Is Grand Seiko getting better?

guaranteed.rohu · Oct 10, 2018

Just noticed this;

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/grand-seiko-sbge227?variant=13519764029515

I quite like it! grand seiko is really doing well. putting it here as I feel like grand seiko probably deserves to be called 'high end' just IMO.

I wasn't a huge fan of their designs, but they seem to be getting better and better in my opinion!

Larry S · Oct 10, 2018

I think the answer is yes. I wish we had a boutique in Chicago.

ac106 · Oct 10, 2018

I love some Grand Seiko pieces and like how they have streamlined the text on the dial. I wish they would go further and pick one between "GS" and "Grand Seiko" however. Less is more

dsio · Oct 10, 2018

While their quality is and always has been excellent their styling and design language still leaves a great deal to be desired in my view at least. That top of the range Spring-Drive chronograph to me looks like that Homer car from the Simpsons where nothing fits together or looks like it belongs.

guaranteed.rohu · Oct 10, 2018

ac106
I love some Grand Seiko pieces and like how they have streamlined the text on the dial. I wish they would go further and pick one between "GS" and "Grand Seiko" however. Less is more

could not agree more. I think the 'grand seiko' works really well with the vintage reissues (without GS). Or, they should maybe go with a smaller 'grand seiko' font to focus on the 'GS' like JLC do, which works better I recon

Slowpoker · Oct 10, 2018

Grand Seiko is an interesting watch.

I've never owned one but I have worn one, the 'snowflake' dial one with blue hands and markings to be exact.

I really liked it, (minus the bracelet because I prefer exotic leathers) the dial and hands were amazingly well executed; I didn't like the power reserve as it felt a little out of place but I can appreciate that it's a useful feature for some.

Overall it's one of the better brands and simply amazingly well priced considering how much work goes into making one.

mancio · Oct 10, 2018

This Gran Seiko GMT is the first that i would buy. The other model give me the impression that something is missing (design speaking)

Stufflers Mom · Oct 10, 2018

Can't go wrong with a GS, this one is my old titanium diver.

Foo2rama · Oct 10, 2018

dsio
While their quality is and always has been excellent their styling and design language still leaves a great deal to be desired in my view at least. That top of the range Spring-Drive chronograph to me looks like that Homer car from the Simpsons where nothing fits together or looks like it belongs.

This.

Frat or Hod did a write up a few years back that I think nails it on the head and I’ll paraphrase.

Seiko is designing to Japanese or eastern sensibility which has implications to both the look and the movements. They do not want to look like the Swiss watches and are different from their own sensibilities and their primary markets wants.

Additionally things like GPS time keeping and springdrive are perfect for the Japanese wants of a watch you never have to set or touch. Hence one reason for magic lever and no hand winding on most Seiko mid and low level movements. This is not a factor in Swiss or Western design.

seamasterlux · Oct 11, 2018

I fell in love with the SBGJ225 which was an Asia limited edition GS. Great dial especially. However, I have not gotten used to the look of a GS as I usually wear Rolex subs or Omega reduced Speed. I'll therefore probably end up selling it. The piece posted by the OP is stunning though.

SBGJ225

bigsom · Oct 11, 2018

That case design is not new, I think GS is not necessarily getting better. People are just discovering it more.

Wore my Sbgw253 yesterday.

STANDY · Oct 11, 2018

They are definitely getting dearer.......

Was in Japan a few months ago and saw a heap of Seikos I have never seen before in western boutiques. $600 can buy you a lot of watch and there was easily 3-4 for that money that looked just as sweet as the GS at nearly 10x the price.

guaranteed.rohu · Oct 12, 2018

bigsom
That case design is not new, I think GS is not necessarily getting better. People are just discovering it more.

Wore my Sbgw253 yesterday.

beautiful! have always loved that piece.

D.D. · Oct 12, 2018

Hmm...

sdre · Oct 13, 2018

I like the 60s GS. Basic and seems undervalued to me

Slowpoker · Oct 13, 2018

D.D.
Hmm...

Wow, I know it's not the most practical watch, but it's certainly a unique one!

Would make a half decent weapon too if you're cornered.

MG-Speedy · Oct 13, 2018

My SBGJ217 says hello

Foo2rama · Oct 13, 2018

D.D.
Hmm...

Look at the release date of those... April 1st I believe.

zrleopold · Oct 13, 2018

The dial work and case finishing is truly beautiful. With the exception of the handwound movement, I feel many of their pieces wear too thick though.

Khamenman · Oct 13, 2018

I love GS. It will always have a place in my heart. Embodiment of anti-Swiss. For those who are open-minded, GS provides quality watches, imbued with Japanese principles and philosophy, but with cheaper price tag. It's my first "serious" watch that I purchased.

My SBGJ003: