Is the build quality of grand seiko greater than rolex?

[alanc]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

Yes, $6,500 without asking. I can only imagine how hard it is for them to sell these pieces. Think about it, your average buyer has no clue what they are seeing. This is easily the most expensive piece in the store, in a case right next to a $100 Seiko. And people shopping high end are not going to walk into the store to even window shop. Look how hard it is to convince guys on a watch forum the quality it is, average Joe is a lot worse. These need to be next to Rolex, Omega, PP, AP, ect... to even have a chance. Then you need a competent sales person to show it (not likely). Like many have said, without the name these are not going to make it like they should anywhere outside Japan. At least for now. But those in the know, know exactly how great they are. To me that is part of the beauty of them. The hands down ultimate stealth watch.

Agreed - just hope I snag one before word gets out....

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by alanc

Agreed - just hope I snag one before word gets out....

I don't think you have to worry. Average Joe is barely only recognizing an AP because of rappers.

[Magic-Matt]

Very intereting, never know those facts, makes me feel quite proud of my Japan ordered digital Seiko Spirit SBPG01! Lol OK, just kidding, but I do love it as a modern digital "retro" style and very well built watch!

[avusblue]

Remember that the original question posed here was whether Grand Seiko has better build quality than Rolex, not "which is more prestigious?" or "which has better resale?" It seems the general consensus is that GS has the better build quality, and that Rolex holds a greater prestige image with the mass public. But I suggest that people are not qualified to conclude regarding the resale value question, unless they have firsthand knowledge.

I personally have sold a Grand Seiko, advertised through the TRF/WUS/TZ forums, twice. Each time, I had originally acquired the watch preowned, also through the forums. Each time, I actually made a small profit upon resale. And, most importantly, in each case there were multiple buyers interested, and the watch sold for my asking price within one day.

The relevant fact here is that hundreds of identical Rolexes come on the market each day -- but very few GS's do. And so, because the supply of preowned GS is so small, but lots of WIS's are interested in trying one out / adding one to their collection, I believe that GS's actually sell very readily for a strong price.

Final fact. My current GS, I bought brand new from an AD. I received a significant discount off MSRP. I believe if I wanted to sell it tomorrow, I could, at a percentage less than what I paid that is comparable to, or better than, a similar Rolex. And since then, GS has announced a 7% to 9% retail price increase (sound familiar, Rolex collectors?) that should bolster the value of preowned pieces out there.

I've bought and sold over a dozen Rolex watches along my WIS journey, too. So based on my direct experience, even though my sample size is relatively small, I do believe Rolex and Grand Seiko are pretty equivalent when it comes to resale value. Go buy a brand new Rolex and then resell it in a year; you'll take a hit for sure. Buy one preowned, at market value, and resell it in a year; you should break even or at least not lose much. I believe the exact same would be true with Grand Seiko, at relatively equivalent percentages.

Dave

PS -- here's my current GS; it's my faithful daily wearer:

[gslaskin]

Originally Posted by avusblue

Remember that the original question posed here was whether Grand Seiko has better build quality than Rolex, not "which is more prestigious?" or "which has better resale?" It seems the general consensus is that GS has the better build quality, and that Rolex holds a greater prestige image with the mass public. But I suggest that people are not qualified to conclude regarding the resale value question, unless they have firsthand knowledge.

I personally have sold a Grand Seiko, advertised through the TRF/WUS/TZ forums, twice. Each time, I had originally acquired the watch preowned, also through the forums. Each time, I actually made a small profit upon resale. And, most importantly, in each case there were multiple buyers interested, and the watch sold for my asking price within one day.

The relevant fact here is that hundreds of identical Rolexes come on the market each day -- but very few GS's do. And so, because the supply of preowned GS is so small, but lots of WIS's are interested in trying one out / adding one to their collection, I believe that GS's actually sell very readily for a strong price.

Final fact. My current GS, I bought brand new from an AD. I received a significant discount off MSRP. I believe if I wanted to sell it tomorrow, I could, at a percentage less than what I paid that is comparable to, or better than, a similar Rolex. And since then, GS has announced a 7% to 9% retail price increase (sound familiar, Rolex collectors?) that should bolster the value of preowned pieces out there.

