Simple Living

SQL Server is on my plate of things to study up on.  See some good stuff in this book.

Sweet.  The Hirsch Liberty Strap arrived! Tried it on the Rolex, but it was way too thick and was rubbing against the case.  I'll stick to the black leather strap. And so it went on the Omega and wow...I love it.  Idk how to describe it, but the blue and brown exudes a vibe that feels like this combo was from a bygone classic maritime era. Very happy with the Hirsch.  The Omega looks better on brown strap.  Must warn you...the Hirsch Liberty is very thick at 4mm.  It's twice the thickness of any of my other leather straps. Gave it another go and got it to fit on the Explorer.  It's a really tight fit, but it looks ok.  Color wise black dial and brown strap looks good, but it is a little thick.  I'll try it for a while and see if it grows on me.  Comfort wise, it's nice.

Sourced a 20mm rubber Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap from an old Casio watch and tried it on the Omega Seamaster 2531.80.  It actually looks pretty good and gives it a more sporty feel.  I've been trying a variety of watch bands to see what works and while it looked okay on a black leather band, it feels better on the rubber strap. I also plan on trying a Hirsch Liberty Brown Leather band and later a Hadley Roma PU Ballistic Band in Black w/ Orange Stitching.  I'm banking on the Hadley Roma to make this Omega truly sing for me.  I spend most of my time on a computer and the stainless steel band is getting scuffed up. Also, my arm tends to expand during the hot summer months and I'm tired of changing links.  The Omega is not the friendliest in adjusting sizes on the metal band.  There is nothing like a simple watch band change to help make an old watch look more appealing.  I'm loving the Seamaster again. Update 5/19/14 Dang...even though it's tearing,

Pulled out my old CDs to try out the M50's.  My collection is modest and rather eclectic.  I gravitate more towards singers with great vocals and lyrics like Morrison, Mercury, Collins and others.  And my little secret..Utada Hikaru (pre Exodus). Update Oh, nice.  Listening to Phil Collins - In The Air Night (Track 15).  Brings backs memories of the 80s.  This song played from a very memorable scene in Tom Cruise's movie 'Risky Business' and it epitomizes an aspect of those bygone days when things were still carefree and you could get away with crazy stuff like a girl named Lana.  You can't do that now.  Which is now making me want to watch it again.

I recently sold my Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones.  I got them as a gift and they were my first introduction into 'high end' headphones.  Of course, as I learned more about headphones, I quickly learned that Beats are at best an entry level pair of cans.  They are great for music that need a lot of bass like some electronica/techno or hip hop songs.  They are certainly meant to be 'seen' and I got plenty of compliments while rocking these outside at Starbucks or on the Bus.  But for overall listening pleasure, I would rate them average and it became a nuisance to have to constantly check that the power button is off before putting them away.  I also didn't like that it required two (2) AAA batteries in the first place and it got old real quick having to change them. Ultimately, what did me in with these headphones were all the online reviews that stated this particular generation of Beats Studio are not that great and I have to agree with them.  The newer gene

If you are going to own only one pair of headphones buy either the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony MDR-V6 .  They are the best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality, durability and overall aesthetics.  The Sony V6 are half the price and I plan to purchase them to compare them against the M50.  I am relying on all the positive reviews online about the Sony V6's that are constantly compared with the AT M50. M50x, M50s, M50 - Three Variants It can get confusing, but there are three distinct variants of Audio Technica M50 headphones: M50 - is the original and has a 10 ft. coiled cable M50s - has a 10 ft. straight cable M50x - allows for interchanging of cables and comes standard with three (3) cable options (10 ft. coiled, 10 ft. straight and 4 ft. straight). The M50x is the newest version of the M50 model and was likely made with a nod to portable devices.  The 4 ft. cable is perfect for my iPhone. Original M50 vs M50x The M50 w/ 10 ft coiled cable being sold is

I purchased a pair of Audio Technica EQ500's in Shibuya for about $10 USD in Yen.  They are quite good for the price.  In hindsight, I should have purchased the EQ700's that can retract the audio cables just like the WM77's.  I find that quite convenient.  Basic Specs: 28mm Driver 16 ~ 24,000 Hz 40 mW -- Max Input Power 103 db/mW -- Sensitivity 20 Ohm Impedence 22g -- Weight 1.2m -- Cable Length

