EDC GEAR AND FLASHLIGHT REVIEWS

 When we talk about Casio divers, most modern enthusiasts immediately picture the iconic MDV-106 "Duro." It's the go-to recommendation for an ultra-affordable, reliable dive watch, often seen gracing the wrists of everyone from students to billionaires. But to truly appreciate the lineage and innovation that led to the Duro's ubiquity, we need to look back at its distinguished forebear: the Casio MDV-102. This less common, yet equally impressive "Marlin" diver holds a special place in Casio's rich history of robust, value-packed water-resistant timepieces. Casio's heritage in divers isn't as flashy as some Swiss marques, but it's built on a foundation of honest, no-nonsense utility. Long before G-Shocks dominated the extreme sports scene, Casio was producing highly capable water-resistant watches, often adorned with the "Marlin" logo—a symbol of genuine 200-meter water resistance. The MDV-102 is a proud member of this family, carryi...

  The Citizen Nighthawk is a legend in the world of pilot watches, renowned for its intricate dial, robust Eco-Drive movement, and functional slide rule bezel. But delve a little deeper, and you'll discover that not all Nighthawks are created equal. While sharing a core identity, subtle yet significant differences exist between the models designated for the North American, Asian, and European markets. Today, let's shine a light on the European/Asian model, the BJ7010-59E, and see how it stacks up against its regional counterparts. The Citizen BJ7010-59E is often considered the "classic" Nighthawk for many enthusiasts, particularly outside of North America. Its distinguishing features are primarily aesthetic, yet they make a considerable difference to its overall character. The most immediately striking aspect is the dial. Unlike the North American version (often BJ7000-52E or similar), the BJ7010-59E typically features applied, polished metallic hour markers , rathe...

 As a watch enthusiast who has navigated many decades of horological trends and fads, I've seen countless timepieces come and go. Yet, there are a select few that transcend mere ownership to become true companions, ingrained in the very fabric of my daily life. Among them, none holds a more unique or enduring place than my first-generation Seiko Black Monster, the venerable SKX779. I've had mine for two decades now, and even after all this time, surrounded by more "refined" or expensive watches, it still finds its way onto my wrist with remarkable regularity. The appeal of the original Monster is immediate and unapologetic. Its aggressive, almost industrial design was a radical departure when it first burst onto the scene, earning it the "Monster" moniker that stuck like glue. The chunky, hooded lugs, the sharply serrated bezel, and that distinctive 42mm case with its integrated crown guard all scream "tool watch" in the most emphatic way possible....

For decades, G-Shock has been synonymous with unbreakable toughness, a reputation earned through countless innovative designs and a relentless pursuit of durability. While the G-Shock lineup is vast and varied, ranging from massive analog-digital beasts to sleek, metal-clad marvels, there's one particular model that consistently rises to the top for its blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality: the GW-M5610U-1. And for many enthusiasts, myself included, it just might be the ultimate "one-and-done" G-Shock. Why such a bold claim? It all starts with its iconic form factor. The GW-M5610U-1 proudly sports the original DW-5000 square design, a tribute to the very first G-Shock ever created. This isn't just a nostalgic nod; it's a supremely practical shape that wears comfortably on nearly any wrist, sliding effortlessly under cuffs without the bulk often associated with larger G-Shocks. It’s the quintessential G-Shock silhouette, instantly recognizable an...

 In a world where watch prices often climb into the stratosphere, it's refreshing to encounter a timepiece that delivers far beyond its humble cost. For anyone who appreciates reliability, classic design, and sheer unpretentious utility, the Casio Duro (MDV106, affectionately known as the "Marlin" for the iconic fish adorning its dial and case back) stands as an enduring testament to bang-for-your-buck brilliance. This isn't a watch designed for the boardroom or the gala, though its handsome looks might fool a casual observer. The Duro is a tool watch through and through. Its robust 44mm stainless steel case (often with a striking brushed and polished finish), paired with a 200-meter water resistance and a unidirectional diving bezel, means it's ready for anything you throw at it – from actual diving to yard work, or simply being your go-to weekend companion. The precise quartz movement ensures rock-solid accuracy, meaning you can set it and forget it, a true luxu...

 Having spent four decades immersed in the intricate world of watches, my collection has long featured pieces from the esteemed horological hubs of Switzerland and Japan. For years, the notion of "affordable quality" often meant a compromise in finishing, materials, or even reliability. However, the burgeoning Chinese watch industry has begun to challenge these long-held assumptions, and few brands illustrate this paradigm shift as clearly as San Martin. My recent acquisition of the San Martin SN0121G has been nothing short of a revelation, proving that exceptional quality doesn't always come with an exorbitant Swiss price tag. The SN0121G is, by all accounts, a masterclass in value. From the moment it arrives, the sheer weight and solid construction of the 316L stainless steel case and bracelet are immediately noticeable. At 39mm, it hits that sweet spot for wearability, and the brushed and polished surfaces are executed with a precision that genuinely rivals watches cos...

