Thoughts?

Dude!  Either watch is going to be an absolutely AWESOME addition.

Below are some potential considerations with regard to the Speedmaster:

• You're getting one of the most iconic watches in all of history.  So, the question one has to ask oneself is "how deeply does history and heritage resonate with me?"  I would say that if you're a huge history or space buff, then there's no question which is the right choice
• However, in terms of specs, the Speedmaster only has 21,600 vph, and the stuttering on the seconds hand / chronograph seconds really is noticeable.  And, even with the reduced beat rate, it still only gets 50 hours of power reserve
• On the other hand, I can't think of a more beautiful movement to look at, within this price range, if you're thinking of getting the sapphire sandwich

Below are some considerations with regard to the Rikka:

• It is beyond gorgeous.  The diamond polished indices are faceted in such a way that they will reflect light in the most amazing way under all conditions
• Obviously, the dial is to kill for
• You're also getting just mind-blowing capabilities:  36,000 vph with 55-hour power reserve!  The seconds hand sweeps incredibly smoothly
• Finally, GS only make something like 80,000 watches a year.  If you want something truly unique, then that's the Rikka.  Omega makes somewhere on the order of 500,000 watches a year, and a great many of those sold are the Speedmaster.  Almost certainly, you will nearly never come across another GS in the wild, much less a Rikka.  And, if like me, you like to fly under the radar, if anybody ever does notice your GS, and they ask you what it is, you simply say, "Oh, it's a Seiko," and awkward conversation deflected!

Both are amazing!  You have good taste, sir!

Thank you so much for the input! All are great points, but its that last one on the GS being a bit more unique and flying under the radar that are resonating me most right now.

I have time to think on it… just one of those times where you’re  very certain you have your heart set on something and then all of a sudden something new and very different walks in and changes playing field. 😂 

Appreciate it again! 🍻

Like you said, at the end of the day it's up to you - but I'll be honest, this is a super tough one. I one day hope to have both, a Speedmaster and a GS Snowflake in my collection. I've tried on several Grand Seikos and I was afraid they wouldn't live up to their albeit fairly fresh yet well-founded reputation...they did not disappoint!

If push came to shove, and mind you I'm hoping to own the Silver Snoopy 50th (I know I know) I'd go with the Omega. My 2 cents 👍 enjoy the fun that is the internal turmoil my friend!

@bevelwerks as others have said: you can’t really go wrong with either. They both appeal to you and imo they both look fab. I think the GS is definitely more unique but possibly less versatile (all depends on your own personal style). The Speedy is more common but the new bracelet has elevated it significantly. People have moaned about the price increase of the new Speedys but for years they were heavily undervalued at retail. They have just been corrected accordingly. Good luck in your choice and let us know what you decide to go with!

I was in the same dilemma as you! I was stuck between the speedmaster 3861 and the GS sbga413 (cherry blossom). Just my 2 cent, I went with the watch that fit my wrist better, I found that the cherry blossom had a lot slender of a profile and suited my tiny 6.25" wrist. Ultimately really happy with my choice!

tough choice! you cannot go wrong with either. Do you want to always wind your watch? Do you care for water resistance? The speedmaster is a strap monster and the 21mm lug width on my spring GS drives me nuts! I love the new 3861 bracelet and I get a better fit with it vs the GS bracelet. But if I had to downsize my collection to 1 watch, I would keep my GS over my speedy because I like the GS more.

So my thoughts aren't really helping you decide 😜. Good luck! Both are amazing watches.

I would go with the Speedmaster as I currently lack a chronograph in my collection and I already have a GS SBGA415 Winter.  The question for you is which watch compliments your collection and which one do you think you will get the most use out of.  

I plan to get a speedmaster next year, so I am a bit biased. Yet based off how you reacted to seeing the GS it sounds like that is the watch for you. Maybe give yourself a month or two and try it one a few more times to make sure that “wow” moment wasn’t a one off experience, but it definitely sounds like this is the watch for you

I'd go speedmaster if you don't already have one, or lots of other Chronos.  That will anchor your collection and be very versatile.

For example, a speedy would be my 1st or 2nd purchase, GS more like the 4th or 5th. Grand Seiko will probably release 20 watches this year, the last moon watch update was 25 years ago. 

Can you imagine that Rikka with a gold case though🤔

Photoshop is what imaginations are for 😂

I do like the use of the gold indices on the original as a means to warm the dial - like patina’d lume on some dive watches.

You designed an avatar for your Profile page that has a chrono in it.  You have given us well lit shots of chronographs in your monstrous watch box.  Some of your chronographs smell distinctly of coffee. It really isn't a choice, is it?

It is ok to be GS curious.  That can be your next next watch.

Omg, I would take that over a gold day-date 🤩. 

We need to send this to GS