As I am now a proud owner of both the green and the pink dialed watches from the Grand Seiko 2019 Four Seasons Collection, I find myself impatient with other (relatively) affordable luxury brands. I do think that Omega is a partial exception--but that is because of its movements. GS trains you to expect extremely well conceived and perfectly executed watches. I enjoy wearing these pieces of art and engineering. You never know what Easter egg will show up when wearing. It's weird.
Perfectly executed watches have perfectly executed bracelets. Grand Sieko has garbage bracelets. Takes away from the entire look and feel. If you are a brand that has exacting attention to detail, follow through the entire watch.
@@atl3630 Oh please. The bracelet business is what some critics glom onto to justify not buying the watch and to sound sophisticated. The bracelets are very comfortable and elegant--and they do not try to steal the show. That said, they are intended for dressy watches, not for tool watches. The tool watch esthetic demands chunkier bracelets. However, I wouldn't mind two micro-adjustment holes. Just enough for those who need a tiny change. This cannot materially change the proportions though.
The problem is, most people judging about GS never had one piece in their hand. Only know the awful pictures on their website. And so goes the myth about their garbage bracelets on and on.
I agree and love Grand Seiko. I believe the people who actually know like you and myself will just get to enjoy more out of the watch world then most it’s that’s not always a bad thing. It’s nicer IMO that not everyone knows and wears a Grand Seiko which just makes it more unique imo.
I own 3 Grand Seiko watches. Interesting conversations are always had when someone asks me about them, whether they know the brand or not... Much more interesting than typical Rolex conversations. But if GS really wanted to disconnect from the Seiko association on the surface, I would suggest they put all of their GS models under the Credor name, or even combine the names--ie: GS Credor instead of GS Grand Seiko. If they did that, maybe even all of the previous GS Grand Seiko models would increase in value a bit since they'd never be made with that logo again.
Credor don't sell any watches, so what difference would it make? No luxury Japanese watch maker excels in the current market. The problem is that they aren't Swiss, not that they have Seiko on the dial.
I don’t own a GS but have seen and worn one. They are very nicely done, and the sweep of that spring drive second hand - I could have stared at it for hours. However, the comments point out the issue. Seiko has failed to brand-differentiate GS from Seiko. First with the name, and currently by featuring GS elements in lesser Seiko-branded watches. People willingly pay a premium for a Lexus over its platform-cousin Toyota, knowing their common DNA, because the brands are sufficiently differentiated. It’s unfortunate - the problem here in my opinion is not watchmaking, it’s marketing.
I think the aim is for GS to raise perception of quality in Seiko, rather than Seiko pull down perception of GS. Seiko’s recent price increases would attest to this, to raise the floor across the whole company.
While this may be true, it sits awkwardly with Seiko's well-known quality control issues with misaligned dials/bezels; something that cheaper watch manufacturers manage to get right.
@@polygoncoco I agree. I think it’s just wishful thinking on Seiko’s part. To have such totally opposite standards of quality and finishing under the same brand is almost laughable. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s their aim, but I certainly don’t think it’s achievable under present manufacturing conditions!
@@ivanharlokin very true, however as someone who frequently checks out Seiko, some of their latest models have gotten silent upgrades like the srpd line which all of a sudden shot up significantly in quality whithin the last few months of releases (checked multiple releases oc), however bezel alignment still remains an issue and it seriously pisses me off ...
Cheers Fed. Th reason I wanted to know about the Tudor BB GMTwas because even used here in the UK they are sometimes selling above list which is a bit disturbing. However I’ll keep my eyes out as not in a hurry. Keep up the good work
I still have to try on some watch brands to get the size right. I recently tried on my first Panerai at a boutique and the 40mm was way to small on my 6.75 in wrist. The crown guard causes the 40mm dial to be much smaller than I expected. The 43mm fit me like most 40mm watches do.
GS is my favorite brand and I am a big Seiko fanboy as well but I also have to admit that GS would have been perceived much better if they ditched the "Seiko" from the brand name. But in the other hand....HOW? Seiko is such a big name and a brand that changed the watch industry once :D
Excellent point re: grand seiko branding. I would make two points: 1. Time. (Pardon the pun) GS has made huge strides in the past 5 years re their rep outside Japan. Let’s check back in ten more… 2. GS is an old brand with outstanding horological history in the sixties. This certainly is being incorporated into the current brand narrative. A brand new name would possibly struggle. (And taking Credor down market was a non-starter I’m assuming) I really enjoy the channel btw.
