The J.Springs J Model
The J.Springs 'J' model was introduced in 2009, eight years after the brand entered the market. The J models are developed with a new concept of "back to basic'. Building on all the expertise in watchmaking, the company use the classic know-how partnered with a modern design. The J models were benchmarked as the higher line among the J.Springs products. They are fully made in Japan.
Specification and Pictorial Review
- Reference/Model No. - NPEA007Y
- Movement - SII Cal. Y675 Rev. C (Y675C), 3 hands date, 21 jewels automatic, 41 hours power reserve, 21,600bph, non-hacking and manual-winding, quick-set date
- Watch Case - stainless steel, 44mm diameter, 13mm height, 51mm tip to tip, 22mm lug width
- Case Back - stainless steel exhibition screw case back
- Watch Crystal - mineral crystal
- Strap - leather with pin buckle
- Luminous Compound - not stated
- Water Resistance - 10 ATM / 100m / 330 ft
A simple looking field watch... a pilot watch! This 3 hands-date timekeeper is cased in brushed and polished stainless steel. The indices, the brand name, and the watch references are printed in white on a matte black dial. Nothing shiny. The minute markers are a combination of baton shape and numeral at 3, 6, 9 and 12. Like the dial setting on the 'Bell & Ross' pilot watch.
The hour and minute hands are broad. It is combination of arrow and pencil pointers like the 'Tudor Ranger'. The seconds hand is painted with red on the 'lolly pop' tip. Besides the red, the entire hands are painted with silver. To blend with the silvery hands, the minute markers are also made with silver lining. The date aperture is positioned in between the four and five. (Note: it is 10:11p.m. The date is in transition so the number is off-centre). Silver print on black disc, the date matches the entire dial setting.
From this angle, we can see the depth of the dial. The minute markers are not printed but fitted onto the dial. They are slightly thick and raised above the surface. The bezel inner ring is brushed. Not shiny and no reflection onto the matte dial when exposed to bright surroundings.
This close-up shows the silvery settings. At 12 position, the dial is printed with the J.Springs brand and fitted with 'J badge or emblem' to mark the model category.
Side profile. A combination of polished bezel side and all brushed watch case. The case shoulder is recessed with almost triangular shape at both tips and aligned with the case lid underneath. 51mm tip to tip is considered big but the watch can hug even the smaller wrist.
We can see the workhorse used on this J model through the exhibition case back. The watch is using the SII Cal. Y675 made in Japan automatic movement. Similar to the Seiko Cal. 7S25 an the Pulsar PU4053. All the watch references are finely engraved.
Green and turquoise luminous compound. The lume glows quite bright but not so immense like the Seiko Lumibrite.
The watch comes with a tanned brown leather strap with white stitches. I don't quite like the two studs on the leather strap. It makes the watch look like a vintage pilot. I would prefer the field watch look, more versatile.
On my 17cm wrist. The watch looks 'normal', not so zilla-size! Nowadays, big size is standard for casual watches. I really like the combination of black matte dial and plain brushed bezel. The red tip on the seconds hand is so noticeable to tell you that the time is running... running fast!
My Opinion on this Watch
- The function – A standard daily timekeeper. The contrast between the big matte black dial and the broad hands make the watch easy to read. 100m WR is good for outdoor activities.
- The design – A very versatile looking timepiece. Depends on the strap used, it can turn to pilot watch or field watch. If we put on the crocodile or alligator leather strap, it will look like a modern dressage. The other variant NPEA005Y comes with oyster-styled bracelet, looks sporty and dressy.
- The construction – The stainless steel grade is good. Although not stated, it looks and feels like the 316L steel. Slightly heavy. The thick mineral crystal is great. A combination with matte dark dial makes the watch readable on every angle, non-reflective. Overall it is a solid watch.
- Wearing comfort – The weight of the watch is noticeable because of the steel material and watch size. The case shoulder and the underneath are curvy to provide wearing comfort.