I've bought and sold over a dozen Rolex watches along my WIS journey, too. So based on my direct experience, even though my sample size is relatively small, I do believe Rolex and Grand Seiko are pretty equivalent when it comes to resale value. Go buy a brand new Rolex and then resell it in a year; you'll take a hit for sure. Buy one preowned, at market value, and resell it in a year; you should break even or at least not lose much. I believe the exact same would be true with Grand Seiko, at relatively equivalent percentages.

Dave

PS -- here's my current GS; it's my faithful daily wearer:

Brilliantly factual and immaculately thought out as usual, Dave.

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by avusblue

The relevant fact here is that hundreds of identical Rolexes come on the market each day -- but very few GS's do. And so, because the supply of preowned GS is so small, but lots of WIS's are interested in trying one out / adding one to their collection, I believe that GS's actually sell very readily for a strong price.

Bingo.

I look at TZ and Watchuseek sale corner pretty often. You really don't see a lot of GS for sale. I was also ten mins late on buying this piece :

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by warren G.

Bingo.

I look at TZ and Watchuseek sale corner pretty often. You really don't see a lot of GS for sale. I was also ten mins late on buying this piece :

That is one of the best looking watches from GS. They really know how to do the light dial plus blue hands look well.

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by Longhorn

I don't think you have to worry. Average Joe is barely only recognizing an AP because of rappers.

LOL, This is what I saw sparked Rolex in the 90's. Rappers wearing them and rapping about them, professional athletes wearing them, then movie stars have them, then average Joe says if it is good enough for them it is good enough for me. This is the closest I can get to being them, so I will buy the watch too. Having no clue about the watch or any form of appreciation for it. Then the WIS who really appreciates it for what it is and has been enjoying it for years now sees it everywhere on people who have no clue what they have. They just wear it because their friends will think they are "cool" because they have a Rolex. Big turn off for most, which is why there is the "Rolex Stigma" we have today. From there Rolex has very high demand for the product and in order to keep up they sacrifice the quality that they once had to mass produce them. Now you get them with misprinted dials (which thanks to the internet becomes collectible some how???) bad paint jobs on the hands and markers, ect...
I only hope this does not happen to AP or PP over the years. The good thing they have going for them is the prices are so high most won't even try to attain one, they will be just as happy with their Rolex, and that may even slow down now with all these price increases and no salary increases to go with it.

[bgbg13]

now check out those 2 pictures above this, beautiful! I'd put those 2 against a black and white stick dial DJII any day of the week. And in person when you are holding them, if you could put aside the "Rolex is the best" whispering in your ear, you would pick the GS also. And save some cash.

[bgbg13]

link to an article done by Watch Time Magazine in April 2012 on Grand Seiko for those who have not read it. If you are willing to have an open mind, reading this will change how you view them for sure.
http://thirtyfivemill.files.wordpres...rand-seiko.pdf

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by Longhorn

I don't think you have to worry. Average Joe is barely only recognizing an AP because of rappers.

Originally Posted by avusblue

Remember that the original question posed here was whether Grand Seiko has better build quality than Rolex, not "which is more prestigious?" or "which has better resale?" It seems the general consensus is that GS has the better build quality, and that Rolex holds a greater prestige image with the mass public. But I suggest that people are not qualified to conclude regarding the resale value question, unless they have firsthand knowledge.

I personally have sold a Grand Seiko, advertised through the TRF/WUS/TZ forums, twice. Each time, I had originally acquired the watch preowned, also through the forums. Each time, I actually made a small profit upon resale. And, most importantly, in each case there were multiple buyers interested, and the watch sold for my asking price within one day.

The relevant fact here is that hundreds of identical Rolexes come on the market each day -- but very few GS's do. And so, because the supply of preowned GS is so small, but lots of WIS's are interested in trying one out / adding one to their collection, I believe that GS's actually sell very readily for a strong price.

Final fact. My current GS, I bought brand new from an AD. I received a significant discount off MSRP. I believe if I wanted to sell it tomorrow, I could, at a percentage less than what I paid that is comparable to, or better than, a similar Rolex. And since then, GS has announced a 7% to 9% retail price increase (sound familiar, Rolex collectors?) that should bolster the value of preowned pieces out there.

I've bought and sold over a dozen Rolex watches along my WIS journey, too. So based on my direct experience, even though my sample size is relatively small, I do believe Rolex and Grand Seiko are pretty equivalent when it comes to resale value. Go buy a brand new Rolex and then resell it in a year; you'll take a hit for sure. Buy one preowned, at market value, and resell it in a year; you should break even or at least not lose much. I believe the exact same would be true with Grand Seiko, at relatively equivalent percentages.

