Grand Seiko: On its own merits

[Oyster Sauce]

I made a similar thread in the Omega subforum, and thought it would apply to Grand Seiko as well. Especially amidst the Rolex "shortages" of recent years, various disgruntled enthusiasts have looked for alternatives among other brands like GS. It usually goes something like this: "Since there's very little chance of getting a Rolex ______ from my AD, maybe I'll take a look at what GS can offer to scratch that itch." I sympathize with this, and it's cool to see folks look at GS who might not otherwise.

The point of this thread, however, is to invite GS fans to share why/when GS deserves consideration as a "first" choice brand. I perceive that there is no one brand that does everything the best; rather, one might select a brand/model based upon what they are looking for. Here are some of the things in which I think GS stands on its own merits:

1. Metal finishing. From the Zaratsu finish on the case to the micro-hand finishing on the dial furniture, I've really never seen anything else quite like it. Even the finishing on the movement is of very high quality. Some brands use precious stones to add sparkle to their timepieces; GS polishes its metal to achieve an arguably even sparklier effect. Somehow even my entry-level GS automatic is the sparkliest watch in my collection. It literally "outshines" the other brands. Just amazing.

2. Japanese artistry dials. This is a very specific trait of GS that has become their calling card. Most other brands can't achieve this simply because they are not Japanese (ie. in psyche, mentality, cultural context). The textures, techniques, and colors are very unique to GS and their cultural pride. I will be honest and say that the most artistic of dials are not for everyone or every situation, but one can not deny that they are masterpieces.

3. Hi-Beat Movements. Outside of Zenith, no other major company has regular and varied options at 36,000 oscillations per hour.

4. Spring Drive Movements. A true achievement and commitment to concept (and accuracy in timekeeping). Certainly there are skeptics who deny the "mechanical purity" of spring drive...perfectly fine. Those folks should get a GS Hi-Beat

5. High Accuracy Quartz. Again, commitment to accuracy, packaged in the same magnificent GS form.

That's what I could think of on the spot. I don't think that GS is a direct 1:1 replacement for Rolex across the model spectrum, but I don't think it needs to be. It stands on its own, with its own unique place in the market. What do you think?

[swish77]

Excellent breakdown, and I agree with your points.

Another aspect of GS that I love is the conceptual approach, such as designing a line of watches based on the seasons, or incorporating texture from nature into the dials (snowflakes, mountains, cherry blossom, white birch trees, etc ...) I can't think of another brand that takes that approach to designing watches. It's a very cool Japanese aesthetic that appeals to me on an intellectual level.

Now, I also need to love the way the watch looks on my wrist, of course, but it's refreshing how GS is constantly coming up with new ideas and innovations for the watch world. Makes some other brands, including Rolex, seem boring and conservative in some regards.

[bondtoys]

What I like with GS is that they are not following trends.

They do their own thing and stick with it!

[Wahlberg]

GS needs to go smaller as well. Bulky cases, big sizes. Would rather see them at 34-38mm.

SBGW231 is still my favorite.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

GS needs to go smaller as well. Bulky cases, big sizes. Would rather see them at 34-38mm.

SBGW231 is still my favorite.

There are plenty of others that are also slim/small, such as the SBGK007. Not everything is big and thick.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by swish77

There are plenty of others that are also slim/small, such as the SBGK007. Not everything is big and thick.

I really like the older GS models, I wish they would focus more on those sizes or designs. The current ones remind me of Omega (or vice versa).

https://www.grand-seiko.com/be-en/co...ll?size_max=39

These are all below 39mm. The above 39mm ones kinda look big, bulky and thick or too square shaped. Either I need to try some out but they look big even at 40mm compared to a 14060.

1. Just listed/new model + really expensive.
2 + 3. Ladies models.
4. Perfect watch.
5. Alright looking watch, nothing too special. Automatic.
6 + 7. Quartz. Too boring design.
8. Manual wind. Boring design.
9. Quartz. Boring design.





Square shaped + speedmaster looking bracelet

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

GS needs to go smaller as well. Bulky cases, big sizes. Would rather see them at 34-38mm.

SBGW231 is still my favorite.

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

I really like the older GS models, I wish they would focus more on those sizes or designs. The current ones remind me of Omega (or vice versa).

https://www.grand-seiko.com/be-en/co...ll?size_max=39

These are all below 39mm. The above 39mm ones kinda look big, bulky and thick or too square shaped. Either I need to try some out but they look big even at 40mm compared to a 14060.

1. Just listed/new model + really expensive.
2 + 3. Ladies models.
4. Perfect watch.
5. Alright looking watch, nothing too special. Automatic.
6 + 7. Quartz. Too boring design.
8. Manual wind. Boring design.
9. Quartz. Boring design.





Square shaped + speedmaster looking bracelet

What do these posts have have to do with the subject of the thread?

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

What do these posts have have to do with the subject of the thread?

Oh my bad.

Rather than discussing actual watches and their line-up we'll talk like children and simply mention why GS is such an amazing brand.

1. They still do quartz
2. They're innovative
3. Bang for buck
4. Readily available

Are you happy now?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Oh my bad.

Rather than discussing actual watches and their line-up we'll talk like children and simply mention why GS is such an amazing brand.

1. They still do quartz
2. They're innovative
3. Bang for buck
4. Readily available

Are you happy now?

I think that was the point of the OP’s question .... why are GS watches so appealing (paraphrasing)?

Perhaps a separate thread could address your concerns about the size of GS watches.

[Heff]

I bought my SBGJ237 because I wanted a Grand Seiko, not because I couldn’t get a Rolex. I try to only have one watch per brand, so as to not become too boring in my choices. I looked at other GS models and the 237 was the winner. The hi beat movement, blue dial, and blue and white bezel that have lume are fantastic. Zaratsu finishing is also superb.

I try not to look at each brand as being in competition with each other, and more along the lines of just offering something different.

I think it’s unwise to settle for a different watch than the one you want. It’ll only leave an unfulfilled desire.


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[munichblue]

@Oyster_Sauce
@swish77
@bondtoys

I couldn’t agree more to your statements.

@Wahlberg
Meh....