I am often asked the question as to why I would bother with Grand Seikos when I could buy the more popular Swiss or even German pieces for the asking price. Most would continue to add that the pictures of GS that they see from the internet is not all that impressive and look rather utilitarian compared to their Swiss counterparts.
Well, I used to share the same sentiments like everyone else...until I handled a GS in the metal in all it's naked glory. GS needs to be seen and molested in the metal to appreciate all the fine details and care that have gone into creating the perfect uncomplicated watch. Please ask your retailer to strip off all the shrink wrap on the GS to fully appreciate the extremely smooth Zaratsu polishing and the fine metal brushing on the case and bracelet. Bring along a loupe and appreciate every single details on the dial, which are executed to perfection even under intense magnification. Appreciate the fine beveling work of the movement if there is an exhibition case back. See the continuous sweep of the mirror polished second hand of the Spring Drive or Hi-Beat movement.
GS watches are for those who appreciate details. It's beauty is not apparent to everyone and only those with a fine appreciation of finishing and craftsmanship will fully appreciate the allure of the GS. It is rather like the Ryoan-Ji garden in Kyoto. To the untrained eye, it is nothing more than a few stones combined with some bigger rocks. However, if you take the time to appreciate the details and arrangement of the rock formations, you will only then appreciate one of the best Zen gardens in the world, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
As mentioned earlier, it is almost impossible to capture the beauty of GS in photos but I have tried my very best to capture the essence of what makes GS an outstanding proposition in my macro shots of my newly acquired SBGA105G.
Hope that you will enjoy the pictures and please excuse my rather amateurish macro photography skills.
The Case and The DialThe watch "glimmers" like no other watches due to a combination of polishing, satin finishing and bevelling.
The sunburst blue dial catches the light with a halo effect encircling the dial.
The details of the dial such as the polished markers, brushed and beveled hands, appliqués and the 3D guilloche power reserve indicator is extraordinary.
The signed crown is very well executed
The Movement Spring Drive is nothing more than a Quartz movement? Think again.
The Gold Medallion on the Rotor is very well crafted
Check out the exterior and interior Bevelling work done on the Rotor!
The extensive interior and exterior anglage on the movement is nothing short of amazing for the price of entry.