Dave

PS -- here's my current GS; it's my faithful daily wearer:

Beautiful dave! What are your thoughts on the build of the watch after having both? How does the case and bracelet compare to Rolex from what you have seen?

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

I only hope this does not happen to AP or PP over the years. The good thing they have going for them is the prices are so high most won't even try to attain one, they will be just as happy with their Rolex, and that may even slow down now with all these price increases and no salary increases to go with it.

AP is already exhibiting the effects IMO. They are alienating some longtime consumers with some of their odd looking special editions. PP on the other hand, seems to be handling it well - they are changing their product mix (more expensive models) instead of increasing capacity (like Rolex).

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

AP is already exhibiting the effects IMO. They are alienating some longtime consumers with some of their odd looking special editions. PP on the other hand, seems to be handling it well - they are changing their product mix (more expensive models) instead of increasing capacity (like Rolex).

That is where I think Rolex had their downfall from where they were, increasing capacity and diminishing quality.

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

link to an article done by Watch Time Magazine in April 2012 on Grand Seiko for those who have not read it. If you are willing to have an open mind, reading this will change how you view them for sure.
http://thirtyfivemill.files.wordpres...rand-seiko.pdf

Thanks for the link. It was a really good read. I highly recommend.

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by warren G.

Thanks for the link. It was a really good read. I highly recommend.

Only wish I had the $ for one. But that is what we save for!

[jay1988]

This thread has really changed my thinking guys.

I was dead set on going to find one to look at. There's an AD in Ashbourne and one in London for UK folk. Both a good 5 hour round trip. Not gonna be able to see one for a while but I will before I go for the DJII.

If I really like it I'll go for it instead. If the quality is better than Rolex when I have it in my hand then I'd rather buy the watch then the name. I have a Rolex so if I'm ever trying to look flashy I can put that on.

I just hope all the hype of this thread doesn't leave me disappointed.

[NAVY]

Better - I've owned both brands and to be perfectly honest, GS quality is much better. You have to see one in person ... reagrdless of brand name, resale value, whether you like them or not ... you can't deny that they are beautiful and just ooze quality ...

Originally Posted by bgbg13

what I am really curious about, and to the OP's question that does not seem to be answered as of yet, is the build quality better than Rolex? I think we can all come to the conclusion that their movements and timekeeping are on par if not better. What about the cases and bracelets? What type of steel do they use? Are they just as good at taking a beating as a Rolex is. Are their cases on par with the Oyster case?

[NAVY]

If you favor quality and fantastic workmanship, you won't be disappointed. May not be your cup of tea, but I know you will be impressed what Seiko can deliver!
Good luck!

QUOTE=jay1988;3841488]This thread has really changed my thinking guys.

I was dead set on going to find one to look at. There's an AD in Ashbourne and one in London for UK folk. Both a good 5 hour round trip. Not gonna be able to see one for a while but I will before I go for the DJII.

If I really like it I'll go for it instead. If the quality is better than Rolex when I have it in my hand then I'd rather buy the watch then the name. I have a Rolex so if I'm ever trying to look flashy I can put that on.

I just hope all the hype of this thread doesn't leave me disappointed.[/QUOTE]

[bgbg13]

question to all GS owners. After looking these over it seems to me that the clasp can not be micro adjusted at all. Is this true? A very small but big detail for some. Cant you adjust the size of the bracelet at all with the clasp or is it just taking links off?

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

question to all GS owners. After looking these over it seems to me that the clasp can not be micro adjusted at all. Is this true? A very small but big detail for some. Cant you adjust the size of the bracelet at all with the clasp or is it just taking links off?

The springdrive diver can definitely be adjusted.

It has micro-adjustments. Saw it on a youtube video a few minutes ago. Closed it since unfortunately.

