The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Other (non-Rolex) Watch Topics > Grand Seiko & Seiko Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 30 December 2018, 07:22 AM   #1
mfm22
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Mike
Location: NY
Watch: Explorer 1
Posts: 488
Icon5 Grand Seiko ?

I'm not familiar with this division seems to be way up in Quality

Can anyone Briefly explain the appeal / design features
mfm22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 07:30 AM   #2
Chute
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Real Name: Chris
Location: Austin
Watch: 6 digit Rolex+APRO
Posts: 1,559
A lot more can be said by people more knowledgeable than me but the quality of Grand Seiko is very high while the price is not. I own Rolex and AP and the GS’s bring me the most joy because
1. I am not afraid to wear them (who would rob you for a Seiko)
2. The price is much lower than entry level Rolex.
3. The quality and beauty are off the chart.

GS offers more bang for the buck than any other luxury watch brand.
You really feel like you own a truly handmade timepiece when you wear one.

And don’t think that the nice JDM Seiko’s compare to GS.
I convinced myself that sub $1k SARX055 and SARX035 were comparable to GS’s SBGA003 and SBGA011.
Once I bought the SBGA’s, the SARX’s began collecting dust
Chute is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 09:02 AM   #3
GB-man
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GB-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,342
Unique Japanese design. Extremely high level finishing of the case, dial, hands and indices. Above average movement finishing. Priced similar to an omega with the dial side finishing that rivals the likes of Lange and Sohne and Patek.
__________________
GB-man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 09:31 AM   #4
tyler1980
"TRF" Member
 
tyler1980's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston
Posts: 17,622
try one on, you'll know
__________________
Instagram: tyler.watches
current collection: Patek 5164A, Patek 5524G, Rolex Platinum Daytona 116506, Rolex Sea Dweller 43 126600, Rolex GMT II 116710LN, AP 15400ST (silver), Panerai 913, Omega Speedmaster moonwatch, Tudor Black Bay (Harrods Edition)
tyler1980 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 09:49 AM   #5
Bearxj86
"TRF" Member
 
Bearxj86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: 3970
Posts: 3,889
If you are looking for value for money in the $4-6k range; very little can beat a grand seiko.

Snowflake is a classic, the 387 is a good US only limited edition.

Spring drive, 36000 bps hi-beats, zaratsu polishing are all part of the package.
Bearxj86 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 11:31 AM   #6
collarcity
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Mark
Location: New York
Watch: 16570, 14060M
Posts: 379
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Priced similar to an omega with the dial side finishing that rivals the likes of Lange and Sohne and Patek.
Agreed. Incredible handsets and dials.
collarcity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 11:48 AM   #7
mfm22
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Mike
Location: NY
Watch: Explorer 1
Posts: 488
Can not deal with pin &collars. Would only be interested in the screw link options
mfm22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 11:49 AM   #8
WS9D
"TRF" Member
 
WS9D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Steve
Location: Shasta
Watch: es..More Watches!
Posts: 2,414
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfm22 View Post
I'm not familiar with this division seems to be way up in Quality

Can anyone Briefly explain the appeal / design features
Incredible value for the watch u get! Finishing is amazing. The dials they produce are so unique. Really makes Rolex look boring in a way. If GS has the brand recognition of some of the more we’ll known brands, they would easily be selling for $$$$$ more. There was a good thread posted not to long ago with a video about the GS history. A must watch. I am slowly converting from Rolex and now have a couple GS as well as some amazing regular Seiko divers. Even at $300 the value those offer is amazing.

Most non-wis people won’t know what a GS is in the wild. I’m okay with that and over wearing things people recognize.
WS9D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 01:42 PM   #9
TJMike
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 428
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Priced similar to an omega with the dial side finishing that rivals the likes of Lange and Sohne and Patek.
I do not know whether I would go that far (I have a GS, Patek, and Lange), but the dial finishing on GS is amazing, especially for the price point. My only issue with GS is I wish they made thinner watches.
TJMike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 December 2018, 01:55 PM   #10
MP5
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
MP5's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: ATX
Posts: 2,886
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfm22 View Post
Can not deal with pin &collars. Would only be interested in the screw link options
Well better scratch a Nautilus from your list of watches you could wear.
MP5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 01:23 AM   #11
collarcity
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Mark
Location: New York
Watch: 16570, 14060M
Posts: 379
Quote:
Originally Posted by TJMike View Post
I do not know whether I would go that far (I have a GS, Patek, and Lange), but the dial finishing on GS is amazing ...
I would.



collarcity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 02:05 AM   #12
WS9D
"TRF" Member
 
WS9D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Steve
Location: Shasta
Watch: es..More Watches!
Posts: 2,414
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfm22 View Post
Can not deal with pin &collars. Would only be interested in the screw link options


Both of my GS have screws with pins very similar to my Omega Speedy bracelet. Very easy to size as long as u don’t drop any of the screws.

