Grand Seiko owners, what made you take the plunge?

[deriku]

Greetings to fellow WIS. Going by news articles and watch forum listings, Grand Seiko has been gaining traction in the international market recently. Having been fascinated by this brand, I am aware of the history and value proposition that GS offers.

However I still have a few lingering doubts to overcome before considering kopping one. First of course is how you get over the "It's only a Seiko" comments. Call me superficial but for that amount of money, there are quite a few Swiss options that can stand their own ground.

I also handled a GS GMT Hi-beat in person, but truth be told, despite all the hype on superior finishing, I wasn't extremely impressed (although that may be skewed due to the protective stickers still on the watch).

So GS owners, what made you take the plunge on your first GS? Have you had any second thoughts and resold the watch later on, and if so, why?

Also to non-GS owners, what's holding you back?

[chrisyen]

GS superbly finish
every part is refine towards perfection

reliability
accuracy

champion!

love it...

now wish to add one more when they hv more models for 42mm

yes. i prefer a bigger watch
i sold some smaller sizes GS

[dualcarb]

Greetings to fellow WIS. Going by news articles and watch forum listings, Grand Seiko has been gaining traction in the international market recently. Having been fascinated by this brand, I am aware of the history and value proposition that GS offers.

However I still have a few lingering doubts to overcome before considering kopping one. First of course is how you get over the "It's only a Seiko" comments. Call me superficial but for that amount of money, there are quite a few Swiss options that can stand their own ground.

I also handled a GS GMT Hi-beat in person, but truth be told, despite all the hype on superior finishing, I wasn't extremely impressed (although that may be skewed due to the protective stickers still on the watch).

So GS owners, what made you take the plunge on your first GS? Have you had any second thoughts and resold the watch later on, and if so, why?

Also to non-GS owners, what's holding you back?

I took the plunge because of the history, accuracy, craftsmanship and the fact that no one knows it's true value unless you know watches.

I was wearing it to work one day and a colleague of mine went ,"wow, how come your Seiko is so shiny?". I was happy because even a non-WIS appreciate the fact that it's a finely finished watch. When asked about the price, I just smiled and answered that it costs a tiny bit more than your average Seiko.

But I baby the watch too much. Just because it is more a work of art than it is a watch. It was far too to precious wear and it kinda defeats the purpose of having a watch in the first place. It's just me. Maybe other members may feel differently.

So after a two year ownership, I let the watch go with much sadness as it spent more time in the safe than it did on my wrist. I wear my other watches to hell and back and have no issues scratching them, but the GS...dunno leh. I would buy another GS in a heartbeat, but maybe I would get one that is used, so that I won't baby it too much. Maybe it's all in my mind. But then again, it's just me.

I still love everything about the watch. So good luck and wrist shots if you were to get one please.


Cheers
Patrick

[antoniosaprozeld]

i've held one.. it does feel solid.. but i share your reservation.. it does make you feel shallow.. to spend that amount & have the feeling, 'is it still a seiko?'.. so i got a swiss watch instead.. i think GS is a watch for someone who's had it all & can say 'i've worn all & i think GS is as great a watch to any swiss watch i've had'

Sent from my STV100-3 using Tapatalk

[mikeylacroix]

[roystock]

After reading all the positive reviews, I wanted a GS.
Despite the refinement, movement and workmanship, none of the models speak to me as I don't like silver / glossy dial and I think GS are generally a little thick as dress watch. Lastly, 10+++ is still a lot of money.

It all change when I saw this one. I can't recall the name - most GS goes by numbers and it is very hard to remember.

It was such a beauty I bought within a hour after seeing it for the first time. I did not regret for 1 sec and honestly, it's finishing put all the entry level JLC, IWC to shame.
I will add more, if I come across other models with similar characteristics - non glossy dial, thin case

[mikeylacroix]

SBGA011 snow flake

[G.MAC]

The selling price, cost of service and the non-availability of the piece near me. I can accept the "it's just a Seiko" comment but I cannot accept paying that much. The snowflake is still very much on my mind.

[@tsw@]

I feel that the Grand Seiko is a watch that you'll have to purchase in order to appreciate it. Coz it does take a fair bit of time using a loupe to seriously caress every inch of its case and dial to be able to understand what the fuss is about. It'll be even better to have an equivalently priced Swiss watch at its side for ease of comparison.

Then..... It hits you. Why the hell did I pay the same amount for that Swiss watch and not the other way round.

