In response to a couple of the earlier queries and accusatory remarks (
) -
a. I am most definately not a watch snob. I will go out of my way, quite literally, to own watches which do not attract unwarrant attention or be instantly recognisable to the masses. I avoid in your face BLING like the plague. Wearing a Submariner (and before I get slated...I like Subs) gets the attention of practically all in a crowded room...this I don't like. Wearing a more exclusive / exotic brand gets the knowing glance appreciation from the small minority of watch lovers only...this I much prefer. The Grand Seiko is fantastic in this regard.
b. The cost of a watch is no gauge for my level of desire for ownership. I do not care where the watch is manufactured, or by whome. I like and appreciate quality and value in equal measures. "Some" of the most beautiful watches on this planet are Japanese or English, German, Dutch etc. A watch does not NEED to be Swiss, for me to own, want or need.
c. Original comment was brief because I was sat in traffic typing with my thumb whilst driving (i know i shouldn't).
d. My ownership experience of a SBGM Auto GMT back in 2004/5 to 2008 (ish) was a 'love affair' not without it's issues. I loved the look and elegance of the watch. I adored its exclusivity and understated beauty...but;
Issue 1. My watch, which I bought preowned, was only 10 months old and in 9/10 condition when I took ownership. The watch was originally on the st/st bracelet and I wore it most days whilst out and about in a shipyard environment. I found that the bracelet (mainly) and body scratched extremely easily and did not withstand the rigors of my working day at all well. The watch rapidly aged and eventually I found that my GS no longer looked sufficiently pristine enough for formal occasions...this was after only 12 months of ownership. Note - I totally accept that my working environment was not "ideal" for classy watch wearing, but I bought this watch to replace a 12 year old Sub and unfortunately the GS looked worse than the Sub even after the Sub had had 12 years of abuse in much rougher conditions.
My Opinion - My GS did not suit my lifestyle demands - I loved it, but it deteriorated too quickly. If you have a GS please treat it good.
Issue 2. The watch dual time function was excellent, but as mentioned above, I bought the watch preowned and my everyday working environment was quite nasty. About 18 months into my ownership the watch began to loose time - up to 30 minutes over a 4 or 5 day period. So I sent the watch away for service and requested that they replace the bracelet with a leather (croc) strap, whilst they had it. Because I was not the original owner and had no original warranty entitlement, this servicing and parts cost a substantial packet. You note that I had the watch Serviced, rather than repaired. I assumed that the servicing would fix the lost time issues...
It didn't. The watch now looked much smarter with it's new strap, but the accuracy issue was still a problem. So...after another 6 or so months I could wait no longer. I sent the watch, via the dealer in Shanghai, back to Seiko for repair. Lots of money later the watch was returned to me having had its offending bit replaced. Watch was now great, keeping good time and looking scratched/scarred and ultra cool.
6 months or so later, some scum bag had it away with my locker contents, including watch and wallet
My Opinion - My ownership experience was soured by these issues.
So...Looks 10/10, Value 8/10, Durability 4/10, Reliability 4/10
My overall Assessment - Average
Regards
Nobby
