Simple Living

Seiko 5 Model SNKK33: A Great Value in Watches The Seiko 5 line of watches offers excellent value, with many models available new for around $70 to $80, and even less for used ones. They feature basic automatic movements, which, while not on par with higher-end ETA 2824 or 2892 movements, make them fantastic entry-level watches for those looking to get into the hobby. You won't feel too bad if you accidentally damage a $50 Seiko 5, but you might shed a tear over a $5,000 Rolex. Hirsch Liberty on Seiko 5 The SNKK33 typically comes with a stainless steel bracelet that feels quite flimsy and cheap, so I decided to swap it out for a leather band. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked on the Hirsch Liberty band, which fits perfectly since it accepts a 20mm strap (though it's worth noting that various Seiko 5 models can vary in size; for instance, the SKX007 takes a 22mm strap, while some other Seiko 5 models use 18mm bands). Overall, I love wearing this watch and feel com

Studying SQL Server: New Insights Ahead SQL Server is next on my list of things to study, and I've come across some valuable insights in a book that looks promising. I’m excited to dive deeper into the world of SQL Server and enhance my skills.

Exciting Update: Hirsch Liberty Strap Arrives! The Hirsch Liberty strap has finally arrived!   I tried it on the Rolex first, but unfortunately, it was way too thick and rubbed against the case. So, I decided to stick with the black leather strap for that one. However, when I put it on the Omega, wow—I absolutely love it! I can't quite describe it, but the combination of blue and brown exudes a vibe reminiscent of a classic maritime era. I'm very happy with the Hirsch; the Omega looks significantly better with the brown strap. Just a heads up—the Hirsch Liberty is quite thick at 4mm, which is about twice the thickness of my other leather straps. I also gave it another try on the Explorer. It was a really tight fit, but it looks decent. The black dial paired with the brown strap is visually appealing, though the thickness is still noticeable. I'll wear it for a while and see if it grows on me. Comfort-wise, it's nice!

Revamping My Omega Seamaster with New Straps I recently sourced a 20mm rubber Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap from an old Casio watch and decided to try it on my Omega Seamaster 2531.80. To my surprise, it actually looks quite good, giving the watch a more sporty feel. I've been experimenting with various watch bands to see what works best, and while the black leather band looked okay, the rubber strap definitely feels better. I also plan to try a Hirsch Liberty Brown Leather band next, followed by a Hadley Roma PU Ballistic Band in black with orange stitching. I’m particularly excited about the Hadley Roma; I believe it will make my Omega truly sing. Since I spend most of my time on a computer, the stainless steel band has been getting scuffed up, and I’m looking for a fresh look. Additionally, my arm tends to expand during the hot summer months, and I’m tired of constantly adjusting the links. The Omega isn't the most user-friendly when it comes to resizing the metal band. A simp

Rediscovering My CD Collection with the M50s I recently pulled out my old CD collection to test out my M50 headphones, and it's been a nostalgic journey. My collection may be modest and a bit eclectic, but it’s filled with artists whose vocals and lyrics have always resonated with me. I find myself gravitating toward legendary voices like Jim Morrison, Freddie Mercury, and Phil Collins. And, here’s a little secret: I’ve got a soft spot for Utada Hikaru, especially her work before the Exodus album. Current Track: Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight As I sit here listening to Phil Collins' “In the Air Tonight” (Track 15 on my CD), it’s amazing how quickly the music brings me back to the 80s. This song, with its unforgettable ambiance, was part of a memorable scene in Risky Business with Tom Cruise. That movie captured a carefree, rebellious spirit—back when life felt simpler and a little more spontaneous. Moments like this make me want to go back and rewatch the film!

Reflections on Beats Studio Headphones: A Journey into Audio Quality The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones were my first introduction to the world of "high-end" headphones, and although I received them as a gift, they helped me explore audio quality on a whole new level. They excelled in delivering deep bass, which made them great for genres like electronica, techno, or hip-hop. Beats are also designed to be as visually striking as they are functional; I received a lot of compliments when wearing them at cafes or on public transit. However, as my knowledge of headphones grew, so did my understanding of where Beats fit in the audio world. Downsides of Beats Studio Despite their stylish appeal, several issues led me to eventually part with my Beats Studio: Battery Dependency : The need for two AAA batteries became a constant hassle, especially as I needed to check the power button to avoid accidental drain. This reliance on batteries was inconvenient and became a bigger issue

Audio Technica M50x Headphones Review: A Strong Contender for Your Only Pair If you're only going to own one pair of headphones, I’d highly recommend choosing either the Audio Technica M50x or the Sony MDR-V6 . Both models deliver impressive sound quality, durability, and a great design. The Sony MDR-V6 is about half the price of the M50x, and I plan to buy a pair soon to see how they compare. The online reviews for the V6 are consistently positive, often compared side-by-side with the M50 for overall quality. M50 Variants: M50, M50s, M50x The M50 line offers three different versions, which can be confusing at first: M50 : The original model with a 10 ft. coiled cable M50s : Features a 10 ft. straight cable M50x : The latest model, with three interchangeable cables (10 ft. coiled, 10 ft. straight, and 4 ft. straight) The M50x’s 4 ft. cable is ideal for portable devices like my iPhone. This updated version was likely designed with portability in mind, making it more versatile for d

Audio Technica EQ500 Headphones Review I picked up a pair of Audio Technica EQ500s while in Shibuya for about $10 USD in yen—a solid deal for the price. These headphones perform quite well considering their affordability. In hindsight, though, I probably should have gone for the EQ700 model. The EQ700 offers the convenient feature of retractable audio cables, similar to the WM77s, which I find really useful for travel and storage. Basic Specs Driver Size: 28mm Frequency Response: 16–24,000 Hz Max Input Power: 40 mW Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW Impedance: 20 Ohms Weight: 22g Cable Length: 1.2m Overall, the EQ500 is a practical and affordable choice, especially for casual listening.

