Microbrand Grand Seiko for $300 ?!?!

ChronoGuy

Just saw Gnomon's ad today for this Hitori Habuka 39 Ocean Blue for just under $300...I know it's only an Japanese NH35 and made in China, but I just could not resist...this was like catnip...

So what do all of you GS collectors think? 

Are you offended? Does this excite you?

And to those of you who want a GS but the budget doesn't allow...a good alternative to pacify the desire?

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I had to post this since there are so many on the Crunch who are GS fans.

Here are some more images...

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Here's the link:

https://www.gnomonwatches.com/search?q=habuki&type=product

#grandseiko #dials #gnomon #dresswatch #microbrand
Reply
Edge168n
·

Honestly, this sort of stuff is great!  I love how modern manufacturing techniques take down the price of things.

No doubt if you're expecting exactly a grand seiko experience at 1/15 the price you're going to be disappointed, but there's such pleasure in cheap watches with great dials.

Mr.Dee.Bater
·

I've said this before, and I'll say it again...  if someone can make dials and indices sparkle as brightly as GS, but for less money, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

  • I got really excited when I learned that Bulova had a sweeping seconds movement technology, and then went to their site to check out their Precisionist line...  and, well, a picture is worth a thousand words...
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  • If the dial on this is genuinely as good as what GS does, then I'm down!!!  
  • Unfortunately, my experience thus far is that as good as the Chinese homages are, they still don't make dials that really compare - for example, they make a White Birch homage, which I bought...  it's very, very different

But, if someone is willing to test out this microbrand, and finds that it's just as good, I'm happy to sell my collection and start getting these instead!

Velomax
·
Mr.Dee.Bater

I've said this before, and I'll say it again...  if someone can make dials and indices sparkle as brightly as GS, but for less money, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

  • I got really excited when I learned that Bulova had a sweeping seconds movement technology, and then went to their site to check out their Precisionist line...  and, well, a picture is worth a thousand words...
Image
  • If the dial on this is genuinely as good as what GS does, then I'm down!!!  
  • Unfortunately, my experience thus far is that as good as the Chinese homages are, they still don't make dials that really compare - for example, they make a White Birch homage, which I bought...  it's very, very different

But, if someone is willing to test out this microbrand, and finds that it's just as good, I'm happy to sell my collection and start getting these instead!

What the hell is that?  That watch could make a Navitimer owner dizzy. 4 sub dials really? Exposed hardware, just because AP did it.  That Precisionist is the first watch to make me consider an apple watch.

ChronoGuy
·
Mr.Dee.Bater

I've said this before, and I'll say it again...  if someone can make dials and indices sparkle as brightly as GS, but for less money, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

  • I got really excited when I learned that Bulova had a sweeping seconds movement technology, and then went to their site to check out their Precisionist line...  and, well, a picture is worth a thousand words...
Image
  • If the dial on this is genuinely as good as what GS does, then I'm down!!!  
  • Unfortunately, my experience thus far is that as good as the Chinese homages are, they still don't make dials that really compare - for example, they make a White Birch homage, which I bought...  it's very, very different

But, if someone is willing to test out this microbrand, and finds that it's just as good, I'm happy to sell my collection and start getting these instead!

God that Bulova is awful!

I'm sure somebody loves it, but it makes my head hurt just looking at it.

ChronoGuy
·
Mr.Dee.Bater

I've said this before, and I'll say it again...  if someone can make dials and indices sparkle as brightly as GS, but for less money, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

  • I got really excited when I learned that Bulova had a sweeping seconds movement technology, and then went to their site to check out their Precisionist line...  and, well, a picture is worth a thousand words...
Image
  • If the dial on this is genuinely as good as what GS does, then I'm down!!!  
  • Unfortunately, my experience thus far is that as good as the Chinese homages are, they still don't make dials that really compare - for example, they make a White Birch homage, which I bought...  it's very, very different

But, if someone is willing to test out this microbrand, and finds that it's just as good, I'm happy to sell my collection and start getting these instead!

