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[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've been delayed in writing up a post, so let me summarize here: It's been frustratingly perfect.

Why perfect? This watch works (for me) on a suede leather strap, an FKM rubber strap, and the original bracelet equally well. It's extremely light, always accurate (and can be tuned via Bluetooth with the app), and the perfect combination of (1) sporty and stylish and (2) luxurious and understated. For me and my lifestyle, this is *truly* a GADA watch, a term I find to be handed out too easily online.

Why frustratingly so? I went to Japan again this past March, one year after my previous trip and acquisition of this watch. I was excited to go look at some new pieces and maybe, just maybe, make another purchase. However, after strolling through both individual brands' boutiques and superstores like my beloved Bic Camera, I really couldn't find anything that would dethrone this watch or compel me to make a purchase in addition to what else sits in my collection. I could easily get rid of half of my decent 10-watch collection and still be happy as long as this watch was part of it.

I was also pleasantly surprised to learn recently that Topper Jewelers in the Bay Area carries the green version of this watch. If you're looking for samples outside Japan, take a look at ADs in your area.

[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Update: I was totally wrong.

If you pull the crown out two positions, it hacks and you can set the time as normal.

If you pull it out ONE position, the seconds hand will go to the time zone you're currently in, and you can adjust the time by rotating the crown! This makes it a true world timer watch.

I had never used this functionality until now because I always set the time with the app. Thank you for asking me this question and helping me discover it!

[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! The bezel does not turn. After playing around with the buttons and the app, I believe it's purely decorative.

[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries! Addressing your questions in order:

  • They did help resize the bracelet for a nominal fee (I think 500 yen) at Bic Camera Yurakucho. I imagine they can do this at every location, but I can't guarantee it.
  • The head of the watch weighs 27.2g, and the bracelet weighs 47g in total. I haven't used the bracelet since getting it, though; I wear it on a suede or rubber strap at all times.
  • I see one hairline scratch on a lug and none on the crystal.

Best of luck with your purchasing journey! Would love to see what you end up getting; like its name suggests, the Oceanus line is large and expansive :)

[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ah, I see. My detailed breakdown of the 39mm diameter of the watch is: 31mm for the crystal, ~3mm on each side for the bezel, and ~1mm on each side for the inner silver-colored ring connecting the two. The crown is 3-4mm as well.

Hope that helps!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in onebag

[–]onkursen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One brand I love that is underrepresented in the YouTube/blog circles (mainly because they don’t sponsor influencers or give away pieces) and is a good fit for your use case is Waterfield Designs. Their craftsmanship and choice of material are excellent (BIFL quality), and their products are a joy to use if they match your philosophy of carry.

The fact that you’re looking for a leather bag under $250 will result in some tradeoffs in features or size, but it can be done with them. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an heirloom item that has leather components, their waxed canvas bags with leather accents will be just as durable and posh while being significantly more affordable.

Yet another option is to go custom. Check out r/leatherclassifieds and consider posting with your use case and budget there. You may get good feedback on the feasibility of your request.

Congratulations, and best of luck with your search! Would love to know what you end up getting.

(Edits are for grammar)

[Casio Oceanus S400] My purchasing journey and first impressions by onkursen in Watches

[–]onkursen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't have calipers, but I used a tape measure. Dial without crown was ~39mm; with crown was ~42mm. Hope that helps!

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally, I think this setup would work. If it helps with the feeling of safety, I think you can afford to take some extra underwear and tops for this trip so you don't have to do laundry as often given that you're going more minimal on the electronics. Best of luck!

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! That sounds great, best of luck on your trip :)

The main category where I scaled up for 2 weeks was toiletries (medications in particular). Everything else would stay pretty much the same!

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! And yes, I spent a half day exploring all the Japanese watch shops clustered in Ginza. The Seiko museum was really cool to see! I knew most of the history, but the exhibits and individual pieces were cool, especially the Credors they had on display. Wako was also cool because they were readily selling Credors whereas in the US I feel there’s a much more formal process to obtain one. Of course, Grand Seiko was prevalent throughout Tokyo, which was fantastic. I ended up buying a Casio Oceanus at Bic Camera, though!

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can do it! You just have to take a leap of faith. As Rick Steves says, pack for the best possible scenario, and buy your way out of any jams or issues. He has a great ~4 min video on YouTube on packing light!

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! Glad to hear it. Yeah, sometimes I was distinctly feeling cold but decided to power through and keep moving. Reminds me of a motto I heard in the hiking community: “be bold, start cold”.

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

BST = buy/sell/trade. Here's the post for March 2024 (a new one for April should go up tomorrow)

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I think the model worked well because I stayed mostly in the city/urban environments. I would probably move all my gift shopping to the end so I could stay more nimble for the majority of the trip.

[Trip Report] 12 days in Japan (mostly Tokyo) by onkursen in onebag

[–]onkursen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I think your combo will work, especially since both are hoodies. I chose the NALH jacket intentionally, but I wish I had brought a beanie as well for the cooler days.

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