Orient Driveaway [5th - 8th July 2009] / Content Page

Orient Driveaway [5th - 8th July 2009]


Orient Driveaway [Post Event Party]

Going For Hat Trick

The China-Asean International Touring Assembly (CAITA) is organized by the Guangxi State Authority. Its event title may lead one to think that this is basically another overland expedition. In reality, it is akin to a lengthy military exercise that spares little room for error from man and his weapon. The participants are constantly tested on readiness, accuracy and endurance.

The Singapore team, having won the “Best Driver” and “Best Team” awards in previous years, is well respected by the host and other competitors from various Asean countries for its teamwork and efficiency. For the 3^rd time, I am given the opportunity to lead the team in this year’s CAITA. With key members like Mr Tan Teng Lip (President, Singapore Motor Sports Association) and veteran racing driver, Mr William Lyou, our team is well positioned to defend our hard earned titles.

As the event will take place during the month of October, torrential rain during the seasonal North-east Monsoon can be expected in the Indo-China region.

The route will also pass through some of the most unfriendly terrain, including water crossings, so ordinary passenger cars need not apply. Thus, for higher ground clearance and to accommodate heavier loads, all competing cars must be SUVs. The Singapore team has selected the trusty Hyundai Terracan and a newly acquired Hyundai Santa Fe for this 5,000 km marathon drive that will cover 5 countries in 10 days.

The 3.5-litre Terracan, which belong to Teng Lip, was already well proven during previous CAITA outings under the hands of William Lyou and me. Its frame-on-ladder chassis and enormous torque will be extremely useful for sweeper car role or any unforeseen circumstances. This workhorse had the rare credential for completing CAITA twice and looks poised for a fine hat trick. The Santa Fe is my personal car and is my 2^nd Santa Fe in 2 years. To date, it has clocked only 7,000km. The silky V6 engine, comfortable 7-seater cabin and user-friendly handling make this car an obvious choice for the cross-country drive. That may explain my repeated purchase of the same vehicle.

Both cars will undergo testing and preparations including under-carriage protection, suspension tuning and installation of communication sets. Hence, on behalf of the Singapore team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Komoco Motors Pte Ltd for their kind assistance and technical support.

We will strive to make this mission the best ever and looking forward to share our experience and interesting stories.

Orient 300M Professional Diver

The special case design of the Orient 300M Professional Diver allows the internal pressure to be maintained under the most demanding conditions. This eliminates the need for an escape valve commonly found in most ISO-certified diving watches. Local blogger, Yeoman, has these 2 pieces among his collection of high-end Japanese watches.


I am glad that all the 5 pieces of Orient 300M's from this month’s shipment have been pre-sold. The watches were smartly arranged prior to the mass delivery that was held at BIG TIME last night.

All the buyers are close friends of Tony (yellow shirt). They came together and proudly stood by their prized timepieces.

While others chatted around the ‘uncle’ from BIG TIME and took turns to have the band of their watches re-sized,….

….I’m thankful that Victor (seen here with standard hairstyle) went on to make an additional purchase – a limited edition Seiko Velatura.

Finally, the watches were re-sized and the new owners promptly agreed to pose a close-up shot….

…and a group shot with their friendly Orient distributor.

TGIF! Free flow of drinks, fruits and durians were on the house.

Orient and Subaru

I sell watches for a living and Orient has kindly placed their trust in my company to distribute their watches in Singapore. For my motorsports activities, Subaru has always been my preferred choice for years. As a result, when the 2 brands come together for a common cause, it seems like a 'perfect' partnership to me. But for many fans of Orient watches, following review of the main ‘cast’ extracted from Yeoman’s Weblog may be of interest to them:


Orient has signed on as a sponsor for SUBARU TECNICAL INTERNATIONAL INC. (STI), participating in the ADAC Zurich 24h Race. The race will be held on 23th-24th May 2009 in Nurburgring, Germany. It is the largest endurance race in the world with over 200 cars from around the globe participating.

Orient watches will be provided to drivers and team staff and the 24 hours of the race will help Orient evaluate the watches for their functionality and durability.

Below is a 'Japanese Engine' advertisement that features the STI Impreza and selected Orient watches. It emphasizes the fact that both the car and the watches are powered by Japan made engine and movement (in the case of the watches).

