The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Another watch that I have recentely come to love is the Grand Seiko/ Spring Drive line. I used to be of the "bah it's a Seiko" mentality but having actually seen one and reading up on them I have to say they are indeed exceptional watches. Right up there with Rolex in my book. In fact I would take the Grand Seiko GMT over an Omega PO anyday. What I love is the unbelievable accuracy (+1 sec in two months according to a friend) and the mesmerising second hand movements, it actually glides across the dial, absolutely great!

I foung a video of the movement, it looks exactely like that in real life:

http://www.seikowatches.com/products/sp ... index.html


Although most models are quite fugly the GMT is absolutely stunning, the fit and finish is on par with the Rolex GMT, it has a 300M water rating and diver functions so it beats my GMT Master IIc in the nuts and its a sizable 44MM without the crown, speaking of which the crown placement is just perfect. The only thing holding me back from really considering it as a future purchase is not the higher price (5.5K) but the fact that no local AD caries them so servicing is an issue. I did see one in Dubai so maybe thats a hint at things to come.

Pics of the GMT here:

http://jholbrook.proboards33.com/index. ... 1160174775

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Certified watch nut.

That is one cool and smooth looking movement!

Unfortunately though, I'm personally a bit of a brand snob and while I've owned a couple of Seikos in the past I couldn't bring myself to pay big money for one. In much the same way that Skoda are now basically the same in terms of build as VW's and Audi's, I still couldn't wear the badge.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yeah that was me a few months back, call me after yo have seen a Spring Drive in person. As a Panerai and Seiko convert I will never be quick to discard a brand so quickly again untill I see/research them. Well except Louis Veitton maybe

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Certified watch nut.

Yep, agreed there is no substitute for handling them in person. I like Seikos (and I LOVE Panerai), but the Seiko badge is just not quite there for me as a truly prestigious brand.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

I completely agree with you, Driver. It seems you read my mind...

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I was of the same opinion about a year ago until I had the opportunity to handle a Grand Seiko and now I'm converted. I was wearing my Seamaster and a client was wearing an Grand Seiko and in comparing them I was totally caught off guard with the quality and workmanship of the GS. I would buy one without hesitation.

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Jerome

Agreed Jerome, I believe the nay sayers will be of the same mentality once they see one for themselves.

I cant blame you guys, I thought that way and understand your point of view. But trust me, Seiko can hang with the best of them. And the Grand Seikos are superior to Rolex/Omega and even dare I say it Breitling in their build quality, finish and are on par with the greats when it comes to movement. I actually am starting to think that at 5.5K its a good deal taking in all factors.

The only negative I can think of, aside from the unimpresive brand name, is that their case designs are unimaginative.

If you want people to recognise that you have an expensive watch, forget these watches. If you are looking for a diverse, buitifull impecably constructed watch: you just might find one in their line up.

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Certified watch nut.

Wow, high praise for the Grand Seikos indeed, Altair. I've just gotta check one out now!

I've owned 3 Seikos in the past and I've always thought them to be fine watches, but I've never considered them in the same breath as the top Swiss brands. But as I say I've not handled a Grand Seiko, so I'll reserve judgement until I get the chance.

PS : Just one thing though - the "Grand Seiko" lettering on the GMT model looks a little like the lettering you'd see on a German castle in a World War 2 movie!! (Or maybe it's just me! )

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Looks like a smooth movement, like a clock you plug into the wall! Wow. 72 hour power reserve, very impressive.

When I think of the name Seiko, I think of a watch sold at discount stores. I wouldn't consider them on the same level as a Swiss watchmaker. I've seen a few of their diving watches and they are nice, but it's not a brand I would purchase.

~Brian

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You guys might enjoy this Credor by Seiko video as well:

http://www.seikospringdrive.com/sonnerie/


What a complication! That must be the most beutifull sound produced by a watch ever.


And their chrono:

http://www.seikospringdrive.com/flash.html?soundOn=0

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Certified watch nut.

OK Altair you've got me with that Credor! That is pretty awesome!!!!!
Only 5 made per year.... hmmmm maybe a fraction out of reach of us mortal men though.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Agreed, awesome watches!!! From what I read they are the equal of Patek Philipe and other great Swiss watches.

Anyhoo, if that Credor does not lend Seiko the credibility of a great watch maker, nothing will.

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Certified watch nut.

If your looking for a company with all the bragging rights of being a complete "in house" shop look no further .

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Jerome

seiko is a great watch maker, totally in-house i think they even mine a lot of the steel ore and other raw materials that go into their watches. but they just get a bad rap for their low-end line and the fact they are not swiss. i was looking at some of the spring drive watches before and found a couple of beauts. i dont see myself getting one in the near future, but i definitely intend on picking one up one of these days.

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