I forgot to mention in my previous post, I’m not one to inspect my watches with a loupe prior to walking out of the store. If I can’t see it with the naked eye, no problem. When I bought my GS Gmt, I decided to use the loupe in the store, not to find flaws, but to admire the finishing that was there. I was blown away by the level of detail I saw on the dial, indices, and hands.

On my other GS, there is no lume. Initially I thought this may be a problem but quickly learned I was wrong. The finishing and polishing of the hands are so amazing, they will reflect just the tiniest light available so I can see the time in the darkest off settings (not pitch black though).

I have such admiration and respect for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into these. I used to think one day in retirement I’ll finally get a PP. that thought has come and gone because of my own personal discovery of GS.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
WS9D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 02:06 AM   #13
mfm22
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Mike
Location: NY
Watch: Explorer 1
Posts: 488
I have a Seiko Sumo that I always felt was a great value for what it is
Grand Seiko does look like they took it to a high level May be worth a look
mfm22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 04:14 AM   #14
GB-man
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GB-man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 37,342
Quote:
Originally Posted by TJMike View Post
I do not know whether I would go that far (I have a GS, Patek, and Lange), but the dial finishing on GS is amazing, especially for the price point. My only issue with GS is I wish they made thinner watches.


I currently have a GS and PP but have owned several PP and one Lange. I would but it’s a matter of opinion I suppose.
__________________
GB-man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 08:21 AM   #15
asiparks
"TRF" Member
 
asiparks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: ing the Detectives
Posts: 1,888
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfm22 View Post
Can not deal with pin &collars. Would only be interested in the screw link options
life's hardships huh ?
My SBGE201 has (tiny) screws and pins. It took my a moment to realize i only need unscrew the screw, turn over the bracelet and give it a soft tap to pop out the pin from the other side. Piece of cake and because the pin isn't physically to the links by a threaded screw, it wont be backed out as the links move... smart engineering, no loctite nonsense.

If you like the aesthetics, ( and I don't like all of them), they are untouchable at their pricepoint.
__________________
Eagels may soar, but weasels are seldom sucked into jet engines...
asiparks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 12:43 PM   #16
Jay (Eire)
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jay (Eire)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: @jb.watching
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,490
There's a boutique in NYC, not sure where exactly you might be (NYC or NYS) but if you can get there and see the lineup that'd be a good start. The Boutique also carries other Seiko lines and so you can compare GS side by side with those.
Jay (Eire) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 12:58 PM   #17
Theothergreg
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Living the dream
Watch: this and that
Posts: 650
I just picked up an SBGA387 today. My first GS and color me impressed.
Theothergreg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 02:42 PM   #18
pickettt
"TRF" Member
 
pickettt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Watch: Shiny One
Posts: 5,445
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
I currently have a GS and PP but have owned several PP and one Lange. I would but it’s a matter of opinion I suppose.
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but the salesman at the Grand Seiko boutique in Beverly Hills says the bulk of his clientele are existing Patek owners.
pickettt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 02:58 PM   #19
Old Expat Beast
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Old Expat Beast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: Golden Tuna
Posts: 28,802
This "ten things about GS" video is worth watching for newcomers to the brand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfhhxC1VHDA
__________________
_______________________
Old Expat Beast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 05:59 PM   #20
tom2517
"TRF" Member
 
tom2517's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Asia & US
Posts: 1,551
Icon14

Quote:
Originally Posted by pickettt View Post
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but the salesman at the Grand Seiko boutique in Beverly Hills says the bulk of his clientele are existing Patek owners.
Certainly true in my case, and a few Patek owners in this forum also owns GS.
tom2517 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2018, 07:42 PM   #21
tyler1980
"TRF" Member
 
tyler1980's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Houston
Posts: 17,622
Quote:
Originally Posted by pickettt View Post
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but the salesman at the Grand Seiko boutique in Beverly Hills says the bulk of his clientele are existing Patek owners.
Makes sense to me. I would think about it this way. The "average" Rolex buyer the name, the prestige, the showoff factor is definitely a selling point and now you are gong to also add a Seiko, grand or otherwise? no
Certainly that isnt true of every Rolex owner or a WIS, but generally i see it that way with most people i know IRL who own one and its very important other people know what it is.

