Rolex or Grand Seiko. Part 2

[RanHong]

hello everyone, some of you may remember i was looking to purchase a new watch. A couple of grand seiko models cought my eye, but i wasnt sure so i started this thread to learn more about the brand http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...ht=grand+seiko

here it is: Grand seiko SBGH013
i am totally in love with it, and thank you all for sharing all the knowledge in the first post.
oh it is gaining 3 seconds per week
sorry about the crapy iphone pictures

[padi56]

Great looking watch and IMHO one of the finest mechanical movements made today.The Hi beat is very accurate like all the high end Seiko range,and tested to a higher standard than the Swiss COSC.But afraid today many just wear a brand and see Seiko as a lesser brand which its definitely not.And IMHO its a better watch and movement than many of the high end Swiss mass produced watches today.Now the Seiko Grand they are hand built to a very high standard, and many today have no idea about movements in general. Plus many have no idea even how a mechanical movement works and only wear a name on the dial.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by padi56

Great looking watch and IMHO one of the finest mechanical movements made today.The Hi beat is very accurate like all the high end Seiko range,and tested to a higher standard than the Swiss COSC.But afraid today many just wear a brand and see Seiko as a lesser brand which its definitely not.And IMHO its a better watch and movement than many of the high end Swiss mass produced watches today.Now the Seiko Grand they are hand built to a very high standard, and many today have no idea about movements in general. Plus many have no idea even how a mechanical movement works and only wear a name on the dial.

This is sad but true. Very few watches in the world are as "in house" as a Grand Seiko.

[Cabaiguan]

Love the GS line. It looks great...congrats.

[HL65]

Congrats on a great watch!!

[FeelingTheBlues]

This watch is really beautiful and I'm glad to know it is that accurate! Congratulations!

[Roxas]

Congrats. The GS's quality is superb.

[RRGHOST1]

Seiko make superb watches,i would prefer the watch on a bracelet,but a great watch.

[J. Alan]

A beatiful timepiece -Congrats.

I am seriously looking at a GS BGH001 S.S. myself. The line is now available in North America at a very few select dealers. I was in the AD in Vancouver (1 of 2 in Canada) and they basically don't offer any deals. I think they are waiting for the reaction to the extemely positive write-up in Watchtime.

Padi is 100% right in his comments. The beautiful finish, classic design, and construction of the Grand Seiko line is superb - easily in line with or outdoing our beloved Rolex, VC, JLC, Omega, etc. The Seiko GS line is a truly hand built manufacture movement (60 hand picked Seiko watch makers assemble the movements) with many unique and patented features. The limited production makes them a rare item. The GS line also has a long history in the Seiko line-up.

I am in the market for a new Datejust addition to my Rolex collection and the GS Seiko has made me hesitate.

It is to bad that Seiko is given the old by consumers with little knowledge of Seiko's long history of contructing beautiful timepieces. Unfortunately, it is a hangover from the quartz era that has branded Seiko as a middle-of-the-road watch company.

BTW, any of you TRFer's can lead me to a few GS Seiko AD's in your area, please let me know. Arizona Fine Time seems to be a major player in the GS market.

J. Alan

[Leeemjack]

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

[Adam K.]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

Yeah, and everyone just KNOWS the Japanese can't produce anything top quality. I mean just look at centuries-old arts like Maki-e or the smithing of traditional katanas and other blades with differentially hardened layers defined by such masters as Masamune, Kanemitsu, Noreshige or the like. Worthless, shoddy pieces of crap that no collector or museum in their right mind would pay a plugged nickel to have.


Sarcasm off now. Congrats on that exceptionally fine work of art you have. Grand Seiko should merit considerable respect from every aficionado of horology. Not an easy watch to acquire, either!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

Why would you even bother posting in this thread and bashing his watch purchase. Very classy and tactful....Not! If you don't like it move on and keep your stupid comments to yourself.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

That's why the Grand Seiko is such a great watch.

You've got to dig a little deeper than the brand name and examine the engineering excellence.

The goons you mention would run away from a Ferrari if someone replaced the badge with a Toyota badge.

[RanHong]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

First of all thank you for your opinion. One of the reasons I bought the grand seiko is because I simply wanted a nice watch not a status symbol. I get a little uncomfortable when people notice my gmt or Daytona and gives you THE look or make comments like "Rolex! You must be rich". The other day 1 of my clients saw my grand seiko and asked " nice looking watch, how much is that?" I said " about 500" and he didn't say anything else. people can laugh all they want, at the end of the day I bought it for myself, I am happy with it, I believe it is an excellent piece of horology and that's all it matters to me.

[Leeemjack]

Originally Posted by RanHong

First of all thank you for your opinion. One of the reasons I bought the grand seiko is because I simply wanted a nice watch not a status symbol. I get a little uncomfortable when people notice my gmt or Daytona and gives you THE look or make comments like "Rolex! You must be rich". The other day 1 of my clients saw my grand seiko and asked " nice looking watch, how much is that?" I said " about 500" and he didn't say anything else. people can laugh all they want, at the end of the day I bought it for myself, I am happy with it, I believe it is an excellent piece of horology and that's all it matters to me.

Ranhong that was very eloquently put, and like I say it's a fine watch and it probably is up there with most Swiss watches, and sometimes better even. And I'm happy that you are happy with your choice

My argument is not with your very nice watch at all, but with the whole grand seiko thing as a whole

[hpowders]

Originally Posted by RanHong

First of all thank you for your opinion. One of the reasons I bought the grand seiko is because I simply wanted a nice watch not a status symbol. I get a little uncomfortable when people notice my gmt or Daytona and gives you THE look or make comments like "Rolex! You must be rich". The other day 1 of my clients saw my grand seiko and asked " nice looking watch, how much is that?" I said " about 500" and he didn't say anything else. people can laugh all they want, at the end of the day I bought it for myself, I am happy with it, I believe it is an excellent piece of horology and that's all it matters to me.

