A person’s wristwatch says a lot about the person, that is why people pay close attention to the brands of watches they wear. Grand Seiko, as a watch brand, has generated a lot of talks.
The quality and exclusivity that Grand Seiko watches represent make it a much-beloved brand among wristwatch lovers.
Is Grand Seiko worth It? Yes, buying a Grand Seiko wristwatch is worth its cost. The Grand Seiko wristwatches have an interesting history, exceptional craftsmanship, and excellent movements. If you want to make an understated statement of elegance and good taste, a Grand Seiko wristwatch is worth its cost.
Seiko, the company that manufactures Grand Seiko, rose from seemingly nothing to compete with the big Swiss watches. Do you want to know how these wristwatches earned their name in the watch market? You have come to the right place.
What Is So Special About Grand Seiko?
Beyond the luxury attached to the brand, Grand Seiko is distinguished from other brands by the quality of its finishing, its craftsmanship, and its history.
An Interesting History
The first Grand Seiko was manufactured as a result of the inability of Seiko to penetrate the luxury watch market of the time.
Suwa, one of the divisions of Seiko, was entrusted with the task of producing the literal best wristwatch that they can. The Grand Seiko brand was born with a classic three-hand model that was widely accepted.
Grand Seiko has continued to improve on the quality of its brand by consistently keeping up with the pace or setting the pace in the luxury watch market. In 1964, Seiko entered the international Neuchatel chronometer testing.
This observatory rated the movement of a wristwatch against other watches. While Grand Seiko didn’t do so well in the first trials, they were able to get to the top ten before the chronometer competition was cut short.
Awarded Best Mechanical Wristwatch
The Grand Seiko went on to prove itself at a similar Geneva competition where it came 4th after prototype quartz, which came 1st to 3rd. This achievement makes Grand Seiko the best mechanical wristwatch obtaining at the time.
This brand has continued to replicate history in all its wristwatches by being the best you can get in the market.
The Best Movements
The spring drive movement is one of the proofs of their consistency. This movement combines the 1960s Grand Seiko mechanical assembly with a high tech tri-synchro regulator.
The result of this technology is an almost mechanical wristwatch that doesn’t use batteries but gets it’s energy from a mainspring, yet with better accuracy than you will get from most quartz wristwatches.
The mechanical and quartz movements of the Grand Seiko brand are also easily the best in the market. Grand Seiko quartz movements, known as 9F, are super accurate.
With the least accurate rated for 10 seconds yearly and the most accurate 5 seconds yearly, Grand Seiko 9F cannot simply be pushed aside.
The mechanical movements by Grand Seiko are simple, accurate, and reliable. The oldest division of the brand does not fail to represent what the brand stands for in an elegant combination of tradition and technology.
Grand Seiko uses all the traditional materials for these wristwatches, but only after having used technology to improve them vastly.
Beautiful In-House Craftsmanship
Apart from its intriguing history and advanced tech movement, one of the extraordinary things about Grand Seiko is its craftsmanship. Grand Seiko has stayed true to the traditional method of watch polishing, adjustment, and assembly.
Master watchmakers use a ‘zaratsu’ technique – which is derived from an ancient sword-making technique – to polish all parts of every Grand Seiko wristwatch.
The assembly of the wristwatch is also done manually by master wristwatch makers. The adjustment and testing of the watch note all 5 positions required by COSC, including a 6th, which helps compensate for the effects of gravity. This process takes up to 17 days.
Grand Seiko Is Like No Other
You wondered what makes Grand Seiko wristwatches so unique. Well, here you have it in three phrases that do not do the wristwatches enough justice – incredible history, accurate movements, and beautiful craftsmanship.
The human touch of its craftsmanship, the accurate high tech movements, and the beautiful history that you can still see in each wristwatch are some of the reasons why watch lovers can’t stop drooling over Grand Seiko.
Is Grand Seiko Better Than Rolex?
