cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
20773
What kind of guy buys a Grand Seiko?
I discussed this question today with Riley, the cheerful product specialist at World Lux, the authorized GS dealer in Seattle.
The GS customer is a man. He usually comes in knowing about the brand and knowing what he wants. Other mid-level Swiss products they carry (MLC, Ball, Rado, Mont Blanc etc) are not competition for GS.
Watch loving "purists" like the automatic, hand wind or hi-beat movements. More adventurous types like the Spring Drives.
World Lux have sold lots of titanium chronographs, but when US list prices crept up above $10k, buyers balked and would not buy here. They'd go overseas mail order or not buy at all.
The most frequent questions asked revolve around straps - why are they so thin/fragile and why can't we buy a variety of factory straps in colors, materials and thicknesses?
The most popular/desirable GS at their store is the Spring Drive "Snowflake". Beautiful white dial, blue hands, titanium case - perfect combination of desire able features.
Riley apologized that he didn't have one to show me - they are only made in small quantities and sell out quickly. No problem, I know the watch - I have one:
We talked about a GS boutique opening in NYC. Riley asked "Who will work that store? Where will they find people passionate enough about the brand to work there? And will there be enough customers?"
I had a great hour in the store and I thank the folks there for taking time to share their thoughts about Grand Seiko.
So Purists -- What do you think?
Owners, do you fit the sketchy profile?
Do you agree about straps?
What about a GS-only boutique?
Cheers,
Cazalea
Interesting question.
By: jp884 : July 28th, 2014-22:07
Here is who I think buys a GS. Someone that appreciates quality, someone who is non-pretentious and does not want to be the center of attention but rather that quiet person that listens and analyzes the room. Someone who enjoys things that are carefully m...
Funny enough...
By: CaliforniaJed : July 28th, 2014-22:22
I bought my 44GS there, and I upgraded the strap with one I sourced here in Los Angeles! (I also bought a Grand Seiko deployant from Japan for the heck of it.) So yes, I guess I sort of fit their profile! With respect to a NY GS boutique, I suspect there ...
Fit the profile? . . .
By: Dr No : July 29th, 2014-11:58
. . . pretty much, down to puzzlement over the discrepancy with regard to straps, which doesn't quite make sense (and, remarkably, parallels Glashütte's proclivity for supplying overly long straps). The most common thread amongst those drawn to GS, imho, ...
Well, in Japan....
By: KIH : July 30th, 2014-08:58
... it is becoming more common to give the broom-to-be Grand Seiko or other watch of choice in return of the engagement ring from the bride-to-be. So, more and more young guys are wearing Grand Seiko. In other words, when you see a young guy wearing Grand...
Sophisticated Collectors...
By: SALMANPK : July 30th, 2014-10:14
Who are experienced, been widely exposed to the Swiss Watchmaking Industry and its whole Machinery and who can discern Intrinsic Value from Perceived Value. They are also indifferent to the general consensus of what is In or Out. Also has an affinity for ...
Further...
By: SALMANPK : July 30th, 2014-18:55
I spoke at length with the Seiko AD in Kuwait about opening a GS Boutique, he did share that there has been some indication from Seiko that they would like that and have asked the AD if they are interested. The AD is so far not interested due to the follo...
Your Questions
By: SALMANPK : August 4th, 2014-00:10
So how does the dealer compete? I really can't say how since I'm not in this line of work but as a student of business, social behavior and history I can say it will be tough going forward for dealers without the commitment and support of Seiko to promote...
I agree with your assessment
By: cazalea : July 30th, 2014-22:48
I sold a Paul Gerber piece to buy my first GS -- I had had at least 50 Swiss watches up to that point. But buying after the first one (Quartz "Milgauss") I think I\'ve had about 20 Grand Seikos; I have 12 still. I haven\'t stopped buying Swiss watches but...
Very nice Credor...
By: Echi : July 31st, 2014-00:08
I still remember the chimes from their minute repeater from some wav file. Absolutely fantastic. On a different note, coming from SalmanQ8's AD conversation, I can understand how challenging it must be to create the GS identity and market it as something ...
You're very lucky..
By: SALMANPK : July 31st, 2014-09:55
that you get to walk into a store and see some pieces on display, I have to go to the Offices of the AD to order a GS piece, the stares of astonishment I saw from the Accounting Department when I wanted to order one and the price I was willing to pay conv...
