Hated Grand Seiko, bought one, now I want another...

[Dougiebaby]

Hey Fellow Rolex lovers!

This is crazy, but up until very recently (December 2022) I was pretty much a hater of Grand Seiko. For whatever reason, I just was not interested and I (primarily) only really enjoyed my Rolexes and Omegas. Rolex still is my first love but...





But I went to a local watch event with fellow watch geeks and had a chance to experience other members' GS watches. I was actually quite impressed. One in particular caught my attention and I ended up going on a YouTube search & watch binge to the point of obsession on that watch. Then I located one through my AD (it is a limited edition & sold out watch). I received it on Christmas Eve and I am smitten. I literally LOVE IT!

Besides the attention to detail and finishing, I really like how I "don't have to worry about wearing it" when out in public at night. I can look down at my wrist in delight but not have to worry about others looking down at my wrist with the thoughts of maybe taking it from me.

Furthermore, to my dismay, one aspect I love of the watch is it is a highly accurate quartz model with Rolex - GMT styled hour change mechanism. Meaning, I never have to hack this watch to change date or time (daylight savings) so the movement keeps on ticking. Why is that important? Because it is rated at +-5 seconds accuracy PER YEAR! I set it on New Years Day and I will track it each year (battery is rated for three years) without me ever hacking the movement. It should be a fun experiment.

Now I am thinking of picking up another GS for the same care free wearability -- plus, I am really getting into the brand.

Has anyone else fallen into the Grand Seiko rabbit hole? As I said above, I was a hater, now I am kinda hooked.

Here's a video my girlfriend and I made about it:


https://youtu.be/JUKNqesYeG8


And, here's a pic:

[Travis29]

Not seeing the pic.

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by Travis29

Not seeing the pic.

Sorry, corrected now :)

[tifosi]

You picked a fantastic model. That dial is fantastic. Here is mine (SBGY007):

[JasoninDenver]

I love that dial.

A GS is every bit as good as a Rolex when it comes to dials, hands and case finishing. However, very few of your average consumers would understand. In many respects, their mechanical movements are superior, IMHO.

[INC]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Meaning, I never have to hack this watch to change date or time (daylight savings) so the movement keeps on ticking. Why is that important? Because it is rated at +-5 seconds accuracy PER YEAR! I set it on New Years Day and I will track it each year (battery is rated for three years) without me ever hacking the movement. It should be a fun experiment.

That was the reason why I changed my DJs to OQs. As usually I don't bother myself with the date, so I have to set the time only to times a year.

Enjoy your watch and the freedom

[Cru Jones]

So many fine Grand Seiko models and movements to choose from. For me, a Spring Drive was a must for my first. I’d love a 9-F next with a Hi-Beat to round out a GS trio.

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by INC

That was the reason why I changed my DJs to OQs. As usually I don't bother myself with the date, so I have to set the time only to times a year.

Enjoy your watch and the freedom

Hi INC,

Thanks for the comment.

Interestingly, my girlfriend’s daughter attended a semester of college in Budapest this last year — she loved it. Here are a few pics from when my GF visited her daughter…









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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Hey Fellow Rolex lovers!

This is crazy, but up until very recently (December 2022) I was pretty much a hater of Grand Seiko. For whatever reason, I just was not interested and I (primarily) only really enjoyed my Rolexes and Omegas. Rolex still is my first love but...





But I went to a local watch event with fellow watch geeks and had a chance to experience other members' GS watches. I was actually quite impressed. One in particular caught my attention and I ended up going on a YouTube search & watch binge to the point of obsession on that watch. Then I located one through my AD (it is a limited edition & sold out watch). I received it on Christmas Eve and I am smitten. I literally LOVE IT!

Besides the attention to detail and finishing, I really like how I "don't have to worry about wearing it" when out in public at night. I can look down at my wrist in delight but not have to worry about others looking down at my wrist with the thoughts of maybe taking it from me.

Furthermore, to my dismay, one aspect I love of the watch is it is a highly accurate quartz model with Rolex - GMT styled hour change mechanism. Meaning, I never have to hack this watch to change date or time (daylight savings) so the movement keeps on ticking. Why is that important? Because it is rated at +-5 seconds accuracy PER YEAR! I set it on New Years Day and I will track it each year (battery is rated for three years) without me ever hacking the movement. It should be a fun experiment.

Now I am thinking of picking up another GS for the same care free wearability -- plus, I am really getting into the brand.

Has anyone else fallen into the Grand Seiko rabbit hole? As I said above, I was a hater, now I am kinda hooked.

Here's a video my girlfriend and I made about it:


https://youtu.be/JUKNqesYeG8


And, here's a pic:

Nice dial!!


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[dubins930]

The dial texture is so much better in person, it is hard to accurately represent in a photo. Great watch!