The simple answer to this question is yes. A Grand Seiko watch is better than a Rolex watch. While Rolex has built a brand that is high-end, easily recognized, and expensive, Grand Seiko has built a brand that produces some of the best watches you can find in the world.
A Better Insight Through History
History will give you a little insight into why this answer is true. Grand Seiko, a brand from Seiko, was established in 1960 with the sole aim of competing with the best watches in the world.
Rolex was not in the category of best watches at that time. Rolex, which was started in 1954, was created as a tool watch for measuring time underwater. The watch cost a total of $150 then.
The Japanese based Grand Seiko was created for much more. Grand Seiko is a wristwatch with more technical accuracy and elegant finishing than a Rolex.
In the Rolex collection, the Datejust is probably one of the models that can compete against Grand Seiko models.
The more popular GMT Master and Submariner do not even come close. The dial finishing on Grand Seiko is also infinitely better than that of a Rolex.
The automatic movement of Rolex watches is indeed great. However, they do not compare well against the mix of tradition and technology in Grand Seiko watches.
In retrospect, it is unfair to compare these two brands as they are designed and aimed for different audiences and tastes.
Making A Final Decision
If you are wondering which of the watches to go for, the answer is straightforward. Just ask yourself, “what matters most?” If you want a straightforward statement and quick social recognition, you should go for a Rolex wristwatch.
However, you want quality and a wristwatch that has been acclaimed to be able to live longer than its owner; you should go for a Grand Seiko wristwatch.
Why Are Grand Seiko So Good?
Seiko set out to create a brand that beats or at the very least, competes favorably against the giant Swiss watchmakers. Any expert will agree that they have been able to achieve this aim. So, what makes Grand Seiko so good?
The Finishing:
The detailed quality of the finishing of Grand Seiko is one of the factors that sets it apart from other watches.
The Movement:
With the three divisions of movements in the brand models, you can get any movement in a Grand Seiko watch. You can also be assured that no matter the movement division, it is one of the best in the watch market.
Smooth Dials:
The hand-made assembly of Grand Seiko and its in-house materials make for some of the best dials on a wristwatch.
The History:
The titillating history of the Japanese brand makes it a coveted brand with watch collectors.
It is the combination of these features that make a Grand Seiko so good. However, a good wristwatch doesn’t always equal a valuable one. Let’s look into the value of a Grand Seiko wristwatch.
Do Grand Seiko Hold Value?
While the Seiko name might be associated with cheap watches, Grand Seiko is quite different. However, it takes a genuinely knowledgeable person to know this fact.
Grand Seiko is a name associated with quality, but not even all watch collectors recognize it. It will take an expert to understand the distinguishing value of a Grand Seiko.
However, you don’t have to wait until you gather all the expert knowledge of recognizing a quality watch. We have highlighted some of the reasons why Grand Seiko is a valuable wristwatch.
It Is A Brand That Keeps Improving:
Grand Seiko watches keep getting better. From the first Grand Seiko watch in 1960, Grand Seiko has continued experimenting with various materials and technology.
The Grand Seiko Spring Drive in 2004, which combined the better qualities of a mechanical watch and the accuracy of quartz, is a testament to this fact. The most recent improvement is the Hi-beat technology of 2014, beating at 36,000vph.
It Is Better Than Some Of Swiss’ Finest:
Grand Seiko has started to become more recognizable with the accolades and awards which prove it is better than some of Swiss’ finest. Grand Seiko won the “Petite Aiguille” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
They also won the European Watch of The Year award in the category of watches from £2,500 to £8,500.
Grand Seiko Is Easy To Find:
You don’t have to go all the way to Japan to get a Grand Seiko anymore. Since 2010, they have expanded their market network to markets worldwide. So, you can get the luxury you deserve without stress.
It Is An Old Name In The Game:
Grand Seiko has proven its value and standard over the sands of time. Far older than some of its Swiss competition, the Japanese company has been making timepieces since 1895. The company has been making mechanical wristwatches since 1913, while Grand Seiko debuted in 1960.
