When were the SKX399 and SKX401 made?

It's become common knowledge that for Seiko watches the first two digits in the serial number found at the back of the watch indicate the year (first number) and month (second number). These are commonly and casually referred to as BMBY or 'birth month, birth year". For the month, it is easy to tell as November and December are indicated as 'N' or 'D' and not a number.

The tricky part is telling whether its 1999, 2009, or 2019. You need another bit of info about Seiko on this - the watch maker doesn't make the same models for over a decade. It's likely to be 10 years max for the beater types with some exceptions like the SKX007, which was produced from 1996 to 2018. In the latter case, '6' may refer to 1996 or 2016 (not 1986). and '1' may be 2001 or 2011 (not 1991 or 2021).

 

You can use this information to tell if the info posted about some watches for sale are correct (or legit). For example, there seems to be a proliferation of SKX399's and SKX401's for sale these days. These two, especially the 401, were quite rare and were referred to as Pinoy or Philippine divers watches. Depending on the reference or thread your reading or following, the SKX399 and SKX401 were produced either 1997 to 2004 or 1998 to 2005 (8 year periods). These were supposed to be (unofficial) released only in the Philippine market. Thus, the monicker of them being Philippine divers. To be liberal about the period, we can probably assume that a '6' shouldn't appear as a year in their serial numbers. Why? Simply because these watches were not manufactured in 1996 or 2006. You might just have a modded 007 or perhaps a replaced case back if your 399 or 401's serial number starts with a '6'. 

 

The serial number here starts with '9N'. If we are to refer to either periods I mentioned earlier, this cannot be made in November 2009. It should be November 1999.

The serial number here starts with '04'. This cannot be April 2010 and definitely not April 1990. It indicates the watch to have been made in April 2000.

The '46' in the serial number cannot be June 1994 since the 7002 was still in production at the time. It cannot be June 2014 because the model and others like it already stopped production by 2010 or 2012 at the latest. This means the watch was most likely made in June 2004.

As I said earlier, there seems to be a proliferation of the the 399 and 401. Unlike before when it was rare to see a 401 for sale, I know at least 3 that are selling and for very wide range of prices. Photos can be tricky and one must be cautious of online sellers. So the prices of these watches has gone down where the 399's are now selling easily below 8,000 pesos for an all original watch head and the 401 under 15,000 pesos also for an all original unit. Previously, they were at above 10,000 and 18,000, respectively. I think this also shows how fickle the used watch market can be even for such collectibles like these.

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Chocolate review: Cachet 70% Dark Chocolate

I spotted this chocolate at the nearby gas station's convenience store. They were on sale but checking the expiration date, it was way before it so I decided to pick up one to taste. We haven't traveled abroad for some time and have not been able to get our usual supply of chocolates from the duty free shops or other stores in the cities we visit. So we make do with what we could get here and from nearby stores.

Cachet 70% dark chocolate came in a 300g bar, which I thought was rather unusual for these chocolates.

Details about the chocolate at the back of the wrapper

Nutrition information

Ingredients are stated here. The chocolate claims a minimum of 70% cocoa content.

The maker supports school children in Tanzania in what is called "Cocoa for Schools" program.

The chocolate is manufactured in Belgium.

The chocolate is surprisingly smooth for a 70%. The only thing not going for it is that it is a chunky bar that's hard to bite when it just came out of the refrigerator - if that's really a negative. Price-wise, this chocolate cost less than 250 pesos so this has more bang for the buck for a Belgian chocolate.

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Wildlife at our village - a juvenile kingfisher

A couple of weeks ago, I came upon a bird along our usual walking/jogging route in our village. Here are a few photos and the story about this juvenile I came across.

At first, I thought it was just another bird in the middle of the road that will fly away upon my approach.

As I drew closer, I recognized the bird by its plumes and beak as a kingfisher. There are many of them in our area due to the trees and the rivers and streams nearby.

