The Seiko Boutique had it's grand opening in London yesterday, sure there will be a ton of decent shots, and write ups out there from the press over the coming days, but I popped in this afternoon to have a look.

Some lovely stuff, but the prices are on the high side... especially for anyone used to buying at imported grey market prices.

The SBDX017 for example is £3000... and you can find that new for £1700 in Europe.

Still, nice to try these things on the wrist!

 

I think the danger and opportunity here is the chance to experience the depth and breadth of product in the metal. I've not visited a boutique yet. I'm always too busy when I'm in New York to stop. No boutique in Chicago ...Why not Seiko? Danger is from what I read that they are so compelling as to risk the credit card passing over the counter.

What were your overall impressions. Any favorites? Temptations?

 

I love the marinemaster 300, the GS snowflake is stunning, but at £6k too rich for my pocket, and the black dialled GS GMT... also £6k.

I'm sure others will use the boutiques to try... and then buy from the grey market at 40% less.

 

Nice thing about the SB is that they will also have some of the great looking Credor watches.
Like this beauty. (completely hand painted dial)

 

I totally love this watch.

 

I'm glad there is not one on the West Coast of the US. I'm pretty sure if I tried on the new MM I'd be in trouble.

 

I liked it as a picture, I love it as a watch on the wrist.

 

That's my fear you confirmed. It's everything I want in an upscale SKX. Keep the good things and punch up the others. Although I'm not a fan of the "speedy" type bracelet.

 

I'd heard a lot of bad things... it's quite comfortable, although the divers extension felt very agricultural and quite flimsy at the same time.

I can see why custom Crafter rubber straps are so popular for these.

I wouldn't even consider paying the RRP, but if you could pick up an SBDX001 or SBDX017 for £1000-£1500 you'd be winning.

 

I considered picking up a used MM300 without B & P last week. Could have had it for around £700.

 

That's crazy cheap - the lowest I've seen an SBDX001 go for is £1000 with bracelet/rubber but no box.

 

My internal currency converter was a bit off, I'd guess. More like £800. Where I look for these, £1000 would net you a full set.

 

I guess sellers in the UK are managing to ask for (and get) a bit more...

 

Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing

 

I try to avoid ADs. The risk of overheating the credit cards is too high...

 

Rip off Britain strikes again. Still, post Brexit that'll all be sorted. [emoji85]

 

I really hope Toronto gets one next. It would be wonderful to be able to try some of these on. I'm listing after that 62MAS re-issue. The Prospex versions of the watch look nice as well.

 

Toronto had one for a time, but it closed...

 

Me too. For me this has to be the pinnacle of Seiko watchmaking.