I own a modest, but growing collection of Headphones.  As of 2014, I own five (5) headphones (I exclude ear buds, which I have about a half dozen, including the standard ear buds that come with the iPhone). In no particular order: Audio Technica -- ATH-M50x (White) Audio Technica -- ATH-WM77 (Red) Audio Technica -- ATH-EQ500 (Green) Sony -- MDR-ZX100 (White) Skullcandy -- Hesh Gen1 (Black) Past Headphones (Sold or Broken): Beats by Dr Dre -- Studio Gen 1 (White) Skullcandy -- TI Skullcandy -- LowRyders Audio Technica ATH-M50x (White) Audio Technica ATH-WM77 (Red) Audio Technica ATH-EQ500 (Green) Sony MDR-ZX100 (White) Skullcandy Hesh Gen1 (Black)   Beats by Dr Dre Studio Gen 1 (White) 

The Sony MDR-ZX100 were an impulse buy.  They were selling for $20 at a local store and I picked them up as I didn't have any headphones and wanted to listen to some music.  Don't expect much for $20 headphones.  These sound okay and do the job.  One nice thing that I must compliment Sony is the overall improvement in the build quality of their cheap headphones.  I've owned several cheap Sony headphones and by far these are the best in terms of durability.  The plastic feels strong and flexible and in some ways the headband feels more like some kind of injection molded resin than cheap plastic.  But, if I could do it all over again...I would prefer to buy the Sony MDR-V6 for $ 80...or if you must get the mid-tier MDR-ZX300 as those use an upgraded gold plated 1/8" plug.  Still, for those situations where you only need or want a basic pair of headphones...the ZX100 is an okay choice. Basic Specs: 30mm Drivers 12 ~ 22,000 Hz 24 Ohms 3.5mm Plug

For most part these were inexpensive quartz, automatics or digitals.  This was before I knew anything about watches and have since sold all of these 'starter' watches. Fossil Chronograph.  It was too big, but I now appreciate a cream color dial and brown leather strap. Oddly, this was one of the hardest for me to part with.  I loved it on a NATO and it had a steampunk feel to it.  But once I was able to sell it the rest were easy to let go.  My aspiring brand would someday be either a Vacheron Patrimony or JLC annual calendar. Black Dial Seiko 5.  This was the precursor to the Rolex Explorer I. Zodiac Seadragon.  Precursor to the Omega Seamaster. Casio 1300.   Was fun, but I prefer the G Shocks and swapped it for two 5600's. Seiko skx007.   Was in a Dive watch craze.  In Hindsight, would have preferred a Hamilton Khaki 70455533 .  But it was a nice watch. Update 3/16 Now I kinda regret selling it so fast.  This guy woul

I received the Emporio Armani AR585 watch as a gift.  It's a large watch and reminds me a bit of the Breguet Type XX.  Originally, it comes on a heavy SS bracelet that unfortunately lacks micro adjustments and for me means having to wear it loose.  It's also an unusual size of 23mm.  I tried first a black leather strap and while nice, have found brown leather more appealing.  I also opted for a deployment clasp and overall love it as my casual/semi formal watch. It's a Quartz movement, but it was given as a gift from an important person in my life so from a sentimental standpoint is priceless.  It is also currently, my 2nd oldest watch in my now modest collection.  I  am also partial to chronographs and until I get a proper mechanical chronograph, I want to keep the Armani in rotation.   I also have found owning inexpensive quartz watches help me see whether I like a particular style, size or look of a watch before considering buying a more expensive, but similar luxur

I'm pretty satisfied with my collection as it stands.  While lacking a proper dress watch, the Explorer suffices and in a pinch the Armani Chronograph.  I plan to swap the Armani with a tan brown leather strap.  For remainder of 2014 and hopefully 2015, I have no future watch purchases planned or desired. This was a very tiring process to pick how many watches are enough for me.  True to some a wasted effort, but for me analyzing why I want or need something and qualifying the justification had merit and value to use as a basis for other decisions.  Chalk it up as practice for bigger and more important decisions in life. Anything new would have to replace an existing watch.  I was thinking Hamilton Navy Pioneer, but am reconsidering and waiting further for a JLC ultra thin. Post 2016 Longer term, say after 2016 I want to remove the Armani and Casio Diver in favor of a Breguet Type XX and a JLC ultra thin to make for a clean Swiss only set.  Any economy watches would be j

I love a bargain and the Casio MTD 1010 is the best bang for your buck Submariner Homage.  Examples go for $30 on EBay.  True it's a Quartz, but I'm not trying to get a replica or knock off.  I just wanted a diver inspired style watch that the Sub epitomizes.  It does what I need.  And that's all you can expect. Basic Specs Quartz Movement 364 Battery 41.5 mm Size (Including Crown) 20 mm Lugs 10 ATM (But no Screwed Down Crown so this cannot swim!) The case back has very shallow grooves so an anchor style opener is good.  The wrench style openers caused me grief.