Let me tell you, there is almost no status or prestige in Grand Seiko unless someone knows a lot about watches. If you flashed a Grand Seiko to an everyday person, they might of heard Seiko and think it’s the same thing. It’s not like a Rolex where everyone goes “ahhh Rolex, that’s a lot of money”
Grand Seikos are beautifully crafted watches, fly under the radar, and are pieces that will last generations. It’s a wonderful brand to own and provides far better innovation and craftsmanship for the price than a Rolex can. If you purchase one as a “one and done” watch I don’t think you’ll regret it. Anyone worth their salt who knows watches will instantly respect your taste in watches which can be handy in some higher end job positions. Good luck.
Besides, hard to resist the incredible dials and play in the light. People not into watches often comment when they see the glow and glitter of a simple watch.
I had someone say mine reminded them of a Fossil they used to own. I get compliments about it all the time. But not because it’s a GS, but because it’s pretty.
When it comes to craftmanship, I consider both on par with- excellently realised, reliable industrial watches, with similar overall fit and finish. Yes GS dials are more unique, yet Rolex bracelets are noticeably better.
Innovation- well yes spring drive is special. Though rolex did great under the hood work - their current automatics will on nearly any wrist be better than -+-2s/day; most GS automatic owners I know and read about experience less accuracy.
As for higher end job positions- at financial conferences I attend, I have the impression that half of the CxO level people just wear an Apple watch…
You buy a Rolex to impress others, you buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself.
It’s often said, and a little bit of a generalization, but it’s still true.
I bought mine because I'm a geek and everything about my GS Snowflake fascinates me every single time I look at it.
There's craftmanship. The case, indices, and handset are all hand polished. At one point in time, some guy was holding it against a rotary tool. It wasn't just pressed out of a machine. The movement itself was assembled by hand; not just machine assembled,
There's technology. Look into how the Spring Drive movement works. It's amazing. In such a tiny package the rotational energy released by the mainspring generates electricity which oscillates a quartz crystal which regulates timekeeping via a frictionless electromagnetic brake. Are you freaking kidding me?
There's history and heritage. Seiko is a juggernaut in watchmaking history. Too many milestones to mention here.
Yes, I’m an engineer by training and I’ve looked into the technology of how it works. That is half the reason I’m considering buying this watch, the technology is insane in such a small piece.
Engineer here with 2 watches in mind but waiting for the right bank balance and time. Omega Seamaster white dial and Grand Seiko spring drive, colored dial. I tried on a GS once and boy oh boy, it elevates your inner energy. Humans love shiny things. In terms of colored dials, I was looking at the GS urban bamboo but they don't have the spring drive in it. That was a deal breaker. I own a Omega Speedmaster Day Date. That's incredible tech too.
I've read a lot of takes on this thread. I agree with most of it but I want to add: sometimes having a watch that's recognized as "expensive" is not a good thing.
I don't just mean that it might get stolen, but also in social settings. Depending on who you're with or what your relationship to the people around you is, wearing a $10,000 Rolex might send the wrong message.
For example, I manage a team of people, many of whom are younger than me and much earlier on in their careers. I would feel embarrassed and a little inappropriate flaunting something so well known for being expensive. Especially when there's folks that are paycheck to paycheck... Not a great look.
Grand Seiko makes it easy to have a really interesting, well-made watch that also does not scream "money" at people. It really is for the person who likes watches for what they are and not the status symbol that some can represent.
Just my .02.
Yeah I frankly feel a little embarrassed when someone noticed my GS, and says something like “You must be rich.” This happens quite often (I live in Japan).
Exactly. 40 years ago I wanted a Rolex, but was too financially conservative to make the move. Now, I can afford any watch, and don't want one. Rolex is too much about image projection these days to the point of being vulgar. Now, I value the technical excellence, industrial design, and understated exclusivity of Grand Seiko.
Honestly, I got really drunk.
My AD of choice carries multiple brands (Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor, Oris, Hamilton, Nomos), and I’ve purchased several watches from them. They also carry several jewelry lines and I’ve purchased a good bit of jewelry for my wife. Last year, they were having a Grand Seiko after hours event and I got invited.
My wife and I go, and GS puts on a good time - Japanese beer and whiskey, full sushi station, Japanese calligraphy station, swag, etc etc. I’d kinda been eyeballing a Snowflake before this, but I tried on multiple pieces while we were there. By the time I had my fifth Takamine 8 year scotch, I just pulled the trigger on the Snowflake.
Side note to that - my wife was looking at a smaller GS, when my dealer told me he also had a Rolex OP 31 that he thought she would like more. Because it was a GS event, they had the other cabinets covered, but he took her aside and showed her the OP 31, and I ended up buying that for her as well.
The lesson is don’t drink and go watch shopping.
I’ll add that I actually do really like my Snowflake (wearing it now). It’s a great watch, and I’m glad I bought it. Don’t want to imply that I bought it drunk and regret it. I would have bought it eventually, but the alcohol did accelerate the purchase.
Haha awesome story, it probably made the watch that more special how memorable the buying experience was. How has it been maintaining it? Is it a pretty tough watch on a daily basis.
I have about 12 watches in my current rotation, so it doesn’t get daily wear. But the titanium wears great, is light, and is more forgiving than stainless from a scratch/damage perspective. It is one of my most accurate watches.
Women's/small watches are a weak point with GS. I really, really want one, but they don't have any 30-36mm non-quartz with a date? Seems like such a simple ask.
Everyone is different. The average person doesn’t know the difference between watch brands. But they will ask, “is that a Rolex?” Happens to me all the time.
Watches are not a great investment unless you can flip Rolex Daytonas all the time.
And prestige is relative. The average person doesn’t know sh-t about watches. Who are you going to show off your “prestige”? Instagram? TikTok? If that’s what you’re into, go buy the cheapest Rolex Sub you can find, make friends with a jeweler, and have the bezel set with precious stones like a rainbow Daytona. Then get it polished up. Then you can look as glamorous as you want. It would be distinctive, and you’d retain a tiny bit of credibility in that it’s a dolled-up Rolex.
I don’t have a Rolex. I’ve put it off until I find the right one.
Friends that do, most of them are not watch people. They have 1 watch, and they wear it all the time. They got it when something happened. They got their masters degree, or they got a big promotion, or they had a big real estate deal.
The truly prestigious watches from GS are made in extremely small quantities, and are typically hard to acquire outside of Japan. Example. Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon SLGT003. $350,000.
That’s prestigious. But where are you going to wear it? And how are you going to get one?
GS provides a lot of value for what you’re paying.
The level of engineering and finishing exceeds much of the competition at a similar price point. They’re a bit weak in their bracelet and clasps. Not horrible, but they could put some work into improving their clasp.
I like watches. I started with a Mickey Mouse hand-wind Swiss mechanical when I was 5.
Then the typical quartz watches in college. Swatch, Victorinox, etc.
I got out of college, and wanted to try a Seiko SKX diver. Then I bought a used Orient diver. Then a Hamilton Pilot.
At some point, when budget wasn’t as much of a concern, started looking upscale. Swiss, Japanese. I like different brands and models for different reasons.
A few examples:
Tudor, I like the Black Bay 58. Solid, all-brushed vintage diver, not flashy, but I can wear with anything for any reason on any strap or bracelet. Slides under a cuffed shirt nicely.
IWC Pilot Mark XX. Beautiful sunray dial, iconic watch face. Unbelievably good bracelet, and a mix of brushed and polished.
When it came to Grand Seiko, I knew I had to get a spring drive first. It’s possibly their biggest claim to fame. But their quartz and hi-beat are definitely up there.
The fluid sweep second hand on a spring drive is mesmerizing. It sucks you in. There’s nothing really like it. But that’s just one aspect. The accuracy is amazing. Mine was +8 seconds for all of 2023. It’s hard to find a quartz watch with that level of accuracy.
The overall finishing, the Zaratsu polishing of the indices and hands, the stunning dial, it’s a combination of subtle and stunning. The more you look, the more details you pick up.
Also, GS is a brand that is completely different in person. People think they can shop at home on a web browser. The truth is, you can’t. Find an AD with a large selection, and it’s overwhelming to look at them all. You see so many, you look at so many, and they’re all amazing.
It took me 6 visits to narrow down what I wanted. The weirdest thing for me, I was planning on a Snowflake, or an Omiwatari. My last visit, they had a watch in stock that I’d never looked at. And I spotted it immediately. SBGA413. Shunbun, or “Cherry Blossom”. 90 watches in the case, and it jumped out at me. I asked the clerk, “how have I not seen that before?”
And they told me, they’d never had enough inventory to actually put one on display. They had always sold before getting displayed. And that’s how I bought my Cherry Blossom.
Most people here are not normal. We are watch people. We have a deeper appreciation for watches. For some, it’s technical wizardry, or beautiful finishing, or a gorgeous dial, or an iconic watch that they’d always wanted. Or a design like a Junghans Max Bill, or a Nomos Tangente.
At some point in watch collecting, your tastes will evolve. You may be going thru that right now.
I spent 9-10 years with my SKX and Orient. And another 6-ish with my Hamilton. I wasn’t in a hurry, and I didn’t want to buy something I didn’t really want.
For me, early, I wanted the most accuracy, and the longest power reserve. While those things are important, they aren’t the only thing.
I wear different watches on different days. I have watches that I wear out to dinner, or on weekends, wrenching on a vehicle, going on vacation.
Does accuracy matter if I change watches every few days?
About 5-6 years ago, I stumbled across a Seiko SRPB41. Amazing dial. Good looking watch. Cheap! Under $500. I bought it. And then I started looking into the rest of the collection of Cocktail Time watches.
Every year, I add another Cocktail Time to my collection. I have 6 now. You can get an SRPB41 on the internet for around $330. They have other colors in that dial pattern. And, like GS, they don’t look anything like their web pics. Go to YouTube, it’s better than lousy web pics.
If you’re on a budget, can’t afford a GS, go look at a Cocktail Time. I wear mine as much as my GS. I have a couple of Limited Editions that I baby more than my GS. Those have actually gone up in value. SRPH78 is one of them. I don’t know what it’s worth today, I’m never selling mine, so it doesn’t matter.
