Brand perception, bias and snobbery

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by fullofboats

I think a complete GS collection would be a 9F quartz, a high-beat (i.e. SLGHxxxx), and a spring drive (i.e. SLGAxxxx or the old snowflake).

I agree. I've always liked the 44mm GS GMTs' looks and now that I own one, I'd like to add another.
If I do, it will have to be a hi-beat auto. Just can’t make up my mind between the sbgj239 and the sbgj237 but either one I'd absolutely love to own.
Then I'm adding back a Rolex GMT or ExpII, which can be vintage.
As for the GS quartz I'm undecided. I'd probably get my hands on a dual impulse escapement GMT first if one is ever released.

[TK-710]

Anyone claiming to know watches, who does not know Grand Seiko, doesn’t know watches.

[watchboynyc]

If you know, you know! That's how I feel about Grand Seiko. I own two and i love them, I own a hi beat and a spring drive GMT.

I love that fact that it's under the radar and can wear it anywhere without any issues.

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by TK-710

Anyone claiming to know watches, who does not know Grand Seiko, doesn’t know watches.

Exactly! So many uninformed people who claim to be into watches now days. I'm always surprised how many only buy from a single brand (you know which brand) and are completely blind to everything else out there. I guess that's good for us cause GS is like a hidden gem for those who know... Just don't listen to the ignorance

[Rico_Brasole]

Anybody watch the UFC fight last night? Rogan was sporting a GS. Trying to find a screenshot now

Can’t find a good screenshot but it looks like he was wearing this guy:


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[Watch-Geek]

Originally Posted by Rico_Brasole

Anybody watch the UFC fight last night? Rogan was sporting a GS. Trying to find a screenshot now

Can’t find a good screenshot but it looks like he was wearing this guy:


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Yup, here you go..


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[njlam]

Originally Posted by njlam

I am new to watch collecting and I want to add a Grand Seiko to my collection.

My question is, if I buy one what best represents the brand, what are the attributes that define GS?

Are the known for the steel or titanium cases?

While Seiko is known for pioneering the quartz movement, is the quartz, spring drive or mechanical the one to get?

Looking at their website, they have so many models it is hard to decide. I want to narrow some of the characteristics to what GS is best known for to narrow the field. Thanks in advance.

As I do my research, it seems the Spring Drive is what makes GS unique/special.

The models I like are:
SBGA 407 or 293
SBGE 295 (44mm may be too big)
SBGE 255 (bezel doesn't rotate)

Once I have a Spring Drive, I will probably look at a mechanical drive GS.

The models I like are:
SBGK015
SGGH213
SBGJ237 (44mm may be too big)

Honestly, I can't get my mind around another quartz watch, beyond the Cartier Tank I have from the 90s. Given how great the GS watches are in the other two versions, I may not be missing much...

Thoughts?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by njlam

Honestly, I can't get my mind around another quartz watch, beyond the Cartier Tank I have from the 90s. Given how great the GS watches are in the other two versions, I may not be missing much...

Thoughts?

I already posted earlier in this thread about my thoughts on 9F quartz, but see this Jack Forster article, too: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/se...ith-caliber-9f

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by njlam

As I do my research, it seems the Spring Drive is what makes GS unique/special.

The models I like are:
SBGA 407 or 293
SBGE 295 (44mm may be too big)
SBGE 255 (bezel doesn't rotate)

Once I have a Spring Drive, I will probably look at a mechanical drive GS.

The models I like are:
SBGK015
SGGH213
SBGJ237 (44mm may be too big)

Honestly, I can't get my mind around another quartz watch, beyond the Cartier Tank I have from the 90s. Given how great the GS watches are in the other two versions, I may not be missing much...

Thoughts?

It was the Spring Drive technology that caught my attention first, then the SD GMTs design.
But the 44mm size put me off. I was wrong. Those may be 44mm watches but rest assured, they don't wear huge on 6,75" wrists and above.

I would encourage you to try one. I know I should have had a long time ago and not missed out on some pretty awesome pieces. But still, better late than never.

GS SD + Hi Beat is THE pair to own.

