* The US is the world's most powerful military, according to firepower. * Russia and China aren't far behind.
President Donald Trump has reemphasized military strength, reportedly planning to ask for $716 billion in defense spending in 2019 — a 7% increase over the 2018 budget (though spending is currently limited by budget caps).
US defense spending is the highest in the world, more than the combined budgets of the next several countries. But US plans to ramp up acquisitions of military hardware will only add to an already booming arms industry.
Between 2012 and 2016, more weapons were delivered around the world than during any five-year period since 1990.
Below, you can see the world's top 25 militaries and the assets they can deploy to the battlefield, as ranked by Global Firepower Index.
ABC News has mapped the worldwide risk from North Korea's nuclear weapons. In Where can North Korea’s missiles reach? ABC shows which countries are in range of Kim Jong-un’s inferiority complex.
This scrolling interactive uses a faux 3d globe to show the ranges of North Korea's different missile types. As you progress through the story map the ranges of North Korea's short-range, medium-range,
The Casio G-Shock series have been around since 1983 and have a very strong cult following due to its ability to withstand battering. Despite being a watch collector that tends to collect watches with significant contribution to the world of horology, I have yet gotten a G-Shock in collection thus far. However, today a new chapter has dawned and the collection has a new member in the form of the Casio G-Shock Black Out Basic Series GX-56BB-1DR.
The GX series are typically called the “King of G-Shock" models. These are the biggest G-Shocks ever produced by Casio. The company launched the first back in 2010. It has the classic 5600 G-Shock design but in a size that is close to twice the size. The over-sized design is its call to fame. Unfortunately, for some people, the size could be a bit overwhelming.
I got the watch from the Watch Style of Mid Valley Megamall. The MSRP was RM809 (with GST). I was able to get it for RM680. Although I believe I could get it cheaper elsewhere, I still decided to get it from this brick and mortar shop due to the personal service rendered.
The GX-56BB-1DR is the latest iteration of the “King of G-Shock" models. Released from the second half of last year, the 1DR is a black out military design with a negative-film style display. It has the familiar TV case design with dimensions of 55.5 mm (N-S), 53.6 mm (E-W) and 17.5 mm tall. It is a light watch of just 88 gm due to the extensive use of resin as the main material for the watch.
Unlike the standard “King of G-Shock" models, the dial on the GX-56BB-1DR is devoid of any colours except black, grey and thin lines of white. It is also rather sparse when it comes to notations. Below is a side to side comparison between the 1DR (Left) and a 1ADR (Right).
Functionality is as expected of a standard G-Shock. Details can be found at the end of this review (See Watch Specifications).
Unlike the more commonly seen 5600 series G-Shock model, the four pushers are housed in a prominent housing and capped with a substantial resin cap. These caps are mud-resistant i.e. you can engage the buttons even when immersed in mud or water. Water rating is 200 meters, similar to its other brethren.
The straps are 30 mm at the lugs and tapers down to 22 mm at the buckle. The heavy-duty buckle has a double hook and secured firmly to the end of the strap via a screwed tube pin.
Below is a photo of the case-back.
Below is the photo of the electro-luminescent (EL) back-light in action. As you can see, the EL generates a nice blue-green afterglow.
I won’t go further into describing the watch as there are already a number of reviews done on the watch and series. What I plan to do is go through my views about the usability and practicality of owning and using the “King of G-Shock" model as a daily wear.
The most obvious question to ask is the size issue. Let’s face it; this watch is big which limits its usage in formal functions. As it was advertised, the GX-56BB-1DR is truly a sport watch to be used in active situations. However, it may not be as practical as many would think. Having a chunk of plastic over your wrist may not necessarily be advantages, unless you crave attention. For an adventurer, anything that limits movement without the added payoff benefits is not useful. For that size, I would choose instead the Casio Protrek series as it would at least give me compass bearing, barometric and altitude functionality. If I need more, I would even get the Suunto Traverse Alpha series of watch that could give an additional GPS functionality (if we want to keep to Casio, perhaps the Protrek WSD-F20BK Android Smart Watch would be another option).
As it stands, this watch has wrist presence that would make any wearer proud. The only feedback I have on this is perhaps an extension strap be included in the package. This watch would look good being worn over jacket sleeves. Having an extension strap will give the added length needed to do this.
The second issue is visibility. The blackout option with the negative display is great when viewed through the military context. Therefore, you should need to know its limitations otherwise you would be complaining without reason. If you need a watch that is bright, this is not the one for you. It is never meant to be anyway.
The watch has more than sufficient volume to add a radio wave antenna for time keeping accuracy. I would love it if such functionality is made available (previous JDM version of the GX used to have this function). Although I would not be able to take advantage due to my location, other users may be in the position to gain from that option.