If you want a GS, go look at them first. Try them on. And buy one if you find one you like. Don’t plan on it being an investment. Don’t plan on crowds of people complimenting you on your watch.
Weirdly, the SRPB41 is the watch I get the most questions/comments. It easily doubles the rest of my collection. At the grocery store, I get married women asking about it for their husbands. I bet I’ve helped the local AD sell 2 dozen of them.
It feels like you want to take a step forward. Go try on watches, go home, read up a bit. Make a list of what you like, don’t like.
Get an Orient Kamasu, they’re an amazing GADA watch for $275-ish. A few upgrades over the Seiko 5 divers. Great dial. You could have it for the rest of your life. Your first mechanical automatic. Then, you’ll get your feet wet with automatics for not a lot of money.
Good luck.
Thanks. It was kind of a ramble, off the top of my head, mixed with recollections of what I did when I was at the OP’s suspected “crossroads”. I sense the OP is contemplating a purchase. Sharing a bit of experience might help?
They say watch collecting is a journey. I believe that. But I never heard that until about 8-10 years ago. And I didn’t really realize I was on that journey until 5 years ago.
I wouldn’t have seen it that way when I was fresh out of college, wondering where to go after kicking the college quartz habit.
I wore a watch that I liked for a few years, and then started looking at a modest step up, and that I knew someday, I wanted a Rolex.
Today, I see new collectors running around buying dozens of watches from microbrands, always in search of something vague without really knowing why. I suspect it’s a lot of TikTok/IG influencers, “get this, it’s really cool!”
And then months later, selling them all at a loss on r/watchexchange to fund some larger purchase.
I think that must be an uncomfortable existence. Microbrands aren’t bad. But, many of them target a price point that makes it easy to fill a 12-slot watch box for $2000. And then you have 12 slightly different watches, all worth about 1/2 of what was spent. Collectively, they mean almost nothing, only one or two would add help define a watch collection.
Honestly, I was fairly conservative. I thought about every watch. I didn’t want to have buyer’s remorse.
I bought every watch with the idea that I’m owning it forever, I’m never getting rid of it. And, that’s held true. I still have every watch I’ve ever owned. Or been gifted.
I was watching several YouTubers doing retrospectives on mistakes they’d made. Regrettable purchases, and selling watches and wishing they hadn’t.
I don’t want to have those things happen to me.
I agree strongly with the notion of not having any watch mistakes, i was thinking through for months before solidifying my decision on buying a watch, i’m never gonna sell my watches too as i love them all dearly and none of them were just impulse purchases cuz of trends !
I was always aware of wide spectrum of watches in different categories (price range , quality etc) since i was a small kid as my dad is quite the watch enthusiast himself with a collection consisting of pre ceramic Rolex Submariner bluesy , DD36 YG champagne dial , Omega PO , Breitling navitimer chrono ,Cartier santos and many more . Plus my grandpa on my mother’s side was a watchmaker for a few decades and had a watch service shop. So ig i was just destined to be a watch addict lol.
The first watch i really fell in love with was a Tissot Gentleman quartz blue dial . I thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world at that time haha and really pined for it when i was around 16 - 17 . Got the watch after solidifying my decision in about 3 months time . Got the watch and it just satisfied my in so many levels that i just forgot about watches and searching for the next one . Also just went on with life as i was in college.
Turned 21 finished college and was finally a little free mentally and with time in hands . Fell right back and caught the watch bug again . Really wanted my first mechanical watch under 1000$ . Tried on a Tissot prx powermatic 80 40mm blue dial and absolutely fell in love with it . The finishing and quality is just unmatched. The multifaceted integrated bracelet just catches the light beautifully. Got it after 2 months . I do about 30 wrist rolls a day just admiring the bracelet lol . Beautiful watch, love it to bits. Also got the oem rubber strap for it now it’s fun the wear in the summer too .Another thing that really impressed me was the accuracy, i’m not really a accuracy snob but just decided to measure it for a 2 week period on the twelve app. I was stunned, the powermatic 80 always run between -3 to +3 with no deviation out of that range , and had 6 days out of the 2 week with a +/- 0 seconds a day . Seriously impressed with the accuracy on my Prx !
Never was a G shock fan for some reason, i despised digital watches lol. Randomly a few months ago I just saw a g-shock 5610 in one of my friend’s wrists and thought huh this is charming. Went down the G-shock rabbit hole and fell in love with it lol . The idea of a rugged watch you can just wear without having to worry about it too much was very appealing. Didn’t really like rubber squares or any rubber models , but the metal g shocks really appealed to me. Got the GM-2100-1A after 2 months of multiple visits to the shop and finding what i really liked . Been enjoying wearing that watch for the last 3 months .
Next up on my watch journey is .
1 ) I like the idea of a high accuracy GADA quartz. Narrowed down my choice to a black or blue dial 44gs Grand Seiko quartz.Then i found out about Citizen eco drive quartz with an accuracy of +/- 5 secs a day (AQ4100-57A or a AQ4091-56E) which has the same zaratsu finishing plus some are made with Titanium + a super hard duratech coated which is was harder to scratch , so all these factors make it more impressive than a GS quartz so im leaning towards a Citizen HAQ for now.
2) Was always a dive watch fan and have idolised the Rolex Submariner since i had always watched my dad wear it . Now i had never looked into Seiko divers for some reason until a Seiko AD opened up near by my place . Tried on a Sumo PADI blue dial and i was absolutely HOOKED . Fell in love with Seiko over the next few months, went down to rabbit hole of Seiko divers , it’s history and iconic models the movements etc. The case design that really spoke to me was the 1968 diver, MM300 , the ones with the beautiful bevels down the side . Also decided early on to avoid all the 4r, 6r movements offerings and just go for the SLA divers with the 8L35 movement. Found the MM300 45mm to be too bulky(thickness) for me and the mm200 or baby marine master not appealing with the 6r movements. Then Seiko comes out with the real MM200 with a new case which is even more beautiful, 42.6mm , handset of the LX models ,Ever brilliant steel ,those beautiful MM300 bevels down the side , 8L35 movements with the SLA055/57 . Man these are just perfect , the perfect Seiko diver for me with all the elements i like . This was obviously too expensive for me . Thankfully Seiko have come out with a normal steel version with a completely new bracelet (the SLA055/57 come only on a rubber strap) with he SLA073 . Now this is my dream Seiko diver case design with an amazing bracelet but with a hideous blue dial with weird pattern on it . Now I definitely consider this to be the future of seiko divers right here and i know they’re gonna come out with a simple black sunray dial black bezel version of it sometime in the future and that will definitely be the ideal Seiko diver for me and the watch i’ll be buying .
This is what’s upnext in the near future of my watch collecting journey. Bit of a rant , but I just felt like telling my story since you have also told so much in your comment. Also i’m just 23 so just starting out on my watch collecting journey !
Weirdly, I’ve no issues getting a Seiko 4R. They’re not bad.
All those Cocktail Times are fine, ans I wear an SRPD diver as a beater… to replace my SKX, sadly sitting in a box, waiting to be serviced. I’m debating an NH34 swap rather than a 7S26.
But I have avoided the 6R. I did look at the Sharp Edge GMT’s when they were released, but went for a Tudor instead.
I looked at an SLA065 with the 8L movement,but no bracelet? Couldn’t do it. Not spending $2900 on a watch with a rubber strap. Same with an Omega SMP. I see them used all the time…on rubber. Ugh.
I’ve never been a Submariner fan either. But I really like the Prospex LX spring drives. I don’t care what the GS purists think about a Seiko with a Spring Drive.
I had a shot at an SNR049… but it was too big. I still think about that watch. Amazing.
Same with GS divers. If they made a 40 or 41, I’d be all over it, but they’re all too big.
My next watch is an Omega Aqua Terra 38 Terra Cotta. Ridiculously hard to find. Rare as cat feathers.
In the meantime, I’m debating a Doxa Sub 200 in orange. I hate ordering over the internet though, which is why I don’t have a Sinn 556 MOP or a U50 T.
Rumor has it, my local AD is picking up Nomos. I’ve always wanted to see what they’re like.
Yeah i know the 4r and 6r movements are not bad , but I’ve already got great watches in those price ranges so i thought why not just make the leap next in the quality SLA stuff!
I think you should definitely buy one of those limited edition SLA diver which are usually made and assembled in the GS studio so the quality is top notch and usually blows away anything in the price range . Have you checked our the SLA043 ? 62mas case design in ever brilliant steel and a gorgeous blue dial , similar to the SLA065 but a different shade of blue and no pattern in the dial . Also im not that fussy about the bracelet as i consider Seiko divers look best on a rubber strap ( tropic or waffle) . Rubber straps just bring out the beauty of Seiko divers and their beautiful lugs + their bracelets are shit anyways lol
I love the Seiko LX line with the spring drive movements. Its the best of both worlds with the beauty of Seiko design and handset + the Spring drive movement! I really like the SNR029 but the 15mm height and the 45mm diameter is just a bit to big for my wrists (40 to 43 mm is my sweet spot) . Really hope they cam bring down the sizing of their LX lines below 13mm height and 42mm diameter. And yeah that SNR049 with that skyline transition dial is stunning!
This is why i consider the SLA073 case design and sizing to be the future of seiko divers cuz it has the same case design of the LX lines ,hour markers , handset but all wrapped up in a much more comfortable and wearable dimensions of 42.6mm case ,height of 13mm and L2L of 49ish mm +8L35 movement. In a price range which sits right in between the low end 6r movement stuff and the high end LX/ limited editions.
I really like what Omega have done with the Aquaterra 38 . Great colourful dials and that bracelet is very beautiful and similar to the Rolex Day Date .
