Upgrade Presage SARX055 (Baby Snowflake) to a GS?
So, this is my first post. I've been into watches for close to 20 years but only recently started acquiring pieces over and above my long-term "daily driver", which was a 38mm Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph. I lusted after an Omega Speedmaster, but it was not in the budget. I still have the Hamilton, but I have in the last few years added a Tudor Black Bay 58 (navy blue), a Seiko Turtle Prospex PADI edition (SRPA21) and a JDM Seiko Presage (SARX055), a/k/a baby Snowflake. I purchased every one new, sight unseen, and am very happy with each one.
The Presage is now my daily. I can't get over the incredible value this watch offers. It's beautiful and comfortable with great build quality. The fit and finish are fantastic.
I cannot help, however, considering the acquisition of a Grand Seiko spring drive model. The Snowflake (SBGA211) and Cherry Blossom (SBGA413) are top of mind. All three (including the Presage) are titanium and have a similar aesthetic and dimensions. The price difference is considerable over the Presage and, movement aside, I am curious what others think of the cost differential over the "high-end" Presage. FYI, the Seiko Presage SJE073 (6L35 movement) is a nonstarter for me.
To further confuse the issue, the Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich with the new 3861 movement could beat out a GS as my next watch. After all, it is ubiquitous and the watch that inspired me to get my Hamilton.
Would love to hear opinions on this.
I think the SARX055 is absolutely stunning. You're absolutely right in that what you're getting is way above and beyond for the price. For that reason, I suspect that if you get the Snowflake or the Cherry Blossom, they might actually underwhelm you. That is, you'd end up paying ~5x or 6x the price of the SARX055, but the marginal improvement over the SARX055 is definitely not 5x or 6x.
I have a buddy who lusts after Grand Seiko watches, and can easily afford them, but he can never bring himself to buy one, because he's stuck on the value he's getting from his Seikos. He's got the SPB241 and the SPB245, and every time he looks at the White Birch or the Omiwatari, he finds that he can't pull the trigger, because there's no way he can justify to himself spending 10x what he spent on the Alpinists, for not that much more.
Folks who study "subjective well-being" have found that the human animal gets significant utility from novelty. That being the case, I would say, if you already have and greatly enjoy watches from Seiko, you may get greater utility from changing things up, and getting something totally different - like the Speedmaster.
I think the SARX055 is absolutely stunning. You're absolutely right in that what you're getting is way above and beyond for the price. For that reason, I suspect that if you get the Snowflake or the Cherry Blossom, they might actually underwhelm you. That is, you'd end up paying ~5x or 6x the price of the SARX055, but the marginal improvement over the SARX055 is definitely not 5x or 6x.
I have a buddy who lusts after Grand Seiko watches, and can easily afford them, but he can never bring himself to buy one, because he's stuck on the value he's getting from his Seikos. He's got the SPB241 and the SPB245, and every time he looks at the White Birch or the Omiwatari, he finds that he can't pull the trigger, because there's no way he can justify to himself spending 10x what he spent on the Alpinists, for not that much more.
Folks who study "subjective well-being" have found that the human animal gets significant utility from novelty. That being the case, I would say, if you already have and greatly enjoy watches from Seiko, you may get greater utility from changing things up, and getting something totally different - like the Speedmaster.
I know you are right. AND, I know, objectively,the Omega Speedmaster is the play. AND, I know that while I will find favor with the GS, I will not be able to shake the thought that the Presage is an unbelievable bargain. AND, yet I keep looking at the GS, which I will inevitably acquire...AND the Omega. Such is the addiction I guess.
I know you are right. AND, I know, objectively,the Omega Speedmaster is the play. AND, I know that while I will find favor with the GS, I will not be able to shake the thought that the Presage is an unbelievable bargain. AND, yet I keep looking at the GS, which I will inevitably acquire...AND the Omega. Such is the addiction I guess.
Brilliant! Yes! The right answer is: I will get BOTH!