Grand Seiko Chronograph

Grand Seiko Chronograph

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Discussion

Speed Badger

Original Poster:

2,667 posts

116 months

Tuesday 10th March 2015
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Hi all, I have fallen for this watch and intend to save up for it. It costs around £3500 ish, just wondered what everyone thought? It features Seiko's Spring Drive movement, which I didn't know much about but having read up on it I am astonished by it. Please clicky here if you have a spare few mins. http://www.seikowatches.com/world/technology/sprin...

Below is a description of the making of the watch.

The Grand Seiko SBGC003 Spring Drive Chronograph GMT is an example of one of the most difficult timepieces to build at Seiko's Shinshu Watch Studio, in the Nagano prefecture of Japan. The 416 part 9R86 caliber found in the SBGC003 is all constructed by hand, by only 3 craftsmen at Shinshu Watch Studio. Only capable of building 2-3 movements per day, the 9R86 contains over 50 jewels, 140 oil points, and 5 different lubricants all made in-house by Seiko. The SBGC003 also utilizes a vertical clutch and column wheel, allowing for a more precise and durable usage of the chronograph. The Grand Seiko SBGC003 Spring Drive Chronograph, once only availbale in Japan, is now available in the USA with gorgeous black matte lacquer dial and stainless steel case and bracelet.




geezerbutler

523 posts

141 months

Tuesday 10th March 2015
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Like it except for the pushers - far too large. Other than that I don't think you can go too far wrong with GS. Where are you getting it for £3500? Is that used? Jura Watches are listing that model at £7500.

Speed Badger

Original Poster:

2,667 posts

116 months

Tuesday 10th March 2015
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Yes that's used (in excellent condition though), although it's suggested retail price in the USA is $8600 which is roughly £5700, but I think the cheapest I've seen it new is around £4.5k.

funinhounslow

1,600 posts

141 months

Wednesday 11th March 2015
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I have seen Grand Seikos in the flesh and they are just beautiful and I certainly aspire to owning one one day.

I am just a little concerned about servicing costs. I was under the impression that they have to go to Japan to be serviced though this may have changed since they are now officially available in the UK.

CardShark

4,190 posts

178 months

Wednesday 11th March 2015
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When I enquired about a service through Seiko UK for my 9R65 equipped GS I was quoted a figure in the high 3 hundreds, though I'm not sure if the watch would be serviced here or it would go back to Japan - the time scale was certainly long enough for a trip around the world. I think that most current GS models can be serviced in the UK however the Spring Drive models, including my 3 hander SD, can't.

As for the chrono above, I think it's great. I'd have the champagne dialed version, but only because my current GS is black.

RobinBanks

17,540 posts

178 months

Wednesday 11th March 2015
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Very nice. That's the first Grand Seiko I've seen that I REALLY like.

Tseg

3 posts

117 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
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I've been loving this watch (and saving) for nearly 4 months to buy it. At the same time I'm torn because I'm also extremely attracted to the Rolex Exp II Polar... a very different watch (I flipped a coin with that watch a year ago when the BLNR GMT edged it out). My biggest angst about this GS is it is very tall at over 16mm. I have one watch even thicker and I had to find a different bracelet to balance out the heft and top-heaviness...but now I enjoy it and wear it comfortably. I really wished I could try it on before purchase but that opportunity is highly unlikely. I also have read many chronograph wearers, particularly with the Daytona, finding screw down pushers being a burden over time. Hard to say whether I would end up with the same reaction, because now I see them as a differentiated positive thing.

I hate being in the situation of having to flip a coin which watch to get each with such a proud price tag... as I know it would be well over another year, if ever, before I would step up and buy the other. I'm still several months away on budget, so more time to mull over this torment between the two.

sparkyhx

4,143 posts

203 months

Tuesday 31st March 2015
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geezerbutler said:
Like it except for the pushers - far too large.
ditto

Speed Badger

Original Poster:

2,667 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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I have recently sold my Megane 250 and bought a Clio 182. As you might conjure, I have some money left over. Please help me!

Do I go all out and buy one new for £5.5k from the USA or get a mint second-hand one for £3.5k. Or knock the whole thing on the head and berate myself for even thinking about spending such a ridiculous sum of money on a watch?!

CardShark

4,190 posts

178 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Speed Badger said:
I have recently sold my Megane 250 and bought a Clio 182. As you might conjure, I have some money left over. Please help me!

Do I go all out and buy one new for £5.5k from the USA or get a mint second-hand one for £3.5k. Or knock the whole thing on the head and berate myself for even thinking about spending such a ridiculous sum of money on a watch?!
Pre-owned, and remember that anything from the U.S. will be subject to tax regardless as to if it's new or not.

As for the 2nd question; if you want to and you can, then do. That, and this really is the wrong forum to ask biggrin

sad61t

1,100 posts

209 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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2H, especially if from the EU, as duty on a new one from the US will add 20% minimum.
After a few months on the wrist, will you even notice a mint one was once not 'yours'?
And, if you later decide you must have a new one, then just sell on the 2H one to help fund it.
Finally, you are on the PH watch forum, you have already succumbed to N+1 so berating yourself will only add to the pain of indecision.

Speed Badger

Original Poster:

2,667 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Yes the 2nd hand one I'm considering bidding on is located in the USA, so I've got a maximum in mind including 20% VAT and import fees. It should still work out about £2k cheaper than new.

I suppose it's only brand new before you've worn the watch once, or even further - when Mr.Seiko watchsmith has finished the last piece.

Debaser

5,665 posts

260 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Get it second hand. I got my Grand Seiko second hand, not sure I'd have enjoyed the depreciation on a brand new one very much.

grumbledoak

31,499 posts

232 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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I disagree. It's a personal thing, like underwear, and I would only buy new. Getting it for less is quite sensible though.

reggie747

129 posts

126 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Staying with Grand Seiko but not a chronograph, here's mine. Stunningly simple really.....

grumbledoak

31,499 posts

232 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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^^^ cloud9

Speed Badger

Original Poster:

2,667 posts

116 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
quotequote all
  • In a Borat voice...."it's nice!"
Yeah regarding the 2nd hand issue, I suppose I've never ever had a brand new car yet I've always felt they were mine, and the watch is in mint condition so it's not like it's been all scuffed up by someone else.

Do I put my brave trousers on?! The most I've ever spent on a watch was £400 on a second hand Tag F1, most of my watches cost about £50-£150. I guess a Grand Seiko will always be worth a certain amount smile

tertius

6,838 posts

229 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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I'd get the 2nd hand one without doubt.

1878

821 posts

162 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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reggie747 said:
Staying with Grand Seiko but not a chronograph, here's mine. Stunningly simple really.....
Superb! Model number?

And any recommendations for trusted non-UK retailers of GS?

shopper150

1,576 posts

193 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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1878 said:
reggie747 said:
Staying with Grand Seiko but not a chronograph, here's mine. Stunningly simple really.....
Superb! Model number?

And any recommendations for trusted non-UK retailers of GS?
Ditto. Please share details. model/cost/supplier?