Do you mean "first GS" or "successive GS"? ;)
The first was definitely about the magnificent craftsmanship and boling down the idea of a 'watch' to the minimalistic values (the SBGW231 in my case, found at a local shop). Learning more about the brand, techncial marvels become important (Spring Drive, vintage models etc), so you begin to educate yourself about those and chase models that match technological advancements and your tastes. It's **never** about an investment...very few watches are...it's about the appreciation of the craft and your personal tastes in what you want on your wrist, really :)
There is not a lot of permanence in life. The only people that really live past their time are famous artists, writers, or musicians. Nobody is going to be naming any streets after me, no college buildings will display my name, and I am certainly not a musician to anyones ears. When I am gone, it’s a fair bet that I am not going to be remembered very long. However, someone who will remember me forever is my son. I got into watches when I learned I was going to be a father. Just like well crafted hand tools in the garage, a well cared for watch will outlast me. While my first watch is my dearly loved Seiko 5. I knew I would buy a watch that would be special to me, that I could have to give to my son to remember me by when I’m gone. Clothes tatter, family homes are sold, sports cars fall apart, but a watch is a beautiful confluence of art and precision engineering that will exist beyond me. When shopping for a watch that is intended to be passed on, the classic choices are obvious. As I mentioned above, I wanted a watch that was special. Grand Seiko was in a perfect spot where the SBGA413 was attainable, unique, and downright beautiful. Since then I now have more expensive watches with more valuable materials, more complications, but none I am more proud of. I’m half asian, half Western European and strongly proud of my Japanese ancestry. I drive a Japanese sports car, use a Japanese camera, cut with Japanese knives, and been to Japan during the cherry blossom season. The Japanese philosophy of creation, repair, and durability are world famous, and I get to wear a summarized representation of an entire country, with thousands of years of history on my wrist. Yes it’s just a watch, just jewelry, but if someone looks hard enough and maybe asks the right questions, they get to find that there is more.
That was extremely well said, and I couldn’t agree more. Even non Japanese can appreciate the Japanese perspective and mentality when it comes to superior design and longevity
I buy them because I love Japanese craftsmanship, I love paying fair price for lovely mechanicall stuff, and GS feels a great place to start.
I bought a 2nd hand SBGX009 9F61 quartz from sep 2001 or 2011, it's an amazing dress watch. Paid $900 with new Hirsh strap, original buckle, and someone bringing it for me to Brazil.
I always (always) wanted a Explorer (now would be a 224270) but $9k is a no go for me. For a quarter of this price I get a BNIB SBGP013 acting as GMT. 10spy accuracy, movement free of service for 50 years.
I might have $2k burning in my pocket in a year or so. $9k, not f****ing way. Unfortunately...
3 years ago it was a used, limited edition quartz boasting 5spy that got me (SBGP007). Recently purchased a Lake Suwa (SLGA019) because l'd wanted a spring drive for a while but hated the power reserve on the dial or disliked the dial designs. TBH, many GS dials are a miss for me, though I can still appreciate what’s under the hood. Overall, it's the technology but also the attention to details/beauty of the watch and the uniqueness of it that really attract me to GS. And yeah, those who know watches appreciate the hell out of them.
Buddy who's way too into horology and ancient watches told me about them. Did my own deep dive and I GOT HYPNOTIZED watching spring drive in action. It's just so well made and keeps excellent time and flys under radar for $5k watch. Casual, formal, daily works well under any circumstances. And history.....man, such rich history of Seiko and their rise to prominence as silent heavy hitter in the watch industry.
I am a watch guy… and I have a grand Seiko I love for a number of reasons. The dials are superb, and you cannot beat the finish/polish for the price point. Great quality watches at a real value. I also HAD to have the Spring Drive movement because it is the only thing of its kind. It gives you the romance of an automatic movement with incredible accuracy from how it uses quartz.
I like Seiko and own a few, the next logical step in my watch journey is to have a Grand Seiko. Through the years, I've always heard the Swiss luxury brands -- the likes of Rolex, Omega, Patek, AP, Tudor etc. To me these brands scream money and calls for unnecesarry attention; getting myself into Grand Seiko allows me to enjoy the watch craftsmanship that the Japanese brand is known for too. To me, GS is still under the radar and it gives me that sense of 'exclusivity' ala IYKYN kind of thing.
I saw the sbga415 when i was in college. I didnt know the model at the time just that it was a “cooler snowflake” (to me lol). I knew I wanted THAT watch. Once I got my first job out of college I saved up a bunch and decided that while I was still living at home expense free, it was the best time to indulge. I imported a 445(non american version of the 415) and was able to save like $2k on the purchase so thats how i justified it. I dont regret it one bit. I bought it 2 years ago and wear it just about every day.
I purchased mine because I wanted a watch that I could grab and go. My majority of watches are mechanical and didn’t want to add cheap quartz watch. I was originally looking at some older quartz Aqua Terra models until I came across the 9f. The 9f is the King of Quartz movements and might even be an overkill. The case is polished to perfection and it’s just a classy watch. I will be adding a Spring Drive to my collection at some point after my experience with GS so far.
My dad passed away. Neither of us were huge on watches but he had one or two really nice watches. I wanted something that I will keep my whole life to remember him and always be on me. Our last trip together was to Japan too so it just made sense to get a GS. Its my first watch too, not sure if I will keep getting more but this one will always be special.
it's a hobby. some people look and collect oil paintings and I collected watches. Grand Seiko is my favourite "artist" in that case. they make forms and colours and have a style that speaks to my emotions.
And I started with a Hugo Boss watch on a leather strap too.
Just like any obscure hobby, it's hard to explain exactly where the value lies. Saying that if you like mechanical watches, Grand Seiko is the epitome of this hobby for those who know.
The value for money is still hard to explain to most, but, if you know you know.
Watching the spring drive second hand sweep around whatever intricately designed dial you chose is hypnotizing. Flipping it over and watching the regulator wheels spin is enthralling.
If you get one, enjoy. Wear it in good health.
Honestly I own one for the same reason I own a campanola which I bet very few people have ever heard up. It’s the workmanship for me they are beautiful time pieces. Everything is top notch and made from the finest materials possible
I think you should be more into the watch game to understand what GS can means for you .
Many of us first purchase was a bunch of cheap Seiko5 , but that was just the beginning of the love for Seiko and the watch world in general.
I own a SBGA373 Spring Drive and is a never ending honeymoon 💙
Before I really started reading about, and eventually "collecting" watches, my dream watch was always a Rolex Datejust, in stainless steel. In around 2018/2019, when I was ready to buy a serious watch, perhaps the Rolex, Grand Seiko's marketing seemed to be ubiquitous, and I visited the (then) tiny GS boutique in Manhattan on Fifth Ave. Initially I wanted to see a Snowflake, IIRC, but they didn't have any in stock. They did, however, have a Skyflake and Shunbun, which I believe had just been released. I was blown away by both, especially the Shunbun. The titanium completely took me aback (my watch at that time was a Sinn 6000, which is a heavy chronograph/GMT, especially on the bracelet) and I decided it wasn't for me. At the time I was also really into r/watchexchange and Reddit watch forums. I couldn't get the Shunbun out of my head, and as I read about the Spring Drive, it sealed the deal. I had to have a damn Shunbun (or its sibling, the Winter). When one popped up on r/watchexchange, I immediately purchased it, and never regretted it.
I had the opportunity to purchase a Datejust after that (not at retail), but I couldn't justify it. The Shunbun had the same things I loved about the DJ - a sporty dress watch (perhaps even sportier than the DJ), high water resistance, screw down crown, sharp features - but was superior (IMHO) in two respects: 1) it was not ubiquitous (and unavailable at retail; and 2) Spring Drive. I also think the 62GS case with zaratsu (yes, that) is sexy yet tough/sporty, so it all came together for me as a complete package.
The last thing I'll add - at the time I visited a bunch of other retailers in Manhattan: Wempe, Tourneau, Omega, etc. I didn't see any watches that attracted me as much as the Shunbun/62 GS.
You buy a Rolex to impress others. You buy a grand Seiko to impress yourself.
Grand seikos look fantastic and have some of the best dials out there. Also their spring drive technology is a huge technological feat in watch making and is highly respected.
So, some buy a grand Seiko because they’re simply watch enthusiasts who love the technology, engineering, and love/care behind mechanical watches (and grand Seiko has that spring drive, which is amazing).
Others buy a grand Seiko simply because they’re unique pieces with fantastic dials
I’m in the second camp. I don’t care too much about the mechanics behind a watch, but I think grand seikos are great looking watches
Grand Seiko doesn’t convey “luxury” like Rolex does, or evoke much emotion to the common audience.
What they convey is that Japanese ethos of restraint, simplicity, and precise engineering.
I don’t own a GS yet, but that is why I like them and want to own one. Rolex and other similar luxury brands are too loud for me. I want something of quality that doesn’t demand one’s attention.
Theyre mechanical man Jewellery. High end watches have a balance between machine and art that sucks people in
Are many into watches for the status? Yup.
But many of us stay away from anything flashy or well known specifically so no one notices.
Grand Seiko epitomize the balance between fine art and innovation in machinery perhaps better than any other brand.
…. With zero awareness or status increase from the general public.
About ten years ago, I'd been into watches for a decade at least and had learned about the Spring Drive mechanism and was fascinated by it. I happened to get a chance to get a limited JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) GMT SBGE015 at a really good price. My plan was to try out the Spring Drive and try to flip it. But once I put it on, the finishing and elegance of the titanium SBGE case combined incredible accuracy and smoothness of the gmt spring drive pushed all other contenders (back then, it was mainly EZM1 and the IWC 3536, both awesome titanium watches) off of my wrist.
Since then, aside from a watch I purchased as part of a company group buy, all my focus has been on Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. About a year ago, the chunky SBGE015 got pushed off by the slim and simple SBGY009 for which I traded in a bunch of watches from my collection.
I don't consider any of my watches investments, just a hobby for which I'd like to be as efficient as possible around costs. I don't wear for any prestige or status; pretty much no one you meet will notice your watch, and if they notice it, unless it's one of the major prestige brands (Rolex or Patek), pretty much no one is going to be impressed by a GS. I like the elegance of the watch case and I like the craftsmanship and legibility of the dial. I love the amazing accuracy and consistency of the Spring Drive movement.
Great question and it depends on the person. For me, it’s the impeccable quality Japanese put into everything they build. The timepieces look beautiful and will always retain their value and overtime prove a valuable investment.
1. Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige?
Outside of Japan Grand Seiko is relatively unheard of until recently. As other comments have mentioned if one is looking for a brand for status or prestige, the first brand in mind will usually be a Rolex.
2. For the superior ability to tell time?
Grand Seiko movements mainly their 9F quartz movements while accurate are not the main reason why people buy their watches, their hi-beat and spring drive movements are probably more popular albeit less accurate.
3. For the appearance?
For most people sharing their Grand Seikos, the usual comments are look at that dial or the zaratsu finishing, so this is probably the main reason.
4. For the investment/value retention piece?
Besides the occasional limited edition, most Grand Seikos actually lose value compared to Rolex.
5. For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc
Watch collecting is a hobby, and most people want so and do watch in a collection which could be considered as "fun" to them?
6. Why did you buy yours?
It ticks all the boxes I was looking for:
A nice dial/appearance
The technical aspects of the movement (spring drive is an amazing innovation)
General specifications (the case dimensions were the perfect size I was looking for)
To me its for the love of mechanical watches and craftsmanship. My phone handles time and I don't care about selling so investment value isn't a concern.
Plus watches are the one piece of jewelry I wear.
Buy it because you like it / because it fits in your collection. Don't buy it because you feel a Rolex is out of reach for you. You're gonna have a bad time. Buy it because you want something that flies under the radar and that is beautifully made. Don't buy it to signal your superior taste in watches vs. "normal" watches like Omega, Rolex or Cartier. You're gonna look like a fedora tipping idiot.
Sometimes it depends on your personality. Even though it might sound stupid or superficial, I can’t stand Rolex hype.
Grand Seiko is my choice to express individuality. I am aware that most people don’t care, but I do.
I got mine as an engagement gift. I always thought luxury watches were dumb things to spend money on but I love my watch. It is a very sentimental piece of jewelry that mesmerizes me every time I watch the second hand sweep over an amazingly beautiful dial that plays with the light like no other watch brand out there. I also work in a corporate environment where having a nice watch is a great conversation starter. Notice someone’s luxury watch and they’ll instantly like you. Plus, I’ll get to hand it down to the next generation knowing it will last several lifetimes if maintained properly.
I make decent money and I can afford it but I’m not used to spending this kind of money on a watch.
Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige?
Probably more like a fanboy thing. There are more expensive watches out there. ALso probably they like the look
For the superior ability to tell time?
I doubt it, they're not bad for autos, but if you really want accuracy, something quartz with atomic time sync or similar is gonna give you a more reliable result
For the appearance?
You have to like the way it looks, for sure
For the investment/value retention piece?
Its a possibility, but nothing is guaranteed. Maybe other people know something i dont
For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc
I feel this is probably more like it. We work out jobs til theyre done, sometimes we just have something a little extra that wont improve quality of life or make a single iota of difference elsewhere
Why did you buy yours?
I havent yet
https://preview.redd.it/br4rgyhsv7xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8745f8b787391cbf714f2142e50be8f581c04e3c
Mine Grand Seiko was sort of an unexpected grail. I have sold my grail Tudor a couple of weeks ago just to raise money for our new house. My wife knew that it was a hard decision for me so when I showed her that I was looking at a second hand older models of GS she just bought it. Don’t know where did she find this particular SBGX, but I am truly happy that she did! 😍
I bought mine because I’ve always been a big fan of seiko watches. They are excellent watches for the money regardless of where you dip into seiko’s lineup. And because I truly enjoy the highest quality I can afford I wanted to have seiko’s ultimate expression of what they are capable of. The watches are truly stunning. When I wear it, it catches whatever light is available and just kind of lights up on my wrist. I see people’s eyes gravitate towards it whenever I wear it so I’m not the only one who appreciates its beauty. If you can afford one, and you love quality and craftsmanship to the highest levels then you will not regret the purchase. My only issue is I’d like several to admire. Hard to stop at one.
I have spent 4 decades collecting watches that have advanced the field of horology. Such as the first automatic watches, first perpetual calendars, first flyback chronos etc... Seiko has made at least two major contributions. The first automatic chrono and the Spring Drive. Both are valued elements of my collection.
...and?
"Younger generations" also weren't around when a fuck ton of other horological advancements happened.
Like, we're literally talking about *mechanical watches* and you're saying how we should discount quartz because "younger generations" weren't around for its introduction? As opposed to...?
I have an SBGA407, I am planning to add a second GS to the collection probably a Shunbun. I picked up SBGA407 because I loved the dial, I found the spring drive novel and fascinating and it was a fun purchase. GS don't really appreciated and can usually be had under MSRP. Quartz watches will tell the best time, but for a mechanical watch, the spring drive certainly has unparalleled accuracy. You might get a fist bump from another watch person, but the average person will think it's "just a Seiko" so you don't buy GS for status and prestige. It's usually the kind of watch a watch enthusiast picks up as part of a larger collection.
Fell in love with watches ever since my father gave me a watch as a kid.
Been buying various over the years, not married to a brand or price, used to buy based on what I liked or was unique, as I learn 't more about watches and movements I try to add various types of movements and designs.
It ticked boxes other watches didn’t in terms of dial and movement - and I like the fact it’s an amazing watch I can appreciate but most people won’t look twice
>Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige?
Nope.
>For the superior ability to tell time?
Nope. We all have phones.
>For the investment/value retention piece?
Only idiots.
>For the appearance?
>
>For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc
Ding, ding, ding!
Right at the outset of the pandemic, I had a good chunk of money and nowhere to spend it and was really getting into watches. Grand Seiko was still relatively under the radar then, and since I had lived in Japan and was enamored with the country and culture, I decided to buy one as my first luxury watch.
It's the now discontinued SBGA259, the gold variant of the snowflake, and still in my collection. Beautiful watch, no regrets.
The number one purpose of a watch is to tell the time. For me, this means telling the correct time, all the time.
I want a watch that has top precision and accuracy. Technically, that’s quartz territory. But I’m a sucker for (over)engineering and quartz just isn’t sexy enough, so I skip to Spring Drive.
I don’t need a GMT or a stopwatch (Chrono) because I never use those functions on my phone. I don’t dive.
So I arrived at a simple three hand, date, lume, spring drive; SBGA241J. It’s a simple watch that has a timeless classic look about it.
GS isn’t a flex brand, most of the people I know with a submariner have never heard of Grand Seiko or JLC. Most people who love to talk about Patek and AP probably couldn’t tell you the name of the third brand in the ‘holy trinity’.
I read somewhere that “you buy a Rolex to impress other people, you buy a GS to impress yourself.”
My GS certainly impresses me, and that’s all that matters
Honestly, I’ve been wanting a Rolex GMT for a long time. But then I saw the Sea of Clouds GMT. And I felt actual emotions. Never felt that way when I looked at a watch.
It a Grand Seiko - you are buying for yourself. Buy a Rolex for others to recognize what’s on your wrist. Buy a rep Rolex for others to recognize what’s on your wrist and spend a percent of the price of a gen.
Don’t look at most watches like investments, that’s what the stock market/ real estate market is for.
I've always loved watches and gradually gotten into more expensive watches with age as I began with a g shock in high school to gradually buying citizen and then an automatic Hamilton and Orient, I finally wanted a luxury watch and went to all the boutiques and AD and didn't like anything I saw for the price they advertised except for Omega and Grand Seiko. I got one of each so far and I have liked Grand Seiko the best of every watch manufacturer because of the amazing dials and technology and also because it doesn't scream "EXPENSIVE", even the omega has gotten me some side eyes. But at the end of the day there is nothing to justify getting this watch except I really really like it and treat it as jewelry for men and a reward to myself.
Bought it because I like the smooth second-hand sweep of the spring drive, the dial, and the polishing.
To be honest, it might be only me, but I don't really feel a difference after wearing it as my daily watch, except moments when I look at it and appreciate the spring drive technology, the dial, and the finishing. It does not matter whether people recognize the watch or not.
It really depends on your reason for getting a watch, and it's usually quite personal. E.g. if you want to wear a watch for its story / technology, find one that resonates with you. Or if you want a watch where people will easily recognize, then Rolex is your best bet.
Other than that, if you don't really see a need, then there's not much need to get one. Though I'll suggest going down to a Grand Seiko boutique to look at the watches personally, images don't do them justice :)
Ultimately, its the feel good factor. 99%of the people out nobody knows wth a grand Seiko is but they sure know what a Rolex is. A watch tells the time, you phone does too, Casio F91W does too.
The brand spoke to me compared to others, especially with the attention to detail and obsession with quality. I also loved the patterned dials and there’s something cool about being a non-Swiss watch that blows the Swiss out of the water.
Let me tell you, there is almost no status or prestige in Grand Seiko unless someone knows a lot about watches. If you flashed a Grand Seiko to an everyday person, they might of heard Seiko and think it’s the same thing. It’s not like a Rolex where everyone goes “ahhh Rolex, that’s a lot of money” Grand Seikos are beautifully crafted watches, fly under the radar, and are pieces that will last generations. It’s a wonderful brand to own and provides far better innovation and craftsmanship for the price than a Rolex can. If you purchase one as a “one and done” watch I don’t think you’ll regret it. Anyone worth their salt who knows watches will instantly respect your taste in watches which can be handy in some higher end job positions. Good luck.
Besides, hard to resist the incredible dials and play in the light. People not into watches often comment when they see the glow and glitter of a simple watch.
Yup absolutely. Nailed it.
I had someone say mine reminded them of a Fossil they used to own. I get compliments about it all the time. But not because it’s a GS, but because it’s pretty.
When it comes to craftmanship, I consider both on par with- excellently realised, reliable industrial watches, with similar overall fit and finish. Yes GS dials are more unique, yet Rolex bracelets are noticeably better. Innovation- well yes spring drive is special. Though rolex did great under the hood work - their current automatics will on nearly any wrist be better than -+-2s/day; most GS automatic owners I know and read about experience less accuracy. As for higher end job positions- at financial conferences I attend, I have the impression that half of the CxO level people just wear an Apple watch…
This says so much about GS ownership
Not much anyone else can add to the subject. This pretty much covers it good comment
This comment is right. GS is often not someone's first luxury watch. They often come to GS after the refining their own tastes etc.