Courtesy of Orient

Here's the 'Japan Engine' website:
http://www.orient-watch.com/feature/japanese-engine/

One of the watches featured in the ad is the CFA05001B (shown below) and I had the opportunity to handle one recently.

Model# CFA05001B
Click on the image to see full size picture

Most of the features of the watch is located on its dial.

The watch comes with two inner rotating bezels and that is the world time bezel and 24 hour bezel. I guess these two are considered part of the dial. Then, there is the power reserve indicator hand that is almost a standard feature on Orient watches. Also, there is a date subdial between the 5 and 6 o'clock position.

From some of the Orient slides that I have seen, I know Orient designs watches based on current watch trends. There are a number of watch trends that they have identified and among them are layered dial and black out case and bracelet.

From the dial shot below, you see that Orient has incorporated a nicely executed layered dial into the watch.

The CFA05001B featured here has a stainless steel case but there is also another variant that uses a black out case and bracelet as shown below.

CFA05002B

Below is the side profile of the watch showing the signed crowns.

The crown at the 2 o'clock position is a screw in crown. When pulled to first click position, it sets the date when turned in counter-clockwise direction. When turned in clockwise direction, it rotates the 24 hr bezel. At 2nd click position, the crown sets the time. As you turn the crown clockwise to advance the hour and minute hands, the 24 hour bezel rotates accordingly so you don't lose the setting of the bezel you made at the first click position.

The crown at the 4 o'clock position rotates the world time bezel. This crown does not screw in.

The watch measures 43mm across and is 12.5mm thick. Lug width is 22mm.

Besides the world time and layered dial features, Orient has included a sapphire crystal (with anti-reflective coating) to make it even more attractive.

Watch comes with a nice and solid bracelet with flip lock clasp, push button lock and safety catch.

Here's a shot showing the caseback. According to the specifications on Orient's website, the glass on the caseback is a sapphire glass as well.

When I saw the back of the end links, I just had to remove one side of the bracelet to verify that they are solid end links. Well, it was worth the trouble removing the bracelet, the end links are solid.

With so many good features in the watch, I am convinced that the CFA05001B will perform very well on the STI driver's wrist.

Below is the specifications of the watch taken from Orient's website.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mechanical Movement : ORIENT caliber 46K40 Made in Japan
Self-winding movement
21 jewels
21600/hour vibrations
Power reserve indicator, date hand
World time indicator
Stainless steel case
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating
See-through caseback with sapphire crystal, screwed-down crown
Stainless steel bracelet
Water resistant to 100m
Diameter 43.00mm
Thickness 12.5mm

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BIG RALLYE - Recreational Motorsports

Looking back, I have done numerous Driveaways and Advanced Driving Courses for various organizations and groups. I am glad that, over the years, many participants of such events have become close friends of mine. We often exchange e-mails and greetings from time to time. Some have even repeatedly encouraged me to do these car-related events on a regular basis. Since 2005, I have given much thought to the matter. And, last year, I have successfully registered the “BIG RALLYE” brand name for this purpose.

Folks, I hereby declare that I shall now hit the “GO” button!

The first event that I have lined up is a Driveaway to West Malaysia .
It shall be a 4D/3N drive along the scenic East Coast right up to Kuala Trengganu, transversing to Cameron Highlands before heading home. As it has always been, I shall strive to provide all elements of a memorable Driveaway i.e. placing priority on driving safety, clear communication, endless laughter, good food, decent accommodation and value for money. This time round, for various reasons, I chose to avoid the school holiday crowd. It shall be a small group, entry limiting only to friends and family members. The dates are set from 5th till 8th July, and the fee should be approximately $380 / person.

Price includes:
- guided convoying with ‘live’ informative commentary;
- best possible accommodation at respective locations;
- main meals (exclude ‘makans’ at rest stops or pasar malam);
- walkie talkie (optional upgrade to professional set available); and
- misc expenses such as admission fee, tips etc.

More details are being worked out at the moment.

Cathryn Chong and Angelina (Asean Family Rally, Car # 7 and Car # 9 respectively) are helping me to gather information and pre-event preparation.

To register your interest, kindly write to cathrynchong@hotmail.com
Thereafter, Cathryn will be in contact with you.
You shall then receive the update and related information from her.


I look forward to your participation, support and, most importantly, having a fun drive with you and your family.

Roger Out.