Horological Meandering

I finally got the chance to photograph a Grand Seiko and for the longest time, finding one was like the proverbial search for the mythical fountain of youth. I have heard of it, seen pictures of it but never seen one in real life or on any wrist - until now. Hence the claim of being the best kept secret in the world of horology.

Hence I am very pleased to share this series with you and I would like to ask you to pay close attention to the macro or close up images of the hands and dial. Also, do not miss the deployant as well. For me, its an important detail that many brands miss. Seiko certainly did not.

Do post/share your impression/observations of the watch.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTOMONTAGE OF THE GRAND SEIKO GMT

Cheers
HarryTan

for this incredible photographic essay on the Grand Seiko. The impression is lasting due to your grand master photography and quite a magnificent watch. I was very taken by the hands and the almost liquid finish they have been given. I have spent many years going back and forth to Japan and while the Grand Seiko has a Japanese feel to it; the lettering, number size and placement, things that seem familiar to the traveler in Japan. There is a real European feel to the watch too. The applied markers, case and even the dial give an elegant very high class touch to this piece. The hands to me are from another world, that liquid finish along with the definitive "cut" angle on the hour and minute hands really show imagination and execution of the most thoughtful order. I am impressed by this piece and in awe of your artistic and grand master level of photography. Many, many thanks. Tim

here........ one day is as close as i can get to a timeline.

the detail puts many many swiss companies to shame. i've also seen detailed pics of the Credor Grand Sonnerie which shows near perfection in detail as well.

if they made these watches easily available to the west with a big publicity push there will be a lot of clenched buttocks in boardrooms in Switzerland.

thanks again

Graham

Now THAT is some watch to photograph! Look forward to it!

but I am no grandmaster! I am still learning the art but I am passionate about how I photograph watches.

Cheers
Harry

nt

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a Grand Seiko. I really wished that they had a 39mm blue hands applied arabic markers wound movement (like your). It would be at the top of my want list.

Cheers!
Harry

Thank you, Harry, for the great pictures! Previously, I have never been much of a Seiko admirer but when I came across this model, it took my breath away. It truly is a stunning watch and, as you have noted, the finishing on this piece appears to be top-notch! I will need to acquire this piece very soon.

Bob

but I love their philosophy of zen - and their art of pefecting watch making.

You will not be disappointed with a GS even though its not what you would consider an entry level watch (price).

Cheers
Harry

It's just Japanese for "Thank you very much." I'm sure that I will not be disappointed with a GS. Too bad this one does not have an exhibition back. I think that would be the topper.

Bob

I now sincerely say you are READY and the horological world needs eyes like yours
Lovesss*CL

both as a collector and a pro photographer.

Cheers!
Harry

. . .  underestimated . . . ;-) . . . thanks very much for the photos, Harry . . . cordially, Art

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I'm sorry to say that I lost the little modicum of self-control that I usually have and accidentally acquired the sister to this watch - a GS Spring Drive GMT stainless steel with bracelet.

I usually hate the centre seconds hands, preferring a less obstrusive sub-second dial, but the smooth stepless springdrive sweep is absolutely mesmerising and intoxicating! The GMT hand is red against a liquid black dial and this is the 1st watch that I have come across that has a saphire crystal cover over the external moveable bezel. Its heft and solidity of build is quite alluring.

A fascinating watch that finds its way onto my wrist more often than the PP 5396 and VH Classic that came along about the same time! What does that tell you? (Don't say that I need my head examined! I already know that!)

Sorry, can't get off my ass to take a photo. Heh heh ...

 

is what I also call the black dialed GS. Somehow the GS people managed to perfect their dials to such level that it looks like .... its wet, yet it is the blackest black I have ever seen.

Hopefully we will get to see your watch. Or if I am lucky - to photograph a black dialed version of a GS.

Cheers!
Harry

. . . and this wasn't sitting around in a drawer all that time, either . . . it was my Dad's everyday watch that he wore to formal events and while gardening and every activity in between. Your comments about the depth of color triggered a vivid memory of my jeweler replacing the crystal a few years ago (with a NOS crystal in Seiko packaging, no less!) . . . the original crystal was extremely scratched and hazy, so when the dial was exposed I almost gasped at the perfect black dial with a vivid sunburst pattern. Seiko might make inexpensive watches, but they ain't cheap . . . cordially, Art

I have not seen such a layout before.  A real keeper and it really does say a lot of the watch when it brought so much pleasure to your dad for so long. I hope that my watches please me as much and as long!

BTW - catch a GS black dial and see if the blackness is as good.

Cheers
Harry

nt