My Headphone Collection (As of 2014) My headphone collection is modest but steadily growing. As of 2014, I own five headphones—not counting ear buds, which I have in abundance, including the standard ones that come with the iPhone. Here’s a breakdown of my current lineup and past models. Current Collection 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 Each set has its own unique place in my collection, offering different qualities and designs that make them memorable. 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) 

Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones Review The Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones were a bit of an impulse buy. They were selling for just $20 at a local store, and since I didn’t have any headphones on hand, I decided to pick them up to enjoy some music. Now, for $20 headphones, it’s fair not to expect too much—but these actually sound decent and get the job done. One notable plus is the build quality. Sony seems to have improved the durability on their budget headphones over time. Having owned several cheap Sony models before, I can say these feel the sturdiest. The plastic used is surprisingly strong and flexible, with a headband that has a feel more like injection-molded resin than typical low-cost plastic. However, if I were to make this purchase again, I’d likely go for the Sony MDR-V6 at $80, or even the mid-tier MDR-ZX300, which has an upgraded, gold-plated 1/8" plug. But for those times when you only need a simple, affordable pair, the MDR-ZX100 is an okay choice. Basic Specs Drivers: 30mm

A Journey Through Inexpensive Timepieces In the early days of my watch journey, I gravitated towards inexpensive quartz, automatics, and digitals. Back then, I had little knowledge about watches, and as I've grown in my understanding and taste, I've sold off all of my 'starter' watches. Here’s a look back at some of those pieces that played a role in my watch journey. Fossil Chronograph The Fossil Chronograph was one of the most difficult watches for me to part with. Despite its size being a bit too large for my preference, I appreciated its cream-colored dial paired with a brown leather strap. I loved wearing it on a NATO strap, as it gave off a unique steampunk vibe. It taught me a lot about style and design, and I dreamt of someday owning a higher-end piece like a Vacheron Patrimony or a Jaeger-LeCoultre Annual Calendar . Black Dial Seiko 5 The Black Dial Seiko 5 was a significant watch in my collection, serving as a precursor to the Rolex Explorer I . It

My Journey with the Emporio Armani AR585 Watch A Meaningful Gift I received the Emporio Armani AR585 watch as a gift, and it holds a special place in my collection. This large timepiece, reminiscent of the Breguet Type XX , has a unique presence. Originally, it came on a heavy stainless steel bracelet, but the lack of micro-adjustments meant I had to wear it a bit loose, which wasn't ideal for comfort. Finding the Right Strap I first experimented with a black leather strap, but I eventually discovered that a brown leather strap was far more appealing to me. I opted for a deployment clasp, which not only enhances the watch’s look but also makes it more practical. Overall, the AR585 has become my go-to casual and semi-formal watch. Sentimental Value While it features a quartz movement, the sentimental value of the watch makes it priceless to me. It currently stands as my second oldest watch in a modest collection. My appreciation for chronographs is evident, and until I can acquire

Reflecting on My Watch Collection Journey As I take stock of my current watch collection, I feel a sense of satisfaction with what I have assembled so far. While I may not own a traditional dress watch, I find that the Rolex Explorer serves me well in formal settings, and the Armani Chronograph can step in if needed. I’m considering swapping the Armani’s metal bracelet for a tan brown leather strap to enhance its versatility. The Process of Curation Determining how many watches are "enough" for my collection has been a tiring yet rewarding process. While some might view this as a trivial exercise, for me, analyzing my motivations and justifications behind each piece has been invaluable. This practice not only informs my watch-related decisions but also prepares me for larger life choices. Any future acquisition will require the thoughtful consideration of replacing an existing watch in my collection. Future Aspirations Looking ahead, I had considered the Hamilton Navy Pione

Casio MTD-1010: The Best Budget Submariner Homage If you’re on the hunt for an affordable watch that channels the classic diver aesthetic of the Submariner, look no further than the Casio MTD-1010 . Priced at around $30 on eBay , this model offers incredible value for anyone who loves a good deal. Affordable Elegance The MTD-1010 strikes a balance between style and practicality. While it features a quartz movement , it captures the essence of the iconic Submariner without being a direct replica or knockoff. This watch embodies the classic diver look with its bold dial, rotating bezel, and luminous hands, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Function Over Frills What sets the MTD-1010 apart is its straightforward functionality. Casio focuses on delivering a reliable timepiece that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary high-end features. This approach ensures that the watch is both accessible and functional, making it ideal for those who appreci