I used to feel the same way about GS. But now I’ve moved a GS further up my future purchases list than my first Rolex. GS fandom is a sure sign of a true watch aficionado.
I think Grand Seiko might do well to keep certain movement out of the Seiko line. Why buy a Grand Seiko with spring drive when you can buy a Seiko with the same movement at a slightly lower price?
grand seiko refused to service my grand seiko saying they only guarantee parts availability for 30 years, now I have a paperweight. All i got was a "sorry you're out of luck" letter People dont take them seriously because they expect a watch to last more than 30 years
Conversely, some of my favorite watches are ones that I would never have bought if I hadn't happened to try them on. Before, they were nice watches among a sea of nice watches, not ones I was chasing based on photos. But they are magic on my wrist. Either way, the moral of the story is to try on as many watches as possible.
I actually think they did this on purpose. Reason being is that seiko itself is beginning to push out of “affordable” (relative) watches. Orient has taken its place in terms of cheap quality time pieces
Interesting. I saw a Orient Sun and Moon Version 1 in a Spain jeweler window and really liked it. Was able to find it on Jomashop for under $200. It’s a very handsome watch. Doesn’t have hacking or keep a great power reserve, but IMO the V1 is the best design, champagne dial, was quite affordable and is now $600 on eBay.
Hey Fed! Love your channel and content. I like your new watch too. I have the same 5296G and was wondering other than the strap company of your friend, would you recommend any other straps for that 5296g as I do not want to wear out the blue alligator leather of mine. Hope you had a great thanksgiving and happy holidays ahead!
I too was a GS hater because of the Seiko name even though I like Seiko watches. They should just change their name to Grand Suwa or just Daini if they want to disassociate but keep the heritage.
Good point re brand perception of Grand Seiko. How much would you be prepared to pay for a "Casio Deluxe"? Casio, if you're reading this, you can have that one for free.
Have to say I don’t know why Seiko don’t just start bringing GS under Credor. Seems like an easy option to me, especially when Credor are held in high esteem by us watch nerds. Sure they have their reasons though.
Grand Seiko/Seiko did this to themself…not only by keeping the name Seiko in the Grand Seiko line, but also by muddying the waters by putting its Grand Seiko movements and polishing technique on Seikos!
Well, in Grand Seiko's defence, at least they made more of an effort than Citizen with their equivalent high-end models. 'The Citizen'. Good work lads /facepalm/. Doesn't stop me wanting one of the 40mm ultra HAQ titanium Washi dial models though
You know I'd offer a counterpoint about the name Grand Seiko. One of their many amazing qualities is the value, and part of how they can offer that is the depth of resources that Seiko brings. Then they've leveraged that and produced off the charts high quality craftsmanship for the price-points, hence, "Grand Seiko". As if to say, "this is what we're truly capable of, Seiko can hand you your a**". So I actually like it. And show me a swiss brand that has their *breadth* of quality in-house movements: an HAQ and a constant force tourbillion under the same roof, hi-beats, spring drive, so much more...all they're missing to be in trinity territory is more traditional high complications like perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, flyback chronos, etc., and next level movement decoration though what they currently offer is again way beyond what could be expected at their price points.
@@polygoncoco You know some of the newer models in the Elegance collection have much more wearable dimensions. 37mm cases, manual wind and manual wind spring drive, much thinner, more like 10 - 11mm and some change (SBGW237, SBGY013). Then the Evolution 9 spring drives shaved off almost 1mm from the older ones, though that's such a big movement it's not so easy and will take time. And yeah I agree with you, they need to keep going that direction for sure. And I'm right there with you on the GMTs...I'd have one in a heartbeat if they could come down a bit thinner. My SBGA201 is 41mm, 12.5 thick, and once I got used to it, I love it.
Changing a well-known, iconic (Seiko) brand’s name in the hopes of somehow altering mass perception rarely works. Alphabet may now list as a Wall Street holding company but it’s still Google. And Meta will always be FakeBook, the behemoth that stole and sold anyone’s data who was engaged with their platform. Anyone know Altria? Yeah, Philip Morris of cigarette fame. I see nothing wrong with Grand Seiko. The watches are gorgeous and I’d be proud to own one. It’s a grand name.
I thought the Ultra Deep would be just too much watch, until I saw it in the flesh and tried it on. The Titanium model is too big, lug to lug and the NATO does it no favours. The Steel however wears very nicely. Indeed better than some smaller watches I’ve tried. Of course you have to be fit to wear it. It ain’t light on the bracelet.
