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Baselworld 2009: Seiko: Touching the Infinite!
May be it’s the effect of getting older, been to one too many watch fairs, and am now a little punch drunk, but so many brands leave me jaundiced with their offerings. I still hear my old house master telling me: ‘you could do better.’ Better does not necessarily mean that you need the latest all singing all dancing watch, or complications that are mind numbingly complicated, or a price tag that will leave you floored. Better has more to do with thought and quality.
Out of all the brands that were on view at Basel, with exception from the independents, one of the brands that stood out for me was Seiko. Seiko deserve a look and here is why. They have developed their own movements, design, and technology in the mechanical watch. That Seiko do not perhaps receive the praise I feel they are worth is probably the hangover from the quartz era. Seiko were arguably one of the leading lights of the quartz watches and it has taken time to think of Seiko as mechanical manufacturer.
However, there are two watch lines from Seiko at the moment that should make everyone think again. One we have seen before and represents the zenith of Seiko watchmaking: the Grand Seiko. The other line is a new one from Seiko: the Ananta - a luxury steel watch that draws on Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-04-14 14:28:32 This message has been edited by MTF on 2009-04-17 07:13:53
Manufacture
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Review
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Lifestyle
Cholack reviews his Grand Seiko SBGA125 on a leather strap, highlighting how it accentuates the case and lugs. Includes photos and discussion on strap choices and lug width.
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Baselworld 2009: Seiko: Touching the Infinite!
May be it’s the effect of getting older, been to one too many watch fairs, and am now a little punch drunk, but so many brands leave me jaundiced with their offerings. I still hear my old house master telling me: ‘you could do better.’ Better does not nec...
Grand Seiko
g However, Seiko watches are true quality. The mechanical line and their own version of the most accurate form of the mechanical movement, have moved on with telling results. I just loved the Seiko Space watch that was on display. For those into large wat...
Ananta
g However, the real surprise from Seiko this year was the Ananta line. With the inspiration coming from Japanese heritage and history. Using the same metal and design techniques from the sword craftsmen, the Ananta line represents the combination of Japan...
Hi Andrew, thanks for bringing these superb watches to us.
I love Ananta series. The case appears to be very well executed. I glad to see that Seiko has improved on the aesthetics of the movement. Regards Ling
Thanks Ling - the case is very well executed and impressive
in form and weight. Take a look at one - especially wth the metal bracelet. Good luck Andrew H
Fantastic, thanks Andrew
I am looking forward to seeing the Ananta in person soon! - SJX
Arigatou gozaimashita! MORE for Seiko fans.......
The Ananta line and other high-end crafted Seiko watches are very attractive and PuristS'. The respect for materials, technique and service are hallmarks of the Japanese that both the current Mrs MTF and I admire so much. KAIZEN ! Search of Perfection and...
Thanks MTF - agreed, Seiko is very PuristS and hope to post more
on this soon. Thanks again Andrew H
Thanks Andrew, very nice pieces...hope it will be available
in international market. Will be fantastic if Seiko Watch Corp open their facilities for visit. Look forward to see them in metal. Kong
Grand Seiko and Ananta are for limited release - will try
and get some form of information on where and with whom. They are limited in production, with emphasis on quality. Thanks Kong Andrew H
I will soon post an owner's reveiw of Ananta Chronograph!
This is indeed a purists watch...from the practical tool watch POV. With a touch of aristocracy and aesthetic history. Andrew..any pictures of the Grand Seiko Diver's?
Bernard - way to go!! Excellent choice and all agreed. No, did
not see the Grand Seiko Divers watch but would LOVE to. Disappointed it was not on view, but did see the Space watch which I liked a great deal. Looking forward to your review and congrats on a great choice. Andrew H
Bravo Seiko!
This MANUFACTURE giant is a living proof that most Swiss high-end watches are overpriced! Thanks Andrew for the wonderful coverage. Pat
Thanks - I somewhat agree, although to generalize to all
Swiss brands is a little strong. However, Seiko are taking leaps and bounds in their work and are the equal of certain high end Swiss brands (that is for sure). Andrew H
Thanks, Andrew, for the report.
Love the Grand Seikos and now, the new Ananta. If I may add a slight correction to the rotor. It is designed after the Tsuba (sword guard) and not the Katana, itself. Love the pictures as well! Sore jya! Bob
Can't wait till they're available here in the US
Some of the Grand Seiko models would be a great complement to their existing Spring Drive line.
Grand Seiko was the foundation craft side of the workshop
from which the finish on the Spring Drive was executed. Both are great in terms of finishing and performance. And take a look and see for yourself. Cheers Andrew H
Thanks, Andrew!
The Ananta is an intriguing new watch. I love that the case design echoes katana blades. It's a nice nod to Seiko's heritage as a Japanese company. I'm looking forward to learning more about the Anantas and also the Spring Drive GMT chrono in your phot...
I was wondering if Seiko had been forgotten at basel, glad to see they werent
i'm a big GS fan and its good to see they have re introduced a 36000 high beat movement. i would be interested to know if they have a handwind high beat. the Ananta look from the pics to be equally as well made as the GS range, but with a different design...
Still not sure where, but I think there is a Seiko dealership in Paris
that will carry GS and Ananta (or so I was told - dont know the weight to attribute to the statement). Hope they are available too as the Ananta watches are a step up by Seiko and will prove so to other watches in the same band. Thanks Andrew H
Thanks for the photos
Most of the reports and discussion on Seiko boards are about the Ananta, so it was great to see pix of the GS 36000. The SS/SS with the white dial is really quite beautiful and I hope that it does become available outside of Japan. Ginger
Thanks a lot Andrew !
It is a great year for Seiko and maybe one of the most interesting brand in Basel this year. I really like the new collection because it has its own style. Thanks a lot for the report. Fr.Xavier
Cool watch!
I really like that Seiko. Beautiful and useful dial, nice case design and a very interesting pice IMO. Oh!, and do not forget the wonderful springdrive engine. Congratulations to the Seiko people. Thanks, Vte