Grand Seiko GMT: Blown Away by Quality — WatchProSite Forum Digest

afaleh · 2021-07-01T03:33:36Z

Afaleh reviews a Grand Seiko GMT, praising its Zaratsu finishing, blue lacquer dial, and comfortable 44mm case. Discover why this GMT offers exceptional value.

afaleh

WPS member · Seiko forum

28 replies6290 views8 photos

Afaleh shares an enthusiastic review of a Grand Seiko GMT, expressing profound admiration for its exceptional finishing, material quality, and engineering, especially praising its mesmerizing blue lacquer dial. This post highlights how Grand Seiko delivers remarkable value and a unique Japanese aesthetic in the competitive GMT market.

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I just don’t get how GS can make such a tremendous watch for such a low price, the zeratsu finishing is outrageous!!! So is the quality of materials used and the sheer amount of engineering put into the design and the movement.
What really got me since I got it has been the dial, this is not my first GS but it’s certainly my favorite, and it’s mostly the mesmerizingly beautiful dial, GS went for a more traditional look here compared to their better known textured dials but the hand lacquer quality makes for a far more precious result. That coupled with the diamond like polished indices and the wonderful ceramic bezel gives you far more pretty per buck than you have any right to ask for.

I am unable to capture the blue dial in pictures, this is one to experience in person, but here is a pic anyway:

I am very pleased to see GS making headway in terms of their design, here is a casual GMT that truly feels unique and in a very Japanese fashion. Kind of reminds me of Lexus sedans somehow.

Also of note is the amount of thought that went into making the watch large at 44mm yet comfortable for all wrist sizes, the curvature of the case sloping inwards makes the watch unobstructive when flexing the wrist.

The bracelet is the weak point of this offering in my opinion, a significant upgrade from previous GS bracelets that borrowed heavily from commercially produced Seikos, but still not at the level of Rolex or Omega, especially the clasp.

Overall I am over the moon with this piece, such a fantastic value and a truly beutifull watch with a great movement. I highly recommend this particular Grand Seiko

Key Points from the Discussion

The author clarifies that the Grand Seiko's polishing quality refers to the true mirror reflection of its polished portions, distinguishing it from the shine of Rolex tool watches, and notes the watch's perfect fit for an 8.25-inch wrist.
One collector, despite owning an SBGE001, is tempted by this new Grand Seiko GMT, noting its distinctiveness as a Hi-Beat movement compared to Spring Drive, and ponders the appeal of owning multiple variations of the same model.
A commenter critiques the Grand Seiko's asymmetrical bi-color bezel, suggesting it's a design compromise due to manufacturing limitations with sapphire, rather than a deliberate aesthetic choice.
The author defends the asymmetrical bezel as a functional design choice that effectively indicates AM/PM and looks fantastic in person, acknowledging the bracelet and case back logo as weaker points.
A collector shares their Omega GMT as an alternative in the competitive GMT market, appreciating its impressive specs but wishing it included military time on the dial like the Seiko.

The Discussion

oyster case

Jul 1, 2021

I like your Pepsi way more but maybe, in time, I could be convinced to appreciate this one.

afaleh

Jul 1, 2021

The Pepsi has a great bezel

And the history with Pan Am, but the case finishing is really sub par. I hope GS catches on and has a ripple effect among Swiss brands in the same way Lange got them to develop fiber in house chronographs

oyster case

Jul 1, 2021

You're being very generous today afaleh, only sub par and not resembling a tin can and bottom of the barrel.

Yes, I hope Rolex follow GS and make the Pepsi a 44.2 mass of steel with an asymmetrical bezel. Maybe rename it the Grand Pepsi?

afaleh

Jul 1, 2021

I do hope my previous comments did not offend any admirers of the Pepsi, that certainly was not the intent. We all enjoy wrist watches in our own way, and have our own take on them, we are fortunate to have so many to choose from. That said, the GS really does outperform the Pepsi in terms of finishing, I am very much enjoying that. Size is perfect for my gargantuan 8.25 inch wrist. Do give GS a look, they have models that fit different wrist sizes.

oyster case

Jul 1, 2021

The bezel illustrates well the difference between Rolex and GS. Rolex would never so strangely compromise...

the display because they couldn’t manufacture a symmetrical bi colour bezel using sapphire. It’s not the 44.2mm by 14.4mm heavy steal case or accuracy only to +8 on the wrist or short two year warranty or strained design coherence. Surface shine is valued more by some. Many Rolex people prefer brushed center links for example. It’s in the integrity of the whole product, the Gestalt of the piece, where Rolex shines so brightly. Enjoy your watch 👍

afaleh

Jul 2, 2021

Not sure what the point is

But it seems I really did rub you the wrong way. In hindsight, these are enthusiast forums and passions run high, I should have considered that before describing the Pepsi so harshly, my apologies to you sir if that upset you. That aside, this particular GS is not meant as a competitor to the Pepsi, that would probably be this watch: The comparison is a good one. Regarding the size, this particular model compares to my Deep Sea lug to lug more so the Pepsi. Regarding the finishing quality, my p

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