
Customizable four-window data display provides critical data at-a-glance
Water-resistant up to 50 meters
Rechargeable battery lasts 15 hours in GPS
20-workout memory with dated summaries for up to 1,000 laps
Performance mode features chronograph, interval and countdown timers
Records elapsed time, calories burned and workout data for each lap
Performance pacer function helps the user meet finish-time goals
Hands-free option automatically starts and stops data capture functions
Multisport event mode records activities and transitions in one sequence
Performance and GPS data wirelessly sync with software powered by TrainingPeaks
Compatible with Timex heart rate and bike sensors using ANT+
Compatible with third-party bike power sensors using ANT+
INDIGLO Night-Light with Night-Mode feature

Getting it setup:

Getting the Ironman Global Trainer operational took approximately two hours to fully charge & two minutes to get the various functions working. The watch is durable, lightweight, water resistance to 50 meters and would meet Julie's gadget squeeze/creek test. If you have done any research on this watch at all, you know it is designed for strenuous multisport athletes and exercise enthusiasts. This Ironman can operate up to fifteen hours using the integrated GPS and having it linked to the heart rate monitor. The watch can go much longer between charges if the GPS is off and the HRM is not connected.

Pairing the watch to the heart rate monitor was relatively quick and easy as well. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the strap that makes most heart rate monitoring work. I am a minimalistic runner (the less clothes/stuff the better) and the strap pressing tightly around my chest is, at least for me, uncomfortable and constricting. That said, I did test it against the hand grip HRM of our ellipse machine and the Timex Global Trainer matched what the ellipse was telling me almost perfectly.

Look and Feel:

As you can see, the Ironman Global Trainer is not petite by any stretch of the imagination and when you throw in my runners (aka scrawny) wrists, it looks down right huge. While large in size, the watch is relatively lightweight, rugged, and well made. It is about the size of the Garmin 305 but lighter than many of the smaller watches I have owned.

Making it work:

The seven buttons that enable you to operate and control its functions are easy to manipulate and in the classic Ironman configuration.

The buttons on the right side control: (screen) up, enter, and (screen) down/(run/bike/swim) stop/rest.

The buttons on the left side control: (switch) mode, back/power, and Indiglo lighting.

The large center button on the face of the watch controls starting and while timing you if pushed again documents your split times as well. Once you get the hang of how to navigate the various screens and functions, operating the watch is relatively easy.

The large face of the watch enabled Timex to create a large, easy to read display. The display is customizable to display just the data you want/need to see while exercising.

Getting out for a run:

A majority of my runs are down tree lined trails or paths like this or the urban canyons of downtown Seattle. The tree's canopies, cloud cover and/or tall buildings do not lend itself to great, continuous GPS signal. Even in the best conditions, it took the Ironman Global Trainer quite a long time/distance before locking onto enough satellites to begin tracking my speed and distance. I dislike having to wait before beginning my runs. Waiting 4-5 minutes before my watch is ready to go is unacceptable (at least to me). So, I head off on my run and eventually the GPS kicks in and the watch begins tracking my run.

I have used three other GPS enabled running watches in the past and all have this same limitation that I mentioned above. Even though the tiny GPS antennas manufactures put into small devices have gotten more powerful and sensitive, they still take some amount to time to lock onto the satellites.

Once the Ironman Global Trainer's GPS becomes operational, it's quantitative tracking of distance is very good. I compared the distances the watch said I ran to mapmyrun.com to see how accurate the Global Trainer really is. Over a 5 or 6 mile run, the difference between the Ironman GPS Trainer and the website was minimal. Typically the differential was 0.1 or 0.2, easily explained by human error (i.e., inputting the route into Map My Run or noting just where the GPS begins tracking).

The Pace tracking is a bit scattered/variable, bouncing between 7 min-miles and 9 min-miles when my actual speed is more like 8:00 min-miles over the course of a long run. The watch has a ‘smoothing' function that helps a bit but not a whole lot. Overall, when everything is working correctly my end/average pace seemed reasonable over the whole of my run.

At the beginning of a run, before the watch has locked onto satellites, the watch can (obviously) begin timing you. Once the GPS locks on, the watch begins tracking distance and pace but the disconnect is, that since they did not begin at the same time the watches calculation of average pace is inaccurate. As an example, you begin your run but the GPS tracking starts 4 minutes (0.5 miles) into your run. After a 5 mile, 40 minute run, the watch tells you that you ran 4.5 miles in 40 minutes. Thus, calculating that instead of 8 min-miles, it informs you that you ran just under 9 min-miles….definitely a difference.

Timex's Ironman Global Trainer w/GPS is more than just a running watch; it can track your hiking, biking and swimming as well. Since I do none of those other activities/sports, I did not test these functions. But whether you are a weekend/part-time or a hardcore professional triathlete, this Ironman would make an ideal digital workout companion.

Hooking the Ironman to your computer:

Connecting the watch to your computer is simple. Plug the USB end into your computer and connect the other end to the back of the watch. Turn the watch on, get it into the ‘PC Sync' mode, and start the Timex Device Agent 3.0 desktop application and you are ready to download your data or customize the operations of the watch itself.

Timex Device Agent 3.0 is the included software (available via download) that enables you to manage your workout data, tweak your watch to display whatever info you desire, set notifications, etc. Timex was nice enough to create this software for Windows and Mac users alike. The main (two) purposes of the software is data download/export and operational management of the watch.

A great feature of the Timex Ironman Global Trainer's management software is that it enables you to truly customize/tweak the watch interface, screen layout, data displayed, alerts, etc quickly, easily, and (best of all) intuitively. In my opinion, the best feature of the watch. Much easier than trying to do the same on the small screen and interface options on the watch itself. Once you adjust things in the application and hit Save, the changes are nearly instantaneously updated to the watch.