However I've got to say this was my experience for watches priced within the 12k to 15k range.

[mikeylacroix]

[jefflwc]

For me, I was intrigued by the level of workmanship and detailing effort that was put into the watch (i'm a sucker for detail and quality) and one that can be had by a modest (comparatively) outlay.

After endless hours of browsing the forums and reading reviews I first took the plunge in a quartz SBGT035 back in 2015 (which I bought blind ). It didn't disappoint when it arrived. So much so that I've a developed a constant itch and went on to acquire another piece which is the SBGR051 early this year.... I've shifted the usual suspects of my Omegas and Tags that first gotten me into this hobby and I'm only left with my GSs' and not-so-grand Seiko. So there you go...

For me, brand recognition is secondary. The value, and the essense of watchmaking spirit from a respectable manufacture is what counts. The curious looks of non-WIS and questions to me like, "eh, why your Seiko so nice one ar?" is an added bonus!

[deriku]

i've held one.. it does feel solid.. but i share your reservation.. it does make you feel shallow.. to spend that amount & have the feeling, 'is it still a seiko?'.. so i got a swiss watch instead.. i think GS is a watch for someone who's had it all & can say 'i've worn all & i think GS is as great a watch to any swiss watch i've had'

Yes I guess for people who have 'been there, done that', a GS would be a natural choice. Problem is there are too many nice watches out there so it's all about priorities.

After reading all the positive reviews, I wanted a GS.
Despite the refinement, movement and workmanship, none of the models speak to me as I don't like silver / glossy dial and I think GS are generally a little thick as dress watch. Lastly, 10+++ is still a lot of money.

It all change when I saw this one. I can't recall the name - most GS goes by numbers and it is very hard to remember.

It was such a beauty I bought within a hour after seeing it for the first time. I did not regret for 1 sec and honestly, it's finishing put all the entry level JLC, IWC to shame.
I will add more, if I come across other models with similar characteristics - non glossy dial, thin case

I like dials with a bit of texture too, the snow flake is nice. Thickness will always be an issue (?) as the 9S automative movement is pretty thick to start with. Unless go for Sping drive.

[davidtth]

a pure watch maker brand thats all 

[deriku]

SBGA011 snow flake

Your photos make the watches look gorgeous as usual.

The selling price, cost of service and the non-availability of the piece near me. I can accept the "it's just a Seiko" comment but I cannot accept paying that much. The snowflake is still very much on my mind.

I was under the impression that service cost was on par if not cheaper than similar Swiss brands?

For me, I was intrigued by the level of workmanship and detailing effort that was put into the watch (i'm a sucker for detail and quality) and one that can be had by a modest (comparatively) outlay.

After endless hours of browsing the forums and reading reviews I first took the plunge in a quartz SBGT035 back in 2015 (which I bought blind ). It didn't disappoint when it arrived. So much so that I've a developed a constant itch and went on to acquire another piece which is the SBGR051 early this year.... I've shifted the usual suspects of my Omegas and Tags that first gotten me into this hobby and I'm only left with my GSs' and not-so-grand Seiko. So there you go...

For me, brand recognition is secondary. The value, and the essense of watchmaking spirit from a respectable manufacture is what counts. The curious looks of non-WIS and questions to me like, "eh, why your Seiko so nice one ar?" is an added bonus!

I wonder what's the reaction of normal people when you tell them your GS costs more than the Tag on their wrist

[G.MAC]

I was under the impression that service cost was on par if not cheaper than similar Swiss brands?

It maybe so for the autos. Not too sure about the Spring Drives though. For me, I am only interested in the Snowflake which incorporates the Spring Drive movement. I guess I have to pay if I want to play.

[@tsw@]

[/URL]

A picture is worth a thousand words.   

The strap is a little undersized. 

[kenji1903]

mikey is posting a lot of poison

[Friday]

i wear mine a lot. No regrets

[meoramri]

Got two GS beauties. Have to look at them in person to truly appreciate the quality and workmanship.

To me, watch collecting is a hobby. Never had any issue about what people think. What is important is what you think about it.

[Mikey C.]

Can't agree more.

a pure watch maker brand thats all 

[Timeless]

mikey is posting a lot of poison

Yes indeed. What an obsession

[mikeylacroix]

[mikeylacroix]

[Jedirat]

Bro Mikey, really stunning pieces that you posted here. Even though I do not own a GS, looking at the photo already made my hand itching.

[mikeylacroix]

do it brotha