Budong The Collector

My father gave me this watch sometime in 1993. I was in grade school and back then all of my classmates had those really colorful digital watches. I didn't mind though. I reveled in the thought that my watch didn't need any batteries. My classmates would look at me in confusion as I tried to explain that my watch didn't need batteries because it was an automatic. Of course back then, I didn't care about brands or movements or what "jewels" meant for a watch. It was just cool to brag about a watch with no batteries. I don't know where my father got this watch. He also couldn't remember how this came into his possession. It was obviously pre-owned since there was some name engraved on the clasp. By the time I was given this watch, it was already pretty scuffed. Of course in the years that followed, I also added to those dings and scratches. I've tried searching the internet for a similar one, but so far I have not found any. There is also no spec...

While Seiko has the "5", Citizen has the "7". Also called the Eagle 7, this must be Citizen's answer to the popular Seiko 5 line. Though, I'm uncertain if the Eagle 7 lineup is as extensive as the Seiko 5's, the watches I have seen are quite good looking. And like the Seiko 5's, it has a myriad of different flavors and styles. I got this one from the used market earlier this year (2018). It was an accidental purchase because I was not counting on it being gold. The posted photos looked silver to me and there was no mention of it being gold. I was uncomfortably surprised when I saw the watch in person and by then it was too late to cancel the deal. Here it is, my Citizen Eagle 7. It came with a metal bracelet, but it was missing the end link. I scrapped the bracelet and got a black leather strap for this. It has a black dial with stripes, a day & date complication. It has that iconic eagle badge with a red shield. In the middle of the shiel...

Acquiring this piece was a bit of an impulsive decision. I saw this watch in the used market and the seller told me that it's not working as it was suppose to. I pulled the trigger anyway because I was enamored with how it looked. It was a vintage piece that spoke to me. Little did I know that it was a very small watch. By today's standards, it is in the realm of lady's watches. However, during the time it was released, it was marketed for both men and women. Do I regret buying this? Absolutely not. Here it is. The Special Citizen Center Second. As far as I know, this was  made in 1950, but I do not have paperwork to back this up. However, I did have a correspondence with the owner of  https://sweep-hand.org/ . He is the go to guy for things Citizen on the internet. He did provide some info on the watch. I'm quoting from part of his email to me. "the old hand winder is from 1950 - the movement was known as the Center Second, and was an improved version of...

This was an impulsive buy for me. I just happen to be at the basement of Makati Cinema Square and found out first hand that the place is full of tactical shops selling guns, knives, vests, bullets, military gear, etc. I found a small store that sells mostly knives and bags. It is one of the stores that don't sell guns. I was a bit afraid to walk in a gun store. As I browsed through their inventory, I noticed they sold Opinel knives. I asked to see the number 8 and 7 in both carbon steel and stainless steel. I opted for the number 7 carbon steel Opinel since the size was just right for me and I've been wanting a carbon steel folding knife for a while now. Got this for a shop called FORGED. Carbon steel blade. This will need much more maintenance than stainless steel. Multi-language blister pack. I didn't get the one with the leather pouch since it's much more expensive. I can make do without the pouch. The knife features a locking collar called ...

The Opinel No. 7 Carbone pocket knife. I'm finally going to open my birthday gift for myself. The Opinel No.7 pocket knife. This is the Carbone variant (carbon steel). First, wrist watch shot. Yes, I'm wearing my Citizen Promaster NY0040 diver. I'm thinking of having  the crystal replaced with a sapphire. Here is the knife in its packaging. It's in a blister pack. I got this one from a local tactical store called Forged. If you are interested in checking out their store, they are located at the basement level of Makati Cinema Square or check out their website here . Let's open it! I didn't get the one with the leather pouch simply because its way more expensive. Personally, I can make do without the pouch. Packaging is in multiple languages. I'm still thinking if I should keep the packaging...maybe the paper insert. The plastic blister pouch can go. It's carbon steel so care must be taken to keep the blade from rusting...