I don’t care that GS has Seiko in the name. Then again I also love Seiko…and I’m also the kind of person to buy a $90k Toyota aka the Land Cruiser. Buy for what something is, not the hype.
SBGW231 is so boring looking imho. Watch as a whole is great, but the beige dial puts me to sleep. I would look at the SBGW285 (green dial) SBGW283 (blue dial) or SBGW267 (silver dial) instead.
people are completely wrong about grand seiko: those watches are awful (one fell apart on me while i was wearing it), meanwhile some people think those pieces of trash are actually good watches; don't ask me why.
The biggest challenge for me with GS is that they implement too much of their low end Seiko design elements into their high end GS watches. They certainly are much better finished, have much better dial finishes and movements, but they need to come up with their own design language imo.
I tried on the Omega ultra deep on the rubber band a few weeks ago and it’s big but very wearable and looks even better in the flesh. Unlike the total dog’s dinner Rolex has just released. I can only assume it’s called the challenge because it’s going to be a challenge to wear the awful thing.
With regard to trying on verses ordering online I’m in limbo because of this. I want an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M but o have small wrists so do I go with the 36 which has odd proportions to me, an older 41 or a new 42. No real options to try on locally so I sit in limbo, unable to pull the trigger on the watch I’ve saved for for years.
Hey @federicotalkswatches I was wondering if there's another way to ask you questions other than on IG..Because I've been constantly waiting to see your story or post where you allow for questions but its been like 6 months I've been following you but I've never once seen it (& I'm on IG a lot)...Thanks!
I disagree with you on buying Tudor black bay GMT as the price difference between the brand new and used one is not so big as compared to watches like Zenith, or even Omega where you can save from 50 to 30 percent from the brand new ones which is not the case in Tudor especially black bay GMT
I get the respect given to Grand Seiko finishing-wise and engineering-wise - however, I agree with NL that their style/visual design just isn't "there" - visually they fall short (imho)
GS is about the details rather than the bigger picture. Most watch buyers are looking for both and would trade off less polish/finish for a more compelling, cohesive, and attractive design.
I used to like grand seiko but eventually I got bored out of it. To give everyone a perspective, rolex is apple. Other brands are android. I don't know if it helps, would be interesting to hear other perspectives.
rolex has a purpose, people need to show the general public that they have money... a rolex serves that purpose, same with land rover, etc.. if youre into horology and free yourself from caring what people think, then there are lots to choose from
Jogbird....tired of this argument. Rolex make an amazing watch, period. Are there other options that give better "bang for buck", sure. However, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Rolex. If they made shit, they wouldn't be so popular.
@@JogBird agree! Someone with a Rolex isn't necessarily a watch person, they just want people to know they have a Rolex. I'm personally more impressed by the guy wearing a JLC, Lange, Moser or Grand Seiko than any Rolex.
@@wheresmycheese8511 Apple is a marketing company that makes phones, and in line with Rolex, increases prices to overpriced levels for slightly tweaked models. So yeah Rolex is Apple.
GS are very well made but lack spezzatura. Nobody is denying the engineering that went into it ,but watches are emotional things. Some other brands are perfectly imperfect... that's spezzatura.
There is no 'gestalt', so to speak, which is probably why so much emphasis is placed on the polishing and finishing of their watches. When viewed under a loupe, the details are impressive, but compared to watches with less technical sophistication, such as a Cartier Santos Dumont, for example, the overall design really falls short. I tried on a Skyflake and Santos Dumont within 15 minutes of each other recently and the difference hit me hard, and I'm no Cartier fanboy. I felt a 'spark' while wearing the Cartier, and a quartz model at that, that I didn't feel when wearing the GS, and that was very unexpected because I was looking to buy a GS. GS's real problem is that they lack a consistently compelling design language that speaks to buyers on an emotional level.
AP makes roughly 60,000 watches a year. Patek makes roughly 60,000 watches a year. Grand Seiko makes roughly 35,000 watches a year. On the other hand: Omega makes roughly 500,000/yr - Rolex makes roughly 1,000,000/yr and Longines makes roughly 1,400,000/yr. So, take your pick between hand-made quality and mass-produced quantity.
To me it's not so much rhe the name..the name is actually a plus for them as it's reverse snobbery in a way for some buyers. What I keep seeing is they're missing the Forest for the Tree. Too much details but overall as a whole package, up close the watches lack appeal. It's like an oyster with an Omega bracelet for many of their staples. The chronos on the other hand have humongous pushers. Look like japanese 80s robot series in the Asian markets. Tried many times to love them but everytime I try them on they do not have that appeal. Sorry different folks, different strokes. Best regards
For me the "Grand" vs "Sieko" is not the issue. Great workmanship. Without a doubt but a little soulless. A Ferrari gets your heart pumping. Toyota...not so much.