[DJJon]

I travelled today to a Grand Seiko AD to handle some GSs in the flesh and see for myself how nice they are in person. Here are some quick observations:
- Case/Dial/Hands are up the finish and feel of Rolex/Breitling/RW/etc.
- They had a classic Seiko black dial with batons and another 'snowflake' (or 'rice paper') pure automatics in the GS Series plus a bunch of various Spring Drives.
- The Spring Drive Chronograph and the Spring Drive GMT had quite nice looking dials, all this talk about 'mixed fonts' based on a close-up picture on a 22" computer screen, let me tell you no such concerns in person.
- The 'sweep' of the Spring Drives is awesome. Something about the fact that there is indeed a battery inside keeps them from appealing to me, but they are sweet to watch in operation.
- Not so much of a smooth second hand sweep for the 28,000 bph autos - compared to my Rolex they seem to be less of a smooth sweep. Maybe the jumps are faster so the lag time between each jump is incrementally longer? Not sure why but I can state they just are not as smooth of a sweep as my Cal. 3135 Datejust.
- I wish they would have had a 36,000 bph 130th Anniversary Edition there to compare, but no such luck. I guess those are super-rare. Contrasting what they did have to my 36,000 bph vintage Seiko Lord Marvel (had to bring it along, and yes the watch sales guy loved seeing it!) the Spring Drive is smoother and the 8-beat autos are not even close - night & day.
- I noticed Seiko calls 28,800 bph '8-beat' and 36,000 bph '10-beat' Hi-Beat movements - they think of it in terms of beats per second.
- A few of the Spring Drives had 'tuna can' clasps that admittedly are not up to the rest of the build quality. (OK, now you can think 'budget Seiko' )
- Most of them had a very nice two-button clasp, similar to say a Movado automatic but shorter. Bracelets had fine tolerances, fit and finish, with screwed removable links, etc. Very much on a par with the rest of the watch/case/dial/hands. So it is not fair to paint with a broad brush about a clasp quality issue. I forgot to look to see if they had SELs.
- Their bracelets feel very comfortable on the wrist. You can tell pains were taken to feel good, the edges must be rounded in an inconspicuous way.
- MSRP for the 2 pure-autos (non-Spring Drive) is $4400. each but asking for the best deal I was offered a full 20% off list immediately. I'll bet there is room to move lower for the buyer with cash in hand and ready to buy (just a hunch).

So - was the Grand Seiko Build Quality up to Rolex Standards? Based on this WIS's short time in the flesh, YES !

Do they withstand the test of time, take all the abuse that a Rolex can, and live to see another day outside the repair center - how can I say either way?

I can tell you every watch collector who is building a diverse portfolio should at least consider a Grand Seiko and then decide from there.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by DJJon

I travelled today to a Grand Seiko AD to handle some GSs in the flesh and see for myself how nice they are in person. Here are some quick observations:
- Case/Dial/Hands are up the finish and feel of Rolex/Breitling/RW/etc.
- They had a classic Seiko black dial with batons and another 'snowflake' (or 'rice paper') pure automatics in the GS Series plus a bunch of various Spring Drives.
- The Spring Drive Chronograph and the Spring Drive GMT had quite nice looking dials, all this talk about 'mixed fonts' based on a close-up picture on a 22" computer screen, let me tell you no such concerns in person.
- The 'sweep' of the Spring Drives is awesome. Something about the fact that there is indeed a battery inside keeps them from appealing to me, but they are sweet to watch in operation.
- Not so much of a smooth second hand sweep for the 28,000 bph autos - compared to my Rolex they seem to be less of a smooth sweep. Maybe the jumps are faster so the lag time between each jump is incrementally longer? Not sure why but I can state they just are not as smooth of a sweep as my Cal. 3135 Datejust.
- I wish they would have had a 36,000 bph 130th Anniversary Edition there to compare, but no such luck. I guess those are super-rare. Contrasting what they did have to my 36,000 bph vintage Seiko Lord Marvel (had to bring it along, and yes the watch sales guy loved seeing it!) the Spring Drive is smoother and the 8-beat autos are not even close - night & day.
- I noticed Seiko calls 28,800 bph '8-beat' and 36,000 bph '10-beat' Hi-Beat movements - they think of it in terms of beats per second.
- A few of the Spring Drives had 'tuna can' clasps that admittedly are not up to the rest of the build quality. (OK, now you can think 'budget Seiko' )
- Most of them had a very nice two-button clasp, similar to say a Movado automatic but shorter. Bracelets had fine tolerances, fit and finish, with screwed removable links, etc. Very much on a par with the rest of the watch/case/dial/hands. So it is not fair to paint with a broad brush about a clasp quality issue. I forgot to look to see if they had SELs.
- Their bracelets feel very comfortable on the wrist. You can tell pains were taken to feel good, the edges must be rounded in an inconspicuous way.
- MSRP for the 2 pure-autos (non-Spring Drive) is $4400. each but asking for the best deal I was offered a full 20% off list immediately. I'll bet there is room to move lower for the buyer with cash in hand and ready to buy (just a hunch).