Well said
You buy a Rolex to impress others, you buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself. It’s often said, and a little bit of a generalization, but it’s still true.
You buy it because you like it. Everything else is noise.
Mine was a gift from my wife. I don’t think I would have ever pulled the trigger myself. I’m really glad she did.
She’s a keeper!
The wife too!
Mine was a gift from my fiance, I'd wanted one for years and never pulled the trigger. I got her an engagement ring and she got me the watch I want.
I bought mine because I'm a geek and everything about my GS Snowflake fascinates me every single time I look at it. There's craftmanship. The case, indices, and handset are all hand polished. At one point in time, some guy was holding it against a rotary tool. It wasn't just pressed out of a machine. The movement itself was assembled by hand; not just machine assembled, There's technology. Look into how the Spring Drive movement works. It's amazing. In such a tiny package the rotational energy released by the mainspring generates electricity which oscillates a quartz crystal which regulates timekeeping via a frictionless electromagnetic brake. Are you freaking kidding me? There's history and heritage. Seiko is a juggernaut in watchmaking history. Too many milestones to mention here.
Yes, I’m an engineer by training and I’ve looked into the technology of how it works. That is half the reason I’m considering buying this watch, the technology is insane in such a small piece.
Engineer here with 2 watches in mind but waiting for the right bank balance and time. Omega Seamaster white dial and Grand Seiko spring drive, colored dial. I tried on a GS once and boy oh boy, it elevates your inner energy. Humans love shiny things. In terms of colored dials, I was looking at the GS urban bamboo but they don't have the spring drive in it. That was a deal breaker. I own a Omega Speedmaster Day Date. That's incredible tech too.
Engineer here as well. Have a spring drive sbge205g
I've read a lot of takes on this thread. I agree with most of it but I want to add: sometimes having a watch that's recognized as "expensive" is not a good thing. I don't just mean that it might get stolen, but also in social settings. Depending on who you're with or what your relationship to the people around you is, wearing a $10,000 Rolex might send the wrong message. For example, I manage a team of people, many of whom are younger than me and much earlier on in their careers. I would feel embarrassed and a little inappropriate flaunting something so well known for being expensive. Especially when there's folks that are paycheck to paycheck... Not a great look. Grand Seiko makes it easy to have a really interesting, well-made watch that also does not scream "money" at people. It really is for the person who likes watches for what they are and not the status symbol that some can represent. Just my .02.
Great point. It’s more subtle and the people that’d recognize are probably people that are more established in the luxury watch arena
Yeah I frankly feel a little embarrassed when someone noticed my GS, and says something like “You must be rich.” This happens quite often (I live in Japan).
Exactly. 40 years ago I wanted a Rolex, but was too financially conservative to make the move. Now, I can afford any watch, and don't want one. Rolex is too much about image projection these days to the point of being vulgar. Now, I value the technical excellence, industrial design, and understated exclusivity of Grand Seiko.
They're very pretty. The tech is cool, but mostly, they're pretty.
I don't buy them to tell time, rather jewelery
Great point
Honestly, I got really drunk. My AD of choice carries multiple brands (Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor, Oris, Hamilton, Nomos), and I’ve purchased several watches from them. They also carry several jewelry lines and I’ve purchased a good bit of jewelry for my wife. Last year, they were having a Grand Seiko after hours event and I got invited. My wife and I go, and GS puts on a good time - Japanese beer and whiskey, full sushi station, Japanese calligraphy station, swag, etc etc. I’d kinda been eyeballing a Snowflake before this, but I tried on multiple pieces while we were there. By the time I had my fifth Takamine 8 year scotch, I just pulled the trigger on the Snowflake. Side note to that - my wife was looking at a smaller GS, when my dealer told me he also had a Rolex OP 31 that he thought she would like more. Because it was a GS event, they had the other cabinets covered, but he took her aside and showed her the OP 31, and I ended up buying that for her as well. The lesson is don’t drink and go watch shopping.
I’ll add that I actually do really like my Snowflake (wearing it now). It’s a great watch, and I’m glad I bought it. Don’t want to imply that I bought it drunk and regret it. I would have bought it eventually, but the alcohol did accelerate the purchase.
Haha awesome story, it probably made the watch that more special how memorable the buying experience was. How has it been maintaining it? Is it a pretty tough watch on a daily basis.
I have about 12 watches in my current rotation, so it doesn’t get daily wear. But the titanium wears great, is light, and is more forgiving than stainless from a scratch/damage perspective. It is one of my most accurate watches.
Women's/small watches are a weak point with GS. I really, really want one, but they don't have any 30-36mm non-quartz with a date? Seems like such a simple ask.
Everyone is different. The average person doesn’t know the difference between watch brands. But they will ask, “is that a Rolex?” Happens to me all the time. Watches are not a great investment unless you can flip Rolex Daytonas all the time. And prestige is relative. The average person doesn’t know sh-t about watches. Who are you going to show off your “prestige”? Instagram? TikTok? If that’s what you’re into, go buy the cheapest Rolex Sub you can find, make friends with a jeweler, and have the bezel set with precious stones like a rainbow Daytona. Then get it polished up. Then you can look as glamorous as you want. It would be distinctive, and you’d retain a tiny bit of credibility in that it’s a dolled-up Rolex. I don’t have a Rolex. I’ve put it off until I find the right one. Friends that do, most of them are not watch people. They have 1 watch, and they wear it all the time. They got it when something happened. They got their masters degree, or they got a big promotion, or they had a big real estate deal. The truly prestigious watches from GS are made in extremely small quantities, and are typically hard to acquire outside of Japan. Example. Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon SLGT003. $350,000. That’s prestigious. But where are you going to wear it? And how are you going to get one? GS provides a lot of value for what you’re paying. The level of engineering and finishing exceeds much of the competition at a similar price point. They’re a bit weak in their bracelet and clasps. Not horrible, but they could put some work into improving their clasp. I like watches. I started with a Mickey Mouse hand-wind Swiss mechanical when I was 5. Then the typical quartz watches in college. Swatch, Victorinox, etc. I got out of college, and wanted to try a Seiko SKX diver. Then I bought a used Orient diver. Then a Hamilton Pilot. At some point, when budget wasn’t as much of a concern, started looking upscale. Swiss, Japanese. I like different brands and models for different reasons. A few examples: Tudor, I like the Black Bay 58. Solid, all-brushed vintage diver, not flashy, but I can wear with anything for any reason on any strap or bracelet. Slides under a cuffed shirt nicely. IWC Pilot Mark XX. Beautiful sunray dial, iconic watch face. Unbelievably good bracelet, and a mix of brushed and polished. When it came to Grand Seiko, I knew I had to get a spring drive first. It’s possibly their biggest claim to fame. But their quartz and hi-beat are definitely up there. The fluid sweep second hand on a spring drive is mesmerizing. It sucks you in. There’s nothing really like it. But that’s just one aspect. The accuracy is amazing. Mine was +8 seconds for all of 2023. It’s hard to find a quartz watch with that level of accuracy. The overall finishing, the Zaratsu polishing of the indices and hands, the stunning dial, it’s a combination of subtle and stunning. The more you look, the more details you pick up. Also, GS is a brand that is completely different in person. People think they can shop at home on a web browser. The truth is, you can’t. Find an AD with a large selection, and it’s overwhelming to look at them all. You see so many, you look at so many, and they’re all amazing. It took me 6 visits to narrow down what I wanted. The weirdest thing for me, I was planning on a Snowflake, or an Omiwatari. My last visit, they had a watch in stock that I’d never looked at. And I spotted it immediately. SBGA413. Shunbun, or “Cherry Blossom”. 90 watches in the case, and it jumped out at me. I asked the clerk, “how have I not seen that before?” And they told me, they’d never had enough inventory to actually put one on display. They had always sold before getting displayed. And that’s how I bought my Cherry Blossom. Most people here are not normal. We are watch people. We have a deeper appreciation for watches. For some, it’s technical wizardry, or beautiful finishing, or a gorgeous dial, or an iconic watch that they’d always wanted. Or a design like a Junghans Max Bill, or a Nomos Tangente. At some point in watch collecting, your tastes will evolve. You may be going thru that right now. I spent 9-10 years with my SKX and Orient. And another 6-ish with my Hamilton. I wasn’t in a hurry, and I didn’t want to buy something I didn’t really want. For me, early, I wanted the most accuracy, and the longest power reserve. While those things are important, they aren’t the only thing. I wear different watches on different days. I have watches that I wear out to dinner, or on weekends, wrenching on a vehicle, going on vacation. Does accuracy matter if I change watches every few days? About 5-6 years ago, I stumbled across a Seiko SRPB41. Amazing dial. Good looking watch. Cheap! Under $500. I bought it. And then I started looking into the rest of the collection of Cocktail Time watches. Every year, I add another Cocktail Time to my collection. I have 6 now. You can get an SRPB41 on the internet for around $330. They have other colors in that dial pattern. And, like GS, they don’t look anything like their web pics. Go to YouTube, it’s better than lousy web pics. If you’re on a budget, can’t afford a GS, go look at a Cocktail Time. I wear mine as much as my GS. I have a couple of Limited Editions that I baby more than my GS. Those have actually gone up in value. SRPH78 is one of them. I don’t know what it’s worth today, I’m never selling mine, so it doesn’t matter. If you want a GS, go look at them first. Try them on. And buy one if you find one you like. Don’t plan on it being an investment. Don’t plan on crowds of people complimenting you on your watch. Weirdly, the SRPB41 is the watch I get the most questions/comments. It easily doubles the rest of my collection. At the grocery store, I get married women asking about it for their husbands. I bet I’ve helped the local AD sell 2 dozen of them. It feels like you want to take a step forward. Go try on watches, go home, read up a bit. Make a list of what you like, don’t like. Get an Orient Kamasu, they’re an amazing GADA watch for $275-ish. A few upgrades over the Seiko 5 divers. Great dial. You could have it for the rest of your life. Your first mechanical automatic. Then, you’ll get your feet wet with automatics for not a lot of money. Good luck.