The only issue I have with Grand Seiko is that they only make 2 or 3 watches with about 300 different dials. Now that I think of it, they don't even have that many dials. They have maybe 4 or 5 different dials that they occasionally change the color of and then call it new. They need to be more creative. The dials are great, but, other than that, all of their watches look the same.
@@polygoncoco They offer Chronos. They have high beat movements and also the fantastic spring drive technology, and awesome quartz movements. Also a tourbillon. What about Rolex?
@@polygoncoco What do you find "interesting" or "unique"? I love moon phases, but they are hardly "unique" or particularly "interesting." But if you want to spend Patek dollars you can get a GS that is exquisite even by GS standards.
Exactly I think they're missing the Forest for the Tree. Too much details but the overall appearance still an oyster case with Omega bracelet look for many of their "more interesting" pieces. I've always tried but never warmed up to them up close.
How many watches does Audemars Piguet make? Really, GS has multiple case shape traditions. Each of these supports a line of watches. There are also the sport watches that are nothing like the dressier watches. In the 2019 Four Seasons cycle that I know best, there are two utterly different dials, holding color constant. All share the same case shape, but half are titanium, half steel. Half are a REAL high beat, half are Spring Drive. And GS managed to black polish titanium. I mean, be fair!
Grand Seiko is garbage because of Spring Drive…if they only focus on automatic or manual timepieces then their brand prestige will increase. Who would pay for Spring Drive with an IC inside the movement?
You’re not a believer in buying new watches (often the best or only way to ensure authenticity)… but then you say we shouldn’t buy from watch auctions…?
@@theshadowman1398 So because certain fractions of a society are one way politically leaning or another the whole country must be avoided? You do realise how ridiculous you are sounding...
@@thomasf1531 Not at all. Both Japan and Germany now pretend to be morally superior dictating other countries how to live, etc. For the they can go suck a lemon. These two have no right to lecture anyone for at least two centuries
@@theshadowman1398 You won’t buy a watch from Japan or Germany because they dictate others on how to live, but you will buy from Russia despite attacking Ukraine? I sense some double standards here...
As I am now a proud owner of both the green and the pink dialed watches from the Grand Seiko 2019 Four Seasons Collection, I find myself impatient with other (relatively) affordable luxury brands. I do think that Omega is a partial exception--but that is because of its movements. GS trains you to expect extremely well conceived and perfectly executed watches. I enjoy wearing these pieces of art and engineering. You never know what Easter egg will show up when wearing. It's weird.
Perfectly executed watches have perfectly executed bracelets. Grand Sieko has garbage bracelets. Takes away from the entire look and feel. If you are a brand that has exacting attention to detail, follow through the entire watch.
@@atl3630 Oh please. The bracelet business is what some critics glom onto to justify not buying the watch and to sound sophisticated. The bracelets are very comfortable and elegant--and they do not try to steal the show. That said, they are intended for dressy watches, not for tool watches. The tool watch esthetic demands chunkier bracelets.
However, I wouldn't mind two micro-adjustment holes. Just enough for those who need a tiny change. This cannot materially change the proportions though.
Which pink? Ive been wearing the SBGA413 almost daily since early February 2021, id say the dial is silver at least 80-85% of the time ;)
The problem is, most people judging about GS never had one piece in their hand.
Only know the awful pictures on their website.
And so goes the myth about their garbage bracelets on and on.
@@metropolis3775 I agree. This must be it.
Grand Seiko is class 👌🏻 spring drive is mesmerising
I find it very calming watching the second hand serenely gliding around the dial of mine
Would love to see you and Teddy Baldassare go head to head in one of those "building a collection" videos
I agree and love Grand Seiko. I believe the people who actually know like you and myself will just get to enjoy more out of the watch world then most it’s that’s not always a bad thing. It’s nicer IMO that not everyone knows and wears a Grand Seiko which just makes it more unique imo.
I own 3 Grand Seiko watches. Interesting conversations are always had when someone asks me about them, whether they know the brand or not... Much more interesting than typical Rolex conversations. But if GS really wanted to disconnect from the Seiko association on the surface, I would suggest they put all of their GS models under the Credor name, or even combine the names--ie: GS Credor instead of GS Grand Seiko. If they did that, maybe even all of the previous GS Grand Seiko models would increase in value a bit since they'd never be made with that logo again.
