Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => Watch Reviews => Topic started by: chrisyen on March 05, 2013, 09:38:50 PM

Title: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 05, 2013, 09:38:50 PM
After many time of asking, MWF finally decided to go for a project watch like many other big forum!

The small numbers of interested member limiting our possibility... not many watch company willing even to consider our order!
before we talk about price and design!

Big Thank YOU to Vintage VDB :thumbsup: for turning our dream to reality!
Pls visit their store here http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/board,43.0.html (http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/board,43.0.html)

after months of getting the design firm up and bla bla.... mths of waiting....
detail of the process pls read here http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,6540.0.html (http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,6540.0.html)
and here http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,7302.0.html (http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,7302.0.html)

Finally all the 15 MWF Project Bronze watches arrived yesterday

external box cover is the white paper box that protecting the inner watch box
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120490_zps383d4d88.jpg)

the leather watch box is nice, not too big but unique on its own... very well made though  :thumbsup:
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120491_zpsa5172f1e.jpg)

all watches from EU come with 2 yrs warranty nowadays.... here the cards, nothing fancy
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120499_zpsb169dced.jpg)

Before i unveil the watch....another thumbs up to VDB, for th extra sport rubber strap.
this black color isofrane alike strap is 28mm at lugs and 26mm at buckle. It is so soft, i 
believe its gonna be very comfortable.... (i have not try it yet) and the 
black pvd 26mm buckle also given  both the buckle and strap is signed with vdb logo :thumbsup:
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120496_zpscf1c9ed3.jpg)

heres the very limited 15 pieces of 1st MWF PROJECT WATCH
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120504_zps0d925608.jpg)

this is it overall look like from the front... i certainly like it very much.... (yeah, i love VDB way of making raw vintage feel watches).... although may not be every1 cup of tea !
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120507_zps822720f9.jpg)

look at this beauty! the 46mm bronze case may look massive.... but it is easy to wear!
the rotatable diver bezel is just cool, especially the big lume on Omin is like glowing all the time n very eye catching to the extend of forming the DNA of VDB watch
brown dial is simple but very matching
and i personally like the hour markers is like 80s rolex way ....
gold color hands are rough... the orange second hand is striking...
the black pvd coated crown on 12 really bring out the design of this watch.... esthetically - but may not good on function, its abit tough to open and close, u need to get use to it!
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120517_zpsf5ff8ba2.jpg)

the beat blasted ' MWF ' wording on the lover case is not what we wanted at first, I am asking for deep engraving actually.... Communicating with some one only speak German do give me problems... Anyway, it's not too bad though!
looks.... its getting patina already... oh boy !!!
a very 1st watch thats bear MWF on its case ! hopefully this is not the last one
the doom sapphire crystal was like plexi in old watches... its reflection actually disturbing my shooting ....
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120513_zps410ac04c.jpg)

the black pvd case back has all the engraving we asked for
nothing to shout, but its first time that we have MWF website engraved on it
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120515_zps3a1cbc13.jpg)

the watch come with a handmade dark tan thick leather strap... matching the watch perfectly ! 28mm on both end
however european size is little too long for most of us! my apology to those who have small wrist that take up the watch
the leather strap is not easy to bend near lugs sometimes, bcoz it is thick!
anyway, hand finish is felt!
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120511_zps9570a4c2.jpg)

i like the black pvd coated buckle, does it look big? its 28mm actually... its well cut and finish
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120516_zpsa2c0da04.jpg)

the watch is huge, but it is well curve and with the short lugs design, it is very wearable! believe me!
after a day of wearing, the workhorse eta2824-2movement in it running within 10s... watch is comfort....
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120524_zps4d676a29.jpg)

vdb is no famous for fine finish dress watch.... watches are flaws, but thats the proof of handmade case?
not all bezel align to 12, dust on hand, scratches on lug side and lug screws, bezel turning not as smooth....
some straps are longer, some darker, some softer,.....
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120519_zps2826aa29.jpg)

final words.... i m proud of this very first MWF jamtangan projek Gangsa ! this is not the perfect watch....
i even spotted one of it have a different caseback and hands
VDB confirmed thats the first they made, prototype to to call.....
so see later who is the lucky one, anyway, the proto watch gold color engraved case back looks more match the watch!
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120525_zpsdb6d423e.jpg)

last photo....
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120518_zpsd7566701.jpg)

tomorrow i will courier 2 to penang, distribute some this coming saturday, holding 1 for our member in hong kong now
let see these 15 bros can ever catch up again

i LOVE my GANGSO
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: JPSP on March 06, 2013, 04:40:53 AM
congrats on finally getting the watches. Nice!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: squasub on March 06, 2013, 05:43:04 AM
congrats..a very unique watch  :)
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: bezelnut on March 06, 2013, 07:14:35 AM
Glad to see this project being a success.