The watch is comfortable to wear, provided you have the necessary wrist size to carry it. I have not had the opportunity to wear the watch in a wet and humid environment but I suspect it would not be an issue. If you happen to wear a long sleeve shirt, do ensure the cuffs is wide enough.
Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.
The limited flexibility could be why it has never been put in volume production like the more useful 5600. Although Casio was correct in interpreting the practical value of the watch, the demand from the fan base is overwhelmingly more than the supply. Hence the high secondhand value of this series due to demand.
In conclusion, this is a serious watch that does not have the flexibility like its smaller brother, the 5600 series. Its brute bulk is its call to fame.
Watch Specifications
Case / bezel / Band material: Resin
Shock Resistant
Mineral Glass
Mud Resistant
200-meter water resistance
Electro-luminescent (EL) backlight with full auto EL light, selectable illumination duration and afterglow. The EL is blue green
Solar powered
World time with 31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time) and daylight saving (DST) function
1/100-second stopwatch with measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99''. Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
Countdown timer with measuring unit of 1 second with countdown range of 24 hours. Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments and 1-hour increments)
5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
Hourly time signal
Battery level indicator
Power Saving (display goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark)
Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
12/24-hour format
Button operation tone on/off
Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
Approximate battery operating time is 11 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge); 27 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
* The US still boasts the most powerful military in the world, dwarfing both Russia and China behind them * The US spends almost $600 billion a year on its defence budget with 'available manpower' of 145,215,000 * Ranking of 106 nations based on more than 50 factors, including military budget, manpower and weaponry
The US still boasts the most powerful military in the world, dwarfing both Russia and China behind them, according to the new global rankings of armed forces around the world.
The US spends almost $600 billion a year on its defence budget and has an 'available manpower' of 145,215,000.
Russia, which came second in the rankings, spends less than $45 billion a year on defense while China forks out $161 billion annually according to military analytics website Global Firepower.
When Seiya-san of SeiyaJapan started the project of creating his own version of a military watch back in early 2016, I followed with interest the development via his Instagram account. With the design specification finalized in the first half of 2016, production commenced and the first complete examples were ready for sale by the end of the year.
I took my time and finally I made the decision to get one. There are two models to choose from. The Type A and the Type B. The former is more traditional in the hands and dial design while the latter has a contemporary design. I chose the Type A or officially known as the SeiyaJapan Original Watch Automatic A167-A.
The reason I chose the Type A is because I believe this is Seiya-san’s favorite design. Based on his blog postings, he often brought up the subject of vintage military watches from bygone eras. He spends a lot of time researching and writing about these watches which has a similar design to the Type A. Although I am just making an assumption, all indications seem to point to that fact. If Seiya-san is reading this blog, do drop a comment on this at the end of the posting.
Type A
Type B
The Package
After going through the necessary purchasing process, the watch started to make its way to Kuala Lumpur from Japan. I paid USD398 which was equivalent to RM1800.12 as at 19 April 2017. This amount is inclusive of courier charges from EMS/PosLaju but excluding GST. In Kuala Lumpur, an additional RM120.10 was paid to Customs for the GST portion (plus some administrative fees).
As expected, everything came inside a well packed box. Opening the box I immediately saw two brochures, the Seiko 2017 Watch Collection (JDM) and the Lukia Spring & Summer 2017 collection. I also found a personal thank you letter from Seiya-san with some instructions regarding how best to change straps.
Seiya-san also added a number of free gifts in to the mix. Apart from the Camel (dark brown leather), Nero (black leather) and Cotton (khaki nylon) straps which are part of the standard package, he also threw in a black Nato style nylon strap as extra. In addition to that, a SeiyaJapan branded white polishing cloth was also included.
The main watch-box is a small and simple cardboard box with the brand printed on the top with dimensions of 165 mm by 90 mm by 35 mm. Inside the box is a very simple guarantee card with 6 months guarantee. Simple black foam backing (back and front) protects the watch.
There are two slots cut into the bottom foam backing. The first is for the watch itself and the second is for a precision screwdriver. The watch casing is attached to the cotton khaki nylon strap. The casing is protected by a clear plastic as well as the buckle.
The Watch
This watch is designed by Mr Seiya Kobayashi of SeiyaJapan based in Tokyo, Japan. A passionate horologist, his online business of selling Japanese watches to the World is famous and known to practical all watch enthusiasts (especially those with have passion for Japanese watches). The A167-A (as well as the A167-B) is his first design to hit the market.
