Grand Seiko Reliability and after sales repair

[subdownunder]

I'm finding myself increasingly pulled towards purchasing a Grand Seiko GMT Spring Drive in Blue.

The one thing holding me back (apart from never owning one before) is Seiko's reputation of 'hit or miss' after sales service particularly for the GS range as they are so few and far between compared to the Swiss brands in this price range. I've also been told that often, watches have to be returned to Japan should anything go wrong.

Also I'm somewhat concerned that the Spring Drive is relatively new and feel unsure of its reliability and repair times should something go wrong.

I realise the in all probability the GS will not go wrong and last a lifetime but still feel apprehensive.

So all you GS owners:

should I be concerned? Or, is the talk of watches needing to go back to Japan, or parts taking months to arrive just overhyped folklore?

Also is the GMT considered a good choice in the GS range?

[Old Expat Beast]

Spring Drive movements have been around since 1999, so they're not new. Also, it takes about 48 hours to DHL a watch from Australia to Japan, which is probably quicker than some trans-Australia deliveries, so I wouldn't worry about that. Anyhow, it's kind of cool to send a GS back home to the mothership for expert care, IMO.