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Horological Meandering

Thanks very much

 

First off, thanks to all for your helpful comments and suggestions.

Regarding Rolex…

I was merely sharing my thoughts of the difference in the shopping experience for a Rolex vs. other high-end brands where knowledge and detailing of the item are essential in educating the customer of the value proposition of the luxury item in question. Whereas when it’s a Rolex, none of this is necessary due to the long established luxury brand cachet and typical customer profile.  I just like buying watches from people who like watches and know something about horology. I can see past all this at the item in question. The real issues that I need to think about relate to living with a Cyclops magnifier which I do not like.  The solid case back and lack of a bracelet micro-adjust were really just observations/comments and not “deal breakers”. The watch was beautifully made, easy to operate and clear to read. I get it…

Regarding Grand Seiko…

I did do a bit more looking around their Japanese website and noted that there were many more models available than there were on the US/International Site (no surprises). I am really only interested in their mechanical watches (hand wound, automatic and automatic hi-beat).  They have many models that are not on the US site.  Many are smaller than I am looking for (e.g. 37-38 mm).  39-40 mm watches are of interest given the sportier nature that I seek.

www.seiko-watch.co.jp

These two models show up on the Japan only site and are similar to the SBGM029 (blue dial) but also have normal rotors which does not obscure the movement like in the Anniversary model which I actually prefer.

 

SBGM025 (White GMT, Japan Only)

39.4 x 14.1 mm

Cailber 9S66

 

SBGM027 (Black GMT, Japan Only)

39.4 x 14.1 mm

Cailber 9S66

 

Other US GS models that interest me aside from the SBGH001 are:

 

SBGH005 (Black, Hi-Beat)

40.2 x 13.0 mm

Caliber 9S85

 

SBGM023 (White GMT)

39.5 x 13.7 mm

Caliber 9S65

 

 

 

 

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30 Comments view entire thread 

I am considering these two watches

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 6th, 2013-12:16
Hi, I wanted to share with the forum two watches that I have been pondering of late to add to my collection. Brand: Grand Seiko Model: Mechanical Caliber 9S Series Reference: SGBH001 Size: 40.0 mm x 13.0 mm Water Resistance: 100 meters Movement: Grand Sei...  

GS All the Way :-)

 
By: SALMANPK : January 6th, 2013-13:15
Here is why: Click on the links within my post but before you do, get comfortable, make some coffee and then go for it :-) S

Normally, I would say GS, but...

 
By: Mostel : January 6th, 2013-16:16
With GS, in my experience, I have now owned 3 and currently own the Blue dial GMT LE that was recently released... SBGM029, (probably among the most beautiful watches I have ever laid eyes on).... with all that said... It really depends WHICH GS you get. ... 

Suggest some GS References Please...

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 6th, 2013-16:45
Which GS references do you like and why? What was it about the hi-beat references that left you underwhelmed? Thanks

I did reference one in my post

 
By: Mostel : January 6th, 2013-17:31
How can I explain why I was underwhelmed? It is a matter of taste. In the end, it is your decision, but as they always say, you can't go wrong with Rolex. I would try to see the Hi beat before purchasing-- you may fall in love!

GS in a heartbeat

 
By: flamenco : January 6th, 2013-16:35
Hope this may go some way it make up your mind. Rolexes are pretty common place if u think about it, GS requires a level of horological maturity and awareness. If u are thinking of GS over a Lex, it shows u want something more the Lex brand equity. That'... 

Consider the ease of service

 
By: MervC : January 6th, 2013-18:28
Say what you would about Rolex's ubiquitousness, but its strong AD and service center network, means you have no problems getting the watch serviced in any major city. Getting a Grand Seiko serviced, on the other hand, may depend on where you live, and if... 

I have both...IMHO..Rolex for longevity and ease of ownership

 
By: Hororgasm : January 6th, 2013-21:00
GS is a great watch, but it gets boring after a short while. Too cold, and resale poor, when you tire of it. To me, IMHO, the GS is for the man who has tried and tasted Rolex and Omega steel models, and a natural evolution for collectors seeking diversifi... 

Offload

 
By: flamenco : January 6th, 2013-23:24
your GS(s) to me .... ! Pls ! But I jus have enuf in my wallet ... LOL !

Yes I did

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 7th, 2013-20:19
Being a diver, I cannot stand the helium escape valve. It ruins the Seamaster PO to me.I also looked at the blue dialed mid-sized Aqua Terra Chronometer.