Credor don't sell any watches, so what difference would it make? No luxury Japanese watch maker excels in the current market. The problem is that they aren't Swiss, not that they have Seiko on the dial.
Actually EBAY sends the watch to Stoll and they are authenticated there before being shipped from Dayton to the customer with a authenticity guarantee
Congrats on the sector dial, that's definitely one of my favorite Patek Phillipes.
Every time I see you you just keep shrinking. Amazing work!
I don’t own a GS but have seen and worn one. They are very nicely done, and the sweep of that spring drive second hand - I could have stared at it for hours. However, the comments point out the issue. Seiko has failed to brand-differentiate GS from Seiko. First with the name, and currently by featuring GS elements in lesser Seiko-branded watches. People willingly pay a premium for a Lexus over its platform-cousin Toyota, knowing their common DNA, because the brands are sufficiently differentiated. It’s unfortunate - the problem here in my opinion is not watchmaking, it’s marketing.
I think the aim is for GS to raise perception of quality in Seiko, rather than Seiko pull down perception of GS. Seiko’s recent price increases would attest to this, to raise the floor across the whole company.
While this may be true, it sits awkwardly with Seiko's well-known quality control issues with misaligned dials/bezels; something that cheaper watch manufacturers manage to get right.
@@ivanharlokin Completely agree. For it to work, they need to get a name in Seiko for value build quality and QC, as per Sinn.
@@polygoncoco I agree. I think it’s just wishful thinking on Seiko’s part. To have such totally opposite standards of quality and finishing under the same brand is almost laughable. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s their aim, but I certainly don’t think it’s achievable under present manufacturing conditions!
@@ivanharlokin very true, however as someone who frequently checks out Seiko, some of their latest models have gotten silent upgrades like the srpd line which all of a sudden shot up significantly in quality whithin the last few months of releases (checked multiple releases oc), however bezel alignment still remains an issue and it seriously pisses me off ...
Cheers Fed. Th reason I wanted to know about the Tudor BB GMTwas because even used here in the UK they are sometimes selling above list which is a bit disturbing. However I’ll keep my eyes out as not in a hurry.
Keep up the good work
People are crazy for paying over retail for a Rolex. But paying for a Tudor? These guys have no brain!
More great content Fed. I like that you admit when you were wrong (GS) in the past. You know what you are talking about, but you are a humble man.
I still have to try on some watch brands to get the size right. I recently tried on my first Panerai at a boutique and the 40mm was way to small on my 6.75 in wrist. The crown guard causes the 40mm dial to be much smaller than I expected. The 43mm fit me like most 40mm watches do.
GS is my favorite brand and I am a big Seiko fanboy as well but I also have to admit that GS would have been perceived much better if they ditched the "Seiko" from the brand name. But in the other hand....HOW? Seiko is such a big name and a brand that changed the watch industry once :D
Excellent point re: grand seiko branding. I would make two points:
1. Time. (Pardon the pun) GS has made huge strides in the past 5 years re their rep outside Japan. Let’s check back in ten more…
2. GS is an old brand with outstanding horological history in the sixties. This certainly is being incorporated into the current brand narrative.
A brand new name would possibly struggle. (And taking Credor down market was a non-starter I’m assuming)
I really enjoy the channel btw.
I used to feel the same way about GS. But now I’ve moved a GS further up my future purchases list than my first Rolex. GS fandom is a sure sign of a true watch aficionado.
I think Grand Seiko might do well to keep certain movement out of the Seiko line. Why buy a Grand Seiko with spring drive when you can buy a Seiko with the same movement at a slightly lower price?
Out of all the watch channels i find your the best your love of the watch world is wonderful. Keep up the love Freddy
Thanks 👆 for watching and expect more videos soon, inbox me directly on telegram I have a package for you 🎉🎉🎉
Fed - congrats on the Patek! Beautiful watch.
Thanks 👆 for watching and expect more videos soon, inbox me directly on telegram I have a package for you 🎉🎉🎉
grand seiko refused to service my grand seiko saying they only guarantee parts availability for 30 years, now I have a paperweight. All i got was a "sorry you're out of luck" letter People dont take them seriously because they expect a watch to last more than 30 years
That Patek 5296 is gorgeous
Your H. Moser is incredible. I had instant watch lust when that came on the screen.
Fed killing it again 👏
Conversely, some of my favorite watches are ones that I would never have bought if I hadn't happened to try them on. Before, they were nice watches among a sea of nice watches, not ones I was chasing based on photos. But they are magic on my wrist. Either way, the moral of the story is to try on as many watches as possible.