The dial is rather sterile. The dial is painted black. At the rim is a white painted train track style minute marker scale with luminous paint on dots at every hour. Next to it is another scale also painted white, made out of Arabic numbering in the military genre styling. Beside the 3 o’clock number is a white framed date aperture. The date wheel has a white background and black numbering.
There are only two texts on the dial. The most obvious is just below the centerline with the word, “AUTOMATIC”. The second, in much smaller font size is located between the 7 o’clock and 6 o’clock with the brand name, “SEIYAJAPAN A”. The “A” representing the Type A model. I like the simplicity of the dial without the distraction of too many texts and logos.
The hours hand is a polished stainless steel extra-heavy spade design with flowing line borders. Within the borders, SeiyaJapan added luminous paint. The minutes hand is a baton type design with pointy front. It is also made out of polished stainless steel with luminous paint within the line borders. The seconds hand is a thin hand painted white with a small round counter weight at the end.
On the right is the illumination you would see on the watch. Not overwhelmingly bright but sufficient.
Protecting the dial is a domed sapphire crystal with AR protection. Instead of starting from the edge of the fixed bezel, the crystal edge rests below the top of the bezel. As such, the highest point of the domed sapphire crystal is the same level as the top of the bezel. Visually, the domed sapphire crystal is not that obvious. You only suspect that it is when you start to see the refractive effect when view the dial at higher angles. Due to this unique design for this watch, the fixed bezel is taller than most watches under this genre. This is to help it accommodate the domed sapphire crystal and provide the necessary protection from side impact.
The watch casing is made out of 316L stainless steel and is highly polished. It is 38 mm wide excluding the crown with a lug-to-lug length of 41 mm. The lug width is 20 mm and the height is 11 mm. The lug rods use a screw system to attach itself to the watch casing. The highly polished nature of the watch would require extreme care when manipulating the small screws with the screwdriver provided to minimise potential slip that could scratch the watch surface.
The screw-down crown is located at 3 o’clock and apart from the fine gear-like surface on the barrel, the top of the crown is just a polished surface.
The watch comes with a display case-back made out of mineral crystal. Basic information about the watch is etched around the crystal. I note with interest that the serial number of this watch is A1670006 which could mean that this is the 6th watch in the series.
Also located on the case-back is the water resistance rating of 10 ATM or 100 meters.
The display window shows the Japanese made Miyota 9015 Automatic Movement. This movement uses 24 jewels and operates at 28,800 bph or 4 Hertz. It is capable to be hand wound and has a ‘hacking’ or seconds-hand stopping mechanism when adjusting the time. It can control three hands and have a date wheel. SeiyaJapan stated that the particular movement used in this series has a -10 to +30 sec per day accuracy. The power reserve available is approximately 42 hours. The flywheel rotor is simply decorated with the brand, “SeiyaJapan.com” and logo, “S”.
The Strap
The watch comes standard with three different types of straps. When I opened the box, the khaki nylon strap (codenamed: Cotton) has been attached leaving the dark brown double layered smooth oily cowhide leather strap with white stitching (codenamed: Camel) and the black crocodile patterned Alexander calf leather strap with pinched sides (codenamed: Nero) packed neatly in plastic. Apart from that, SeiyaJapan also added a Seiyajapan Original Nylon Nato Style Strap 20 mm as a free gift.
All the straps are Seiyajapan originals with the brand logo, “S”, etched at the buckle.
The Wearing Experience
This watch is perfect in many ways. The size and the sterile dial make it a multipurpose watch able to fit into many occasions. You can use it for sports or formal wear as well as use it for trips and adventures. Having additional straps allow much more flexibility to mix and match to any event.
Although I like big dive watches, the 38 mm sized Type A is a nice change. You don’t feel any weight at all. It would look fine on any wrist size. It is also unisex. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.
The feedback I have of the watch are only a few. The first is the lug style. Instead of incorporating a screw system, it would be better to have the typical spring bar system with a straight pass-through lug hole to facilitate ease of strap changing. In fact, since SeiyaJapan provides 3 types of straps as standard, utilizing a Quick Change Lock-Tite Spring Bars would make it even easier to replace straps without the need of any spring bar tool at all. The second is the option to not have the date aperture. If possible give the option to buyers to get a date-less model. The date wheel can still remain. Just need to have a dial that do not have the date window. The watch would look really minimalist. The third feedback is the surface style. Instead of polished can we have the option of brushed surface. This would make the watch look even more rugged. The fourth and final feedback is on domed sapphire crystal. I love to be able to see a domed crystal on a watch. Instead of hiding it under the bezel line, set the base flushed with the bezel line instead. This design will increase the likelihood of a side impact on the crystal but it would make the watch really cool.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this watch. Well done Seiya-san! Hope you can set your sights on a dive watch next.