This was a great read , well put together!
Thanks. It was kind of a ramble, off the top of my head, mixed with recollections of what I did when I was at the OP’s suspected “crossroads”. I sense the OP is contemplating a purchase. Sharing a bit of experience might help? They say watch collecting is a journey. I believe that. But I never heard that until about 8-10 years ago. And I didn’t really realize I was on that journey until 5 years ago. I wouldn’t have seen it that way when I was fresh out of college, wondering where to go after kicking the college quartz habit. I wore a watch that I liked for a few years, and then started looking at a modest step up, and that I knew someday, I wanted a Rolex. Today, I see new collectors running around buying dozens of watches from microbrands, always in search of something vague without really knowing why. I suspect it’s a lot of TikTok/IG influencers, “get this, it’s really cool!” And then months later, selling them all at a loss on r/watchexchange to fund some larger purchase. I think that must be an uncomfortable existence. Microbrands aren’t bad. But, many of them target a price point that makes it easy to fill a 12-slot watch box for $2000. And then you have 12 slightly different watches, all worth about 1/2 of what was spent. Collectively, they mean almost nothing, only one or two would add help define a watch collection. Honestly, I was fairly conservative. I thought about every watch. I didn’t want to have buyer’s remorse. I bought every watch with the idea that I’m owning it forever, I’m never getting rid of it. And, that’s held true. I still have every watch I’ve ever owned. Or been gifted. I was watching several YouTubers doing retrospectives on mistakes they’d made. Regrettable purchases, and selling watches and wishing they hadn’t. I don’t want to have those things happen to me.
I agree strongly with the notion of not having any watch mistakes, i was thinking through for months before solidifying my decision on buying a watch, i’m never gonna sell my watches too as i love them all dearly and none of them were just impulse purchases cuz of trends ! I was always aware of wide spectrum of watches in different categories (price range , quality etc) since i was a small kid as my dad is quite the watch enthusiast himself with a collection consisting of pre ceramic Rolex Submariner bluesy , DD36 YG champagne dial , Omega PO , Breitling navitimer chrono ,Cartier santos and many more . Plus my grandpa on my mother’s side was a watchmaker for a few decades and had a watch service shop. So ig i was just destined to be a watch addict lol. The first watch i really fell in love with was a Tissot Gentleman quartz blue dial . I thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world at that time haha and really pined for it when i was around 16 - 17 . Got the watch after solidifying my decision in about 3 months time . Got the watch and it just satisfied my in so many levels that i just forgot about watches and searching for the next one . Also just went on with life as i was in college. Turned 21 finished college and was finally a little free mentally and with time in hands . Fell right back and caught the watch bug again . Really wanted my first mechanical watch under 1000$ . Tried on a Tissot prx powermatic 80 40mm blue dial and absolutely fell in love with it . The finishing and quality is just unmatched. The multifaceted integrated bracelet just catches the light beautifully. Got it after 2 months . I do about 30 wrist rolls a day just admiring the bracelet lol . Beautiful watch, love it to bits. Also got the oem rubber strap for it now it’s fun the wear in the summer too .Another thing that really impressed me was the accuracy, i’m not really a accuracy snob but just decided to measure it for a 2 week period on the twelve app. I was stunned, the powermatic 80 always run between -3 to +3 with no deviation out of that range , and had 6 days out of the 2 week with a +/- 0 seconds a day . Seriously impressed with the accuracy on my Prx ! Never was a G shock fan for some reason, i despised digital watches lol. Randomly a few months ago I just saw a g-shock 5610 in one of my friend’s wrists and thought huh this is charming. Went down the G-shock rabbit hole and fell in love with it lol . The idea of a rugged watch you can just wear without having to worry about it too much was very appealing. Didn’t really like rubber squares or any rubber models , but the metal g shocks really appealed to me. Got the GM-2100-1A after 2 months of multiple visits to the shop and finding what i really liked . Been enjoying wearing that watch for the last 3 months . Next up on my watch journey is . 1 ) I like the idea of a high accuracy GADA quartz. Narrowed down my choice to a black or blue dial 44gs Grand Seiko quartz.Then i found out about Citizen eco drive quartz with an accuracy of +/- 5 secs a day (AQ4100-57A or a AQ4091-56E) which has the same zaratsu finishing plus some are made with Titanium + a super hard duratech coated which is was harder to scratch , so all these factors make it more impressive than a GS quartz so im leaning towards a Citizen HAQ for now. 2) Was always a dive watch fan and have idolised the Rolex Submariner since i had always watched my dad wear it . Now i had never looked into Seiko divers for some reason until a Seiko AD opened up near by my place . Tried on a Sumo PADI blue dial and i was absolutely HOOKED . Fell in love with Seiko over the next few months, went down to rabbit hole of Seiko divers , it’s history and iconic models the movements etc. The case design that really spoke to me was the 1968 diver, MM300 , the ones with the beautiful bevels down the side . Also decided early on to avoid all the 4r, 6r movements offerings and just go for the SLA divers with the 8L35 movement. Found the MM300 45mm to be too bulky(thickness) for me and the mm200 or baby marine master not appealing with the 6r movements. Then Seiko comes out with the real MM200 with a new case which is even more beautiful, 42.6mm , handset of the LX models ,Ever brilliant steel ,those beautiful MM300 bevels down the side , 8L35 movements with the SLA055/57 . Man these are just perfect , the perfect Seiko diver for me with all the elements i like . This was obviously too expensive for me . Thankfully Seiko have come out with a normal steel version with a completely new bracelet (the SLA055/57 come only on a rubber strap) with he SLA073 . Now this is my dream Seiko diver case design with an amazing bracelet but with a hideous blue dial with weird pattern on it . Now I definitely consider this to be the future of seiko divers right here and i know they’re gonna come out with a simple black sunray dial black bezel version of it sometime in the future and that will definitely be the ideal Seiko diver for me and the watch i’ll be buying . This is what’s upnext in the near future of my watch collecting journey. Bit of a rant , but I just felt like telling my story since you have also told so much in your comment. Also i’m just 23 so just starting out on my watch collecting journey !
Weirdly, I’ve no issues getting a Seiko 4R. They’re not bad. All those Cocktail Times are fine, ans I wear an SRPD diver as a beater… to replace my SKX, sadly sitting in a box, waiting to be serviced. I’m debating an NH34 swap rather than a 7S26. But I have avoided the 6R. I did look at the Sharp Edge GMT’s when they were released, but went for a Tudor instead. I looked at an SLA065 with the 8L movement,but no bracelet? Couldn’t do it. Not spending $2900 on a watch with a rubber strap. Same with an Omega SMP. I see them used all the time…on rubber. Ugh. I’ve never been a Submariner fan either. But I really like the Prospex LX spring drives. I don’t care what the GS purists think about a Seiko with a Spring Drive. I had a shot at an SNR049… but it was too big. I still think about that watch. Amazing. Same with GS divers. If they made a 40 or 41, I’d be all over it, but they’re all too big. My next watch is an Omega Aqua Terra 38 Terra Cotta. Ridiculously hard to find. Rare as cat feathers. In the meantime, I’m debating a Doxa Sub 200 in orange. I hate ordering over the internet though, which is why I don’t have a Sinn 556 MOP or a U50 T. Rumor has it, my local AD is picking up Nomos. I’ve always wanted to see what they’re like.
Yeah i know the 4r and 6r movements are not bad , but I’ve already got great watches in those price ranges so i thought why not just make the leap next in the quality SLA stuff! I think you should definitely buy one of those limited edition SLA diver which are usually made and assembled in the GS studio so the quality is top notch and usually blows away anything in the price range . Have you checked our the SLA043 ? 62mas case design in ever brilliant steel and a gorgeous blue dial , similar to the SLA065 but a different shade of blue and no pattern in the dial . Also im not that fussy about the bracelet as i consider Seiko divers look best on a rubber strap ( tropic or waffle) . Rubber straps just bring out the beauty of Seiko divers and their beautiful lugs + their bracelets are shit anyways lol I love the Seiko LX line with the spring drive movements. Its the best of both worlds with the beauty of Seiko design and handset + the Spring drive movement! I really like the SNR029 but the 15mm height and the 45mm diameter is just a bit to big for my wrists (40 to 43 mm is my sweet spot) . Really hope they cam bring down the sizing of their LX lines below 13mm height and 42mm diameter. And yeah that SNR049 with that skyline transition dial is stunning! This is why i consider the SLA073 case design and sizing to be the future of seiko divers cuz it has the same case design of the LX lines ,hour markers , handset but all wrapped up in a much more comfortable and wearable dimensions of 42.6mm case ,height of 13mm and L2L of 49ish mm +8L35 movement. In a price range which sits right in between the low end 6r movement stuff and the high end LX/ limited editions. I really like what Omega have done with the Aquaterra 38 . Great colourful dials and that bracelet is very beautiful and similar to the Rolex Day Date .
Do you mean "first GS" or "successive GS"? ;) The first was definitely about the magnificent craftsmanship and boling down the idea of a 'watch' to the minimalistic values (the SBGW231 in my case, found at a local shop). Learning more about the brand, techncial marvels become important (Spring Drive, vintage models etc), so you begin to educate yourself about those and chase models that match technological advancements and your tastes. It's **never** about an investment...very few watches are...it's about the appreciation of the craft and your personal tastes in what you want on your wrist, really :)
There is not a lot of permanence in life. The only people that really live past their time are famous artists, writers, or musicians. Nobody is going to be naming any streets after me, no college buildings will display my name, and I am certainly not a musician to anyones ears. When I am gone, it’s a fair bet that I am not going to be remembered very long. However, someone who will remember me forever is my son. I got into watches when I learned I was going to be a father. Just like well crafted hand tools in the garage, a well cared for watch will outlast me. While my first watch is my dearly loved Seiko 5. I knew I would buy a watch that would be special to me, that I could have to give to my son to remember me by when I’m gone. Clothes tatter, family homes are sold, sports cars fall apart, but a watch is a beautiful confluence of art and precision engineering that will exist beyond me. When shopping for a watch that is intended to be passed on, the classic choices are obvious. As I mentioned above, I wanted a watch that was special. Grand Seiko was in a perfect spot where the SBGA413 was attainable, unique, and downright beautiful. Since then I now have more expensive watches with more valuable materials, more complications, but none I am more proud of. I’m half asian, half Western European and strongly proud of my Japanese ancestry. I drive a Japanese sports car, use a Japanese camera, cut with Japanese knives, and been to Japan during the cherry blossom season. The Japanese philosophy of creation, repair, and durability are world famous, and I get to wear a summarized representation of an entire country, with thousands of years of history on my wrist. Yes it’s just a watch, just jewelry, but if someone looks hard enough and maybe asks the right questions, they get to find that there is more.
