So I just checked out a Grand Seiko for the 1st time in person.

[vman]

Handled a few GS in Japan several years ago. Still mad at myself for not buying the limited edition GMT, as the exchange rate was low; the watch would be around $3.6K out of the door. Here is my first impression: stunning.

Basically, GS single handily turned me off from most sports Rolex models. Most of the GS pictures in the wild suck because they are basic and plain virgin. Give a GS a ray of light to play with, and the watch will shine. I learned to love the print on the dial, but them again, I appreciate some "cultural" aspects of the watch, e.g., German brands writing every complication by name on the dial ;-)

[mrfallover]

The online and catalog pictures do not do GS justice at all. They are really wonderful watches with great finishing. Grand Seiko should revamp there advertising material. Watches are visual as well as tactile.

[teb1013]

Just a 9F quartz but still a mesmerizing watch, it has a proud place in my rotation along with Rolex and Tudor. GS needs to be seen and worn.


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[seikomatic]

I try not to compare GS with Rolex

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by seikomatic

I try not to compare GS with Rolex

Same here. It makes me feel like a moron.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I agree with others who posit that it felt cheap due to its being titanium, and therefore light in weight. Also, the titanium bracelets use pins rather than screws, which may have also contributed to the perception of cheapness.

I have a Snowflake and absolutely love it. It’s definitely a step above Rolex in terms of finishing quality - and that goes for the case, dial, handset, etc.

Incredible.

[locutus49]

I lived in Japan for 7 years and GS do nothing for me aesthetically. Obviously, I am in the minority.

I do wish someone would tell me the difference between Credor and GS. They are both Seiko, right?

[lucevan le stelle]

GS is really for people who just love watches. If you don't have one your collection is not complete.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by vman

Basically, GS single handily turned me off from most sports Rolex models.

Same, sort of. My SLA017 had me looking at it constantly and I couldn't at first figure out why my Explorer left me feeling so flat when I'd wear it. I can't imagine what would've happened had [the 017] been a GS.

Originally Posted by vman

Most of the GS pictures in the wild suck because they are basic and plain virgin. Give a GS a ray of light to play with, and the watch will shine.

Again, same thing happened with my 017 (maybe it's a Seiko problem in general?). So much better in person than 99.9% of all and any pics you can find that it didn't seem possible. I'm dying to see a GS in the flesh -- my nearest AD is like 3+ hours away!

[collarcity]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Grand Seiko is the most loupe-friendly watch brand I know of. Much more so than Rolex, sadly. The QC is outstanding by comparison.

Agreed. Best dial finishing in the world for Omega-money. And those hands? Game over. Case finishing and metalwork is also exquisite. Incredible value in terms of luxury timepieces.

Areas that haute brands win over GS are movement finishing and complications, and they do so handedly. Luckily for me, I have little interest in these attributes. All my watches have solid casebacks!

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Corey986

I have to say the spring drive is mesmerizing. They didn’t have the snowflake in but I tried on the same watch with a different dial.



My impressions on quality... it is not as good as some people say. Maybe I’m spoiled that my only stainless steel watch bands are on my Nautilus and Milgauss but, the band and clasp felt a little too cheap.



However the hands seemed as good in quality as my patek or JLC to the naked eye. Maybe under a loupe you’d see the difference easily. Then again this watch cost a lot less than both so it’s like comparing a Volkswagen Jetta to a Mercedes E class and saying the leather steering wheel on the Jetta seems as good as the Mercedes one, both are nice leather with chrome and switches.



Anyway this has not turned me off of considering a snowflake when they get one in. I’m just making my comments because there are people here who keep saying that if a Grand Seiko didn’t say Seiko it would sell for a similar amount of a Patek. Sorry but it won’t, but it’s still an awesome value for a quality watch.



Cheers,

Corey

Where in NJ did you try on some GS?


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[Corey986]

Originally Posted by JR16

Where in NJ did you try on some GS?


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There is a place in Menlo Park Mall in edison on the second floor.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Corey986

There is a place in Menlo Park Mall in edison on the second floor.

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I agree with others who posit that it felt cheap due to its being titanium, and therefore light in weight. Also, the titanium bracelets use pins rather than screws, which may have also contributed to the perception of cheapness.

I have a Snowflake and absolutely love it. It’s definitely a step above Rolex in terms of finishing quality - and that goes for the case, dial, handset, etc.

Stunning

[AK797]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I agree with others who posit that it felt cheap due to its being titanium, and therefore light in weight. Also, the titanium bracelets use pins rather than screws, which may have also contributed to the perception of cheapness.

I have a Snowflake and absolutely love it. It’s definitely a step above Rolex in terms of finishing quality - and that goes for the case, dial, handset, etc.

Indeed they do great dial work, beautifully captured.

[Jim Smyth]

Love mine...........lightweight, accurate, beautiful........perfect! DSW has one thats priced right too!

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by PJ S

I absolutely despair when I read such remarks.

I suppose they're to be expected when the only indicator of a watch's quality is directly related to its weight (and thereby cost, especially PMs, which are heavier materials).

I’ve got a pm Rolex. When you switch from one to the other the difference in weight is amazing. I’m a fan of titanium after trying in the snowflake. I think the difference is slightly over 100g.

Personally I don’t see any problems with the build quality of the gs. Built just as well as my rolexes I’ve owned in the past.





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[the_natural]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

Love mine...........lightweight, accurate, beautiful........perfect! DSW has one thats priced right too!

Ugh, I love those. How big is your wrist?

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by the_natural

ugh, i love those. How big is your wrist?

7-1/2" The SBGA031 DSW has I traded in. I had 2 of them and I still have my 031 and its a daily watch. The one David has is 100% pristine and less $$$ than the one I bought......great watch!