Grand Seiko wannabe

[Jack T]

Hi, I've been studying the line for months now, sorting through all the collections, models, movements and nomenclature, it takes time.

My preference is a watch on a strap, not too dressy, low key, but with everyday wearability.

A couple of visits to the New York boutiques, now an AD near me, I have narrowed down my favorites. A few observations:

The renowned finishing, it stands out on some models more than others. And while it's beautiful, and a cut above anything I've seen, it's not like the watch case glows. I wonder how to deal with the inevitable whispy hairline scratches.

The movements - Spring drive is the headliner, and I'd like to go with it, but that power reserve gauge on the dail, spoils the aesthetic, in my opinion. And there are a few choices without the gauge, but mostly limited to the dress models, from what I have seen. The rest of the lineup of movements is impressive, the regular mechanical is a solid little machine. Even the quartz movements exceptionally well engineered.

The bracelets, to me, do quite measure up to the rest of the watch, can't quite put my finger on it. The five links remind me of the Omega Seamaster models, but without the adjustability and heft. I still haven't come around to titanium.

Durability - I'm not looking at the dive watches, and I have no way of judging how some of the other will but up with everyday wear. I'm careful with my watches but who doesn't bump in to a counter, a desk top or hit door jam? Some of the models on straps have low water resistance - "splash resitstant" they call it. I won't be swimming or showering or running with it, especially with a strap, but the more resistant, the more sturdy the case.

Finally, I have looked at some on line sellers, the major names, the prices for so called "new" are very good, often 15% off msrp, but I am hesitant.

To the experienced GS owners, and anyone familiar with the brand, would appreciate your comments, thanks

[Rrpdc]

Gs makes great dials but the lack of micro adjustment is a pain and disappointing. I wear a lot of gs watch’s on straps. I have a snowflake on factory deployant and strap because I disliked the ti bracelet.

[Jack T]

Correction, I meant to say the bracelets do not quite measure up to the rest of the watch.

[Old Expat Beast]

Co-incidentally I bought my SBGT235 five years ago today in Japan. I mention this as I have been wearing it most days since then and it doesn't have any noticeable scratches (unless you use a magnifier, but even then not much). The case is 316 steel, which is harder and less scratch-prone than 904, in my experience.

(Bear in mind that the word Zaratsu comes from the Japanese pronunciation of Sallaz, the German company that made the machines that provide a particular polishing process. It's not a legendary Samurai sword-polishing process from Okinawa or anything like that.)

It's on a bracelet with no microadjust but very light and comfortable with no need for adjustment for me, and the clasp is superb. Depth rating 10 Bar (100m), and it could easily be put on leather.

The 9F quartz movement last year gained less than 2 seconds over 12 months. Case and dial fit and finish are the same high quality as any other GS.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Co-incidentally I bought my SBGT235 five years ago today in Japan. I mention this as I have been wearing it most days since then and it doesn't have any noticeable scratches (unless you use a magnifier, but even then not much). The case is 316 steel, which is harder and less scratch-prone than 904, in my experience.

(Bear in mind that the word Zaratsu comes from the Japanese pronunciation of Sallaz, the German company that made the machines that provide a particular polishing process. It's not a legendary Samurai sword-polishing process from Okinawa or anything like that.)

It's on a bracelet with no microadjust but very light and comfortable with no need for adjustment for me, and the clasp is superb. Depth rating 10 Bar (100m), and it could easily be put on leather.

The 9F quartz movement last year gained less than 2 seconds over 12 months. Case and dial fit and finish are the same high quality as any other GS.

Thanks, beautiful dial, especially evident in the second photo, a subtle shimmer.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Thanks, beautiful dial, especially evident in the second photo, a subtle shimmer.

Thanks, it's always changing colour. It's officially Champagne, I believe, but the multi layered sunburst effect makes it silver outdoors, flat ivory in some lower lights and champagne coloured indoors.

[ap1]

Sounds like GS isn’t for you. I don’t disagree with some of your comments (Bracelet) but the dials are great and on second at value for money

[Jack T]

As I re-read my post it doesn’t sound like an effusive endorsement of the brand, I’ll grant you that, but i really like what I’ve see, and I’m leaning heavily toward two GS models.

My feeling is the the brand is very strong, I like the design philosophy, the manufacturing and technical capabilities, the overall quality of every watch I’ve handled is first rate. And the service I’ve received in my pre-sale shopping has been excellent.

My only experience with Seiko is limited to a gold plated automatic watch that was a college graduation gift over 40 years ago. Sent back to Seiko for its first ever service in 2019, runs and looks like new.

My preference is a strap, more casual than dress watch, these are my favorites so far:

SBGA407 - Spring drive, great dial, case has some heft, nice thick strap. Photo from the GS online boutique.

[Jack T]

My other favorite is the SBGM221
39mm GMT, mechanical movement, I love the aesthetic of this watch, leans more to the casual, great strap and dial.

[Jack T]

By the way, on the website and among the reviews I don’t hear or read much about these watches’ durability. I have Rolex’s and Omegas and they’re pretty sturdy, how are GS is every day wear, nothing too harsh?
Also, what about magnetic field resistance. My Aqua Terra is over the top, and Rolex features some design elements in their movements that provide some protection, anyone know about GS?