As for the 9F quartz ones, Adam has shared an article that sums it all up. You could always add one of your fancy down the road, without really breaking the bank.

[KatGirl]

Some people are idiots. Seiko is a great brand with a storied history. I have a large Seiko collection, of both vintage and current models. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Grand Seikos, but have many really nice mid tier watches. My favorite is a LE Seiko 140th Anniversary Baby Marinemaster, with a green dial. I also love my Alpinist collection.

Kat


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[JTL31]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Some people are idiots. Seiko is a great brand with a storied history. I have a large Seiko collection, of both vintage and current models. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Grand Seikos, but have many really nice mid tier watches. My favorite is a LE Seiko 140th Anniversary Baby Marinemaster, with a green dial. I also love my Alpinist collection.

Kat

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Kat, revisit Sun. 8/20 WRUW thread post #55 please. Personal message left for you. Thanks!
Janet

[douglasf13]

After owning dozens and dozens of autos, I’ve sold all of them*, including several Rolex and Tudor watches, for quartz. The 9F is horologically interesting and very accurate.

I love having watches that say “Seiko” on the dial. Not only is it a storied brand, but it totally flies under the radar. I was having dinner with a friend tonight, and while I was admiring his 6139 “Bruce Lee”, we both agreed that the Seiko subtlety is nice, especially considering he was once held down by a gang in London who stole his Submariner, and I was once car-jacked. We were both lucky to escape with our lives, so we’re a little weary of attention.

*I did keep my dad’s old Omega DeVille that needs a service

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

After owning dozens and dozens of autos, I’ve sold all of them*, including several Rolex and Tudor watches, for quartz. The 9F is horologically interesting and very accurate.

I love having watches that say “Seiko” on the dial. Not only is it a storied brand, but it totally flies under the radar. I was having dinner with a friend tonight, and while I was admiring his 6139 “Bruce Lee”, we both agreed that the Seiko subtlety is nice, especially considering he was once held down by a gang in London who stole his Submariner, and I was once car-jacked. We were both lucky to escape with our lives, so we’re a little weary of attention.

*I did keep my dad’s old Omega DeVille that needs a service

I'm gradually heading in that direction. Thinking about getting a clear caseback from Japan, too, for one of mine so I can admire that 9F movement finishing from time to time.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I'm gradually heading in that direction. Thinking about getting a clear caseback from Japan, too, for one of mine so I can admire that 9F movement finishing from time to time.

That would be a cool little mod.

[IGY]

Originally Posted by minute_man

This has the potential of becoming a polarizing thread but since this is a watch forum I'd like to share my experience and observations hoping for some civil interaction.

I recently acquired a Grand Seiko 44mm GMT. Always loved the design and features, never had tried one. Bought sight unseen and ended up loving it. In all honesty, it is the only watch I've evet had that gets noticed and complimented almost on daily basis. I am mostly not the one to strike a conversation so I casually thank or nod yet there's always the curious one asking what brand it is.

I always respond that's a Seiko and there's where it gets awkward. Those who know me well are aware of my watch fetish so naturally want to know more.

My employer was the first one to notice and was shocked that a Seiko can be of "decent quality" lol.

Had a couple more chaps asking to handle the watch which I was happy to oblige. Which in turn raised the question about the "Grand" prefix.
After some explaining on my part, one just sighed, (almost in relief of some sort?) while handing it back but the other one tossed it across the table scoffing and ranting how Seiko is of no value.
The same person bashed on Datejusts because "they look like Seikos" while wearing knock-offs himself. As for myself, I wouldn't toss one's Q&Q across the table.

Again, not seeking reassurance here, I couldn't care less how someone feels about a watch I'm wearing. Just sharing my experience which sadly serves to confirm how much the name on a dial matters when it comes to sentiment and bias and how the latter, combined with snobbery drive demand for certain brands while dictating the baggage for others to carry.

My Japanese friends were quite excited when they saw me wearing a Grand Seiko. Lots of "ohhs" and "ahhs" and big smiles. Can't say I usually care what anyone else thinks, but I admit that did quite enjoy seeing their surprise.