Congrates to all owner of these watches.
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: jacky8888 on March 06, 2013, 08:06:00 AM
cant wait to get my hands on this watch....

this watch is one hell of a kick-ass beast...... :mooning:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: danny on March 06, 2013, 09:00:20 AM
Great review Chris.
I must say that the Gangso looks fantastic and is well deserving of its unique status as MWF's first project watch.  :thumbsup:

I would like to express our appreciation to the folks who worked hard to make this happen:
i) Chris Yen who invested so much of his own time in coordinating and making this international collaboration a success.
ii) Stephan and gang from VDB for doing such a good job in handcrafting these watches.
iii) Mods who lent a helping hand in this project.

Thanks guys.

And to the proud owners of Gangso, wear these timepieces with pride and in good health.

 :Cheers:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: takashi78 on March 06, 2013, 09:37:30 AM
Very good initial review and a job well done !

When you have time maybe a pic of the "prototype" hands and the others?

Cant wait for this Sat !
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Dickson Lim on March 06, 2013, 11:13:00 AM
Splendid initial review Chris.  :thumbsup:
Must really thanks all of the 15 participants, especially Chris and other moderators. Yes, Chris, you deserved a big credit!     :Cheers:
Can't wait the parcel to arrive at my place these 2 days (I'm sure CK is waiting like a kid also).   :)


Lastly, would like to congrats Woon to be the lucky person that get the first made watch.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 06, 2013, 02:20:13 PM
My son lucky picked 4 watches for me this morning!

Just now at mail box exe pavilion during lunch time, Khiamat chosen 1 from the 4 watches...

He so lucky, got the first made mwf watch.

Peter - not so noticeable for hands color different actually

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/D424814B-6BC1-419B-9D55-5F43BF5D56FD-4825-000003B5E8A0F9CB_zps06c9a7f5.jpg)

U can spot the different ! When I look closely just now, can tell Khiamat watch got more patina ... Slightly darker now!

Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: kenixck on March 06, 2013, 02:22:19 PM
Splendid initial review Chris.  :thumbsup:
Must really thanks all of the 15 participants, especially Chris and other moderators. Yes, Chris, you deserved a big credit!     :Cheers:
Can't wait the parcel to arrive at my place these 2 days (I'm sure CK is waiting like a kid also).   :)


Lastly, would like to congrats Woon to be the lucky person that get the first made watch.  :laugh:

there is high chance that Penang will get their hands on theirs before central does.  :Cheers:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: kenixck on March 06, 2013, 02:34:59 PM

Chris, possible to bring some of your tools to help me punch hole/some holes, i think my wrist is also quite small, i think i usually have a high chance on getting the longer straps.

thanks !  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 06, 2013, 07:41:43 PM

Chris, possible to bring some of your tools to help me punch hole/some holes, i think my wrist is also quite small, i think i usually have a high chance on getting the longer straps.

thanks !  :thumbsup:

Ok
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: TheHobbit on March 06, 2013, 07:55:29 PM
Great review and great work Chris.
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: sm on March 06, 2013, 08:01:11 PM
Great work.
_____15?(to fill in by you guys)

Wear it in good health & wealth

Warmest,
Sm
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: takashi78 on March 06, 2013, 08:07:47 PM

Chris, possible to bring some of your tools to help me punch hole/some holes, i think my wrist is also quite small, i think i usually have a high chance on getting the longer straps.

thanks !  :thumbsup:

Ken ur wrist gemuk la haha
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: musclehedz on March 07, 2013, 06:28:10 AM
Awesome watch guys!! :-) Congrats to the 15 owners!!
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 07, 2013, 08:18:26 AM
After 3 days... The watch still run within the minute

I hv no luck, mine bezel many hv many light swirls line actually...
Some like spots stain between 10-11
Some like straight scratches from 4 - 7

I wish the patina will camouflage this after some
Times

Comparing with the proto with Khiamat...
His mwf watch appear darker now...

Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: bezelnut on March 07, 2013, 09:55:24 AM
 
My son lucky picked 4 watches for me this morning!

Just now at mail box exe pavilion during lunch time, Khiamat chosen 1 from the 4 watches...

He so lucky, got the first made mwf watch.

Peter - not so noticeable for hands color different actually

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/D424814B-6BC1-419B-9D55-5F43BF5D56FD-4825-000003B5E8A0F9CB_zps06c9a7f5.jpg)

U can spot the different ! When I look closely just now, can tell Khiamat watch got more patina ... Slightly darker now!



