Horological Meandering

Chapter 7 THE CONCLUSIONS

 

Hi PuristS,

Thanks for your patience as I have struggled to make sense of my Grand Seiko collection. I know you have patiently endured such trials before, as I've found several of my posts (thanks for the help with the first series, Art!) on the subject before.

Thanks for your tolerance and not demanding that I open them up for inspection. I've done it cheerfully before, but I haven't the gumption for it this week. Woe to the repairman who has to open the new super-polished anniversary watch! I can't believe the finish on its back!

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
What have I learned from this comparison of my 11 Grand Seiko watches?

1. I won't be comparing 11 watches again at one time - too much work!
2. I think I bought the first Grand Seiko in 2004 (rummaging through old emails) and I'm not tired of that model yet! SBGW001 in case you're wondering.
3. The two I have bought and sold and re-bought are the SBGM001 (black sport watch) and SBGW001 (white dial, silver hands, strap)
   
4. The numbering scheme used for Grand Seikos is a bit of a nuisance - I prefer names - but it does easily define them.
   
5. My secret fears that the watches are too alike have been put to rest by getting the specs on size and weight.
   
6. The mix of movements, strap & bracelets, weights and sizes are significant, even though at a glance you might think all GS look similar.
7. Perhaps I could look for another dark dial watch or two in the future.
8. I've tried Seiko sub-brands Credor, Laurel, Galante, Wired, etc. I've only test-driven the Ananta, but Grand Seiko suits me just fine.
   
9. I'm content to have my watches between 36-43 mm, which I why I have avoided the Chrono and the Diver versions of the GS.
   
10. Despite the rated accuracy of the 6 mechanical watches, after three days the second hands were off by a range of 10 seconds or so.
11. The quartz watches are all still on the same second - one is jumping half a second ahead of the other two.
    
12. The quality of the cases, the finishing and the feel of the Grand Seikos do differ, with some much nicer than others.
13. Given the price range (new & used) of $750-$6000, none of them have been particularly extravagant purchases.
14. The only watch I regret selling is the original first series Spring Drive (though it was not technically a Grand Seiko)
    
15. I think maybe I will also be looking for a gold Grand Seiko, so I can have one "extravagent" buy.
16. Taking 10 wrist shots in fading light gave me real cramps in my left arm (Mrs Cazalea provided her arm for her watch).
    
17. The mirror polish on the hands, markers, chapter rings and the varied dial treatments really stand out in the wrist shots.
18. I need a new camera with a remote shutter release and several spare batteries.
    
19. Mrs Cazalea is a saint to tolerate such foolishness.
20. It's very difficult to pick a favorite.
    

I think that I might finish with some photos to prove 2 points:

I DO BUY BLACK DIAL SEIKOS





I MISS THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
But if I had it back I'd probably find flaws (integrated bracelet, dated styling, difficult crown) and eventually sell it again ...

Thanks for your time, and thanks PuristS for providing this forum so we can indulge and share our watch pleasures.

Mike  aka Cazalea

and the gang:

 

This message has been edited by Dr No on 2011-09-27 11:37:03