So - was the Grand Seiko Build Quality up to Rolex Standards? Based on this WIS's short time in the flesh, YES !

Do they withstand the test of time, take all the abuse that a Rolex can, and live to see another day outside the repair center - how can I say either way?

I can tell you every watch collector who is building a diverse portfolio should at least consider a Grand Seiko and then decide from there.

Great info; thanks - where was the AD?

[bgbg13]

Thank you for the input Jon!

[alanc]

Originally Posted by avusblue

Remember that the original question posed here was whether Grand Seiko has better build quality than Rolex, not "which is more prestigious?" or "which has better resale?" It seems the general consensus is that GS has the better build quality, and that Rolex holds a greater prestige image with the mass public. But I suggest that people are not qualified to conclude regarding the resale value question, unless they have firsthand knowledge.

I personally have sold a Grand Seiko, advertised through the TRF/WUS/TZ forums, twice. Each time, I had originally acquired the watch preowned, also through the forums. Each time, I actually made a small profit upon resale. And, most importantly, in each case there were multiple buyers interested, and the watch sold for my asking price within one day.

The relevant fact here is that hundreds of identical Rolexes come on the market each day -- but very few GS's do. And so, because the supply of preowned GS is so small, but lots of WIS's are interested in trying one out / adding one to their collection, I believe that GS's actually sell very readily for a strong price.

Final fact. My current GS, I bought brand new from an AD. I received a significant discount off MSRP. I believe if I wanted to sell it tomorrow, I could, at a percentage less than what I paid that is comparable to, or better than, a similar Rolex. And since then, GS has announced a 7% to 9% retail price increase (sound familiar, Rolex collectors?) that should bolster the value of preowned pieces out there.

I've bought and sold over a dozen Rolex watches along my WIS journey, too. So based on my direct experience, even though my sample size is relatively small, I do believe Rolex and Grand Seiko are pretty equivalent when it comes to resale value. Go buy a brand new Rolex and then resell it in a year; you'll take a hit for sure. Buy one preowned, at market value, and resell it in a year; you should break even or at least not lose much. I believe the exact same would be true with Grand Seiko, at relatively equivalent percentages.

Dave

PS -- here's my current GS; it's my faithful daily wearer:

This kinda sorta reminds me of an Exp 1 with a date complication. It's got me thinking maybe I should sell my 114270 and put the proceeds towards a new one of these...

[MP5]

Originally Posted by DJJon

I travelled today to a Grand Seiko AD to handle some GSs in the flesh and see for myself how nice they are in person. Here are some quick observations:
- Case/Dial/Hands are up the finish and feel of Rolex/Breitling/RW/etc.
- They had a classic Seiko black dial with batons and another 'snowflake' (or 'rice paper') pure automatics in the GS Series plus a bunch of various Spring Drives.
- The Spring Drive Chronograph and the Spring Drive GMT had quite nice looking dials, all this talk about 'mixed fonts' based on a close-up picture on a 22" computer screen, let me tell you no such concerns in person.
- The 'sweep' of the Spring Drives is awesome. Something about the fact that there is indeed a battery inside keeps them from appealing to me, but they are sweet to watch in operation.
- Not so much of a smooth second hand sweep for the 28,000 bph autos - compared to my Rolex they seem to be less of a smooth sweep. Maybe the jumps are faster so the lag time between each jump is incrementally longer? Not sure why but I can state they just are not as smooth of a sweep as my Cal. 3135 Datejust.
- I wish they would have had a 36,000 bph 130th Anniversary Edition there to compare, but no such luck. I guess those are super-rare. Contrasting what they did have to my 36,000 bph vintage Seiko Lord Marvel (had to bring it along, and yes the watch sales guy loved seeing it!) the Spring Drive is smoother and the 8-beat autos are not even close - night & day.
- I noticed Seiko calls 28,800 bph '8-beat' and 36,000 bph '10-beat' Hi-Beat movements - they think of it in terms of beats per second.
- A few of the Spring Drives had 'tuna can' clasps that admittedly are not up to the rest of the build quality. (OK, now you can think 'budget Seiko' )
- Most of them had a very nice two-button clasp, similar to say a Movado automatic but shorter. Bracelets had fine tolerances, fit and finish, with screwed removable links, etc. Very much on a par with the rest of the watch/case/dial/hands. So it is not fair to paint with a broad brush about a clasp quality issue. I forgot to look to see if they had SELs.
- Their bracelets feel very comfortable on the wrist. You can tell pains were taken to feel good, the edges must be rounded in an inconspicuous way.
- MSRP for the 2 pure-autos (non-Spring Drive) is $4400. each but asking for the best deal I was offered a full 20% off list immediately. I'll bet there is room to move lower for the buyer with cash in hand and ready to buy (just a hunch).