Grand Seiko Undergoes Thorough Inspection:
One of the traditions that built the value of Grand Seiko Watches is the inspection standard. The hand made watches are subjected to rigorous examinations that last up to 17 days. These exams are more intense than those done at COSC, which is the Swiss chronometer certification body.
Grand Seiko Makes Every Part Themselves:
All parts that go into the Grand Seiko watches are made by a vertically integrated manufacturer in-house. Features like the balance wheels and hairsprings are all made in Japan by skilled watchmakers.
It Is In A Class Of Its Own:
Grand Seiko has a renowned status of its own amongst horological aficionados. If you want to make a statement of knowledge of the best and elegant watches, you should get a Grand Seiko wristwatch.
Grand Seiko is absolutely a valuable watch for social statements and durable work situations. Still in doubt as to whether you should buy a Grand Seiko over the numerous well-known Swiss watches? We have given some details that will help along with your decision.
Should I buy A Grand Seiko Over A Swiss Watch?
Not many people will choose the Japanese made Grand Seiko over the widely talked about Swiss watches. Well, do not just make a hasty decision just yet. There are certain factors you should consider before you buy a Grand Seiko or a Swiss Watch.
Your Finances
Before you get a Grand Seiko or a Swiss Watch, you should take a candid look at your finances. Grand Seiko is generally cheaper than most Swiss watches, and you will arguably get the same value.
However, if there will be any reason for you to resell your watch, it might be easier for you to resell a Swiss Watch than a Grand Seiko. Reasons being that Swiss brands are already prominent names which are known to be expensive, while a Seiko is often looked upon as cheap though that is not always the case.
Social Status
Depending on your social status and circle, you can either buy a Grand Seiko or a Swiss Watch. Swiss watches are popular among the rich and extravagant. A Grand Seiko with its understated style might not easily be recognized in those circles.
However, if you walk with true watch lovers, a Grand Seiko alludes to good taste. And if you have good taste regardless of being rich and flamboyant, a Grand Seiko is a watch you should consider adding to your collection.
Your Intended Use
Most Grand Seiko watches work incredibly well in formal situations. Swiss watches are often a more flashy style, which you might prefer for more social outings. Your intended use for the watch you desire will dictate which brand model you go for.
Technical Advantages
Grand Seiko has certain technical advantages over Swiss watches. The spring drive technology is one of the technological advantages that Grand Seiko has over Swiss watches. However, the differences are only slight.
The answer to whether you should buy a Grand Seiko or Swiss watches is pretty simple – “Do what is best for you.” If you decide Grand Seiko is what you desire, you might want to know the best model of Grand Seiko to go for.
What Is The Best Grand Seiko Watch?
The best Grand Seiko watch is the Grand Seiko SBGA293. The features on this wristwatch are what make it our choice for best Grand Seiko Watch.
The spring drive movement of this Grand Seiko watch is one of the latest innovations of the brand.
You can look out for these features on the watch.
- 9R65 Caliber that uses 30 jewels
- White dial with no numerals
- Sapphire crystal glass with inner anti-reflective coating
- Stainless steel casing
- See-through back cover that shows the inner workings of the timepiece
- 72 hours power reserve with an indicator on the dial
- Black crocodile skin strap that is elegant
- Comfortable 85-gram weight
- Date display at the 3 o’clock position
- Threefold clasp with a push-button release
- Water-resistant for up to 100 meters or 330 feet
- A solid 3 years worldwide guarantee
Grand Seiko SBGA293 is a perfect example of the elegance and excellent technology that the brand is known for. This wristwatch works perfectly for work and casual environment.
If this wristwatch does not work for you, though, you can check out these other wristwatches from Grand Seiko.
- The Calibre 9S – SBGR311
- The Spring Drive – Snowflake SBGA211G
- The Calibre 9F – SBGV238
- The Hi-Beat – SBGH267
- The GMT – SBGJ203
- The Chronograph – SBGC201
- The Grand Seiko – SBGW253