Horological Meandering

Hello all, Thanks to my location (and that must be the only reason), I was invited to the preview of the renewal open of the WAKO specialty retail store - a SEIKO Holdings company - for the press. Sorry for so many photos. Interview is in the last part, s...  

Impressed by the size of the store.

Thanks for this amply illustrated report, KIH! The affluence of luxury watches is overwhelming, but I would particularly like to see the Grand Seiko presentation as it is very difficult to see them over here in Europe. The anniversary GS models are great ... 

Well, sorry that you passed the anniversary model. You can one day visit here on vacation? I have to go to UK one day, too! Ken

Hi Ken, well, a short one-day trip to Tokyo you mean? That would mean almost a week´s time alltogether and the trip expenseses would make a fair deal of the funds for buying the anniversary GS . Presently my family bought a home which has to be renov... 

Thanks. Vte

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Cheers! Vte

I would welcome and guide around any PuristS as long as I have time. Ken

Seiko has opened a beautiful store here that is for sure !

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Thank you, Ken and Hattori-san for the Interview. Here are some pictures of Wako visit from many years ago. Also some Seiko group products that bring PuristS joy from my stay in Japan. The original posting of 'Lazing for 2 hours in Tokyo': http://www.tp17...  

Yes, on this crossing, there are Mitsukoshi, Nissan Showroom, and San-Ai - all of which are people or tourist attraction. Interesting the building next to WAKO had Prudential ad on the top back then. Right now, WAKO has several buildings (or leases) aroun... 

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where i like to Spend Time in :0)) WOW . that's one Mega Boutique !.. Great Report. i enjoyed reading through it hope one day to Buy an ANANTA. thanks for sharing. Tony

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Hey! I resemble that remark! And I know I am not the only one. I guess I'll have to get myself over to one of the new US Grand Seiko stores. Thanks so much for your report, Ken. I'm surprised that he had the knowledge of the PuristS - soon will he be post... 

... know about PuristS. He has spent time in US and the reports posted on here from time to time are brought to him. But, I doubt he will ever post here. As usual, he will be a silent reader, I imagine. Btw, he doesn't have problem with such a fanatic fan... 

. . . that cazalea, who hails from the Land of the Mostly Unenlightened, has no less than seven Grand Seikos . . . . . . not to mention a Credor . . . . . . the doors to his office would be flung wide open ;-) . . ....  

.. this "fanatic" owns more than 70 SEIKOs including wrist watch and clocks, modern or vintage.... Now what can I do? Ken

. . . has fuyu persimmon trees in his garden, and listens to music thru a Luxman amplifier!

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with Mike's impressive Seiko collection and your influence, you can get Hatori san to be like Biver san ?

...very unlikely. I can't imagine Mr. Hattori to change so radically I can surely try, though.... Ken

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Well, that's my feeling thanks to your great reports ! Fx

But the past few weeks were exception. I was exceptionaly busy on private (mother's house moving and seling cleaning-up, etc.) and there were so many events invitation came in. I almost forgot to work day time Hope to slow down a bit... Ken

Intersting to see that they keep some high end European models on hand to allow for comparision. I really like some of those Credors, especially the 24/7 model. Seiko is a manufacturer I have great respect and affection for. My first real mechanical watch... 

Ken

Thank you for taking the time to share the event and the interview with us Ken! Seems like you're very busy doing watch events Your photos of Wako reminds me of our trip to Tokyo a number of years back, and I still clearly remembered the short stay I had ... 

... you plan to visit next time! Ken

That is a lovely store. Thank you also for posing the question about hi beat watches. The response was very illuminating. If Seiko thinks that an ultra hi beat movement is not a technical development worth pursuing, that is an opinion that must be taken s... 

They seem to have their own path of principle or philosophy to pursue, and I respect that as well. I specifically mentioned TAG Heuer new products that I had seen on the previous evening, but they seemed not interested, like "that is not what we want to d... 

thx for sharing the pics! Fortunately, one of the US ADs is close to where I live--allowing me the opportunity to enjoy Seiko's craft! J

... good for you that and AD carrying SEIKO is nearby. If you hurry, you MAY still catch 130th anniversary in SS... But maybe spoken for already anyway.... Thank you for reading! Ken

Great post, Ken. Lots of goodies to check out. Haven't been in a while so I must pay a visit sometime soon. Last time I went, I recall seeing some nice Langes and JLCs downstairs.

we may bump into each other around Ginza one day! Ken

I was actually in Tokyo last week for business and managed to make it down on the 24th for the opening, and the 25th for the talk show and tourbillon demostration by Asaoka san. Apologies for not contacting as i was extremely busy being held up by work an... 

1. You didn't tell me about your visit. 2. They didn't tell me about the talk show and Asaoka-san demonstration. Both suck! Nah, kidding. That's all right, my friend. Whenever you have time, just don't forget to try to meet me! Good to hear that you are w... 

It was really for business in the kansai area, then i had some spare time towards the end plus working out the mansion that i used to live in. I will keep you informed. Cheers Stephen

your next assignment? Hajime Asaoka! cen@jkt

... I will see what I can do. Thank you for a very good suggestion! Ken

Hope to be able to see it soon. - SJX

Is the gray-dial chrono model a new version? I love the movement in this one and how smoothly the chrono hand travels.... Is this a new variation? Thank you....  

It is not a new model - SBGC001, I believe. http://www.grand-seiko.com/collection/9r86-springdrive/SBGC001.html Ken

Thank you!

..but couldn't find on English page - may not be available yet outside Japan. SBGC007: www.seiko-watch.co.jp 7 Is this the one? Ken

this looks black... maybe the picture makes it look gray? Either way, I think this IS the one in the pic because it wears the same strap. Is this described as a black or gray dial in Japanese? And thanks for such a fast reply!

... the dial color is deep and dark GREEN which changes its tone by the light and angle.... No problem! Ken

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Ive been in transit and had very limited internet access, glad to be able to read something like this upon logging back in. Hope to catch up soon. TM

thanks. Looks like a must-visit place in Tokyo! Best Andreas