I actually think they did this on purpose. Reason being is that seiko itself is beginning to push out of “affordable” (relative) watches. Orient has taken its place in terms of cheap quality time pieces
I totaly agree
Maybe so. (I'm wearing my Orient small seconds, champagne dial, with a handmade shell cordovan brown strap.)
Interesting. I saw a Orient Sun and Moon Version 1 in a Spain jeweler window and really liked it. Was able to find it on Jomashop for under $200. It’s a very handsome watch. Doesn’t have hacking or keep a great power reserve, but IMO the V1 is the best design, champagne dial, was quite affordable and is now $600 on eBay.
@@gerardanthony9834 I love s&m V3 the best. Lovely work.
Orient has expensive time pieces tho
Agreed. GS should have given a new name to its brand and a new identity. Luxury brand absolutely!
Hello Fed, Grand Seiko, Glaschutte Original or Blancpain? I have 2 Rolex, 1 GS, 1 Cartier. Looking for fifth watch for collection.
Clear, concise and rich. Great content, as always
I always like your short videos. My little dose of truth from you.
Hey Fed! Love your channel and content. I like your new watch too. I have the same 5296G and was wondering other than the strap company of your friend, would you recommend any other straps for that 5296g as I do not want to wear out the blue alligator leather of mine. Hope you had a great thanksgiving and happy holidays ahead!
the moser aventurine, good god man. what an insane piece. grail for sure
Boy, that was stunning.
I too was a GS hater because of the Seiko name even though I like Seiko watches. They should just change their name to Grand Suwa or just Daini if they want to disassociate but keep the heritage.
Grand Seiko is solid. I have the Superman.
Wish the bracelet was as good as Rolex, but it’s not there yet.
Good point re brand perception of Grand Seiko. How much would you be prepared to pay for a "Casio Deluxe"? Casio, if you're reading this, you can have that one for free.
Seiko would sue Casio for the “grand” name.
Have to say I don’t know why Seiko don’t just start bringing GS under Credor. Seems like an easy option to me, especially when Credor are held in high esteem by us watch nerds. Sure they have their reasons though.
Grand Seiko/Seiko did this to themself…not only by keeping the name Seiko in the Grand Seiko line, but also by muddying the waters by putting its Grand Seiko movements and polishing technique on Seikos!
Maybe soon, new SKX spring drive...
What’s wrong in that?
Team Grand Seiko 🙌🏼
Congrats on your new PP
Well, in Grand Seiko's defence, at least they made more of an effort than Citizen with their equivalent high-end models. 'The Citizen'. Good work lads /facepalm/. Doesn't stop me wanting one of the 40mm ultra HAQ titanium Washi dial models though
You know I'd offer a counterpoint about the name Grand Seiko. One of their many amazing qualities is the value, and part of how they can offer that is the depth of resources that Seiko brings. Then they've leveraged that and produced off the charts high quality craftsmanship for the price-points, hence, "Grand Seiko". As if to say, "this is what we're truly capable of, Seiko can hand you your a**". So I actually like it. And show me a swiss brand that has their *breadth* of quality in-house movements: an HAQ and a constant force tourbillion under the same roof, hi-beats, spring drive, so much more...all they're missing to be in trinity territory is more traditional high complications like perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, flyback chronos, etc., and next level movement decoration though what they currently offer is again way beyond what could be expected at their price points.
That said, yeah, it is also kind of ironic since with Credor they exactly established a unique luxury name...
@@polygoncoco You know some of the newer models in the Elegance collection have much more wearable dimensions. 37mm cases, manual wind and manual wind spring drive, much thinner, more like 10 - 11mm and some change (SBGW237, SBGY013). Then the Evolution 9 spring drives shaved off almost 1mm from the older ones, though that's such a big movement it's not so easy and will take time. And yeah I agree with you, they need to keep going that direction for sure. And I'm right there with you on the GMTs...I'd have one in a heartbeat if they could come down a bit thinner. My SBGA201 is 41mm, 12.5 thick, and once I got used to it, I love it.
The Jules Audemars isn't on Delray Watch anymore 😭
If I hadn't blown 6 months of my watch budget on watches from a certain FL seller, would get the AP you mentioned.
Congrats for the Patek
Gorgeous Patek & great strap combo!
chrono24 black bay prices are almost the same as retail
Changing a well-known, iconic (Seiko) brand’s name in the hopes of somehow altering mass perception rarely works. Alphabet may now list as a Wall Street holding company but it’s still Google. And Meta will always be FakeBook, the behemoth that stole and sold anyone’s data who was engaged with their platform. Anyone know Altria? Yeah, Philip Morris of cigarette fame. I see nothing wrong with Grand Seiko. The watches are gorgeous and I’d be proud to own one. It’s a grand name.