It was just jumping or hopping while it made a sound (not chirping) as if calling for help.

When I approached it and it didn't make any effort to fly away, I realized it must have fallen, probably attempting its first flight from a nearby tree. I also became aware of what probably was its mother, flying around and also somewhat calling to it.

Close-up of the juvenile kingfisher

I decided to go back and capture the bird. I couldn't bear the thought of a cat or dog pouncing upon it and killing it. I took it home, taking care that it won't be injured or harmed. There, we checked the bird to see if it had any injuries (it didn't). The bird was able to spread its wings inside the temporary cage we made for it, and it was clear to us that it was still at that awkward stage of its life when it was testing its strength and learning to fly. It was released the same day when it appeared to have recovered (we thought it probably was shocked when it failed its first test flight). 

One wonders if these birds remember such experiences and whether they note if people were kind to them. Dogs remember and perhaps its among the things that endear them to us. With the inclement weather and heavy rains the past days, I hope they were able to take shelter. These birds though are not strangers to water as they 'fish' and even dive (as we witnessed in Caliraya earlier this year) for food.

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Seiko ANA Final 747 4R36-03D0

One of my favorites in my collection is both a novelty and a beater. This is an automatic world timer from Seiko that is also official merchandise of All Nippon Airways or ANA. The watch is a commemoration of the final Boeing 747 services for the airline and a farewell to what travelers have fondly referred to as the jumbo jet.

The watch features a world time bezel, day and date complications, and a sky blue plane at the tip of the second hand. The emblem of All Nippon Airways (ANA) is featured above the 6 o'clock marker.

Side view of the watch showing the crown. The watch has both manual winding and hacking features.

The other side view showing the excellent condition of this watch, which I acquired as an NOS or new old stock item from a suki based in Japan.

The watch came complete with the original box and complete links. This was originally sold on the ANA inflight shop and celebrated the long service by the B747 jumbo jets that were mainstays of the airline's fleet for both domestic and international flights.

The transparent case back shows the movement to be a Cal. 4R36A, which runs at 21,600 A/h with a potential reserve of 40h. Also inscribed are "Final 747" and "Thanks Jumbo!" referring to the Boeing 747's final service with ANA.

Close-up of the dial showing the correct dial number, the sky blue airplane on the second hand and that the watch is 'Made in Japan'.

Wrist shot of this big watch collab by two major Japanese companies

It took some time for me to acquire this piece, which was exclusively sold by ANA on its inflight shop. It has sentimental value to me not just because I lived in Japan but because I flew on so many B747's in my travels using various airlines including PAL, JAL and the former Northwest (now Delta). My first B747 flight was on PAL between Cebu and Manila. My only domestic flights while living in Japan were via ANA's B747's (we usually took the Shinkansen for long trips).

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Chocolate review: Hershey's Cocoa Creations Rich Coffee

I seldom write about milk chocolates but this one's enjoyable. Perhaps its because of the coffee component of the chocolate?

This Hershey's chocolate claims to be a dark milk chocolate with at least 49% cacao.

Details at the back of the chocolate package

Ingredients and information that the chocolate is made in Malaysia. I don't recall seeing the familiar Halal sign on the wrapper but being made in Malaysia, I assume this chocolate is considered Halal.

Nutrition information (partially hidden by the flap)

This was an enjoyable one and yes, it's probably because of the coffee. It wasn't just a hint of coffee or coffee bits. You can tell the coffee is well-integrated in the bar. It's a Hershey's bar so it has the pedigree of good but mass-produced chocolate. Will I buy another or more of this chocolate bar? Maybe...if there no other alternatives in the supermarket or store.

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Lunch at the Shangri-La Mactan lobby cafe

We decided to just stay at the Shang instead of going out to find other places to eat at. In the past, we usually went out to try some local restaurants or at least be able to go around Cebu. This time, we opted to stay put since we already had our Ocean Park adventure on day 1 of our vacation. That included a ramen lunch at SM Seaside. We haven't really eaten at every venue at Shang Mactan despite staying there several times in the past. And so we ended up lunching at the lobby cafe. The menu turned up okay and items were just right for a not so heavy lunch.