I'm about to buy a Grand Seiko Quartz. The movement, according to those in the know, is better than that of the Rolex Submariner. It is supposed to keep time to +- 10 seconds a year. The only thing the Grand Seiko collection is lacking is snob appeal. Been there. Done that. Seiko watches for $3000-$5000. Believe it. Wear it with pride!

[Demosthene]

Originally Posted by hpowders

I'm about to buy a Grand Seiko Quartz. The movement, according to those in the know, is better than that of the Rolex Submariner.

Quartz and mechanical movements are not comparable in regards to accuracy. A G-Shock will have better accuracy then a Submariner without having to specifically buy a GS quartz.

[J. Alan]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

Ya, and what would you say if my "Grand Toyota" wiped your ass on the race track!
The GS Seiko wipes many Swiss watch rear ends, including some of the very high profile brands. Have you actually seen the watch in person? I doubt it. I have and examined it and tried it on - it is a superb timepiece that I would not be embarrassed to wear. I would find it entertaining to explain to doubters that it is a rare hand made watch (estimated total production is about 2000 a year) and keeps better time than 99% of the mechanical watches available from Switzerland.

As the owner states, he wanted a superb stealth watch and he purchased one and I commend him for that.

J. Alan

[NYMike]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

It's called a lexus.

The LFA runs for $375,000 and nobody is laughing at it.

[herbie911]

Originally Posted by NYMike

It's called a lexus.

The LFA runs for $375,000 and nobody is laughing at it.

Congrad on your new purchase-I mean the watch!

The LFA is a brilliant car but the price is ludicrous and the performance is a bit disappointing when compare with other supercar such as Lambo Aventador or the upcoming V12 Ferrari.
I would rather buy that Lambo and add a 2012 Nissan GTR (faster) for the same money!
Can't denied the LFA V10 is one of the best sounding engine of all time and the attention to detail in its construction is on par with the new Mclaren!

[Leeemjack]

Originally Posted by NYMike

It's called a lexus.

The LFA runs for $375,000 and nobody is laughing at it.

Bad example dude, nobody is laughing at it and nobody is buying it either

I liken the Grand Seiko to the Honda NSX, a great car that could woop most super cars of the time....but didnt look as good, didn't have the badge or history and consequently was a total flop

Listen I'm sure Grand Seikos are great watches, but then so are standard Seikos!! So I don't see the £4500 + markup having any real base. Ok they are handmade, so are saville row suits, and made specifically for you from the finest fabrics but they still only cost around a £1000

[RanHong]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

Bad example dude, nobody is laughing at it and nobody is buying it either

I believe Toyota had announced that all LFAs were sold out roughly 6 months before production even started. Also according to autoblog.com 1/3 of the total allocation went to the "land of BMW, Mercedes and Porsche"

[warren G.]

Huge congrats on the GS. Wear it in good health.

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

so are saville row suits, and made specifically for you from the finest fabrics but they still only cost around a £1000

maybe for the basted....

I'm glad Ken banned this clown.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

Bad example dude, nobody is laughing at it and nobody is buying it either

I liken the Grand Seiko to the Honda NSX, a great car that could woop most super cars of the time....but didnt look as good, didn't have the badge or history and consequently was a total flop

Listen I'm sure Grand Seikos are great watches, but then so are standard Seikos!! So I don't see the £4500 + markup having any real base. Ok they are handmade, so are saville row suits, and made specifically for you from the finest fabrics but they still only cost around a £1000

Complete and total misinformation. Every single LFA that's built is sold. First year were all sold out before they even existed even with Toyotas weird ownership rules.
The LFA isn't meant to compete with an Aventador, it's an exercise in engineering. A GTR will rip an Aventador around a track but that's not the point.....I would still by the Aventador if I could.

The NSX looked amazing for it's time and a style still loved by car lovers 'til this day, and if it was a total flop I don't understand how every single one available on the secondary market has an extremely inflated price. Unless you just don't like japanese cars, your assessment is way way off, but it is your opinion and you're entitled to it.

The suit analogy is bs.....good riddance.



Congrats on the GS purchase, I love the shape of the hands.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

Why even post. That's a very nice watch with just as good (if not better) movement to a Rolex.

[mike]

Ha! Two good things happened here.

The OP got a fantastic watch and,....another malcontent is gone.

[Farnsy]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

lol damn laaamejack... these guys were prepared for you. Came in the thread and got jumped by all the seiko lovers and now you're banned lmao


I gotta admit all these grand seiko pictures everyone is posting is turning me on...

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by Leeemjack

How could anyone pay top marque watch money...for a seiko!! This is madness. It's a Japanese watch for gods sake! I don't care how nicely it's finished, its a seiko at the end of the day. It's like spending 100k on a 'Grand Toyota', you can tell people its as good as a Ferrari till you are blue in the face but they will just laugh at you...

Really, I find this sort of post not only offensive but totally ignorant of what an interest in horology should be about. I can only suggest another hobby.

Anyway, back on topic and that's a genuinely beautifully engineered and finished watch. Congrats!

[RanHong]

Thank you all for your kind words. I would unreservedly recommend Grand Seiko to anyone, as I am extremely happy with my purchase. Btw,cheers to Katsu at http://www.higuchi-inc.com/index-e.html for a flawless international transaction.

[handsfull]

Grand Seiko separates the WIS from the people who dig watches.
I concur with Padi's comments - it's one of the top 3 most refined movements...ESPECIALLY for the price point.