Is Grand Seiko getting better?

Walrus · Jul 14, 2020

I have only admired these via photos and reading about them and I find many of the dials stunning. Interesting to hear you guys talk about the thickness. I have not heard that brought up prior. I know you can’t judge a watch by its value on the used market but how does it generally work with the GS. Do they increase in price on the secondary market? I’m sure the numerous limited additions have but I mean just generally. Anyway congrats to all you who picked one up they look great

Blakestarhtown · Jul 14, 2020

They do horribly on the secondary market. If you are going to buy it just know that you will lose a lot whenever you do decide to sell. And the thickness is off-putting. I for one am not a fan of the Spring drive. Go mechanical if you have the chance.

Walrus · Jul 14, 2020

Blakestarhtown
They do horribly on the secondary market. If you are going to buy it just know that you will lose a lot whenever you do decide to sell. And the thickness is off-putting. I for one am not a fan of the Spring drive. Go mechanical if you have the chance.

Oh they do. I not planning on buying one but being attracted to them I was curious how they do used. I think I’ve seen a couple GS with no spring drive or mechanical movements but more of a “traditional movement.” Perhaps those were in some limited edition models. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t be against picking one up but if I get to the point where I will spend that much on one watch I’d probably lean towards a newer seamaster which at this time is my grail, zenith or a list probably twenty models and makes long. Just wanted to get an idea on what happens with GS value after purchase. Thanks

Blakestarhtown · Jul 15, 2020

Walrus
Oh they do. I not planning on buying one but being attracted to them I was curious how they do used. I think I’ve seen a couple GS with no spring drive or mechanical movements but more of a “traditional movement.” Perhaps those were in some limited edition models. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t be against picking one up but if I get to the point where I will spend that much on one watch I’d probably lean towards a newer seamaster which at this time is my grail, zenith or a list probably twenty models and makes long. Just wanted to get an idea on what happens with GS value after purchase. Thanks

You lose 60% off the retail price as soon as you walk out of the store. I would recommend going gray market. Some models might only dip down 30-40% but that is rare. I own the mechanical SBGJ217 & I got a great deal on mine. I would not have bought it from an AD. Not worth it in my opinion. If you are looking for value retention go AP or Rolex. Maybe Grand Seiko will start gaining momentum & prices will rise.

WatchTimes · Jul 15, 2020

Im a big fan of Grand Seiko.
They really make some stunning pieces which fly under the radar when not in a WIS circle.
The SBGW231 is a heck of a watch for the money. Clean and simple!

Stripey · Jul 15, 2020

Blakestarhtown
You lose 60% off the retail price as soon as you walk out of the store. I would recommend going gray market. Some models might only dip down 30-40% but that is rare. I own the mechanical SBGJ217 & I got a great deal on mine. I would not have bought it from an AD. Not worth it in my opinion. If you are looking for value retention go AP or Rolex. Maybe Grand Seiko will start gaining momentum & prices will rise.

I was in the Grand Seiko boutique on Knightsbridge in London recently, and the SBGJ217 was the only watch that spoke to me - lovely watch. Of course, the fact that we were all wearing masks, gloves and had been required to practically bathe in hand sanitiser wasn't doing much for the experience, but it managed to shine through nonethless.

kanye_mouse · Jul 15, 2020

I quite enjoy vintage Grand Seiko. I recently picked up a vintage 62GS (6245) that I absolutely love. It's a bit on the dressy side, but not too much so. Prices for vintage are very low, even though good examples are hard to find (particularly in the west), but have been rising.

Masterofkarate · Jul 21, 2020

Considering pulling the trigger on a SBGJ235 or a SBGJ231
Does anyone know how hard it is to get hold of this limited boutique model?

pongster · Jul 21, 2020

Masterofkarate
Considering pulling the trigger on a SBGJ235 or a SBGJ231
Does anyone know how hard it is to get hold of this limited boutique model?

was hard for me. had to go grey and pay a premium. back in 2019.

killer67 · Jul 21, 2020

SBJ231 is JDM only but the SBDJ235 is the same watch the difference is only the text on the case-back. The 235 is hard to find you’ll have to wait for one to pop up for sale (which they do) or scour for one in the boutiques (less likely)

Masterofkarate · Jul 22, 2020

One would think it would be easier once they started realeasing them into the us. Maybe the numbers arent there yet? Anyone have an idea on how many they produce?

Screwbacks · Jul 22, 2020

im still not synching in nor convince with grand seiko's hybrid spring drive movement. seiko is neither confirming or denying it is quartz or electronic.

Stripey · Jul 22, 2020

Screwbacks
im still not synching in nor convince with grand seiko's hybrid spring drive movement. seiko is neither confirming or denying it is quartz or electronic.

What is it that bothers you, exactly?

Masterofkarate · Jul 22, 2020

Screwbacks
im still not synching in nor convince with grand seiko's hybrid spring drive movement. seiko is neither confirming or denying it is quartz or electronic.

Well i think they look pretty transparent. Its a mecanical movment regulated by a quartz oscillator. Dont think they are trying to fool anyone😜 More a mission to creat the most precise timepiece that is still a mecanical watch. I find it all rather fascinating

Dsloan · Jul 22, 2020

Masterofkarate
Well i think they look pretty transparent. Its a mecanical movment regulated by a quartz oscillator. Dont think they are trying to fool anyone😜 More a mission to creat the most precise timepiece that is still a mecanical watch. I find it all rather fascinating

Bit of precious convo about this https://omegaforums.net/threads/seiko-spring-drive-just-a-fad-or-a-serious-improvement.41858/

It may not necessarily produce any improvement over a mechanical or a quartz, but I think it's a neat approach. Same way I appreciate the Accutron in my collection. That said, really enjoy the overall design language that a lot of GS has. I would really like to pick up a Snowflake at some point.

OmegaRody · Aug 3, 2020

Oh yes they are getting better but I think they need to uplift the image of the brand as to be competitive with rolex ,omega etc

dsio · Aug 3, 2020

Their overall design language and styling really needs direction and effort, I still look at their lineup and how things still stand out as being out of proportion or elements and parts that don't look like they belong together.

I find its a bit like with their cars, they try to make each individual part look cool an interesting in isolation then at the end they throw them all together and its a busy disjointed mess while the Europeans often start with the overall design and lines then create parts to fit that vision.

So yea, please GS take a step back and consider that less is sometimes more.

sdre · Aug 3, 2020

Mmm. I'm in love with Grand Seiko to be honest.

sdre · Aug 3, 2020

dsio
Their overall design language and styling really needs direction and effort, I still look at their lineup and how things still stand out as being out of proportion or elements and parts that don't look like they belong together.

I find its a bit like with their cars, they try to make each individual part look cool an interesting in isolation then at the end they throw them all together and its a busy disjointed mess while the Europeans often start with the overall design and lines then create parts to fit that vision.

So yea, please GS take a step back and consider that less is sometimes more.

Do you mind giving specific examples of these critique? I am interested to know more about how and why you feel this way.

wkimmd · Aug 3, 2020

dsio
Their overall design language and styling really needs direction and effort, I still look at their lineup and how things still stand out as being out of proportion or elements and parts that don't look like they belong together.

I find its a bit like with their cars, they try to make each individual part look cool an interesting in isolation then at the end they throw them all together and its a busy disjointed mess while the Europeans often start with the overall design and lines then create parts to fit that vision.

So yea, please GS take a step back and consider that less is sometimes more.

Grand Seiko makes cars??