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Friday, April 24, 2015

Nautica Tide Temp Compass Launched in Malaysia

Thanks to collaboration with Nautica Malaysia and their authorized distributor company, I've received a new-yet-to-be launched unit tagged with model number NAI210000G or better known as the Nautica NSR103TTC.

It will be retailing at RM949 in Malaysia. There will only be 9 units in Malaysia and they can be viewed at the retails outlets in the end of this review below. This is limited edition for Malaysia market and is within the 2015 Spring collection. Available only in Black-Yellow combination.

First Look
Solid. That was my first thought when I held the Nautica NSR103TTC for the first time. The unit assigned to me has yellow straps (yay!) and comes with contrasting black-yellow face. The watch is large - at least 45mm diameter (I later found out it is 46mm diameter and 14mm thick) and the strap is a nice 22mm width.

3-press button and one screwed in crown were the visible feature apart from the very intriguing watch face with 4-hands that adds to the complication (a term used to describe a watch beyond the simple display of hours and minutes. In short, it provides the user a more complex functionality, which adds to the watch's allure)

At first sight, it does not look like other chronograph watches - and the function to be able to check temperature, tide and a compass is a misnomer as I usually relate these features to a digital watch instead. It was strange to see this on an analog watch. Strange, but a welcomed sight and will be noticed due to the bold yellow color (no complains on Yellow here for the extrovert me)

The Nautica "Sail" logo on the screwed-in crown

The watch face size sits nicely on my wrist and at the size that I like. For some of you that may like the large casing diameter watch, 46mm is at the same size as the Seiko Monster Dive Watch (about same price) or the more expensive Bell&Ross or the Tag Heuer Aquaracer.

Back of watch noting the Model Number, Material of construction and water resistant to 100m. Unmistakable "Sail" logo dominates the back casing

This comparison will give you a good idea how big the watch is if you own any of them. For me, it is about the same size as my 920XT (at 48mm). The size doesn't bother me as I am used to wearing large-face watch - maybe due to failing eye-sight.

Temp-Tide-Compass

Daily Use
I was asked by a few person if I am wearing a new watch - being a predictable person that I am, it is easy to see if I am doing something differently. Naturally the timepiece became a conversation starter. A hotelier commented that I am "loyal" to my company due to the color of the watch. Can't blame her for trying. Another asked if I ever get confused with that many dials on the watch face and asked if it does more than just "tell time".

Buckle-type system to secure the strap

The strap is flexible and secure the TTC neatly on my wrist and sufficient holes to cater for all (men's standard) wrist size, even with a wetsuit on should you bring it for snorkeling or diving (it has 100m water resistant function). Very important that the screw-in crown are screwed in to ensure complete seal, otherwise water will enter and it will be the end of life for the watch.

Screw-in back casing adds to the water resistant confidence

Conversation aside, I found myself showing off the features that tracks the Temperature, Tide and showing the Compass needle moves as I turn my body. The outer bezel works too, which meant the graduation of the degree could be used for simple map reading and navigation. Swanky!

Textured strap on the inside that contacts the skin

Tide - Temperature - Compass
The Nautica TTC has 3-dedicated press buttons to activate each of the functions. Pressing the lower left button activates the Compass. Red button on upper right does the Temperature and the lower right completes the Tide tracker. Calibration is possible for both the Compass and Tide function which is included in the manual. I've calibrated both the Compass and Tide function and can confidently share it is "almost" accurate as long as I use it correctly.

Lower left - compass

Lower right - Tide

Upper right - Temperature

The Temperature accuracy is effected by the skin-watch contact and you can get better accuracy if you leave it on a surface to measure it after it reaches equilibrium. Not an issue as the digital temperature watches recommend the same - or has higher sophistication to account for the skin surface temperature.
As comparison, I wore the watch in a room set to 18degree C and it reads 25deg C. After removing it and leaving it on the table overnight, it clocked in at 22deg C. Obviously the air-condition may not had been able to go as low as 18deg C. In the name of testing, and as the unit are able to go as low as -5deg F (that is -20.5deg C for us Metric people), I will leave the watch in the freezer one of these day and report back here.

