halgedahl
1333
While presently skeptical of such sentiment, I do like your positive faith in a truly great company. All of us here wish the best for Seiko.
On another forum I wrote a wail when the autonomy of Grand Seiko was first announced. I'm still doubtful of the wisdom of converting a premium "line" to a stand-alone "brand." Especially considering the fact that Seiko already had Credor. (Ananta seems to occupy a space not unlike Grand Seiko, as SEIKO appears as the primary brand on the dial. I'm an ignoramus, though, on such matters of hierarchy. Help us out here, Mike!) And this year's move to new case shapes and dial configurations, to me, points in the direction of an attempt to distinguish Grand Seiko cosmetically, rather than where it really counts—mechanically.
As a musician, I'm reminded of a standard by which some of us professionals judge new conductors of the world's great orchestras, or new soloists who join the precious few who are invited to stand in front of them. And the test is simple: is what we are listening to in some way uniquely beautiful? Or is the performance at hand misshapen in some way in the name of "individuality?" Is the tone truly special? Is dynamic shading so subtle as to call attention to an underlying harmonic structure hitherto unrecognized? Or is this a disastrous "new" interpretation of a great work from the standard repertoire. For there is a remarkably narrow channel in which these works "live." Push the walls too far and their beauty is overshadowed by how far their interpreter has ventured from an established norm. I think of Grand Seiko as one of those established works of proportion. Push too far and you really ought to call the result something else. For, while there are great NEW works of art, Beethoven (to be wildly complimentary to Grand Seiko), remains Beethoven.
At this point, what I've seen from the new, autonomous, Grand Seiko veers toward the superficial, rather than more exquisite realizations of its already established identity. If you wish a reputation that rivals a JLC or Vacheron, then improve what others fail to, introduce new complications, put more (literally) into your product to impress those who actually understand how watches work. Do not allow world-wide praise for your dials to go to your head. Why do people with the money to do so buy from Independents? Sure each must have its look, and that individuality counts for something. But I'd argue that grand Seiko already HAD a look. Past that, it's what's inside—how beautifully each mechanism "sings"—that attracts savvy buyers. Oh… what do I know? I'm just a fiddle player. I guess you chalk these new releases up to "growing pains." I suppose I can see it them that way. But they worry me. I feel that something I really valued is being compromised. Fingers crossed, here. FH
More posts:
A twin sisters Grand Seiko manual wind, which one do you prefer?
On the left is the GS63 caliber, case size is 39mm and on the right the GS64, case size is 37.3mm, both are manual wind and I love manual wind. The blue dial is very beautiful, yet the cream dial of the other is very nice too. Both can be a very nice dres...
Must say I'm not a big fan of the new dial, nor the case shape. I'd go for the smaller, more conservative watch without question.
In fact, Grand Seiko's recent dress watch activity has me worried. Trying too hard, it seems to me. In my view this is what happened to Zenith when Biver took over. Some will argue "Great new advances in technology," "Pushing the envelope!" For me, Zenith...
I agree with Fred
I like the older watch better, rather than the open space on the dial and the curved case shape for this one. Cazalea
I think Grand Seiko is still finding its market position in the international market.
As long as their mission statement of making beautiful watches at a attainable price does not change, in time, they will be successful Most top notch watch brands took a long time to build their popularity and position in the market. Grand Seiko may be a ...
While presently skeptical of such sentiment, I do like your positive faith in a truly great company. All of us here wish the best for Seiko.
On another forum I wrote a wail when the autonomy of Grand Seiko was first announced. I'm still doubtful of the wisdom of converting a premium "line" to a stand-alone "brand." Especially considering the fact that Seiko already had Credor. (Ananta seems to...
The SBGW231 is the GS "Calatrava" the classic manual wind (in classic proportions) that will never go out of style
The SBGK005 is a new style (and size). The placement of the sub-seconds @ the 9 o'clock and PR at the 3 o'clock is very "Panerai"-esque. Both are very different. Conservative vs. New No wrong answer. Pick your poison.
Exactly what I feel like looking at the SBGW231, it look much alike the Calatrava
And the SBGk005 reminds me of a bit of Cartier Drive, which is also cushion shape.