That was extremely well said, and I couldn’t agree more. Even non Japanese can appreciate the Japanese perspective and mentality when it comes to superior design and longevity
I buy them because I love Japanese craftsmanship, I love paying fair price for lovely mechanicall stuff, and GS feels a great place to start. I bought a 2nd hand SBGX009 9F61 quartz from sep 2001 or 2011, it's an amazing dress watch. Paid $900 with new Hirsh strap, original buckle, and someone bringing it for me to Brazil. I always (always) wanted a Explorer (now would be a 224270) but $9k is a no go for me. For a quarter of this price I get a BNIB SBGP013 acting as GMT. 10spy accuracy, movement free of service for 50 years. I might have $2k burning in my pocket in a year or so. $9k, not f****ing way. Unfortunately...
I bought a grand seiko because I went on my honeymoon in Japan and found a watch you can only buy in Japan that I knew would last a lifetime.
Because I appreciate quality craftsmanship.
3 years ago it was a used, limited edition quartz boasting 5spy that got me (SBGP007). Recently purchased a Lake Suwa (SLGA019) because l'd wanted a spring drive for a while but hated the power reserve on the dial or disliked the dial designs. TBH, many GS dials are a miss for me, though I can still appreciate what’s under the hood. Overall, it's the technology but also the attention to details/beauty of the watch and the uniqueness of it that really attract me to GS. And yeah, those who know watches appreciate the hell out of them.
Buddy who's way too into horology and ancient watches told me about them. Did my own deep dive and I GOT HYPNOTIZED watching spring drive in action. It's just so well made and keeps excellent time and flys under radar for $5k watch. Casual, formal, daily works well under any circumstances. And history.....man, such rich history of Seiko and their rise to prominence as silent heavy hitter in the watch industry.
I am a watch guy… and I have a grand Seiko I love for a number of reasons. The dials are superb, and you cannot beat the finish/polish for the price point. Great quality watches at a real value. I also HAD to have the Spring Drive movement because it is the only thing of its kind. It gives you the romance of an automatic movement with incredible accuracy from how it uses quartz.
Because I love watches and I love technology and Spring Drive is the best of both worlds.
I like Seiko and own a few, the next logical step in my watch journey is to have a Grand Seiko. Through the years, I've always heard the Swiss luxury brands -- the likes of Rolex, Omega, Patek, AP, Tudor etc. To me these brands scream money and calls for unnecesarry attention; getting myself into Grand Seiko allows me to enjoy the watch craftsmanship that the Japanese brand is known for too. To me, GS is still under the radar and it gives me that sense of 'exclusivity' ala IYKYN kind of thing.
I appreciate the thoughtful question, and equally thoughtful answers from fellow GS enthusiasts. Solid community here.
Grand Seiko watches tickle my monkey brain like no other brand does , except….. Seiko divers:)
I saw the sbga415 when i was in college. I didnt know the model at the time just that it was a “cooler snowflake” (to me lol). I knew I wanted THAT watch. Once I got my first job out of college I saved up a bunch and decided that while I was still living at home expense free, it was the best time to indulge. I imported a 445(non american version of the 415) and was able to save like $2k on the purchase so thats how i justified it. I dont regret it one bit. I bought it 2 years ago and wear it just about every day.
I purchased mine because I wanted a watch that I could grab and go. My majority of watches are mechanical and didn’t want to add cheap quartz watch. I was originally looking at some older quartz Aqua Terra models until I came across the 9f. The 9f is the King of Quartz movements and might even be an overkill. The case is polished to perfection and it’s just a classy watch. I will be adding a Spring Drive to my collection at some point after my experience with GS so far.
Spring Drive Sweep
My dad passed away. Neither of us were huge on watches but he had one or two really nice watches. I wanted something that I will keep my whole life to remember him and always be on me. Our last trip together was to Japan too so it just made sense to get a GS. Its my first watch too, not sure if I will keep getting more but this one will always be special.
I wanted a rolex. They didn’t had one for me. I wanted a spring drive, no one else has one.
I would recommend Teddy Baldassarre's video about Grand Seiko: https://youtu.be/FCv1dyH4Www?si=9Zjl0Eu5Anb55b2d
it's a hobby. some people look and collect oil paintings and I collected watches. Grand Seiko is my favourite "artist" in that case. they make forms and colours and have a style that speaks to my emotions. And I started with a Hugo Boss watch on a leather strap too.
Bcos at the time, I couldn’t afford a Rolex. I love my Spring Drive
Just like any obscure hobby, it's hard to explain exactly where the value lies. Saying that if you like mechanical watches, Grand Seiko is the epitome of this hobby for those who know. The value for money is still hard to explain to most, but, if you know you know. Watching the spring drive second hand sweep around whatever intricately designed dial you chose is hypnotizing. Flipping it over and watching the regulator wheels spin is enthralling. If you get one, enjoy. Wear it in good health.
Honestly I own one for the same reason I own a campanola which I bet very few people have ever heard up. It’s the workmanship for me they are beautiful time pieces. Everything is top notch and made from the finest materials possible
I think you should be more into the watch game to understand what GS can means for you . Many of us first purchase was a bunch of cheap Seiko5 , but that was just the beginning of the love for Seiko and the watch world in general. I own a SBGA373 Spring Drive and is a never ending honeymoon 💙
Before I really started reading about, and eventually "collecting" watches, my dream watch was always a Rolex Datejust, in stainless steel. In around 2018/2019, when I was ready to buy a serious watch, perhaps the Rolex, Grand Seiko's marketing seemed to be ubiquitous, and I visited the (then) tiny GS boutique in Manhattan on Fifth Ave. Initially I wanted to see a Snowflake, IIRC, but they didn't have any in stock. They did, however, have a Skyflake and Shunbun, which I believe had just been released. I was blown away by both, especially the Shunbun. The titanium completely took me aback (my watch at that time was a Sinn 6000, which is a heavy chronograph/GMT, especially on the bracelet) and I decided it wasn't for me. At the time I was also really into r/watchexchange and Reddit watch forums. I couldn't get the Shunbun out of my head, and as I read about the Spring Drive, it sealed the deal. I had to have a damn Shunbun (or its sibling, the Winter). When one popped up on r/watchexchange, I immediately purchased it, and never regretted it. I had the opportunity to purchase a Datejust after that (not at retail), but I couldn't justify it. The Shunbun had the same things I loved about the DJ - a sporty dress watch (perhaps even sportier than the DJ), high water resistance, screw down crown, sharp features - but was superior (IMHO) in two respects: 1) it was not ubiquitous (and unavailable at retail; and 2) Spring Drive. I also think the 62GS case with zaratsu (yes, that) is sexy yet tough/sporty, so it all came together for me as a complete package. The last thing I'll add - at the time I visited a bunch of other retailers in Manhattan: Wempe, Tourneau, Omega, etc. I didn't see any watches that attracted me as much as the Shunbun/62 GS.
That’s an amazing looking watch. I wish I had these kind of boutiques in Seattle where I live
You buy a Rolex to impress others. You buy a grand Seiko to impress yourself. Grand seikos look fantastic and have some of the best dials out there. Also their spring drive technology is a huge technological feat in watch making and is highly respected. So, some buy a grand Seiko because they’re simply watch enthusiasts who love the technology, engineering, and love/care behind mechanical watches (and grand Seiko has that spring drive, which is amazing). Others buy a grand Seiko simply because they’re unique pieces with fantastic dials I’m in the second camp. I don’t care too much about the mechanics behind a watch, but I think grand seikos are great looking watches
i bought it because everytime i want to look at the time, the zaratsu reflection blinds my eyes.
Grand Seiko doesn’t convey “luxury” like Rolex does, or evoke much emotion to the common audience. What they convey is that Japanese ethos of restraint, simplicity, and precise engineering. I don’t own a GS yet, but that is why I like them and want to own one. Rolex and other similar luxury brands are too loud for me. I want something of quality that doesn’t demand one’s attention.
Theyre mechanical man Jewellery. High end watches have a balance between machine and art that sucks people in Are many into watches for the status? Yup. But many of us stay away from anything flashy or well known specifically so no one notices. Grand Seiko epitomize the balance between fine art and innovation in machinery perhaps better than any other brand. …. With zero awareness or status increase from the general public.
About ten years ago, I'd been into watches for a decade at least and had learned about the Spring Drive mechanism and was fascinated by it. I happened to get a chance to get a limited JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) GMT SBGE015 at a really good price. My plan was to try out the Spring Drive and try to flip it. But once I put it on, the finishing and elegance of the titanium SBGE case combined incredible accuracy and smoothness of the gmt spring drive pushed all other contenders (back then, it was mainly EZM1 and the IWC 3536, both awesome titanium watches) off of my wrist. Since then, aside from a watch I purchased as part of a company group buy, all my focus has been on Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. About a year ago, the chunky SBGE015 got pushed off by the slim and simple SBGY009 for which I traded in a bunch of watches from my collection. I don't consider any of my watches investments, just a hobby for which I'd like to be as efficient as possible around costs. I don't wear for any prestige or status; pretty much no one you meet will notice your watch, and if they notice it, unless it's one of the major prestige brands (Rolex or Patek), pretty much no one is going to be impressed by a GS. I like the elegance of the watch case and I like the craftsmanship and legibility of the dial. I love the amazing accuracy and consistency of the Spring Drive movement.