Erm, just curious, is patina on a watch a good thing? If not mistaken, patina is a form of oxidization, & if something oxidized, usually means polishing required. sorry if I asked a silly question.
Or is it something similar to chinese clay teapot? the darker the better?  ???
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Gigi on March 07, 2013, 02:27:15 PM
Congratz guys  :)
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: grifterfmj on March 07, 2013, 07:07:52 PM
nice! how much did they cost?
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: 7thfort on March 07, 2013, 07:14:47 PM
initially an idea, then a dream and now a reality. Congrats to all proud owners.
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 08, 2013, 01:53:18 PM
My son lucky picked 4 watches for me this morning!

Just now at mail box exe pavilion during lunch time, Khiamat chosen 1 from the 4 watches...

He so lucky, got the first made mwf watch.

Peter - not so noticeable for hands color different actually

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/D424814B-6BC1-419B-9D55-5F43BF5D56FD-4825-000003B5E8A0F9CB_zps06c9a7f5.jpg)

U can spot the different ! When I look closely just now, can tell Khiamat watch got more patina ... Slightly darker now!



Erm, just curious, is patina on a watch a good thing? If not mistaken, patina is a form of oxidization, & if something oxidized, usually means polishing required. sorry if I asked a silly question.
Or is it something similar to chinese clay teapot? the darker the better?  ???

Y is gold so expensive? Because it never oxidise! Hence jewellery and watches all put gold!
Either full gold, rolled gold, filled gold... Later we have plated gold...

Patina never a good thing in the old days... That's y watches in gold or silver, brass parts been to be plated as well...

But time change, human taste change... Fashion change...
Now ppl is talking about character... So setting different from others, uniqueness, DNA, even sign of use, history, story....
So patina no longer a bad thing in this sophisticated world ...

I was thinking y r u asking? u cant accept patina on UR watch like others? Or u don't understand the world?
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Dickson Lim on March 08, 2013, 02:10:37 PM
Guys, here are some quick and dirty iPhone pictures.

On my wrist today,
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/DicksonLim/IMG_75161_zpsa6edf406.jpg)

And yesterday while meeting with CK!
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/DicksonLim/IMG_74631_zpscedf0bc0.jpg)



Enjoy!  :Cheers:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: bezelnut on March 08, 2013, 02:45:58 PM
Y is gold so expensive? Because it never oxidise! Hence jewellery and watches all put gold!
Either full gold, rolled gold, filled gold... Later we have plated gold...

Patina never a good thing in the old days... That's y watches in gold or silver, brass parts been to be plated as well...

But time change, human taste change... Fashion change...
Now ppl is talking about character... So setting different from others, uniqueness, DNA, even sign of use, history, story....
So patina no longer a bad thing in this sophisticated world ...

I was thinking y r u asking? u cant accept patina on UR watch like others? Or u don't understand the world?

Thank you for the explaination.

Well, maybe I didn't phrase my post earlier properly, I apologize. I don't mean to be offensive against patina, nor reject patina. My thought is simply that valuable things are usually kept as pristine as possible (like washing and polishing car to maintain it looking as new as possible). Thats just my idea, and I'm relatively new to the realm of serious watches, so learning from every opportunity and updating assumptions. And my purpose to ask this question is just to verify the "current idea" regarding patina.


Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 08, 2013, 03:56:44 PM
Y is gold so expensive? Because it never oxidise! Hence jewellery and watches all put gold!
Either full gold, rolled gold, filled gold... Later we have plated gold...

Patina never a good thing in the old days... That's y watches in gold or silver, brass parts been to be plated as well...

But time change, human taste change... Fashion change...
Now ppl is talking about character... So setting different from others, uniqueness, DNA, even sign of use, history, story....
So patina no longer a bad thing in this sophisticated world ...

I was thinking y r u asking? u cant accept patina on UR watch like others? Or u don't understand the world?

Thank you for the explaination.

Well, maybe I didn't phrase my post earlier properly, I apologize. I don't mean to be offensive against patina, nor reject patina. My thought is simply that valuable things are usually kept as pristine as possible (like washing and polishing car to maintain it looking as new as possible). Thats just my idea, and I'm relatively new to the realm of serious watches, so learning from every opportunity and updating assumptions. And my purpose to ask this question is just to verify the "current idea" regarding patina.

i might sound too serious in my previous post too.... my apology!

anyway, back to your questions.... i will say when come to watches... some will want its watch to bling, hence they send it for polishing every yr!
some r not, especially serious collector! everytime of polishing, meaning your watch is loosing its metal.... for softer metal like those old rolexes, u may find some the lugs are left thin and sharp after many times of polishing...
 
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Enkidu on March 08, 2013, 04:44:21 PM
Guys, here are some quick and dirty iPhone pictures.

