Cazalea takes readers on a vibrant photographic journey through San Diego's Barrio, showcasing its rich street art and unique urban landscape. Amidst the visual feast, he highlights a significant piece of horological history: the Seiko 7T59A, the first analog chronometer capable of measuring 1/100th of a second. This post blends cultural exploration with a nod to watchmaking innovation.
Actually we stayed for a couple hours, as we walked the alleys and enjoyed the art and architecture. This area is just south of the Coronado Bridge's eastern (mainland) end. I have been giving a tour of San Diego's natural features for the last few weeks, but today we present some man-made curiousities.
I think this is meant to be Uncle Sam, deconstructed.
The 7T59A - a very expensive watch in its day, and the first ever analog chronometer capable of recording 1/100th of a second.
I liked this tree and wall because they match my shirt and watch. Shame on me for not getting them in the same photo!
There is a wide range of art - murals of all types. There is definitely a Mexican Day of the Dead feel here.
This is a "sign" painted on the rear, alley wall of a produce company. The couch is real (just in case you wondered)
I thought this truck, parked a few blocks away, would go great with the mural and the couch.
Something went very wrong here...
Ricardo Mendoza is still learning, but shows some promise.
However, this is an extremely competitive neighborhood. Half on the roll-up door, and half on the wall.
I can't even describe how stunning this 30-foot wall was...
Barber shops appear to be competing for coolest signage.
Do you prefer Barrio Cuts? (above and below) Or scroll down...
Stevie's Barber Shop
While you are getting a haircut, you can ponder this message.
While around the corner we come to a different reality. This is the view when you scan the "horizon".
As we near the waterfront and the shipyards, the signage briefly becomes more conventional.
reflecting the industry here.
But the culture quickly revives as we walk away from the shipyard.
Cazalea
I'm now home again, at the bench, where I am changing the battery in my truck's remote. Then resetting my watch for about the 4th time. There are 18 steps to getting everything right on!
The 7T59 is the only analog 1/100th second quartz chronograph offering day + date + GMT functions.
The size is 39mm x 10.5mm. It has 9 hands! No wonder itt cost about $1000 when available, from October 1991 to April 1993.
There were 33 variations in style and I think mine is one of the best looking - it's the Sport/Tech Silver/Black (panda dial) 150.
On the subdial at 12 the 100th second hand is gold; the white hand is 1/10 and the large center hand is seconds.
The subdial at 9 has running seconds and GMT.
The subdial at 6 has chrono minutes and hours.
I've had this watch for many years and periodically it goes on the fritz and I have to relearn how to reset it.
This week I pulled and replaced the hour, minute and second hands and now it seems happier.
Sadly there are no spare parts or movements, so I'll nurse it along as best I can.
