I have Omiwatari fever and a dilemma
I have, for a long time, wanted a spring drive Grand Seiko, but the sportier and bulkier cases of classic GS like the Snowflake didn't really fit with my dressier aesthetic, which is why I have now been salivating over the hand-wound SBGY007 "Omiwatari," with its 39mm dressy case and exquisitely thin profile. However, no way I can drop the coin on this right now without relinquishing another one in my repertoire of beloved dressy watches, of which the most obvious are my two-tone Cartier Santos Galbée 187901, my gold Rolex Date 1503, or my salmon Tudor Submariner 75190. I am torn. I love these watches. But I'm getting tunnel vision for the SBGY007. I dream about the thing. What do I do? What would you do?
Writer, teacher, menswear aficionado, lover of things vintage, and eternal timepiece appreciator.
As an impartial observer, I'd lose the Tudor.
As one who loves all his pieces like they were children, I'd find the Tudor a proper home & adopt the GS.
I’d keep on saving. Its not like the GS is going anywhere but if you sell one of the 3, it’ll be difficult to find a replacement in the future
The SBGY007 is awesome, and you have exquisite taste!
The good news is that the dollar is out of this world strong at the moment, and you can get absolutely screaming deals on watches from Japan at the moment. The SBGY007 is listing for over 30% off MSRP at the moment from Japanese ADs on Chrono24!!! (I, myself, have just put in an order this morning for a GS from a Japanese AD on the platform!)
Of the watches you list for potential sale, I would... man, that's a tough one...
Whoa!! What is that salmon dial Tudor!! Wow
I’d keep on saving. Its not like the GS is going anywhere but if you sell one of the 3, it’ll be difficult to find a replacement in the future
You know, I think you're right. These are all vintage pieces that are only going to get scarcer, and the Tudor sub in particular you don't see around that much (particularly since mine is one of the pretty rare ones where they'd already switched from tritium to modern lume, but before they stopped making them). Will just have to pinch some pennies!
The SBGY007 is awesome, and you have exquisite taste!
The good news is that the dollar is out of this world strong at the moment, and you can get absolutely screaming deals on watches from Japan at the moment. The SBGY007 is listing for over 30% off MSRP at the moment from Japanese ADs on Chrono24!!! (I, myself, have just put in an order this morning for a GS from a Japanese AD on the platform!)
Of the watches you list for potential sale, I would... man, that's a tough one...
Why thank you, appreciate the kind words! The current circumstance is a large part of the reason why I feel this nagging impulse to act now instead of waiting to get the GS later. Who knows when there will be a correction and the prices bounce back up.
Omiwatari is a watch thing? Phew, I thought you hadn't properly vetted a new friend.
I'd keep the three you have (but figure out a way to get this one, too).
The SBGY007 is awesome, and you have exquisite taste!
The good news is that the dollar is out of this world strong at the moment, and you can get absolutely screaming deals on watches from Japan at the moment. The SBGY007 is listing for over 30% off MSRP at the moment from Japanese ADs on Chrono24!!! (I, myself, have just put in an order this morning for a GS from a Japanese AD on the platform!)
Of the watches you list for potential sale, I would... man, that's a tough one...
Loan me $7k and I’ll get myself one 😅
Send that salmon tudor substandard upstream to spawn and get the Grand Seiko. You won't even miss that dumb ugly dive watch.
Have you tried the 007 in person? I have. I thought I was going to get it, but then I noticed whilst it is a smaller diameter and very wearble, it seems the case is somewhat round shaped instead of a nicer taper at the lugs. Is this watch case the right one for you?
Yeah I agree with the rest of the folks you should keep saving. Since emotions are running high, I would not get rid of a watch for a new one unless you were already planning on selling a specific watch. The exceptions being if buying the Grand Seiko would push your jewelry assets to be too high a percentage of your total net worth, or you know you have a compulsion and if you don't sell one to buy one, you'll end up with too many watches.
Definitely keep that Tudor! Personally I like the GS more than the Cartier and Rolex, but it's just more suited to my tastes
Seems like you would regret selling anything you already have - so take the time and save for the GS to add to the collection. If you later find you are not wearing or liking one you already have as much, then you can move it on.
#grandseiko
If it's any help to you, the yen has tanked and the US dollar is really strong, my local Seiko Boutique AD is getting watches at discounted prices and they were passing some of it on to customers. So don't feel the rush you need to buy now before prices go up. If anything you'll be able to get discounts as the fed rates keep rising 😉
I think the 3 watches you currently own are awesome! Especially the Tudor Submariner! The GS is not a limited edition, as many folks here have said, save $ for it. We all know it “hurts” but that’s part of watch collecting 🤣
Have you tried the 007 in person? I have. I thought I was going to get it, but then I noticed whilst it is a smaller diameter and very wearble, it seems the case is somewhat round shaped instead of a nicer taper at the lugs. Is this watch case the right one for you?
As a new owner of this watch (and very much enjoying it) I agree with trying it on first; I did. The case shape is rounder than you’d expect, but that’s actually why I like it.
I’d definitely save. You have a nice collection of rarities (I, for one, like the salmon Tudor sub) and the 007 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The JPY currency advantage is definitely a thing, and I took advantage of it, but I had the funds and was shopping.