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The issues with Grand Seiko that cause depreciation are:
1) Branding. It is very difficult, no matter how nice of a watch they make, to overcome the marketing of low end Seikos that are are showcase fodder in Macy's, Zales, Kohls...etc. Enthusiasts can understand the differences, but the overall market? Very difficult = less desirability and subsequent demand .
2) Too many models. GS has gained a bit of traction among a select group of enthusiasts, so in order to "capitalize" on this, GS thinks it's time to make MORE references and raise the pricing!! Huge mistake. People want less options and more value, not more and MORE..
Also, the references are too similar in appearance and are predominately a dressier design ethos, which is not the beach to boardroom versatility Rolex SS Sports watches throughly enjoy.
3) Too expensive. The WIS might think they are a great value, but the general market doesn't see past the Seiko logo, so they don't sell well on the secondary market at the dealer level, so dealers pay less to get them and have to sell them cheaply to move them quickly.
4) The value retention spiral. When people see the high GS retail and compare it to a considerably lower pre owned price, they don't want it because the loss of value is a turn off. Rolex is the opposite of this.
So, if you want a new GS, buy it preowned. They are not for the squeamish regarding value retention.
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