Comments on: Alessi Record AL6003 by Seiko—Apassionado http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/ Japanese Watch Enthusiasts Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:08:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.11 by: GMT+9 » Blog Archive » On the Record http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1218 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:10:34 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1218 [...] Sometimes it seems if you want a watch with simplicity, you practically have to rob a bank to afford it. Think certain Dufours. Examples include Grand Seikos and Credors. That’s why it’s fun to discover a watch like the Alessi Record, made by Seiko. I wrote about its backstory here, but after actually nabbing one yesterday, I have to go on the record today and give eye witness testimony. Let’s examine the evidence from the beginning. [...] […] Sometimes it seems if you want a watch with simplicity, you practically have to rob a bank to afford it. Think certain Dufours. Examples include Grand Seikos and Credors. That’s why it’s fun to discover a watch like the Alessi Record, made by Seiko. I wrote about its backstory here, but after actually nabbing one yesterday, I have to go on the record today and give eye witness testimony. Let’s examine the evidence from the beginning. […]

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1089 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 04:53:51 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1089 Thanks Evan. I'm pleased that you like the article, and appreciate your interest and support. Regards, Bryan Thanks Evan. I’m pleased that you like the article, and appreciate your interest and support.

Regards,

Bryan

]]> by: Evan http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1082 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:01:26 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1082 I just realized that it is a rarity to find such a good article about a small(ish), inexpensive and relatively obscure (before this article) quartz watch. It is cetainly refreshing to read about the nuances and subleties of a well designed timepiece and even more so that it does not include the words huge, diver and lume.....not that those aren't features we like in a watch :) Thanks Bryan! I just realized that it is a rarity to find such a good article about a small(ish), inexpensive and relatively obscure (before this article) quartz watch. It is cetainly refreshing to read about the nuances and subleties of a well designed timepiece and even more so that it does not include the words huge, diver and lume…..not that those aren’t features we like in a watch :)

Thanks Bryan!

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1077 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:29:24 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1077 Hi mot_universe, Thank you for the detailed review of your Alessi Record! I found your comments about the upside down <em>6</em> interesting because that was something I wondered about too. I'm glad to hear you report that this quirky design doesn't negatively impact the user interface -- a fancy way of saying it's easy to tell the time despite the unconventional dial numeral layout. I'm still amazed that this watch can be purchased for such a cheap price on eBay. There really are some awesome deals on "the Bay." Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this interesting watch! Beat regards, Bryan Hi mot_universe,

Thank you for the detailed review of your Alessi Record! I found your comments about the upside down 6 interesting because that was something I wondered about too. I’m glad to hear you report that this quirky design doesn’t negatively impact the user interface — a fancy way of saying it’s easy to tell the time despite the unconventional dial numeral layout.

I’m still amazed that this watch can be purchased for such a cheap price on eBay. There really are some awesome deals on “the Bay.”

Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this interesting watch!

Beat regards,

Bryan

]]> by: mot_universe http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1073 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:43:15 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-1073 I've now owned the watch a month or so. The one I got is AL6005 that's the gents model with white dial, satin finish and nylon band. Out of the current models it could be the closest match to the one once displayed in MOMA. I would've preferred polished case but I couldn't find one cheap. This one was $52 from eBay without warranty(?), shipping from United States to Europe included. I popped the caseback open to verify I got the genuine article and sure enough there was a Seiko movement in there and the inside of the case back was stamped "SII" something (forgot already). The case is solid stainless steel but it weights very little. The finish is good except there are small imperfections on the sides near the case back but they aren't very noticeable and are completely acceptable at this price point. I really like the shape of the case and the unique 18 mm lugs. The crown is very small and located so that in practice only one finger can be used. Being quartz and running at 8 secs/month I don't have to set it often so it's not an issue. As expected the watch is extremely legible. The hands are perfect length. I thought the upside down six on the dial could be confusing but it isn't. It might look like a nine but you know it's number six. <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://www.compint.com/albums/scwf/prisoner.jpg" /></div> The watch came with two braided one-piece nylon straps, black and darkish yellow. The buckles are stainless steel and the finish matches the case. There are no holes for the buckle pin. The threads are loose enough for the pin to penetrate thus making adjusting easy. The bands feel a little cheap but works and looks great. The dark yellow strap makes the watch more noticeable while with the black does the opposite. All in all I like the AL6005 and for the money it's good value. The fact that it's a recognised design is a nice bonus. Thanks for introducing it Bryan. I’ve now owned the watch a month or so. The one I got is AL6005 that’s the gents model with white dial, satin finish and nylon band. Out of the current models it could be the closest match to the one once displayed in MOMA. I would’ve preferred polished case but I couldn’t find one cheap. This one was $52 from eBay without warranty(?), shipping from United States to Europe included. I popped the caseback open to verify I got the genuine article and sure enough there was a Seiko movement in there and the inside of the case back was stamped “SII” something (forgot already).