Temperature

The Tide Tracker is unique. The watch face is divided into two-halves where the Tide is tracked. On the left side tells you it's a declining tide and on the right is increasing tide. So, if the Red-dial moves around the left side of the watch, it indicates declining tide. The Red-dial will moves with time from the "high to half to low" to gives you an idea where the tide is; useful if you need to know (like me before the race so I know the sea condition). It doesn't tells the "depth" though. Detailed instruction to calibrate available in manual and I've mine came correctly set (against the tide chart from Port Klang).

The Red Dial pointing to the tide to be on the increase (right side of watch face) and naturally moving towards "high tide"

The compass function is a no brainer - but just do not place electronic nearby/next to it when in use. I experimented with my phone next to it and the needle were biased from the expected north. Accuracy wise, not too bad as it co-relate with my phone compass and a map reading compass I have.

Point To My North

Is It Worth Your Money
If you are in the market to get a watch that tells you more than just time, this is a good choice without going "digital". It live up to the Sports theme it made up to be as it allow both formal and informal usage as a watch that will suit many occasions - I wore this to my team's meeting for a change. Again, this retail for RM949.00 and in my opinion, worth the money for the features and persona.

Sexy from the side. 14mm thick

The Nautica TTC (NSR103) comes with mineral glass (standard) and with Japan movement. It runs on battery (not mechanical) and the strap is synthetic rubber. Rated at 12ounces or 340grams (same as one side of my Skechers GoRun!) and 100m Water Resistant. With ability to do Temperature measurement, tracking Tide and showing you where North is. Add that to the everyday wearable factor be it in office or out in the trail, I would say it has good value for money.

Putting it all together

Technical Specifications
Brand/Model : Nautica NAI21000G or NSR103TTC
Dial Window material : Mineral Glass
Display : Analog
Clasp : Buckle
Case Material/Diameter/Thickness : Stainless Steel 46mm / 14mm
Strap Material/Width : Synthetic Rubber 22mm
Strap Details : Textured on inside. "Nautica" branding on outside
Bezel Material/Direction : Stainless Steel Multi-direction
Number of Dials : Four (Hour-Minute-Second and Red-multifunction dial)
Date Display : Yes
Movement : Japanese Quartz
Bezel Function : Compass degree and 24-hours indicator
Water Resistant : 100m (please ensure crown are securely screwed in)

Official Press Release:
NEW YORK, NY - For immediate release - Nautica Watches charts a new course with the launch of the NSR 103 Tide, Temp Compass. As the name suggests, this new sport watch gauges temperature, tide cycle and geographic direction in a colorful design that’s true to the brand’s heritage. Bold color accents on the dial and the temperature pusher set the stage for a fashionable yet functional time piece that gets you going in the right direction. A fourth hand functions as the compass needle, temperature and tide-scale indicator. Temperature and tide calibrations are aligned in concentric circles on the dial. The temperature is registered in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, while the tide scale measures high, low and half tide. The bi-directional turning top ring carries the compass markings so it’s easy to set to the north position as indicated by the compass needle. The 46mm case is rugged but not overbearing and set on a water resistant synthetic rubber strap. Sport meets function and fashion in the new NSR 103 Tide Temp Compass, a ready-for-adventure timepiece that’s perfect for the active sport watch enthusiast.

ABOUT NAUTICA Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 75 countries with 265 full price Nautica® branded stores and over 3,000 Nautica branded shop-in-shops worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company’s five largest brands are including The North Face®, Vans®, Wrangler®, Timberland® and Lee®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind®, Bulwark®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders®, Splendid® and Smartwool®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.