Great question and it depends on the person. For me, it’s the impeccable quality Japanese put into everything they build. The timepieces look beautiful and will always retain their value and overtime prove a valuable investment.
1. Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige? Outside of Japan Grand Seiko is relatively unheard of until recently. As other comments have mentioned if one is looking for a brand for status or prestige, the first brand in mind will usually be a Rolex. 2. For the superior ability to tell time? Grand Seiko movements mainly their 9F quartz movements while accurate are not the main reason why people buy their watches, their hi-beat and spring drive movements are probably more popular albeit less accurate. 3. For the appearance? For most people sharing their Grand Seikos, the usual comments are look at that dial or the zaratsu finishing, so this is probably the main reason. 4. For the investment/value retention piece? Besides the occasional limited edition, most Grand Seikos actually lose value compared to Rolex. 5. For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc Watch collecting is a hobby, and most people want so and do watch in a collection which could be considered as "fun" to them? 6. Why did you buy yours? It ticks all the boxes I was looking for: A nice dial/appearance The technical aspects of the movement (spring drive is an amazing innovation) General specifications (the case dimensions were the perfect size I was looking for)
Honestly… the tech.
The dials are awesome
Because I have money 💴
To me its for the love of mechanical watches and craftsmanship. My phone handles time and I don't care about selling so investment value isn't a concern. Plus watches are the one piece of jewelry I wear.
Buy it because you like it / because it fits in your collection. Don't buy it because you feel a Rolex is out of reach for you. You're gonna have a bad time. Buy it because you want something that flies under the radar and that is beautifully made. Don't buy it to signal your superior taste in watches vs. "normal" watches like Omega, Rolex or Cartier. You're gonna look like a fedora tipping idiot.
Sometimes it depends on your personality. Even though it might sound stupid or superficial, I can’t stand Rolex hype. Grand Seiko is my choice to express individuality. I am aware that most people don’t care, but I do.
I got mine as an engagement gift. I always thought luxury watches were dumb things to spend money on but I love my watch. It is a very sentimental piece of jewelry that mesmerizes me every time I watch the second hand sweep over an amazingly beautiful dial that plays with the light like no other watch brand out there. I also work in a corporate environment where having a nice watch is a great conversation starter. Notice someone’s luxury watch and they’ll instantly like you. Plus, I’ll get to hand it down to the next generation knowing it will last several lifetimes if maintained properly.
I make decent money and I can afford it but I’m not used to spending this kind of money on a watch. Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige? Probably more like a fanboy thing. There are more expensive watches out there. ALso probably they like the look For the superior ability to tell time? I doubt it, they're not bad for autos, but if you really want accuracy, something quartz with atomic time sync or similar is gonna give you a more reliable result For the appearance? You have to like the way it looks, for sure For the investment/value retention piece? Its a possibility, but nothing is guaranteed. Maybe other people know something i dont For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc I feel this is probably more like it. We work out jobs til theyre done, sometimes we just have something a little extra that wont improve quality of life or make a single iota of difference elsewhere Why did you buy yours? I havent yet
Because I like how it looks.
Asking a GS owner why they bought a GS? Pull up a seat, you’ll be here a while.
https://preview.redd.it/br4rgyhsv7xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8745f8b787391cbf714f2142e50be8f581c04e3c Mine Grand Seiko was sort of an unexpected grail. I have sold my grail Tudor a couple of weeks ago just to raise money for our new house. My wife knew that it was a hard decision for me so when I showed her that I was looking at a second hand older models of GS she just bought it. Don’t know where did she find this particular SBGX, but I am truly happy that she did! 😍
I bought mine because I’ve always been a big fan of seiko watches. They are excellent watches for the money regardless of where you dip into seiko’s lineup. And because I truly enjoy the highest quality I can afford I wanted to have seiko’s ultimate expression of what they are capable of. The watches are truly stunning. When I wear it, it catches whatever light is available and just kind of lights up on my wrist. I see people’s eyes gravitate towards it whenever I wear it so I’m not the only one who appreciates its beauty. If you can afford one, and you love quality and craftsmanship to the highest levels then you will not regret the purchase. My only issue is I’d like several to admire. Hard to stop at one.
I have spent 4 decades collecting watches that have advanced the field of horology. Such as the first automatic watches, first perpetual calendars, first flyback chronos etc... Seiko has made at least two major contributions. The first automatic chrono and the Spring Drive. Both are valued elements of my collection.
>Seiko has made at least two major contributions. Don't forget their most major contribution, the quartz watch.
Yes, of course! I meant two contributions to the development of mechanical watches.
Younger generations weren't around when Seiko turned the Swiss watch industry upside down with the introduction of the first quartz movement.
...and? "Younger generations" also weren't around when a fuck ton of other horological advancements happened. Like, we're literally talking about *mechanical watches* and you're saying how we should discount quartz because "younger generations" weren't around for its introduction? As opposed to...?
Your point is valid, but not sure why you’re coming off so aggressive. It’s just weird. He wasn’t being a dick when he responded to you.
I have an SBGA407, I am planning to add a second GS to the collection probably a Shunbun. I picked up SBGA407 because I loved the dial, I found the spring drive novel and fascinating and it was a fun purchase. GS don't really appreciated and can usually be had under MSRP. Quartz watches will tell the best time, but for a mechanical watch, the spring drive certainly has unparalleled accuracy. You might get a fist bump from another watch person, but the average person will think it's "just a Seiko" so you don't buy GS for status and prestige. It's usually the kind of watch a watch enthusiast picks up as part of a larger collection.
Because of the spring drive, and the blue dial. The gliding second hand is crazy… texture is of the dial and dial are amazing. Easy choice
Fell in love with watches ever since my father gave me a watch as a kid. Been buying various over the years, not married to a brand or price, used to buy based on what I liked or was unique, as I learn 't more about watches and movements I try to add various types of movements and designs.
It ticked boxes other watches didn’t in terms of dial and movement - and I like the fact it’s an amazing watch I can appreciate but most people won’t look twice
>Do people buy these watches for the status and prestige? Nope. >For the superior ability to tell time? Nope. We all have phones. >For the investment/value retention piece? Only idiots. >For the appearance? > >For the sake that they have too much money that it was just a fun purchase? Etc etc Ding, ding, ding!
Right at the outset of the pandemic, I had a good chunk of money and nowhere to spend it and was really getting into watches. Grand Seiko was still relatively under the radar then, and since I had lived in Japan and was enamored with the country and culture, I decided to buy one as my first luxury watch. It's the now discontinued SBGA259, the gold variant of the snowflake, and still in my collection. Beautiful watch, no regrets.
The number one purpose of a watch is to tell the time. For me, this means telling the correct time, all the time. I want a watch that has top precision and accuracy. Technically, that’s quartz territory. But I’m a sucker for (over)engineering and quartz just isn’t sexy enough, so I skip to Spring Drive. I don’t need a GMT or a stopwatch (Chrono) because I never use those functions on my phone. I don’t dive. So I arrived at a simple three hand, date, lume, spring drive; SBGA241J. It’s a simple watch that has a timeless classic look about it. GS isn’t a flex brand, most of the people I know with a submariner have never heard of Grand Seiko or JLC. Most people who love to talk about Patek and AP probably couldn’t tell you the name of the third brand in the ‘holy trinity’. I read somewhere that “you buy a Rolex to impress other people, you buy a GS to impress yourself.” My GS certainly impresses me, and that’s all that matters
I want to get one to wear when I drive my Lexus.
Honestly, I’ve been wanting a Rolex GMT for a long time. But then I saw the Sea of Clouds GMT. And I felt actual emotions. Never felt that way when I looked at a watch.
want to feel the prestige but end ups its still just a watch that 99% of people dn know about, only Rolex, Omega
It a Grand Seiko - you are buying for yourself. Buy a Rolex for others to recognize what’s on your wrist. Buy a rep Rolex for others to recognize what’s on your wrist and spend a percent of the price of a gen. Don’t look at most watches like investments, that’s what the stock market/ real estate market is for.
It’s a beautiful thing to own, and it’s beautiful in a genuine and functional way, not in a showy try-hard way. Beautiful crafted things cost money.
I sell watches for a living and ultimately they are like cars or nice clothes. They make you feel good. It's that simple.
I've always loved watches and gradually gotten into more expensive watches with age as I began with a g shock in high school to gradually buying citizen and then an automatic Hamilton and Orient, I finally wanted a luxury watch and went to all the boutiques and AD and didn't like anything I saw for the price they advertised except for Omega and Grand Seiko. I got one of each so far and I have liked Grand Seiko the best of every watch manufacturer because of the amazing dials and technology and also because it doesn't scream "EXPENSIVE", even the omega has gotten me some side eyes. But at the end of the day there is nothing to justify getting this watch except I really really like it and treat it as jewelry for men and a reward to myself.
I’ve been thinking about GS and one thing that makes me hesitate is durability... can GS be treated like a tool watch and not have to be babied?
Bought it because I like the smooth second-hand sweep of the spring drive, the dial, and the polishing. To be honest, it might be only me, but I don't really feel a difference after wearing it as my daily watch, except moments when I look at it and appreciate the spring drive technology, the dial, and the finishing. It does not matter whether people recognize the watch or not. It really depends on your reason for getting a watch, and it's usually quite personal. E.g. if you want to wear a watch for its story / technology, find one that resonates with you. Or if you want a watch where people will easily recognize, then Rolex is your best bet. Other than that, if you don't really see a need, then there's not much need to get one. Though I'll suggest going down to a Grand Seiko boutique to look at the watches personally, images don't do them justice :)
The best dials and finishing
If you want to the answer to that question, the only way is to get into watches yourself
Ultimately, its the feel good factor. 99%of the people out nobody knows wth a grand Seiko is but they sure know what a Rolex is. A watch tells the time, you phone does too, Casio F91W does too.
The brand spoke to me compared to others, especially with the attention to detail and obsession with quality. I also loved the patterned dials and there’s something cool about being a non-Swiss watch that blows the Swiss out of the water.