ThomasM
[PuristS]
14331
Movement finishing - decorative vs functional; industrial vs craft; machine vs hand.
I have much experience with Japanese culture, though, alas, I don't speak Japanese. I have tremendous respect for the high value placed on excellence, integrity, and honor. I also know there is a long and deep tradition of aesthetic taste and design, both humanistic and industrial. From the presentation of nihon ryori, to the intricacies of Issey Miyake's designs, to even the fine attention to design and detail of something so common as wrapping paper, the delicate sensibilities of Japanese design are there to be seen and appreciated everywhere.
Having handled and owned a number of Seiko and Grand Seiko, as well as Credor models, I'd love to read some comments about the design aesthetic, both of the case / dial / hands, and of the movement finishing.
I have the utmost respect, even awe, for their precision and reliability, but the industrial style finish, even if nearly perfect in its way, leaves me a little cold.
Thoughts?
TM
This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-03-17 22:38:37
Manufacture
Explore Grand Seiko's new Morioka Studio, home to mechanical movements. Discover the serene environment, 9SA5 caliber, and visitor experience.
10 replies2128 views
Manufacture
Explore Seiko's Shizukuishi Watch Studio with cazalea. Discover the precision craftsmanship behind Grand Seiko and Credor mechanical movements.
11 replies11677 views
Manufacture
Explore Seiko's vast industrial empire beyond watches. This overview details Seiko Holdings and Epson's diverse divisions, from watches to precision components.
12 replies11042 views
Manufacture
Discover Terui & Sakurada, Shizuku-Ishi: a new Japanese collection from Seiko Instruments, featuring legendary craftsmen and unique engraved designs.
11 replies6320 views
New Release
Explore Grand Seiko's 2019 Baselworld Spring Drive manual-wind dress watches, featuring Caliber 9R02. Discover new thin designs and Micro Artist Studio craftsmanship.
26 replies8516 views
Reference Guide
SJX explores a rare Grand Seiko GMT with a display back, revealing its unique movement finishing and exclusive availability from the Shizukuishi Luxury Watch Studio.
24 replies3728 views
New Release
Discover the Grand Seiko Sport Collection Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph. Explore its ceramic case, design, and collector debate.
16 replies3771 views
New Release
Explore Seiko's Baselworld 2011 novelties, including Sportura, Premier Kinetic, and the limited-edition Ananta Chronograph Diver, celebrating Seiko's 130th anniversary.
29 replies10853 views
Movement finishing - decorative vs functional; industrial vs craft; machine vs hand.
I have much experience with Japanese culture, though, alas, I don't speak Japanese. I have tremendous respect for the high value placed on excellence, integrity, and honor. I also know there is a long and deep tradition of aesthetic taste and design, both...
Answering An Excellent Question, Part 1
Hello Thomas, To utilize a common phrase, you might say that "all Grand Seikos look alike" and at a distance perhaps it's relatively true. There is an aesthetic in Grand Seiko that seems to say simple, professional, high-class. But not stratospheric high ...
Seiko and Grand Seiko Credor finishing and design - a great response so far, Cazalea.
One of the little known secret strengths of Seiko is their state of the art materials handling and finishing skills and talents. I have had the chance to know very well two AP's that had polished Ti bezels - so highly polished they were like mirrors. (of ...
Totally understand
I feel the same way. A Japanese car for example, well built to exacting measurements, and reliable, and possibly even a blast to drive (Honda S2000, Mazda MX5), but lacks a design that stirs emotion. The Italian and British cars, not perhaps as reliable, ...
You read my mind
I just finished posting about the details on a watch I've been obsessing about for a few weeks now - the SARG007. You gentlemen are discussing the finishing on the top of the line Seiko, and that is nice, but there are very many interesting models below t...
So as to be constructive, what would be our wish list? And...
What is the baseline? in my humble opinion, there is NO comparison to Grand Seiko and Credor for excellence in consistency, precision, and reliability. None. So how can they turn respect into love? TM
Haven't we all forgot something here?
"The Process" - the actual procustion may rely more on machines, thus lack of hand finishing warmth on the movement and such. But the process of case making (for GS SS cases, 15 times forging between which heated at 1100C for 15 min. and then the very exp...
Harmony
Pick the right parts out of the bins. For the SARG007, use the date wheel from the SARX015, and use the same color of white throughout. The dial has such depth from the inner bezel and applied "Seiko" name that the number markings seem too flat. For the M...
My take on this is...
that there are several different value systems running here. Watches that consider themselves works of art and watches that consider themselves measurement instruments. It is obvious that the criteria for the best work of art is not the same as those for ...
Answering An Excellent Question, Part 2
In the first installment of "Answering An Excellent Question" I provided an assortment of Grand Seikos to illustrate certain features and strengths of the brand. In this second part I will offer an assortment of views of a single watch, in a variety of co...
Excellent detailed anatomy of GS!
I don't have anything to add, except for my response post to Thomas's above :-) Ken
Excellent Post!
I really enjoyed reading it and seeing your pictures, really highlights the beauty of GS pieces, I have been wearing my GS Diver non-stop everyday since I have received it. S