It’s interesting to watch how people’s opinions “change” when they transition from watch enthusiasts to watch flippers 🙃
I like the name Grand Seiko. It seems a bit Japanese and wonderfully odd, and I like that! Great watches too
I thought the Ultra Deep would be just too much watch, until I saw it in the flesh and tried it on. The Titanium model is too big, lug to lug and the NATO does it no favours. The Steel however wears very nicely. Indeed better than some smaller watches I’ve tried. Of course you have to be fit to wear it. It ain’t light on the bracelet.
I don’t care that GS has Seiko in the name. Then again I also love Seiko…and I’m also the kind of person to buy a $90k Toyota aka the Land Cruiser. Buy for what something is, not the hype.
SBGW231 is so boring looking imho. Watch as a whole is great, but the beige dial puts me to sleep. I would look at the SBGW285 (green dial) SBGW283 (blue dial) or SBGW267 (silver dial) instead.
people are completely wrong about grand seiko: those watches are awful (one fell apart on me while i was wearing it), meanwhile some people think those pieces of trash are actually good watches; don't ask me why.
The biggest challenge for me with GS is that they implement too much of their low end Seiko design elements into their high end GS watches. They certainly are much better finished, have much better dial finishes and movements, but they need to come up with their own design language imo.
It's the exact opposite. The higher end filters down to the lower end.
Looking good Fed!
I tried on the Omega ultra deep on the rubber band a few weeks ago and it’s big but very wearable and looks even better in the flesh. Unlike the total dog’s dinner Rolex has just released. I can only assume it’s called the challenge because it’s going to be a challenge to wear the awful thing.
I disagree with the GS name change but each to their own.
Absolutely love the new Patek Fed!
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Sick snow 86
Love the videos
With regard to trying on verses ordering online I’m in limbo because of this. I want an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M but o have small wrists so do I go with the 36 which has odd proportions to me, an older 41 or a new 42. No real options to try on locally so I sit in limbo, unable to pull the trigger on the watch I’ve saved for for years.
6'3 inch here, have tried most omega models, the 42 should be fine
Hey @federicotalkswatches I was wondering if there's another way to ask you questions other than on IG..Because I've been constantly waiting to see your story or post where you allow for questions but its been like 6 months I've been following you but I've never once seen it (& I'm on IG a lot)...Thanks!
Thought you where a monk for a sec 😅😂
Well done sir!
So true, what you say about grand seiko, it‘s psychologie thing
I disagree with you on buying Tudor black bay GMT as the price difference between the brand new and used one is not so big as compared to watches like Zenith, or even Omega where you can save from 50 to 30 percent from the brand new ones which is not the case in Tudor especially black bay GMT
Just give me a Casio and I’ll be on my way 😂
I have never seen an unhappy GS owner... The rest? We literally do not care.
Sweet watch
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Hi Fed
Tall door 98
I drive a Grand Toyota.
I get the respect given to Grand Seiko finishing-wise and engineering-wise - however, I agree with NL that their style/visual design just isn't "there" - visually they fall short (imho)
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GS is about the details rather than the bigger picture. Most watch buyers are looking for both and would trade off less polish/finish for a more compelling, cohesive, and attractive design.
I wonder if it would be enough if Grand Seiko just got rid of the words "Grand Seiko" and just kept the "GS" instead?
Fed, I'm getting phishing/spam replies. Please do something about this
Nothing I can do its on every TH-cam channel and TH-cam has to be the one to fix it.
I used to like grand seiko but eventually I got bored out of it. To give everyone a perspective, rolex is apple. Other brands are android. I don't know if it helps, would be interesting to hear other perspectives.
Rolex is now a marketing company that makes watches.
rolex has a purpose, people need to show the general public that they have money... a rolex serves that purpose, same with land rover, etc.. if youre into horology and free yourself from caring what people think, then there are lots to choose from
Jogbird....tired of this argument. Rolex make an amazing watch, period. Are there other options that give better "bang for buck", sure. However, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Rolex. If they made shit, they wouldn't be so popular.
@@JogBird agree! Someone with a Rolex isn't necessarily a watch person, they just want people to know they have a Rolex. I'm personally more impressed by the guy wearing a JLC, Lange, Moser or Grand Seiko than any Rolex.
@@wheresmycheese8511 Apple is a marketing company that makes phones, and in line with Rolex, increases prices to overpriced levels for slightly tweaked models. So yeah Rolex is Apple.
