I find the day complication to be completely unnecessary. I won't buy any watch that has it. Date is a lot more useful.

Tapered bracelets are elegant (look great, accentuate the watch's presence) and functional (save weight, wear well, doesn't affect strength of bracelet)

I suspect that Rolex came up with this to combat the ease at which their older models could be counterfeited. You'd likely need specialized tooling, a multi axis setup, and an indexer to automate the process. That's before any considerations about getting the font appearance / engraved depth right!

Agreed.

I owned a SBGH277 hi beat that I purchased at the GS boutique at Ginza. After about two years of ownership, I grew to despise the case and bracelet and ended up trading the watch.

• The case was so bulbous (sapphire case back and bezel) and angular (lugs) at the same time. It was also nearly 14mm thick, so it protruded from my wrist like some kind of awkward metal tumor.

• Although Grand Seiko prides themselves on movements, dials, and high levels of fit and finish, their bracelets are terrible. The SBGH277's bracelet was unacceptable for a $6k+ watch. In contrast, StrapCode bracelets are Seiko aftermarket replacements and are generally nicer. Omega watches at the same price point come with better bracelets. In my opinion, watch bracelets should be subdued, functional, and strong. Just enough to ensure that the watch fits your wrist comfortably and won't fall off under normal circumstances. No more, no less. At their retail price, Rolex's OP and DJ are probably the best examples of this.

• Huge watches. I don't understand why Grand Seiko keeps designing large diameter + thickness watches. Is their target audience the cast of "The Expendables"? For example (and I quote Hoodwinkee): "The SLGA023 is a complete beast. Both the case and the bracelet are made from Grand Seiko's High-Intensity Titanium and measures 43.8 mm wide, 13.8mm thick, and 51.5mm lug to lug..."

• Constant limited edition releases. This seems like a cash grab. Rather than investing time and effort into beating a dead horse, Grand Seiko should be focused on innovating and expanding their line with form + functionality improvements. Thinner movements, better bracelets, and nicer lines would be a good start.

• Limited service options. Seiko NJ has a bad reputation and nobody wants to ship their expensive GS to Japan for service and repair.