ABOUT NAUTICA WATCHES Introduced in 1994, Nautica Watches for men and women combine distinctive styling, bold colors and unique design. Inspired by water, the Nautica brand reflects an authentic, active heritage and spirit. Nautica watches embody the best of classic, American style with the latest in technical innovation. For more information, please visit www.nauticawatches.com

Note: This Nautica TTC is sponsored by Nautica Malaysia via their official distributor. Expected to be launched on May 1, 2015 and retailing at RM949, available at :

1. Watch Engine 1 Utama - T: 03-7722 1002
2. Hang Thai, Bangsar Shopping Village, KL - T : 03-22828832
3. Time Galaxy, Sunway Pyramid, Selangor - T: 03-5631 8533
4. Swiss Time, Imperial Mall, Miri, Sarawak - T: 085-422993
5. Swiss Time, Bintang Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-429928 6. CP Time, Imperial City Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-426993.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Nautica Malaysia or their Authorized Distributor Company.

Press Release : Mission for Missing Children Trans Titiwangsa Ride 2015

The good people in MfMC will be riding again. As they said in their email to me, the trip this time will be Repeating what they did last year cycling from Singapore to Hatyai and raising awreness on children's safety, they are back this year with another event, MfMC Ride for Missing Children-Trans Titiwangsa Ride 2015 from 1-4 May 2015. They will visit Sek Keb Gemang in Jeli on 4 May 2015 and give brief talk on children's safety.

Below is the official circular from them. I wish them all the best and good luck! Ride Safe!

Mission for Missing Children atau lebih dikenali sebagai MfMC merupakan sebuah organisasi sukarelawan yang tidak menjana pendapatan dan bebas politik. Objektif penubuhan organisasi ini adalah untuk mewujudkan kesedaran masyarakat berkaitan isu keselamatan kanak-kanak menerusi platform rekreasi termasuklah aktiviti berbasikal, larian, berenang, triathlon, mendaki gunung dan sebagainya.

Bermula 1 hingga 4 Mei 2015, sekumpulan wakil MfMC akan menyertai misi kayuhan kesedaran bermula di Kuala Lumpur dan berakhir di Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Kayuhan ini merupakan kesinambungan kepada misi kayuhan kesedaran yang telah dijalankan pada 2014 dari Woodlands, Singapura ke Hatyai, Thailand.

Sepanjang kayuhan merentasi banjaran Titiwangsa ini, wakil MfMC akan berhenti di beberapa lokasi terpilih termasuklah di sekolah-sekolah, pasar-pasar dan tempat awam untuk kempen kesedaran berkenaan keselamatan kanak-kanak.

Justeru, pihak MfMC amat menghargai dan berterima kasih jika pihak Tuan/Puan dapat mewar-warkan atau memberikan satu slot di program terbitan pihak Tuan/Puan agar kempen kesedaran ini dapat diperluaskan kepada masyarakat.

Info mengenai MfMC dan misi kayuhan boleh diperolehi di laman Facebook MfMC:

https://www.facebook.com/MissionsForMissingChildren

Amazing Landscape Over Arctic Circle

My flight back from Toronto via CX829 took the scenic route and flew over the top of the world literally, aka Arctic Circle. The landscape is amazing. Frozen Arctic Ocean, buttery smooth snow covering mountains, shadow casted by the sun (almost 24hours!) from the other side...and i just flew through my second sunset (once over Canada Arctic Bay and now into top of eastern Russia towards Ulaanbator).

I took a 2mins video and sharing it here at my YouTube channel. Enjoy the sight; I know I did.

http://youtu.be /MHHPtchDQ9 U

Do It Like A Man : Packing For Business Travel

A nifty trick I have picked after doing some research and improvising on a few items. Biggest challenge is to keep those work shirts, usually long sleeves and the pants, creases free and ready to be used without any re-ironing or minimal ironing. Many would had roll up these clothing to save space. Some even places papers or big paper napkins with the thinking the softer material will prevent creases. So how do I suggest we do it?
Here is how - Bundling in layers
The biggest possibilities of creases is because clothes were pressed without buffer. What if we bundle them up? I first layout a sarong (you see why at the end). Start by placing the easiest to crease as the first layer; my pants. I place them opposite each other.

Lay the pants out first

Then I start to place the shirts in alternate manner with the collar in the middle of the bundling. Ensure all buttons are secured to minimise creases. As you can see, I am allowed to be smart casual in this meeting and what better way with chequered and stripes long sleeves (plus its -1 degC to 4degC in Toronto).

then the shirts

Once you laid out all the shirts, take your underwear, socks, t-shirts, other clothings and place them neatly in the middle. The shape of this arrangement determine the shape of your bundle. As my travelling case is a 75cm hardcase, I sort of lay this out to be same width as my case.