The case is solid stainless steel but it weights very little. The finish is good except there are small imperfections on the sides near the case back but they aren’t very noticeable and are completely acceptable at this price point. I really like the shape of the case and the unique 18 mm lugs. The crown is very small and located so that in practice only one finger can be used. Being quartz and running at 8 secs/month I don’t have to set it often so it’s not an issue. As expected the watch is extremely legible. The hands are perfect length. I thought the upside down six on the dial could be confusing but it isn’t. It might look like a nine but you know it’s number six.

The watch came with two braided one-piece nylon straps, black and darkish yellow. The buckles are stainless steel and the finish matches the case. There are no holes for the buckle pin. The threads are loose enough for the pin to penetrate thus making adjusting easy. The bands feel a little cheap but works and looks great. The dark yellow strap makes the watch more noticeable while with the black does the opposite. All in all I like the AL6005 and for the money it’s good value. The fact that it’s a recognised design is a nice bonus. Thanks for introducing it Bryan.

]]> by: Karthic http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-859 Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:32:34 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-859 Bryan, I'm a newcomer to the site and 'am delighted to be introduced to two wonderful watches- the Alessi and the Watanabe quartz- on my very first visit. My compliments on two very well written features, and thanks for the introduction to two beautiful timepieces. I look forward to more of your articles. Bryan,
I’m a newcomer to the site and ‘am delighted to be introduced to two wonderful watches- the Alessi and the Watanabe quartz- on my very first visit.
My compliments on two very well written features, and thanks for the introduction to two beautiful timepieces.
I look forward to more of your articles.

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-799 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:20:31 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-799 Hi blackdial, Thank you very much for your kind comments and your encouragement. I look forward to writing more articles, and hope you find one or two of them of interest. Best regards, Bryan Hi blackdial,

Thank you very much for your kind comments and your encouragement. I look forward to writing more articles, and hope you find one or two of them of interest.

Best regards,

Bryan

]]> by: blackdial http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-795 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:26:18 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-795 Hi Bryan...thank you very much for this article on this Alessi watch. Your articles are extremely well written, and explore other aspects of Seiko watches, an entire new universe. For example, your exploration of Thomas Jefferson's handwriting. Your articles are a pleasure to read. I have noticed that for me, there are several classic designs that are extremely attractive, and are most likely one of the major causes of why a watch is very popular. For example, the Cartier Pasha, or the Seiko diver's face. The record watch by Alessi is another of those. Sometimes they are very expensive, but in this case, the price is extremely affordable. Thanks again, for such a wonderful article. Hi Bryan…thank you very much for this article on this Alessi watch.
Your articles are extremely well written, and explore other aspects
of Seiko watches, an entire new universe. For example, your exploration
of Thomas Jefferson’s handwriting. Your articles are a pleasure to read.

I have noticed that for me, there are several classic designs that
are extremely attractive, and are most likely one of the major causes
of why a watch is very popular. For example, the Cartier Pasha, or
the Seiko diver’s face. The record watch by Alessi is another of those.
Sometimes they are very expensive, but in this case, the price is
extremely affordable. Thanks again, for such a wonderful article.