A patek owner already wears watches no one on the street has any idea about to begin with. A Grand Seiko is a stealth watch in much the same way.
__________________
Instagram: tyler.watches
current collection: Patek 5164A, Patek 5524G, Rolex Platinum Daytona 116506, Rolex Sea Dweller 43 126600, Rolex GMT II 116710LN, AP 15400ST (silver), Panerai 913, Omega Speedmaster moonwatch, Tudor Black Bay (Harrods Edition)
tyler1980 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 January 2019, 11:49 PM   #22
mfm22
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Mike
Location: NY
Watch: Explorer 1
Posts: 488
Thanks for the feedback & the video link. Saw a few at local AD , most seemed dressy and as was mentioned they are a bit thick off wrist .

Any models more sporty
mfm22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 January 2019, 02:10 AM   #23
Talbel
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Tom
Location: Arizona
Posts: 401
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfm22 View Post
Thanks for the feedback & the video link. Saw a few at local AD , most seemed dressy and as was mentioned they are a bit thick off wrist .

Any models more sporty
Did you look at any of their GMT or Dive watches? I gave up my GMT Master for this and couldn’t be happier. Unbelievable quality.
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg DF20ACC8-203D-4E87-B8FD-198274A62FDC.jpeg (84.2 KB, 608 views)
Talbel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 January 2019, 03:50 AM   #24
Pmt2
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 1,145
Quote:
Originally Posted by Talbel View Post
Did you look at any of their GMT or Dive watches? I gave up my GMT Master for this and couldn’t be happier. Unbelievable quality.
That’s a beautiful watch! I saw it in the metal the other day. Wow!
Pmt2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 January 2019, 04:00 AM   #25
WS9D
"TRF" Member
 
WS9D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Steve
Location: Shasta
Watch: es..More Watches!
Posts: 2,414
Quote:
Originally Posted by Talbel View Post
Did you look at any of their GMT or Dive watches? I gave up my GMT Master for this and couldn’t be happier. Unbelievable quality.


I flipped my EXii towards mine and also couldn’t be happier


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
WS9D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 January 2019, 11:24 AM   #26
KevinP.
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 257
It is stealth.

Really though, it takes a certain level of appreciation of watches to want to shell out a few grand on a Seiko. You just have to love horology and appreciate the craft to a certain degree to buy one.

They are just tremendous value for what they are.
__________________
Instagram @reference.416

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph 403.035
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790
Blancpain Aqua Lung No Radiation
KevinP. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2019, 10:14 AM   #27
Lokni
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2
Patek vs. Grand Seiko

Quote:
Originally Posted by pickettt View Post
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but the salesman at the Grand Seiko boutique in Beverly Hills says the bulk of his clientele are existing Patek owners.
Just like a Patek owner I know, I wear a GS understanding that few will ever recognize, or even mildly appreciate what I have. Like my friend, Impressing others, or an Impressive cost is NOT what drove my purchase. Owning and personally enjoying something of uncompromised quality and exquisite craftsmanship that I could proudly pass down one day was my shared goal. GS lives in this territory, and just happens, at least for now, to be an absolute steal. Now that's doubly impressive !! I chose to purchase one of the few remaining, still on-the-shelf "Seiko Grand Seikos", an SBGE001, in Feb of 2018. Why? I simply wanted to secure the Legacy of having appreciated the Brand's value early on - and for this Legacy to pass down with the watch itself.
Lokni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2019, 01:58 PM   #28
pickettt
"TRF" Member
 
pickettt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Watch: Shiny One
Posts: 5,445
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinP. View Post
It is stealth.

Really though, it takes a certain level of appreciation of watches to want to shell out a few grand on a Seiko. You just have to love horology and appreciate the craft to a certain degree to buy one.

They are just tremendous value for what they are.
8A24C067-FB4A-4E2C-9D61-DC629A748238.jpeg
“A deal at twice the price.”
pickettt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 January 2019, 04:48 AM   #29
KevinP.
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 257
Quote:
Originally Posted by pickettt View Post
Attachment 1013919

“A deal at twice the price.”

True words and I love that shot!
__________________
Instagram @reference.416

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph 403.035
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790
Blancpain Aqua Lung No Radiation
KevinP. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 January 2019, 10:40 AM   #30
wow445
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Speedy Tuesday
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Talbel View Post
Did you look at any of their GMT or Dive watches? I gave up my GMT Master for this and couldn’t be happier. Unbelievable quality.
Wow what is this model?
wow445 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.