I have been meaning to do this review for a while but keep getting busy, sorry about the delay!
The whole concept of Ananta is cool, the word in Sanskrit for infinate, when Seiko set out to design these watches they gave the team infinate resources, budget, time, and scope. Hence the name.
Seiko might be associated with cheap mass produced watches, but their technical ability, sheer size, and deep history made me curious as to what they could achieve, I had high expectations. Suffice it to say, they where all exceeded.
The first thing that drew me to the watches was that they where not copies of popular designs, the dials, case design, concept, and movement are all unique and well executed.
When the Seiko designers set out to create the theme for these watches, they ment to do a proper Japanese watch, hence the Samurai sword connection. The ancient design of the blade was used as a basis for designing the case and the rotor of the movement. And to take the idea further they also did the dial hands so that they where as sharp as a sword, so as to reflect light at a maximum level possible. Also the finishing on the watches is called a sword polishing technique, but more on that later.
Take a look at the pictures, notice that these watches have both polished and brushed surfaces, both are done superbly! I would rate the finish level higher than that found on many Swiss watches such as Omega, Breitling etc. Not quite to IWC, Panerai, or JLC level but still pretty close to that level. Only five people are allowed to finish the 46mm Ananta cases.
The case itself is very solid and just screams quality and well thought out design. Although the watch is large, the curved back and integrated bracelet/straps make for an unbelievable comfortable fit! This is by far the most comfortable watch I have ever worn!
Speaking about the integrated bracelet and straps, just take a look at how well excuted these are! Notice the notches at the back to allow for easy changing! I wish Panerai had integrated straps like these! Superb quality on both the straps and bracelet, but the strap is really up there!
The movements are very well finished and pretty good amount of decoration.
There are two varieties, the regular automatics which are insane value, and the spring drives, which are just as good a value but at a bit higher of a price point. The Spring Drive watches have the smoothest moving seconds hand you have ever seen. It is just mesmerizing! I can look at it for hours.
The silver Auto keeps time within -1 to +1 seconds a day in my experience, my black dial GMT Spring drive lost 2 seconds in 10 days.
Considering the prices, value, and quality of these watches I can only imagine that the people who would look down at these are the same people who would look down at a Lexus as a repackaged Toyota (I admit to being that person but I saw the light with the 460L) personally I am enjoying both products immensely!!!
All I can say, get yourself an Ananta ASAP. you will not be sorry!
