Christian has a very high opinion of himself. Very high. 

Watch Gringa—my secret crush. 

This is a question I’ve thought about a lot since I recently bought the JLC Ultra Thin Moon (with the blue sunburst dial) and I tried on the Omiwatari a few weeks before when I was making my purchasing decision. Obviously, as demonstrated by my choice, I think the JLC is superior. 

The Omiwatari is impressive, but its greatest strength, the dial, is less impressive in person than it is in a video or picture with a macro lens. I do not deny that making that dial involves real artistry. But that artistry can only be appreciated up close—very close. When I viewed it at arms length (the distance that watches are made for) I could not really see or appreciate the texture of the dial. In fact, on the arm, the dial of the blue Ultra Thin Moon is more impressive because you can see and appreciate the light play.

As for the polishing, I thought they were basically equal. I know zaratsu polishing is supposed to be special, but I thought JLC’s was equal to my eye.

Then, JLC has two distinct, noticeable advantages. The first is thinness. The two watches are about equal in overall thickness (not sure of the exact measure), but the Ultra Thin Moon is an automatic (the Omiwatari is a manual wind) and it has a moonphase and date. For JLC to pack all that into a package of incredible thinness is a true marvel of engineering.

And, finally, the coup de grace is the moonphase. Personally, I can‘t think of another moonphase of any watch on the market that is so well executed—especially on the blue dial. (Though the rose gold version is pretty damn nice too!)

So, to summarize, I like Grand Seiko, and I love what they are doing. I suspect I will own one in the next few years because they are getting better all the time. But for now, I think the JLC Ultra Thin Moon is in a different class. It is the favorite watch in my collection, and when I wear it I spend half the day just staring at it with my mouth agape. 

No, that will have to wait until Xmas probably. Though I have to say, the new Speedmaster 57 with the blue dial was impressive. The pictures do not do it justice. 

I got to see in real life and try on this one recently. It was simply the nicest object I’ve ever held in my hands. I would give a kidney for it if necessary. But, alas, my wife was with me and she demands a new kitchen and new bathroom before I ever think about something like this. If I came home with this now, I would lose a part of my body other than a kidney. 
 

Nothing says I’m ready to climb Everest like Rolesor!

Wasn’t expecting to see a reference to Pareto efficiency today. Respect.