Lazada Watch Winder Model JA-1621E

June2021: This is already broken after 3 years. The rotating plastic watch holder became brittle over time and broke.

The problem with an automatic watch is that it stops if it hasn't been worn for some time. When this happens, you'll have to wind or shake the watch then set the time (and the day/date) before you can use it again. This can be annoying especially if you are in hurry. That is why I decided to buy a watch winder.

Rustan's offers a number of watch winders but the prices don't come close to what is being offered at Lazada. Buying online has its cons, however, like the lack of warranty and after sales service.

The item came five days after I placed the order.  It came in a big box, properly padded with foam. I assumed "JA-1621E" (as written on the box) is the model of this particular watch winder as searching this can lead to the GearBest and Amazon ads of similar winders. Inside the box, the contents are further separated in two boxes. The smaller box contains the power adaptor and the battery case. Batteries are not included. The bigger box contains the actual watch winder. The winder has a smooth glossy finish with a wood grain pattern. While the cloth bag helps to protect the item from scratches, there are still some scratches on the acrylic cover.

The operation is quite simple as described in the instruction manual. The slider switches are on the top of the box. One switch is for the direction of the rotation while the other is for the frequency of the rotation. The manual estimates the number of turns per day for each option but I cannot verify if the specifications are met.

The winder operates quietly as it should but I did notice some areas that could be improved, aside from the scratches mentioned earlier. For starters, the plug cannot be inserted completely into the box. I did not try to exert extra force in inserting the plug as it may ruin the winder.

The acrylic cover also does not seal the box tightly. Dust particles can go through. Cleaning the inside of the box can be difficult.

The watches inside are Seiko SNZG07 and Orient Ray II.

The pillow where the watch rests on is made of foamy rubber with a leather texture. It smells bad although the smell won't fill the room. In time, the material can disintegrate. I would have prefered it to be covered in a soft cloth pillow case so that if the foam material disintegrates, the pieces will not be scattered inside the box.

The aluminum sheet for the switch panel does not lay flat on the surface of the watch winder. This could be a starting point for breakage. It seems like the panel could easily be deformed or stripped off from the box.

Despite the shortcomings, I am satisfied with the product so far. I don't know for how long. I will update this blog in case my perception on the product has been altered. This is from an unknown brand so brand reliability is unknown.

This watch winder design comes in four skins. I picked the wood grain skin but it also comes in what seems like leather and glossy black skin. The prices for each vary a little even if they all came from the same seller. 

JML Stone-ware 28 cm frying pan from SM Department Store

Non-stick pans are more expensive compared to regular pans but a lot of them don't last very long. The usual problem is the non-stick coating can easily be scratched off even if nylon cooking utensils are being used. We bought the Stone-Ware Professional Culinary Cookware 28 cm frying pan by JML since the package and the SM Department Store salesman told us that it is scratch resistant apart from being non-stick.

This costs PhP2,099.75. The back of the box also mentions a guarantee for 1 year but SM can only accept returns within 7 days according to the salesman.

We have been using it for a few days now. It is indeed non-stick, although we don't know for how long that will last. The heat distribution throughout the pan surface is also good. While we rather not test if it is scratch resistance, we are questioning its durability. In less than one week, the handle has become wobbly. It feels like it will detach without warning. The wobbliness of the handle has left scratches on the side of the pan where the handle is screwed.

I found similar stone coated non-stick pans being sold on TV like the ILO Rainbow Pan Series. For P2995, one can get not just one 28 cm pan but a set of 5 cookware for different cooking needs. The ILO set is not for induction cooking but it not a problem for us. I kind of regret buying the pan from SM.

While looking for non-stick cookware, I saw Happycall products being sold in SM Department Store. They are a lot more expensive than the TV shopping offer. I wouldn't recommend buying from them.

08Dec2017 Update
After around two weeks of use, the following signs of use have been observed:

BDO debit cards, are they secure?

While debit cards offer some convenience, some debit cards, like BDO's, doesn't feel secure. Debit cards from other banks, specifically Metrobank, requires a PIN code before any transaction can be processed. BDO does not require PIN codes.

If somebody was able to pick-up a BDO debit card that was accidentally dropped, he/she can use it instantly to make purchases. He/she will not be required to present any valid ID nor to key in any PIN. Although one can block a lost card from making any transactions, it might be too late. The card may already be used even before the owner realized it was lost.

Debit cards also doesn't have the perks of cash purchase discounts especially if you're buying expensive appliances. That is why I rarely use my BDO debit card.