I'll make sure to share a WRUW when the watch arrives. Not expecting too much for $300, but I can't resist experimenting every now and then to test the waters.

Ichibunz
·
Edge168n

Honestly, this sort of stuff is great!  I love how modern manufacturing techniques take down the price of things.

No doubt if you're expecting exactly a grand seiko experience at 1/15 the price you're going to be disappointed, but there's such pleasure in cheap watches with great dials.

Something is weird this is maybe the third or fourth thread I’m agreeing with you 🤔🤯😉

Edge168n
·
Ichibunz

Something is weird this is maybe the third or fourth thread I’m agreeing with you 🤔🤯😉

You have great taste and, much like me, are also probably an excessively handsome man.  I'll bet you have fantastic hair as well ;)

Ichibunz
·
Edge168n

You have great taste and, much like me, are also probably an excessively handsome man.  I'll bet you have fantastic hair as well ;)

great minds think alike and also with great hair!  Indeed 🍻

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thekris
·
Mr.Dee.Bater

I've said this before, and I'll say it again...  if someone can make dials and indices sparkle as brightly as GS, but for less money, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

  • I got really excited when I learned that Bulova had a sweeping seconds movement technology, and then went to their site to check out their Precisionist line...  and, well, a picture is worth a thousand words...
Image
  • If the dial on this is genuinely as good as what GS does, then I'm down!!!  
  • Unfortunately, my experience thus far is that as good as the Chinese homages are, they still don't make dials that really compare - for example, they make a White Birch homage, which I bought...  it's very, very different

But, if someone is willing to test out this microbrand, and finds that it's just as good, I'm happy to sell my collection and start getting these instead!

It would take several thousand words to describe that...thing.

thekris
·
Velomax

What the hell is that?  That watch could make a Navitimer owner dizzy. 4 sub dials really? Exposed hardware, just because AP did it.  That Precisionist is the first watch to make me consider an apple watch.

There's actually a 5th sub-dial on the back.

thekris
·

I'm down.  There's a lot more than looks that we love about watches, but if we're being honest, it's mostly looks.

MinnKonaMike
·

I'm diggin it!! The white sold out right away. Is Hitori watches the Gnomon house brand??

MinnKonaMike
·
Velomax

What the hell is that?  That watch could make a Navitimer owner dizzy. 4 sub dials really? Exposed hardware, just because AP did it.  That Precisionist is the first watch to make me consider an apple watch.

"SHOTS FIRED"

ChronoGuy
·
MinnKonaMike

I'm diggin it!! The white sold out right away. Is Hitori watches the Gnomon house brand??

Best I can figure it's an in-house Gnomon brand - they say "independent" brand but nowhere else sold but Gnomon...so if it walks like a duck...

ChronoGuy
·

OK Guys...here is the update...watch received and fitted...

Some quick observations...

  1.  How can Hitori/Gnomon price a watch at $300 and not only have solid end-links, milled clasp with six adjustment holes, drilled lugs, and screwed-in links? This puts to shame so many watch brands that are still using the obnoxious pin/collar system and pressed clasp - yes I'm talking to you Seiko, Zodiac, and so many others.
  2.  The dial on this watch is gorgeous and all of the indices are applied as is the logo and the frame for the date complication...again, if a $300 watch can do this...
  3.  Bracelet is excellent...but the clasp protector is a bit stiff...minor quibble
  4.  Polishing is perfect...like a mirror (you can see me and my red shirt on the bezel in the photo)
  5.  Sapphire crystal is clear and incredibly anti-reflective without excessive blueing
  6.  Blued second hand is a nice extra touch of class
  7.  Japanese Seiko NH35 movement running spot on
  8.  What don't I like about this watch? Absolutely nothing (except that stiff clasp protector)

Here it is on the wrist...

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Verdict: No this is not a Grand Seiko killer...but for $300 you would be crazy to pass this one up. Definitely stocking stuffer material or hanukkah gift worthy.