need advice on buying my first seiko(s)

[santiago]

I'm a watch collector (Rolex and Patek) but never Seiko.

I'm visiting Japan and would like to buy a couple Seiko's but find their brand line- up confusing. I know that Grand Seiko is at the top of the pyramid but need advice on others. I'm only interested in mechanical watches and don't understand the wide price spread, almost 5 x between watches.

If I wanted to purchase a few watches, are there a few models you would recommend. Sports vs classic doesn't matter. Thank you

[scarlet knight]

There are two boutiques in the Ginza district of Tokyo that I would recommend. The Grand Seiko and the Prospex. Look at their websites, pick a few watches that interest you and try them on at the boutiques. We got great treatment. Bought a Prospex with a Kanji datewheel.

There is also a store called BIC Camera that sells watches reasonably.

[cdm765]

SBGA211 - snowflake
SBGM221 - GMT
SPB149 - Seiko diver with blue dial

I think the brand is completely lost and confused with the lineup, so you aren’t alone!

[Emphasis]

For purchases under $1k, I love my SPB121 and SRP779 along with its variants.

The Alpinist is a great all-rounder with 200m water resistance, and the Turtle also makes a fun and durable daily if you don't mind the size.

[denmanproject]

Anything that starts with SLA is a good start

[DD58]

I’m going to be that guy and say a skx007. You all can judge but I have both the black dial and blue dial and I wear them on many occasions. My wife does have a gs it’s the sbge269 Toji. I love watching the sweeping seconds had of the spring drive movement.

I know you said mechanical only but the spring drive is mesmerizing


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[Little machines]

The Grand Seiko elegance line is amazing ! Good luck!

[JTL31]

@santiago have you purchased a watch yet? Looking forward to seeing a post of it.

[mongrelnomoad]

I’ll echo the sentiments above: head to Ginza. Wako has the largest selection of high-end Seiko (Grand Seiko and Credor) anywhere, including several exclusives and even a custom-build section and mini museum on the first floor. Half a block west, on the same side, there’s a boutique covering all the other lower-end brands - 5, Prospex, King Seiko, Astron etc.

The discount stores (Bic and Yodobashi) will have the best prices, but generally have limited Grand Seiko and no Credor. They also generally have no or fewer LEs.

Always bring your passport for instant tax-free, and ask if there is any discount for paying by credit card.