Grand Seiko

Author
Discussion

detee

Original Poster:

642 posts

156 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Is there any love out there for Grand Seiko. A friend bought one and I wore it for a few hours. Beautifully made, I have other brands that are more well known, but the quality of this really stands out.

I fancy a Shunbun!

jimmyslr

805 posts

280 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Shunbun you say? Dreadful things, don’t do it…

jimmyslr

805 posts

280 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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On a more sensible note, there’s plenty of love for Grand Seiko. They do tend to fly under the radar and you need another watch geek to “get it”. The only folk who’ve noticed mine and wanted to talk about it have been those who own several watches and enjoy variety. I sometimes see it being glanced at by folk who don’t know what to make of it, Seiko is a cheap Japanese brand isn’t it, it’s not a Rolex etc. that amuses me.

wong

1,317 posts

223 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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I admire them. I read that the inside of the case is as well polished as the outside. The only person who will see that is a watchmaker during servicing/repairs. Totally unnecessary expense but good to know.

EX51GE R

1,497 posts

217 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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I have a couple, as you say beautifully finished...






rallye101

2,218 posts

204 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Lovely dial....

Baggie austin

164 posts

91 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Grand Seiko are brilliant watches
I had a few rolex's and omegas over the years, sold them all apart from my old PO

Have 3 GS now and have not looked back, superior finishing and some lovely hand finishing with the zaratsu polishing.

More soul and character than some of the Swiss brands ( I know it's very subjective) but having owned most of them over the last 20 years i feel informed in my own view.

The movements run at 36,000bph so you get a lovely sweep, spring drive is amazing, and the connection with nature is brilliant

Value for money without a doubt, and as others say only really watch geeks will notice.

They are growing in popularity, I just hope they don't lose what I like about them as they continue to grow

CardShark

4,206 posts

186 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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EX51GE R said:
I have a couple, as you say beautifully finished...

cloud9

My two -





They're quite possibly the best finished watches for the money. The brand itself isn't quite the secret it was however they're still a bit of a watch geek's watch and are all the better for it, IMO.

detee

Original Poster:

642 posts

156 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Thanks everyone! I collect mine tomorrow! Quick one, is it easy to see the hands against the dial?

More excited than I have been for a while!

CardShark

4,206 posts

186 months

Monday 19th December 2022
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Most GS handsets aren't lumed though they're so highly polished, plus the contrast of any brushing, that it ensures that they pick up any and all light. The darker the dial the better however you'll be good.

Which reference is inbound?

detee

Original Poster:

642 posts

156 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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NDA

22,326 posts

232 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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detee said:
Is there any love out there for Grand Seiko. A friend bought one and I wore it for a few hours. Beautifully made, I have other brands that are more well known, but the quality of this really stands out.

I fancy a Shunbun!
Lots of love!

I have a few watches including a limited edition Spring Drive that I couldn't resist from a PH'er who was selling. I'm a bit ashamed to say I rarely wear it, but I'm glad I have it in the collection. Nicely finished and, of course, an amazingly clever movement - which is why I have it.

Enjoy your new watch - it will bring you hours of pleasure. And that's the whole point!

I recall an interview with John Mayer a while back where he was saying 'yes, but look deeper' - you'll have that with the Grand Seiko.

VR99

1,304 posts

70 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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The prices on Grand Seiko have been creeping up over the last few years, the '9f' appears to be the entry level and generally retails at £2k. I appreciate it's subjective but is this good VFM and are the prices likely to continue going up?
Just to add I don't look at this from an investment perspective but more from a should I pull the trigger before prices go up further.

Pupp

12,355 posts

279 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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There’s some great back stories to GS and how the studios were established and are now organised.

My only qualm with them is the sheer profligacy of model variations they produce; mostly expressed to be limited editions but verging on ubiquitous due the the number of variations on a theme. But, what do I know, and when a design finds favour, they become very sought after.

I have two out of the studios branded as GS; a Snowflake, and a Peacock. I have another, that apparently owes its movement and execution to GS methods and craftsmanship, but was sold as a Seiko due to the re-emergence of GS at the time having yet to blossom - a SLQ007 9T82 - until very recently, 9T82 servicing for the U.K. involved a return to the studios.

All are exquisite in their way and all have received positive comments from watch folk and others who are not so.

The new boutique in Bond St is worth a visit if in town and you have strong resolve.

tescor

502 posts

235 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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I have a snowflake, bought for my 50th last year. I do find the hands are hard to see on the white dial, especially under indoor lights. Although, that could be due to my failing eyesight biggrin

andySC

1,232 posts

165 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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I’ve tried a few on over the years with a view to buying but GS never quite had me reaching for the credit card.

I really like what goes on in the case, the movements are supposed to be incredible & the dials are stunning. What has, on both occasions turned me off were the bracelets & the end link/lug integration, those gaps would bug me.

It’s like (to me…) a car with a fantastic engine, an exquisite interior but shocking panel gaps & a wobbly bonnet.

That said I’ll probably have a 9f GMT at some stage.

NDA

22,326 posts

232 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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andySC said:
I’ve tried a few on over the years with a view to buying but GS never quite had me reaching for the credit card.

I really like what goes on in the case, the movements are supposed to be incredible & the dials are stunning. What has, on both occasions turned me off were the bracelets & the end link/lug integration, those gaps would bug me.

It’s like (to me…) a car with a fantastic engine, an exquisite interior but shocking panel gaps & a wobbly bonnet.

That said I’ll probably have a 9f GMT at some stage.
I do know what you mean... but the whole package works for me.

I am currently eying up the blue ceramic GMT. I need to try one on.

OMITN

2,402 posts

99 months

Tuesday 20th December 2022
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(CardShark - nice to see another old-schooler)

seadragon

1,137 posts

222 months

Wednesday 21st December 2022
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I had 3 at one stage, now down to one, my SBGJ021 (along with my SNR039 Presage and other various Seiko's). GS under-rated outside of Japan/Far East, but people are slowly waking up to this brand, which is good, but also a shame as more competition for the LE pieces smile

SSG1000

294 posts

70 months

Wednesday 21st December 2022
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Brought a Kishun a few months ago from the Knightsbridge boutique and it certainly flys under the radar - which is what I like.

After sales is probably the best compared to other brands in my case, with constant invites to events, Christmas gifts through the post and other random bits here and there.

They even threw in a clasp strap and watch box when I purchased.