Grand Seiko: Luxury, Value, and Collector Perception

Teacher Yang · 2018-05-18T07:39:40Z

Teacher Yang argues "Real Men Wear Grand Seiko," challenging perceptions of value and luxury. Explore the debate on GS vs. Rolex, accuracy, and market position.

Teacher Yang

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Teacher Yang provocatively asserts that "Real Men Wear Grand Seiko," challenging common perceptions about the brand's value, market position, and comparison to other luxury watches. He argues that Grand Seiko is a luxury watch in its own right, not merely an alternative for those who cannot afford other brands, and encourages thoughtful consideration in watch acquisition.

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I repeat, Real Men Wear Grand Seiko. I heard many who said they rather spend the money on other brands and other models. They said GS were overpriced. They said GS do not hold value well. They said they can use the money or top up some money to buy other watches. They said GS were not worth it.

I SAID, GRAND SEIKO IS A LUXURY WATCH and it is not because it was overpriced or expensive. The real reason is BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY IT. People always say.. dont buy this grand seiko.. use the money and buy a rolex instead.. you can show off to others and at the same time you are able to hold value.. HELLO DUDE, GRAND SEIKO AND ROLEX ARE TOTALLY TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. The fact is.. YOU SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD IT. YOU CANNOT AFFORD A GRAND SEIKO. Last, i do appreciate responses and if you need response from me, please reply politely and include my nickname Teacher Yang or Teacher at the start. It may sound trolling but i am not. ( My nickname was inspired by Lord Arran, whom i always call him as Lord Arran or Lord in forum. On a serious note, i do not know what happened to him. I wish him well if he is still alive, if not.. RIP. He was easily one of my holy trinity in thepurists forum.) I repeat, Real Men Wear Seiko. In this case, Real Men Wear Grand Seiko. Sincerely, Teacher Yang

Key Points from the Discussion

Grand Seiko faces challenges in North America due to limited accessibility to models and a perception among non-collectors that it is 'just a Seiko,' hindering its luxury brand recognition compared to Rolex or Omega.
For some collectors, modern Grand Seiko models, despite their quality, do not appeal as much as older references, and the brand's popularity among 'WIS' (Watch Idiot Savants) can be seen as trendy.
Grand Seiko's high-beat movements are lauded for their exceptional accuracy, with some owners prioritizing this over brand recognition or resale value.
The author clarifies that his post aims to encourage new buyers to take their time, understand watches, and discover what they truly like, rather than making rash decisions based on hype or external pressure.
Many collectors advocate for acquiring watches based on personal appeal, quality, and uniqueness, rather than succumbing to brand justification or comparisons.
A key improvement Grand Seiko could make is adding micro-adjustment to their clasps, which would enhance wearability and appeal for potential buyers.
The provocative title and tone of the original post are interpreted by some as ironic or a heavy-handed attempt at humor, sparking a lighthearted debate about the definition of 'real men.'

The Discussion

Rogi

May 18, 2018

Hello Teacher Yang :) awesome post and I love it, so thanks for bringing it up :) In terms of Grand Seiko, I think most people don't buy them because they can't try them on in person...

That is to say in the US and Canada we don't really have easy access to the models we are interested in, before buying my Grand Seiko a couple years ago I was hesitant, because of that same reason. When it came in it is a wonderful piece and has got me through a lot of schooling and exams (SBGA111). Second, for most people that aren't into wrist watches in terms of collecting or appreciating, they mostly see Grand Seiko as a Seiko, these types of people buy watches for the luxury aspect and if t

Teacher Yang

May 18, 2018

Thanks Rogi for your words! First, i would like to point out here i do not own a seiko or GS at the moment

And so my words and views are pretty fair and square because i am a non-owner. But i will get a baby snowflake because i like that model. This post is pretty much what i read and heard over the years.. and so i decided to write about it. No offence to rolex owners or those who didnt want to spend money on GS. You made a very good point about the access situation in US and Canada. And i am glad to know that you didnt regretted your decision to get the GS. Novak wear a seiko? Thats cool. And I gue

pmh6000

May 18, 2018

I have 3 GS’s not because someone said get them or not. I have them because the quality and uniqueness is there in my opinion. Everyone should acquire what appeals to them and quite listening to all the hype crap that’s out there. Brand justification and comparison is just ludicrous. Enjoy your own decisions.

Teacher Yang

May 19, 2018

Hi pmh6000..

One of the things i am trying to point out is.. try to take your time and understand watches AND also take the time to find out about YOUR OWNSELF WHICH WATCHES YOU REALLY LIKE.. then make careful decision.. be it rolex or GS.. i hope new buyers or young people.. will avoid making such mistakes after reading my post/thread.. Glad you didnt regretted your decisions..

vitalsigns

May 18, 2018

Real men don't drone on about what "Real Men" do... [nt]

zabreg1 Mr White

May 18, 2018

+1000000000000000000000 [nt]

And I will leave it at that.

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