Ham and cheese on ciabatta with fries on the side

Vietnamese spring rolls

Cheeseburger and fries

 

Of course it was pricier than other restaurants but if you factor in the travel time and the cost of transportation, it's probably cheaper at the hotel and it was less risk in terms of the likelihood of being exposed to Covid-19.

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In-room dining at Shangri-La Mactan

On the last night of our vacation in Mactan, Cebu, we decided to have dinner at our room. It was actually the idea of our daughter who said she was already tired. Who wouldn't be after swimming in the morning and afternoon that day? The wife was still at the spa so our daughter and I browsed the online menu (at first I called to ask for the hardcopy menu for in-room dining and was informed it was now online) where we found some familiar items we usually ordered from previous stays at other Shangri-La hotels.

Our in-room dining spread

Noodles with wanton, vegetables and mushrooms

Chicken satay barbecue

Carbonara

Buns on the side - not shown are the cubes of butter that came with these

Our dinner from another perspective

The food was actually a lot for the three of us and we were able to have our hearty meal for dinner/supper. 

Until the next one!

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A vintage Seiko 6139-6010 "Bruce Lee"

Another desirable watch in my collection is this 6139-6010 that is popularly known as a Bruce Lee. The model or a variant of it was worn by the legendary martial artist/actor. And he has been photographed on many occasions wearing the watch including for promotional photo shoots.

The blue dial bears 'Water 70m Proof' at 9 o'clock. The watch also features a Kanji day wheel.

Side view showing the crown and chronograph buttons

The other side view showing the overall good condition of the watch

The watch had its original bracelet/strap but already featured an extension to the buckle.

The correct model number is indicated at the back. The serial number indicates the watch to have been made in September 1969. This is consistent with Waterproof still indicated instead of Water Resistant.

Close-up of the dial showing the correct dial nunber and the overall condition of the dial, hour markers and hands. Unfortunately, the lumes are already weathered.

 

Here it is beside the 'newer' 6139-6012 (right). Notice the difference in the dial? The strap on the 6012 had extra links so I was able to transfer one to the 6010 to get me the right fit on my wrist (I wear my watches loose.).

Wrist shot while stopped at an intersection along my commute - this was before I transferred a link to this watch.

What I don't have yet is the 'real' Bruce Lee model that has a black dial. That one still eludes me but there should be a good one out there.

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Tea time: Salvador Dali souvenir cup

There's this rather unusual cup in our collection at home. The 'disfigured' form is in theme with special exhibit featuring Salvador Dali that we went to in Singapore many years ago.

The cup is deformed for a reason - it is a Salvador Dali souvenir after all. :)

We currently use it for paintbrushes, pencils and pens used mainly for artwork

You must have notice by now that "DALI" is printed around the cup and below it is "MIND OF A GENIUS".

This was purchased from the Singapore Art Science Museum where we viewed a collection of works by Salvador Dali.

More posts on souvenir cups and mugs soon!

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New Zealand Natural: Strawberry Surprise

After enjoying the Macadamia Supreme flavor of this ice cream brand, I decided to pick up and try another. The wife and daughter both love strawberry ice cream so the selection was not a difficult one to make.

This was indeed a surprise, a very pleasant one.

Nutrition information

Information about the manufacturer

Description of the ice cream on the container lid

We usually get FIC or Arce ice cream. Both are more expensive than the Magnolia, Nestle and Selecta/Wall's brands but are less expensive than the Carmen's Best and Haagen Daz that we enjoy from time to time. Recently, we saw that Shangri-La Mactan has New Zealand Natural ice cream at their ice cream station near the swimming pools. It was quite pricey if you bought the ice cream there but you can also enjoy "unlimited" ice cream at their buffets.

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