Looking at the data:

Timex has partnered with website, TrainingPeaks as the primary interface for viewing/analyzing the workout data from your watch. After the Timex Agent 3.0 downloads your workouts, it then exports them to TrainingPeaks where you can view the data graphically and/or visually in a multitude of ways. While the Agent is very simple to use, the website is a relative complex and powerful tool to analyze your workouts. Hopefully enabling you to better optimize your training. That said, the basic functions of the website are easy to figure out so you can hit the ground running .

Bottom line:

I have been using this wrist computer on and off for over a couple of months now. Overall, the Timex Ironman Global Trainer with GPS and heart rate monitor works very well (less a few operational limitations due the the miniaturized GPS technology). It’s accuracy, data package, durability, and functionality make an excellent workout companion. At least in terms of training, it is an outstanding wrist computer. As I have mentioned before, I have tried more than a few GPS enable watches over the years and this Ironman betters them in most categories (data types, ease of use, customability, sync software and overall user experience)….and at $360, it should. There are several similar watches for approximately half as much but they are not nearly as smart or tweakable as the Global Trainer. I would profile/characterize the Timex Ironman Global Trainer for someone who is serious and anal retentive about training (aka marathon runner, triathlete, mountain climber, and the like). If hardcore training is your thing, I highly recommend this Ironman trainer.
source: The Gadgeteer

Wolf Designs Roadster Triple Winder Review (with 50% off promo code)

If you are relatively new to the watch collecting world and have only recently felt the warm embrace of this specific addiction then the concept of a special jewellery box that coddles and gently rotates your watches in your absence may seem odd or even unnecessary. To the contrary, the idea of a watch winder is actually both simple and practical, much like a garage for a exotic car, a watch winder provides the best care possible for your watches and ensures they are ready for you to enjoy. Wolf Designs is one of the most respected watch winder manufactures in the business with nearly 180 years worth of experience making watch winders and designing their modules to meet the needs of hobbyists, collectors and aficionados alike. Naturally, we jumped at the chance to spend a couple of weeks using a Wolf Designs Roadster Triple with our humble (and ever changing) collection of watches. The Triple, as the name suggests, allows you to simultaneously wind three watches while still providing room for the storage of an additional six timepieces. The Roadster Triple sits roughly in the middle of Wolf Designs winder line up which ranges from single watch winders to the eight winder Viceroy or the modular 4.1 series of winders.

Wood frame (17.75″w x 7.75″d x 8.75″h)
Black pebble leather
Glass panelled door
Macassar wood veneer faceplate
Chrome control plate with backlit lcd panel
Rotating drum design (71mm deep – 77 mm wide)
Cuff design accommodates up to a 10+ inch wrist
Space for additional watches in top level
Available 300-1200 rotations per day
Clockwise, counter-clockwise, or bi-directional
Removable travel compartment
AC or battery power
source: Watch Report

Blue Sky's Android-Based I'm Watch Now Accepts Pre-Orders

An Italian company called Blue Sky is set to launch an Android-based wristwatch, which is currently in prototype stage for developers to tinker. The “I'm Watch” runs a Freescale IMX233 CPU and can be connected to a cell phone by Bluetooth, allowing users to screen calls, answer or dump phone calls, check messages, access the Internet, and possibly even run teeny-weeny versions of Android apps. The wristwarch features a 1.54-inch screen, 64MB of memory, 4GB flash memory, a headphone jack, and runs on Android 1.6.

Blue Sky is currently accepting pre-orders of the I'm Watch and expects the watches to ship in around November, even though it has yet to get past prototype phase. The base model will cost about 249 euros (about US$350), while higher-end models will be decked with jewels and can run up to 14,999 euros (about US$21,300).
source: Gadget.com

In for Review – Seiko 5 Sports SNZF45

As much as we love luxury watches with bespoke movements and astronomical price tags we also have a definitive soft spot for entry level timepieces that are both thrifty and fun to wear. This is the Seiko SNZF45 and it is generally called the “baby monster” as it was styled after the extremely popular Seiko SKX781 and 779 divers that have been carrying the “Monster” nickname for years. The Seiko Black and Orange Monster models are considered to be some of the best entry level divers available on the market and are generally a gateway drug for new collectors.

This Seiko 5 Sports model was given its infant nickname because it is not a true dive watch, boasting just 100m of water resistance and a crown which does not screw down. What this white-dialed Seiko lacks in marine-readiness it makes up for in price as this Japanese automatic can be had for less than $150 brand new and still features a stainless steel bracelet, Seiko’s 7S36B automatic movement, and about as much lume as Seiko can cram into a single watch. Very few brands with Seiko’s history and experience are making automatic watches at this price point. You can expect our review in the coming weeks and until then we will be giving this bargain Seiko a closer look to see if this deal is simply too good to be true.
source: Watch Report

3D Time – Tokyoflash Style

I really love my automatic, analogue watches, there's just something about watching ( pun intended ) the mechanism. It's like it's “alive”.

That being said these look really sweet. Often Tokyoflash's watches require an advanced degree in cryptography to tell the time but the 3D Unlimited , while very different is easy to read.

The LCD comes in blue, red, green orange, pink and the casing and band comes in either black or silver polished stainless steel. They sell 8 different combinations so there should be something to suit everyone. Includes backlight and date function.

Available from Tokyoflash for around $120

( If you can't tell from the picture the time shown is 4:54 )
source: The Gadgeteer