Is Zaratsu polishing really that much better?

[Guppydriver]

***Disclaimer***** I love GS. I own GS. *****This is a question, not a criticism!!!!**********Don’t cancel me GS lovers!

I remember getting my first GS (SBGM221) and being mesmerized by the mirror like finishing. I mean, everywhere I looked on the internet I read about the art of Zaratsu and the amount of time it takes a tradesman to learn the technique.

Don’t get me wrong, the polishing on my watch is incredible beautiful.

This past week, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing my friends new “shiny black” Aqua Terra (it’s an awesome watch BTW). My point is, I’ve had a chance to compare the two, and to be honest, I can’t tell any difference in the polishing finish between the two watches.

Which leads me to my question:
(TL;DR)

Is a Zaratsu polished GS really significantly better polished than a high end Swiss watch? If so, is it noticeable without really close inspection?

[samson66]

I think the polishing they do on the CURVED sides of the cases is the best I've ever seen. It just looks flawless. It's one thing for a machine to polish a relatively flat surface effectively, but hand polishing a pillow shaped case is just on another level.

Sure some of it is marketing, but it really is spectacular to look at and realize someone did that by hand.

[dchang81]

I mean it's just a Japanese pronunciation of zallas polishing. Not really different than mirror polishing from other brands. They do a nice job polishing markers and indices etc but I don't think its anything beyond a marketing term.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

***Disclaimer***** I love GS. I own GS. *****This is a question, not a criticism!!!!**********Don’t cancel me GS lovers!

I remember getting my first GS (SBGM221) and being mesmerized by the mirror like finishing. I mean, everywhere I looked on the internet I read about the art of Zaratsu ...

Although Zaratsu sounds like some age-old Japanese art form . . .

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

***Disclaimer***** I love GS. I own GS. *****This is a question, not a criticism!!!!**********Don’t cancel me GS lovers!

I remember getting my first GS (SBGM221) and being mesmerized by the mirror like finishing. I mean, everywhere I looked on the internet I read about the art of Zaratsu and the amount of time it takes a tradesman to learn the technique.

Don’t get me wrong, the polishing on my watch is incredible beautiful.

This past week, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing my friends new “shiny black” Aqua Terra (it’s an awesome watch BTW). My point is, I’ve had a chance to compare the two, and to be honest, I can’t tell any difference in the polishing finish between the two watches.

Which leads me to my question:
(TL;DR)

Is a Zaratsu polished GS really significantly better polished than a high end Swiss watch? If so, is it noticeable without really close inspection?

I love GS as well...with that said, I own Rolex, Omega, Patek and the polishing all seems the same to my normal average Joe eyes...for me what sets GS apart is the overall design/execution of their cases. I think the series 9 cases are gorgeous along with some of the more simple classic cases...If they could just improve on the bracelet/clasp I would add a White Birch in a heartbeat.

[IS2000]

The reflections on Zaratsu polishing are definitely less distorted than polished parts of my Omega 3861 and any of my Rolexes. There was a time when I was at a Christmas lights show and the reflection off my GS was amazing. I tried it the next day with my Daytona with polished bezel and it was much different.

[subtona]

Beautiful and durable finish in my experience.

[WatchEater666]

My only issue with it is how fast it shows scratches.

[In-N-Out]

I own 3 pieces. I think the polishing is really nice and very well done. But it’s mostly just a marketing gimmick. Many other brands have this level of mirror finishing. But all things considered, GS is an excellent value at current gray market prices

[joli160]

There are not many brands able to produce such incredible indices and let alone a distortion free polish. Imho GS is in its own league compared to Rolex or Omega.
Not to mention their creations from the micro artist studio which are incredible.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by joli160

There are not many brands able to produce such incredible indices and let alone a distortion free polish. Imho GS is in its own league compared to Rolex or Omega.
Not to mention their creations from the micro artist studio which are incredible.

Those are indeed something special