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-741 Thu, 31 May 2007 03:13:41 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-741 Hi mot_universe, The AL13000 looks quite large! Check out the wrist shot below, and the closeup of the dial. <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/banderjp/alessi_al13000/al13000-4.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/banderjp/alessi_al13000/al13000-2.jpg" /></div> I'll be very interested to hear your impressions of the Record AL6003 when it arrives. Best regards, Bryan Hi mot_universe,

The AL13000 looks quite large! Check out the wrist shot below, and the closeup of the dial.

I’ll be very interested to hear your impressions of the Record AL6003 when it arrives.

Best regards,

Bryan

]]> by: mot_universe http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-740 Wed, 30 May 2007 22:00:35 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-740 Thanks for the very interesting article. I've always liked designer Seikos like the Sottsass collection, Watanabe Albas and various Giugiaro models. I've never paid any attention to Alessi watches before even though I've seen a few in Seiko Japan website's news section. After reading the article and seeing the second photo I ordered one. The case profile and lugs look really neat. While looking for a Record I found <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.alessi-watches.com/eg/index.html" rel="nofollow">Andrea Branzi's Alessi watches</a>. I quite like these too and it's funny how the design is similar to some of Bob Thayer's and other's Seiko diver mods. <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://www.alessi-watches.com/eg/watch/al13000/andrea_img.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://www.alessi-watches.com/eg/watch/al13000/al13000.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: center"><img src="http://www.alessi-watches.com/eg/watch/al13000/al13000side.jpg" /></div> Thanks for the very interesting article. I’ve always liked designer Seikos like the Sottsass collection, Watanabe Albas and various Giugiaro models. I’ve never paid any attention to Alessi watches before even though I’ve seen a few in Seiko Japan website’s news section. After reading the article and seeing the second photo I ordered one. The case profile and lugs look really neat.

While looking for a Record I found Andrea Branzi’s Alessi watches. I quite like these too and it’s funny how the design is similar to some of Bob Thayer’s and other’s Seiko diver mods.

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-728 Wed, 30 May 2007 06:05:15 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-728 Hi Sjors, That's a nice tip about eBay, thanks! Somehow I didn't think of looking there . . . <div style="text-align: center"></div> Regards, Bryan Hi Sjors,

That’s a nice tip about eBay, thanks! Somehow I didn’t think of looking there . . .

Regards,

Bryan

]]> by: Sjors http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-723 Tue, 29 May 2007 15:45:47 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-723 Hi Lee, I saw the watch for less than $30.- on eBay. I was very tempted to go for the yellow strap version after reading and was really amazed about the price (too bad the shipping costs as much as the watch). Cheers, Sjors Hi Lee,

I saw the watch for less than $30.- on eBay. I was very tempted to go for the yellow strap version after reading and was really amazed about the price (too bad the shipping costs as much as the watch).

Cheers,

Sjors

]]> by: bryanandersen http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-722 Tue, 29 May 2007 12:45:54 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-722 Hi Chee, You can buy this watch in Hong Kong. Contact your local Alessi distributor for a list of stores that sell it in HK. <div style="text-align: center"><img title="Alessi Store Hong Kong Information" alt="Alessi Store Hong Kong Information" src="http://www.gmtplusnine.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/hk_alessi_1.png" /></div> Regards, Bryan Hi Chee,

You can buy this watch in Hong Kong. Contact your local Alessi distributor for a list of stores that sell it in HK.

Alessi Store Hong Kong Information

Regards,

Bryan

]]> by: Chee http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-721 Tue, 29 May 2007 10:29:13 +0000 http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2007/05/27/alessi-record-al6003-by-seiko-apassionado/#comment-721 Hi Bryan, Where can i buy this watch? Does Kobayashi-san sell it? I'm in HK. Regards Chee Hi Bryan,

Where can i buy this watch? Does Kobayashi-san sell it?

I’m in HK.

Regards
Chee

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