 For four decades, my watch collection has been a testament to Swiss precision and Japanese innovation. I've admired countless movements, dissected myriad designs, and enjoyed the subtle nuances of finishing from established brands. Yet, in recent years, a new conversation has been brewing in the horological world – the rise of Chinese watch brands. Skepticism, I confess, was my initial companion. But curiosity, as it often does, eventually led me down an intriguing path, and that path led me to the Baltany Vintage Military Style Quartz Chronograph Watch S5033. And what a pleasant surprise it has been. From the moment I unboxed the S5033, the quality was immediately apparent. The 39mm 316L stainless steel case, with its bead-blasted finish, exudes a rugged, no-nonsense charm, perfectly capturing that vintage military aesthetic it aims for. It's not a large watch, which I appreciate, and it wears incredibly well on the wrist. The screw-down crown and pushers, contributing to a v...

 As an avid watch enthusiast with over 40 years of appreciation for horology, I've seen countless trends come and go. Yet, some watches simply transcend fleeting fads and embed themselves into the very fabric of watch collecting. The Seiko SKX009 is undoubtedly one of them. Having owned many Seikos over the decades, including a beloved SKX007 since 2006 and even a first-generation Seiko Monster, I can confidently say the SKX009 holds a special place in the pantheon of iconic affordable dive watches. What makes the SKX009 so venerable? It starts with its robust, ISO-certified diver specifications. Boasting a 42.5mm stainless steel case, 200 meters of water resistance (thanks to its screw-down crown and case back), and Seiko's reliable, albeit non-hacking and non-hand-winding, 7S26 automatic movement, it's a true tool watch. The "Pepsi" bezel, with its vibrant red and blue, paired with a deep blue dial, gives it an undeniable character that sets it apart from its bl...

Picture of my Niteye EYE15 XM-L led, 18650 light.  Photo taken with a Panasonic GF5 and edited with Snapseed.

The new Niteye MS Series has now been released. The MS stands for Military Soldier and from all appearances it looks like it fits that role quite nicely. Thank you to Niteye for supplying me with two models from the series for review. The two are the MSA10 , which runs off of 1xAA and the MSC20 , which runs off of 2xCR123A, 1x18650 or 2x16340 batteries. The other two lights in the series are the MSA20 , which runs off of 2xAA batteries and the MSC10 , which runs off of 1xCR123A battery. For those of you who are into the latest and greatest in led flashlight technology, you probably are already aware of Niteye and their fairly recent appearance onto the flashlight scene.  For those of you who are not aware, they are a company based in China who are the OEM manufacturer for other well established flashlight companies, such as Jetbeam .  Quality and design wise they share many similarities to some of the other higher end brands out there. This new MS Series grabbed my attenti...

Well this is going to be the first part of an ongoing series discussing cheap, yet surprisingly good quality knives coming out of China.  I was recently turned onto some inexpensive brands of Chinese pocket knives through the forums.  The brands that were mentioned are Enlan , which also makes the brand Bee, and a company called Sanrenmu , who apparently make knives for some of the larger American knife companies, such as Spyderco, Buck and Gerber.  Other companies mentioned are Navy and Ganzo. Well curiosity got the better of me and the price point was right($9-18), so I found a bunch of them on a Chinese website called Exduct.com .  I ordered a mix of Sanrenmu, Enlan, Ganzo and Navy knives and the wait was on.  After waiting about two weeks the first one arrived at my door.  It was a Sanrenmu GB8-707 , which apparently is exactly the same as the CRKT Drifter .  It cost about $9 shipped, which is incredible as the CRKT branded one is about double th...

Niteye has kindly provided me with their EYE-40 model for review.  This is definitely a light I've been looking forward to checking out ever since I laid eyes on their EYE-30, and heard that there was an even more powerful light on the horizon.  At first glance, it does look a little ungainly and disproportioned, but after seeing it in person and experiencing the sheer lumens any qualms about it's looks or gimmick factor of adding even more leds was gone. For those who don't know about Niteye, they are apparently related to the Jetbeam company which has been producing quality flashlights for years.  They are based in China and use the latest in led technology in their products.  This particular model uses 4xXM-L leds in four separate reflectors.  It uses a battery carrier to house 4x18650 batteries and produces at maximum setting 3000 lumens.  Operation of the light is done with a stainless steel magnetic rotating ring below the head....