GS are very well made but lack spezzatura.
Nobody is denying the engineering that went into it ,but watches are emotional things.
Some other brands are perfectly imperfect... that's spezzatura.
There is no 'gestalt', so to speak, which is probably why so much emphasis is placed on the polishing and finishing of their watches. When viewed under a loupe, the details are impressive, but compared to watches with less technical sophistication, such as a Cartier Santos Dumont, for example, the overall design really falls short. I tried on a Skyflake and Santos Dumont within 15 minutes of each other recently and the difference hit me hard, and I'm no Cartier fanboy. I felt a 'spark' while wearing the Cartier, and a quartz model at that, that I didn't feel when wearing the GS, and that was very unexpected because I was looking to buy a GS.
GS's real problem is that they lack a consistently compelling design language that speaks to buyers on an emotional level.
AP makes roughly 60,000 watches a year. Patek makes roughly 60,000 watches a year. Grand Seiko makes roughly 35,000 watches a year. On the other hand: Omega makes roughly 500,000/yr - Rolex makes roughly 1,000,000/yr and Longines makes roughly 1,400,000/yr. So, take your pick between hand-made quality and mass-produced quantity.
To me it's not so much rhe the name..the name is actually a plus for them as it's reverse snobbery in a way for some buyers.
What I keep seeing is they're missing the Forest for the Tree. Too much details but overall as a whole package, up close the watches lack appeal. It's like an oyster with an Omega bracelet for many of their staples.
The chronos on the other hand have humongous pushers. Look like japanese 80s robot series in the Asian markets.
Tried many times to love them but everytime I try them on they do not have that appeal.
Sorry different folks, different strokes.
Best regards
For me the "Grand" vs "Sieko" is not the issue. Great workmanship. Without a doubt but a little soulless. A Ferrari gets your heart pumping. Toyota...not so much.
Hmm. First
I like it😊
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The only issue I have with Grand Seiko is that they only make 2 or 3 watches with about 300 different dials. Now that I think of it, they don't even have that many dials. They have maybe 4 or 5 different dials that they occasionally change the color of and then call it new. They need to be more creative. The dials are great, but, other than that, all of their watches look the same.
@@polygoncoco GS is oriented in dress watches, not into sports.
@@polygoncoco They offer Chronos. They have high beat movements and also the fantastic spring drive technology, and awesome quartz movements. Also a tourbillon. What about Rolex?
@@polygoncoco What do you find "interesting" or "unique"? I love moon phases, but they are hardly "unique" or particularly "interesting."
But if you want to spend Patek dollars you can get a GS that is exquisite even by GS standards.
Exactly I think they're missing the Forest for the Tree.
Too much details but the overall appearance still an oyster case with Omega bracelet look for many of their "more interesting" pieces. I've always tried but never warmed up to them up close.
How many watches does Audemars Piguet make?
Really, GS has multiple case shape traditions. Each of these supports a line of watches. There are also the sport watches that are nothing like the dressier watches. In the 2019 Four Seasons cycle that I know best, there are two utterly different dials, holding color constant. All share the same case shape, but half are titanium, half steel. Half are a REAL high beat, half are Spring Drive. And GS managed to black polish titanium. I mean, be fair!
Grand Seiko is garbage because of Spring Drive…if they only focus on automatic or manual timepieces then their brand prestige will increase.
Who would pay for Spring Drive with an IC inside the movement?
You’re not a believer in buying new watches (often the best or only way to ensure authenticity)… but then you say we shouldn’t buy from watch auctions…?
Watch auctions aren't the only place to buy pre-owned watches
He owns a pre owned watch store. Of course he believes in buying pre-owned watches over new.
There are only two countries from which I will buy watches. Russia and Switzerland. I won't even consider anyone else and that includes Germany.
Then you are either stupid or narrow minded. Country of origin means nothing, quality does!
@@jeffjacobson59
I also have political reasons to avoid both Japan and Germany specially knowing how people of both of those countries still think
@@theshadowman1398 So because certain fractions of a society are one way politically leaning or another the whole country must be avoided? You do realise how ridiculous you are sounding...
@@thomasf1531
Not at all. Both Japan and Germany now pretend to be morally superior dictating other countries how to live, etc. For the they can go suck a lemon. These two have no right to lecture anyone for at least two centuries
@@theshadowman1398 You won’t buy a watch from Japan or Germany because they dictate others on how to live, but you will buy from Russia despite attacking Ukraine? I sense some double standards here...