On my wrist today,
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/DicksonLim/IMG_75161_zpsa6edf406.jpg)

And yesterday while meeting with CK!
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/DicksonLim/IMG_74631_zpscedf0bc0.jpg)

Enjoy!  :Cheers:

Nice watch. Really look forward to getting mine from Chris tomorrow!!!!!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: takashi78 on March 08, 2013, 05:46:46 PM
Chris,

He might not know that the case material is BRONZE.
Thats why he id confused.
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: bezelnut on March 09, 2013, 09:55:47 AM
i might sound too serious in my previous post too.... my apology!

anyway, back to your questions.... i will say when come to watches... some will want its watch to bling, hence they send it for polishing every yr!
some r not, especially serious collector! everytime of polishing, meaning your watch is loosing its metal.... for softer metal like those old rolexes, u may find some the lugs are left thin and sharp after many times of polishing...
 


Thanks for clarifying. A big relief for me for not causing any any damage to the peacefulness here.  :D

Guess my world is still too much about cars than watches, and cars love polishing. I never polish my watches, no worthy piece worth the cost anyway, but I will bear in mind the hidden cost of losing material every polishing from now on. Thanks for a good lesson.


Takashi78, big thanks for responding for me, thou I do note the watch is made of bronze, from the previous thread "1st MWF project watch" and also the name of this thread "Projek Gangsa".
Until now, I only owned stainless steel watches, and had only played with rose gold watches. Bronze watches are total stranger to me. I really really would like to have a hands on bronze watch anyway, maybe in future gathering I might meet with one of the generous owner (finger crossed).
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Alvin-8880 on March 09, 2013, 12:25:29 PM
Congrates to Chris & team on this project. Though the design might not be my cup of tea, but as MWF member, I still feel proud to see the birth of the 1st MWF Project Watch. Well done !
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 09, 2013, 03:47:13 PM
Alvin - I hope next time we can hv another project suit u...
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on March 14, 2013, 09:33:00 AM
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/27B5F15D-FA41-4AB1-A9E5-EC9A62D4F5A2-760-000000B993058D6E_zps0de132bf.jpg)

It's getting darker with the patina...
It's consistently gaining about 10s aday...

Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Ratt on March 24, 2013, 06:04:45 PM
Mind sharing the specs of the watch?

Thickness
Lug to lug measurement.
Weight
Water Resistance Rating
Mineral / Sapphire Glass.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Dickson Lim on March 24, 2013, 10:20:17 PM
Mind sharing the specs of the watch?

Thickness
Lug to lug measurement.
Weight
Water Resistance Rating
Mineral / Sapphire Glass.

Thanks.

1) 14mm thick
2) 54mm lug to lug
3) not sure about the weight, quite hefty (other owners can chime in)
4) 200m WR
5) Sapphire Glass

 :Cheers:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Ratt on March 26, 2013, 06:23:40 PM
Thanks for the info. It's huge!  :o
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: kenixck on May 18, 2013, 09:33:08 AM
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/kenixck/8F03357C-1C74-4DA2-9B89-D0CAA4756AF0-628-000000A787AD41E8_zpse7e86bea.jpg)
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: Dickson Lim on May 18, 2013, 11:37:11 AM
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/kenixck/8F03357C-1C74-4DA2-9B89-D0CAA4756AF0-628-000000A787AD41E8_zpse7e86bea.jpg)


Wow bro, had you done anything to speed up the patina process or just wear her daily?  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: aum1 on June 09, 2013, 03:58:07 PM
it's a beauty !
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: pifpaf on June 25, 2013, 03:33:25 PM
Very good choice!!  :thumbsup: Vintage VDB make excellent watches!
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: davidtth on June 25, 2013, 05:09:00 PM
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/kenixck/8F03357C-1C74-4DA2-9B89-D0CAA4756AF0-628-000000A787AD41E8_zpse7e86bea.jpg)

will this actually contain acid or chemical that is not good for health or allergic to skin ? 
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: jas1409 on June 27, 2013, 08:52:52 AM
Great review bro .  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: pifpaf on September 13, 2013, 02:55:12 AM
Congrats!!  :thumbsup: Vintage VBD make very cool watches!

Can you tell me the price?
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: chrisyen on October 11, 2013, 08:18:08 PM
MWF was busying with the

Project watch no 2

but the no 1 is always in my heart....

a reunion must be planned !!!

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/yenfoolun/P1120519_zps2826aa29.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/yenfoolun/media/P1120519_zps2826aa29.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: shahkl2u on November 20, 2013, 06:56:57 PM
Wow happen find this thread...so lovely watch from MWF...just curious after turn to patina...it will look so so vintage...can it be polished back to get original color/shining...sorry stupid question...just in case you get boring after it turn to dark...maybe your mood getting different and wanted it back shining...
Title: Re: Projek Gangsa MWF
Post by: TheHobbit on November 20, 2013, 07:25:53 PM
Wow happen find this thread...so lovely watch from MWF...just curious after turn to patina...it will look so so vintage...can it be polished back to get original color/shining...sorry stupid question...just in case you get boring after it turn to dark...maybe your mood getting different and wanted it back shining...

Yes, can.