Good advice Horo/ disagree about GS though

 
By: Mostel : January 8th, 2013-17:47
Agree with everything about Rolex and Exp 2. But if you find 'your' GS, it may bring a lifetime of love. :) I find the right GS to be worthy of long-term keeping. But the wrong GS is maybe too easy to find... like all watches, you have to make a few mista... 

Hey Bob -

 
By: elliot55 : January 6th, 2013-22:00
- The Rolex will last a lifetime. I'd say go with the Explorer. But if I already had an Explorer, it'd be the GS all the way. So beautiful. So elegant. The Rolex is built like a tank. So what if it doesn't have an exhibition case back. It has all the late... 

Since it's a first time buy for either brands..

 
By: Echi : January 6th, 2013-22:03
I'd say go the Rolex route first. Personally, I think it's a rite of passage to own a Rolex or an Omega at least once in any collector's/enthusiast's lifetime. Besides, the new exp2 isn't exactly an ugly watch. I have the old one. I have tried the new one... 

Personally....

 
By: KIH : January 7th, 2013-06:29
... I have had Rolex EXP II Black (surprised?), but worn several times and stopped wearing and sold it off with lot of premium (I owned it for 15 years or so). Why stopped wearing? Just got bored. Hated flashy and shouting "Rolex! Rolex" on my wrist. Many... 

Thanks very much

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 7th, 2013-08:22
First off, thanks to all for your helpful comments and suggestions. Regarding Rolex… I was merely sharing my thoughts of the difference in the shopping experience for a Rolex vs. other high-end brands where knowledge and detailing of the item are essentia...  

You can always....

 
By: KIH : January 7th, 2013-08:48
... ask me for help if you are interested in Japan only models. I would be always more than happy to help fellow PuristS.... Understand that SEIKO is in the process of expanding GS availability as well as service centers globally, so in the long run, you ... 

Rolex

 
By: Timertom : January 7th, 2013-11:09
I'd go with the Rolex, Never owned a Seiko, other than a quartz wall clock, which I must admit still works like a dream even though its from the 80's. Still, I'd choose the Rolex in this case. All the best with whichever watch you do finally choose. Risha... 

I noticed your query as it . . .

 
By: Dr No : January 7th, 2013-12:52
. . . was posted, Bob, but decided not to respond until there was a ream of replies, just in case someone else would make the point I'm going to attempt now. There is, in my opinion, a world of difference between the two manufacturers. The strength of Rol... 

That was a solid advice ...

 
By: nilomis : January 7th, 2013-13:56
I cannot add a single comma. GS all the way. Cheers, Nilo

Thanks Art

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 7th, 2013-20:24
It's funny, I have never run into anyone wearing a watch like the ones that I own. :-)

GS will be my choice

 
By: rnaden : January 7th, 2013-23:04
As Art has so adeptly put it, I do not have a preference for the common. The Rolex is instantly recognizable and there will be many occasions where you will see a few of the same watches being sported right next to you. I get that with my Milgauss, and th... 

Thanks to all

 
By: iim7v7im7 : January 8th, 2013-14:22
Hi, It is always helpful to get all of your input. I think for now, I am going to hold off and wait for SIHH and Baselworld before deciding on a GS or Rolex. I want to see what GS will be introducing before deciding. In the shorter-term I have ordered som... 

Hi, Bob. My vote would go hands down to...

 
By: Samster777 : January 9th, 2013-11:22
... the Rolex. I love the timeless appeal of the design that will look great today and fifty years from now. It is a nicely updated classic design, you just can't go wrong IMHO. Here's a couple straight-on images I put together as this piece was on my lis...  

GS is my choice

 
By: cazalea : January 9th, 2013-17:11
Bob, I\'ve probably had as many GS watches as anyone here (maybe 24+) and I\'ve eventually sold about half of them. so i still have a dozen. They\'re no harder to sell than anything else (if you\'re a Purist) and I\'ve never regretted owning them. The Exp...  

Hey Bob, I would go with the GS in this situation.

 
By: bar2020 : January 10th, 2013-07:09
However, I wonder if the lack of a GMT function and simple 3 hand design will allow you to become "bored" with this model over time. I know you like to add "new" functions and features when you make a purchase, so I wonder if possibly the GMT version of t...