Very cool, thanks for posting that.

44mm

That's what she said

On a serious note though, I don't even have it strapped to my wrist in the photo because I need to have some links removed. It was literally just resting there with the band unlocked and hanging while I took the photo. My wrist is 7" so it's not too much of a stretch. I'll take another shot of it on the wrist once the band has been adjusted.

I absolutely it.

Awaiting PVN's response to the Seiko/Grand Seiko debate.

I'm traveling and on the phone but they're effectively not even the same brand. They're designed and made and marketed by totally different, independent groups.

Historically there were different groups making "seiko" branded watches. Basically imagine if omega and swatch and longines &c all sold their stuff under the "swatch" name.

Not sure there is much of a debate. Everybody seems to agree that Grand Seikos are well made pieces but due to their lesser brethren sharing the same Seiko name, they don't want to buy them.

Its not like anybody said Grand Seikos are not great watches.

So I can give all the evidence for how awesome GSs are, how incredible the dial, hour marker, and hand finishing is and about how Grand Seiko's internal timing requirements are stricter than COSC or about how Seiko used to dominate Swiss timing competitions until the rules were changed to only allow Euro companies but it still won't change anybody's mind.

I do find it odd that people are shocked that GSs are priced like Rolex while not complaining one bit about the many companies who use ETA movements yet still charge Rolex prices, IWC and Panerai, to name a few. Especially Panerai with the recent undecorated movement scandal.

http://xtrememeantime.forumotion.com...vement-scandal

The question isn't whether or not GS is good, it's how good. Would you place them above IWC? JLC?

maybe not JLC but IWC for sure if we are talking like priced pieces.

I'm not sure I take GS over like priced JLC or GOs, then again most JLC or GOs are priced well above GS but still it will have to depend on the specific piece.

For sure I take GS over like priced IWC.

Thanks!

My final point is I can understand why people like Panerai or IWC. I just don't understand the GS hate especially for the above reasons given. People don't stop buying Ferraris because its owned by Fiat. In the same way, GS should be considered almost a separate entity from Seiko itself.

Also even if they weren't completely different divisions, I would much rather buy a $5000 watch from a company that also makes $300 watches rather than buy a $5000 watch that contains a movement that can also be found in $300 watches.

I think Seiko would do well to release a new brand line name. There's a reason you don't see a $13,000 Hamilton Big Pilot.

yea but...

well they have the Credor line but thats ultra high end. I think the thing with GS is that originally it was Japanese market only so they didn't really call it another name.

When they introduced it to US markets a while ago, they should have done what Toyota did years ago by rebadging the high end vehicles as Lexus. I don't think Lexus exists in Japan for example.

Its a good looking watch no doubt but when I can get the following with the same movement for 1/6th to 1/7th the cost, I question the value proposition.

Some more discussion of Grand Seiko in the comments of a recent Hodinkee post: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2012/3/...-live-pho.html

I agree on the font thing. GS dials are way too verbose regardless, then they compound it with eleventy different fonts. Rolex has way too much text, too, but it at least has a unified look.

Yeah, that ruins most Rolex for me.

This GS would be about perfect...IF

They lost the text on the bottom half of the dial, and lost the chrome frame on the date, and lost the power reserve.

Does that power reserve look like an afterthought that was superglued on or what.

I agree with you rearding the power reserve indicator on that one.

I'm not even sure 3600 is such a great deal for it considering this one

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...1-72hours.html

with a 72 hour power reserve is going for 4100 new.

Really, many GSs are priced fairly reasonably. The only ones that reach Rolex prices are the 36000 hi beat ones or the spring drive chronos or spring drive divers.

The other thing I like about GS is that something small like a GMT complication is not that much more. The following with a GMT function for example, is only $300 more than the previous.

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...T-72hours.html

I have never held a GS in my hands, so I can't say anything about fit and finish (or luxurious "refinement", as that Hodinkee post put it), but overall I like their dial and case designs.

That said, I am also in the camp of those who wouldn't pay 5K for a GS.
I'd buy something like an Omega AT instead )

If you want an in house movement with a power reserve in the $4000 range, the Zenith Elite Captain power reserve is a good option



obviously if you can go up to $7500, I think this is clearly the choice

you just have a lot of options in the $5000 range for dress watches with in house movements.

you can go GS + $1000 in change
Zenith Elite + $1000 in change
Omega AT
Nomos Zurich + $1000 in chane
JLC Master Control
Rolex Explorer I (though not a pure dress watch)
Glashutte Original Senator automatic

as well as some micro brands like
Dornbluth and Sohn 99.1
Stowa MO Durowe + almost $3000 in change.

though in these 2 cases, the movements are redesigns of Unitas though with completely modified bridge.

Ok, here it is with the bracelet adjusted and securely on the wrist:

looks fantastic. Love the blue on the hands.

Sadly, I think the reason is strictly a vain one.. the association with the name. If it was called anything else it would lose the 'Seiko' image.

At least for me, it's as simple as that.

A homage is just that.. it is always a fraction of the price. But your point is a good one if you're good with what it is.

I am such a sucker for the power reserves in general... I do agree however this one could have been done better. I don't think the other points bother me.

Not sure what size this watch is even.. I'm basically anti anything under 42mm these days and tend to try and get 44-45mm, although clearly >42mm is too big for this style. EDIT - I believe it was 40mm.. I think 42mm would be perfect.

Looking through the link amoeba sent, all their power reserve indicators are a little quirky looking.

It is really a curious thing on the marketing side.. some standalone name separating themselves from "Seiko" could have been huge for them..