Grand Seiko SBGR051

[Baco Noir]

I can feel the wheels turning and I'm guessing Basel is too far away!

[carl]

Feb 1, 2016 20:35:44 GMT -6 Baco Noir said:

I can feel the wheels turning and I'm guessing Basel is too far away!

 Well, I am desperately trying to be patient. And I don't want the fact that I can actually get the GS now if I really want to, to affect my decision. After trying on both the GS and the Globemaster today, I have a feeling that the GS is going to win out. And I have to admit, that kind of bugs me. It really is a bonus that they actually had the GS and I was able to try it on.

[CHIP]

It pains me to say it, but I've lost interest in Omega. In my eyes, and I am often wrong, they almost lost their way and are now firing in all directions hoping something sticks.
That's just my take though. The Speedy Pro will forever be their main claim to fame.
Now I'm not saying you should buy the GS, or Not buy the Omega.
They are both emotional purchases, so my opinion is relevant only to myself.

[Baco Noir]

I'm hopeful for Omega at Basel after hearing that they may be reducing some thickness on cases. Would love to know more info on this rumor, but haven't seen any yet.

[carl]

Feb 1, 2016 20:58:09 GMT -6 CHIP said:

It pains me to say it, but I've lost interest in Omega. In my eyes, and I am often wrong, they almost lost their way and are now firing in all directions hoping something sticks.
That's just my take though. The Speedy Pro will forever be their main claim to fame.
Now I'm not saying you should buy the GS, or Not buy the Omega.
They are both emotional purchases, so my opinion is relevant only to myself.

Well, I can't say I've lost interest, but I think that I have picked away at, and tried, just about every model that interests me. From what my discussions have been at the Boutique, it seems more like now they are going to concentrate more on updating various models - like DeVille and Planet Ocean - with the newly certified movements and other minor changes. Hopefully, for a lot of people, a bit thinner on some models as well.

I had a really good discussion with the Sales Associate at the Boutique today. Been going there for so long and know them so well, that I feel I can talk about anything. I had my Rolex Air-King with me on the way to be put on consignment, wearing my GS Hi-Beat, and trying on the Globemaster again. Mentioning my present dilemma - which is not a negative in any way - in choosing between the Globemaster and the GS. I feel that, in many cases, the fit, finish and accuracy of the GS is at least equal to, or above that of Rolex and Omega. Mentioning as well that I am not going to buy an Omega only because I am a supporter of the Boutique or the brand. While the Master Chronometer and new certification is a big deal, the GS models I have had so far have all surpassed in accuracy any Omega I have had. In the end, it really matters little to me whether the watch is METAS or COSC certified. And admittedly the anti-magnetic properties of the new movements are impressive, but they are not deal makers or breakers to me.

Lately, the emotional side of me has really tended towards the Grand Seiko. Personally, I have yet to see the level of finishing in any other watch I have looked at with the intent of possible purchase. I absolutely love that most of their models have no lume, for the most part I find it only gets in the way of the aesthetics of the watch. As you said, Chip, just sitting and watching the light play on the different facets of the watch is entertainment in itself. Same holds true for me, though, with the hesalite crystal on the Speedy. And I love the way the Seamaster 300 has markers on the dial that are all lume. But there is something about all the polishing and other finishing techniques used in the GS models that really captivates me.

Always having said that a watch is the ultimate form of jewelry, for the type of watch I like most - which is as simple as possible - the GS seems to be winning out. And I say that without even considering the price factor. Simply hard to beat at any price. And I find it greatly appealing that the Grand Seiko community especially here on the forums, is really quite small. And yet the brand appears to be widely respected by aficionados of every other watch brand.