Simple Living

Zenith on a NATO Strap I was curious and decided to try my Zenith watch on a NATO strap. While the watch has a 19 mm lug width, a 20 mm NATO strap fits snugly. This adjustment has made the watch more practical, especially with the hot weather ruining my leather band. Additionally, using the NATO strap raises the watch slightly off my wrist, making winding much easier. Thoughts on Vintage This watch is now 60 years old, and it still works great. Not many man-made items can claim such longevity. I often wonder about its history: where it has traveled and the experiences it has 'seen.' It’s a fascinating thought, and I look forward to continuing its adventure with me. Where shall we go next? Fun with NATO!  

Eton Microlink FR160 Handcrank Radio Review I bought an Eton Microlink FR160 handcrank radio for my emergency kit a few years ago, and it’s been great overall. However, there’s one significant issue I've encountered. Sticky Residue Problem Over time, a sticky residue developed on the radio's external surface, which was driving me nuts. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the device. Solution Fortunately, I researched the problem online and discovered that Eton radios are coated with a substance designed to make them easier to grip. Unfortunately, this coating degrades over time and turns into a sticky mess. To resolve the issue, I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to clean most of the gunk. While some paint may have been lost in the process, at least the radio is no longer sticky.

Seiko SSB003 on NATO Strap I'm really digging the Seiko SSB003 on a NATO strap. It’s very light and comfortable to wear, lending a sense of appropriateness in casual settings like a beach resort. Strap Preferences I have several variations of 20mm NATO straps, but this dark navy blue and red stripe combo seems the most appealing. Future Considerations I'm considering adding another Seiko quartz chronograph to my collection, possibly the SNDF87, which features a similar color scheme to the Tudor Heritage Chrono, but at a fraction of the cost. Another option is the Seiko SSB031 or a variant that uses the same movement but includes lume on the hands and hour markers, making it more practical for evening wear. For now, the SSB003 is proving to be a fun choice.

Overnight Work and Coffee Here's to more overnight work and the coffee that keeps me going. Burger King I didn't have much time before my first shift, so I grabbed Burger King. I'll explore other dining options tomorrow.

Hollys Coffee: A Sweet Alternative Hollys Coffee is another major chain of coffee shops in South Korea. I appreciate the variety of shops available, and I consider this my alternative to Angel-in-us when I'm looking for a sweet coffee fix. The ambience and decor here remind me of Seattle's Best, creating a cozy atmosphere. They also serve a fairly decent Patbingsu, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet beans, making it a refreshing treat on warm days.

Tour Le Jous: A Bakery Delight Tour Le Jous is primarily a bakery shop in South Korea, but I enjoy visiting for their iced coffee. It's the perfect pairing with their tasty baked goods. The sandwiches they offer are not bad either, making it a great spot for a light meal or snack.

Angel-in-us Coffee: A Sweet Escape Angel-in-us is one of several major coffee chains in South Korea. I usually hit them up when I'm at one of the many outdoor shopping districts or malls. Their sweeter variety of drink options is decent and provides a great way to cool off during the summer months.

The Appeal of 7-Eleven in Asia Idk how they do it, but 7-Eleven in Asia is just way better than what we get back in the States. I would love it if they carried the same products that I found while in South Korea or Japan back home. Not only that, the prices are much more reasonable.

Discovering Cafe Pascucci Idk why, but I actually like Cafe Pascucci quite a bit. I usually order their sweet flavored drinks, which are similar to those at Angel-in-us. It’s possible that I frequent this cafe because they have a location at Gimhae Airport, and I find myself there often.

New Addition: Zenith Caliber 126 I recently bought a Zenith Caliber 126 , a vintage dress watch featuring a sub-dial for seconds. Here’s a quick overview of my purchase: Purchase Details Price : $450 + $20 shipping Condition : Looks a bit beat up, but I'm hopeful it's authentic and in decent working order. Expected Arrival : In about a week. I’ll post pictures once I’ve examined it further. Why Zenith? I considered a Nomos Tangente, but there’s something about the Zenith that really speaks to me. Perhaps it’s the vintage appeal, or maybe I’m just embracing a classic style as I get older! Movement Specs Zenith Caliber 126 Variants : Cal 126 : Base model Cal 126-5 : Indirectly driven second hand Cal 126-6 : Features antishock Cal 126-5-6 : Combines both indirect second hand and antishock Beats : 18,000 bph (5 beats per second) Production : A fairly common, reliable movement known for its durability. Serial Number / Age Estimation The serial number on the movement can help estimat...

Frozen Green Tea Matcha Experience I'm currently enjoying a Frozen Green Tea Matcha at Island Vintage Coffee in Whalers Village, Maui. Details Price : $4.75 for a medium size. Location : Island Vintage Coffee, Whalers Village, Maui. Atmosphere It's a great spot to relax and take a break before my next overnight shift. The ambiance here is quite inviting, making it a perfect place to unwind. Conclusion This frozen matcha is refreshing and a delightful treat while I soak in the surroundings. Perfect way to recharge.

Coffee Experience: Coconut Mocha I tried a Coconut Mocha recently, and here's my take on it: Aroma Coconut : The coconut scent is definitely noticeable and adds a tropical twist. Flavor Taste : Aside from the coconut aroma, it tastes like a regular mocha. The expected chocolate and coffee flavors are there, but nothing particularly stands out beyond that. Nutrition Calories : This drink has a whopping 300 calories ! That’s pretty high for a coffee beverage, which is one of the reasons I think I’ll stick to plain black coffee going forward. Conclusion While the coconut aroma was enjoyable, the flavor didn’t really elevate the drink for me, and the calorie count is just too high. Plain black coffee is a more satisfying choice!

Tasting Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky I decided to try Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year . It’ll take a few sittings for me to fully appreciate how this whisky holds up and whether it matches the positive reviews I've read online. Price Highland Park is about double the price of Speyside whiskies like Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and is on par with Macallan 12 Year . Taste Smoothness : Macallan is the smoothest 12-year-old single malt I've had, and Highland Park 12 ranks just below that. Flavor : There’s a hint of bite that nips at the periphery, with slight peatiness that gives it a more sophisticated flavor and aroma. Overall Impression : Well done! Highland Park 12 packs quite a bit into a mid-range single malt without sacrificing too much. I agree with online reviews that it’s a recommended choice for first-time single malt whisky drinkers, offering much more to experience compared to Macallan 12. Aroma Concerns One negative is the fragrance, w...

Establishing a Whisky Collection I’m in the process of moving and looking forward to building a more respectable whisky collection . Here are my planned choices for the initial lineup: Macallan 12 Glenlivet 12 Highland 12 Laphroaig 10 Glenfiddich 12 Budget I’m estimating the total cost for these whiskies to be around $300 - $350 . I plan to check my local liquor store to get a better sense of pricing and finalize my selection. Update on Prices I’ve found that Costco has the best prices around! While their selection is somewhat limited, they carry almost all the whiskies I want for my initial collection. Refining My Choices I’ve decided to narrow it down further, as I want to focus on a select few for personal enjoyment. My goal is to build my palate 'memory' before diving deeper into this exciting world. Future Plans After I’ve tried these five starter bottles, I’m considering trying higher-end options like Glenlivet 18 Year and Macallan 18 Year . Then I might circle back to ...