So - was the Grand Seiko Build Quality up to Rolex Standards? Based on this WIS's short time in the flesh, YES !

Do they withstand the test of time, take all the abuse that a Rolex can, and live to see another day outside the repair center - how can I say either way?

I can tell you every watch collector who is building a diverse portfolio should at least consider a Grand Seiko and then decide from there.

Unfortunately the genius and achievement of the GS movements arent translating, even to WIS. "SPRING DRIVE"

[Longhorn]

Would ove to see a return to the logo on the dial like this:

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by DJJon

I travelled today to a Grand Seiko AD to handle some GSs in the flesh and see for myself how nice they are in person. Here are some quick observations:
- Case/Dial/Hands are up the finish and feel of Rolex/Breitling/RW/etc.
- They had a classic Seiko black dial with batons and another 'snowflake' (or 'rice paper') pure automatics in the GS Series plus a bunch of various Spring Drives.
- The Spring Drive Chronograph and the Spring Drive GMT had quite nice looking dials, all this talk about 'mixed fonts' based on a close-up picture on a 22" computer screen, let me tell you no such concerns in person.
- The 'sweep' of the Spring Drives is awesome. Something about the fact that there is indeed a battery inside keeps them from appealing to me, but they are sweet to watch in operation.
- Not so much of a smooth second hand sweep for the 28,000 bph autos - compared to my Rolex they seem to be less of a smooth sweep. Maybe the jumps are faster so the lag time between each jump is incrementally longer? Not sure why but I can state they just are not as smooth of a sweep as my Cal. 3135 Datejust.
- I wish they would have had a 36,000 bph 130th Anniversary Edition there to compare, but no such luck. I guess those are super-rare. Contrasting what they did have to my 36,000 bph vintage Seiko Lord Marvel (had to bring it along, and yes the watch sales guy loved seeing it!) the Spring Drive is smoother and the 8-beat autos are not even close - night & day.
- I noticed Seiko calls 28,800 bph '8-beat' and 36,000 bph '10-beat' Hi-Beat movements - they think of it in terms of beats per second.
- A few of the Spring Drives had 'tuna can' clasps that admittedly are not up to the rest of the build quality. (OK, now you can think 'budget Seiko' )
- Most of them had a very nice two-button clasp, similar to say a Movado automatic but shorter. Bracelets had fine tolerances, fit and finish, with screwed removable links, etc. Very much on a par with the rest of the watch/case/dial/hands. So it is not fair to paint with a broad brush about a clasp quality issue. I forgot to look to see if they had SELs.
- Their bracelets feel very comfortable on the wrist. You can tell pains were taken to feel good, the edges must be rounded in an inconspicuous way.
- MSRP for the 2 pure-autos (non-Spring Drive) is $4400. each but asking for the best deal I was offered a full 20% off list immediately. I'll bet there is room to move lower for the buyer with cash in hand and ready to buy (just a hunch).

So - was the Grand Seiko Build Quality up to Rolex Standards? Based on this WIS's short time in the flesh, YES !

Do they withstand the test of time, take all the abuse that a Rolex can, and live to see another day outside the repair center - how can I say either way?

I can tell you every watch collector who is building a diverse portfolio should at least consider a Grand Seiko and then decide from there.

Everywhere I have read it says the Spring Drive does NOT have a battery, where did you see it does have one?

[DJJon]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

Everywhere I have read it says the Spring Drive does NOT have a battery, where did you see it does have one?

I am an idiot. It does NOT have a battery. It does create voltage and store it in coils to power the electronic brake. No battery. My Bad.

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by DJJon

I am an idiot. It does NOT have a battery. It does create voltage and store it in coils to power the electronic brake. No battery. My Bad.

No worries, just double checking. Almost felt like the spring drive was ruined there for a min.

[Longhorn]

Safe to say that after 11 pages of discussion the lusting for a GS has gone up significantly in this forum?