The important middle bundle

Once done, you start to fold in the sleeves and then the bottom. Do this with conscious effort to ensure smoothing out the fabrics. Continue to do this until it is all completed.

fold in, start with sleeves

then wrap it up from the bottom. Repeat.

Almost done.

For the pants, its as simple as folding it in to the bundle. If you have to bring a coat/blazer, the coat/blazer will be the first item instead of the pants.

Fold in Pants

Once completed and happy with the shape, tuck in the sarong (or what my daughter call "like envelope") and you have completed the bundle.

Enveloped

Place it into your case and fill up the empty spaces with shoes or other packings. I like to compartmentalise my packing and for this, I packed the shoes and other items such as my chargers (or things not going to be with me in the flight, not expensive items of course) into a backpack - which can be used at destination, or as an extra carry on (due to shopping???)

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Upon arrival, remove the bundle and hang them up. If some minor crease appear, don't worry unless it bothers you badly. If the creases were bad, maybe consider ironing it out - or leave it in the bathroom and let the hot shower steam smoothen it up.

After 24hours

A more extreme measure for lazy traveler is to place the pants under your sleeping mattress, and let the weight press the creases off. A bit tricky if you get the folds or line wrongly and you end up with a worse crease. Good luck!

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With the clothes hanged, I can now go and sleep and hope the jet lag won't come visiting.

Just some minor ironing required before I wear them

TKCOGA Walk-A-Run Race Report

Putrajaya, 15th February 2015 Malay Girls College (MGC), now known as Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) Old Girls Association organized a fun-filled, family event on Sunday,

February 15th 2015 from 7am at Kompleks Sukan Air, Presinct 6, Putrajaya.

The Wife to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, a TKC alumni herself, graced the event as the patron of the TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival alongside the Youth and Sports Minister,

Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin.

The carnival aims to raise RM 2,000,000 in stages for the benefit of athletic and sports development facilities in the newly relocated school in Bandar Enstek,

Nilai.

The first stage of the fundraising aim to raise RM 500,000 towards the #TKCfieldproject. The Carnival’s main attraction is a 5km run or walk, with participants encouraged to be dressed to the nines! There are also other activities at the carnival site, including a Bouncy Castle for the children, and aerobics, zumba, poco-poco and insanity fitness for the adults.

YAB Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah danced the poco-poco alongside YB Khairy,

she then cheered on from the sidelines while YB Khairy went one-on-one with Encik Mohd Farid Isham (nicknamed Cat) for the KJ Challenge, where Encik Cat beat YB Khairy 3-2 and won an iPad Air.

All donations from the KJ Challenge go towards the #TKCfieldproject.

The VVIPs were accompanied by the MGC/TKC OGA committee throughout the event; Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rafiah Salim, President MGC/TKC OGA, Pn Mariam Tun Sulaiman, Deputy President MGC/TKC OGA, Datuk Hafsah Hashim, Vice President Agama & Education MGC/TKC OGA, and Datin Norhizan Ibrahim Vice President Social & Welfare MGC/TKC OGA.

The Race Director for the MGC/TKC Walk-a-Run Carnival is

Pn Nik Lini Hayati Nik Kazim (Pn Lini Kazim), who is also the current Best

Malaysian Female Triathlete at Ironman Langkawi 2014.

From MGC in Bukit Damansara to TKC in Bukit Merbah and now the new school in Bandar Enstek, the college has been both a school and a home for many

bright young ladies who then went forth to become prominent figures in various fields both locally and internationally. TKC prides itself in being excellent academically, there are also potential athletes among the girls that require proper

athletic and sports facilities to train in and it is through this carnival that the

MGC / TKC OGA hopes to raise adequate funds. The new school has yet to have a Sports Day since moving to Bandar Enstek in 2012. The MGC/TKC OGA hopes that this fundraiser will be a success to ensure a return of Sports Day to the TKC school grounds.

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