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by dubins930

The dial texture is so much better in person, it is hard to accurately represent in a photo. Great watch!

My video actually shows the dial pretty well :)

https://youtu.be/JUKNqesYeG8

[pendlepants]

❤️❤️❤️. Congrats on the great purchase! I feel the exact same way, and bought this same watch — had owned one Grand Seiko before that I wasn't in love with and moved. This one struck me though. The combination of unique/beautiful dial and HAQ helps it fit into collections that I think Grand Seiko would otherwise not be a great match for.

Enjoy in good health!

[JRell]

You have great taste - that is my favorite seiko

[DJ2020]

That's a beautiful watch, They are addictive.... Just saying

[Bartolo]

We have a GS boutique here in Boston, and a friend works there. I TOTALLY love the dials. . . and the movements of course.

I've not been sold on the case/lugs . . . but I am giving it time.

[Tensai]

Unkai, sea of clouds.

[Nick M]

GS finishing > Rolex

All day! Everyone around here always says something like "don't put your Rolex under a loupe"

I agree, put a GS welcomes a loupe. Incredible watches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_3oTzOzdY

[kwingy]

Nice man. That was my first grand Seiko too. Posted a lot of pics in the GS section.

Always nice to mix things up. I've worn mine a lot. Proper beaten it up a little.

It's just an watch that you can put on in a rush and not worry and go about your day. I've found it perfect to wear for any occasion.

EDIT - lol I must be tired, realise it's you Doug and we have already converse in that section. Glad you enjoying it still.

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Hey Fellow Rolex lovers!

This is crazy, but up until very recently (December 2022) I was pretty much a hater of Grand Seiko. For whatever reason, I just was not interested and I (primarily) only really enjoyed my Rolexes and Omegas. Rolex still is my first love but...


But I went to a local watch event with fellow watch geeks and had a chance to experience other members' GS watches. I was actually quite impressed. One in particular caught my attention and I ended up going on a YouTube search & watch binge to the point of obsession on that watch. Then I located one through my AD (it is a limited edition & sold out watch). I received it on Christmas Eve and I am smitten. I literally LOVE IT!

Besides the attention to detail and finishing, I really like how I "don't have to worry about wearing it" when out in public at night. I can look down at my wrist in delight but not have to worry about others looking down at my wrist with the thoughts of maybe taking it from me.

Furthermore, to my dismay, one aspect I love of the watch is it is a highly accurate quartz model with Rolex - GMT styled hour change mechanism. Meaning, I never have to hack this watch to change date or time (daylight savings) so the movement keeps on ticking. Why is that important? Because it is rated at +-5 seconds accuracy PER YEAR! I set it on New Years Day and I will track it each year (battery is rated for three years) without me ever hacking the movement. It should be a fun experiment.

Now I am thinking of picking up another GS for the same care free wearability -- plus, I am really getting into the brand.

Has anyone else fallen into the Grand Seiko rabbit hole? As I said above, I was a hater, now I am kinda hooked.

Here's a video my girlfriend and I made about it:


https://youtu.be/JUKNqesYeG8

The next watch you should look at from GS is the SBGX341. It is a bit more sporty. It is my backup watch to my Explorer. Absolutely love it and the price is more than reasonable.

https://grandseikoboutique.us/produc...gnetic-sbgx341

[Kinnakeet]

They can become addictive. I now have a nice collection of GS. Including the very rare WG Snowflake.

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by Tensai

Unkai, sea of clouds.

Yes, it's the Sea of Clouds :)

[CedCraig]

Beautiful watch! I love my GS sgbm221, inexpensive and fantastic.

[FrankNYC]

That’s a beautiful GS. Totally underrated

[sensui]

People who know... Knows... When they see the star.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

I set it on New Years Day and I will track it each year (battery is rated for three years) without me ever hacking the movement. It should be a fun experiment.

The 9F movement is amazing. My GS SBGT235 gained just under two seconds over 12 months.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...1&postcount=66

[mmbiker]

I almost bought a used GS gmt mechanical.

Didn’t miss it because now I got too many gmt (Tudor and GMTII).

But if another GS GMT comes along at good price, I might do it and use it as my daily beater


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[NachoNeal]

Nice looking watch! And girlfriend!

[tictoc1]

A grand seiko is worn when YOU want to Impress YOURSELF.

It's a watch lovers watch.

My AD once told me that when he sees a grand seiko on the wrist he knows that the conversation won't just be about a sale.

[pandrew6l]

Sold 5 Rolex , bought 3GS ( 9F, SD, Hibeat ) recently, and put the rest of the money in a high yield CD

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by tifosi

You picked a fantastic model. That dial is fantastic. Here is mine (SBGY007):

That's a beauty, I tried one on this week. Simple design, clean dial, no power gauge, great movement. As elegant as a Calatrava with a more interesting dial, hope you enjoy it, I may be right behind you.