What is going on at GS?
Disclaimer: I don't own a GS so I might be unqualified to speak about this. (But when has that ever stopped me?)
Disclaimer 2: There is a good chance I just have poor taste.
Disclaimer 3: I'm a dumihed.
First off, while I don't own a GS it's not because I dislike them. They are just out of my financial reach at the moment. But while I don't own one, I have admired many. Here on WC I see them all the time and often stop to briefly marvel at many. They're on my (very long) list of watches to acquire.
I feel like what set them apart, and was part of their appeal was the combination of simplicity and elegance. While they don't do anything ground breaking in case shape or design, they seem make up for that in attention to detail. There is the innovation and accuracy of the Spring Drive. The Zaratsu polishing is borderline legendary. And of course there are the dials. The textured dials drawing inspiration from nature are original and delicate. They are interesting without being pretentious or ostentatious.
The price point in comparison to other luxury brands seemed to deliver bang for the buck. The quiet subdued luxury also appears to be a hit with the younger crowd as I've heard on the all knowing interwebs that Grand Seiko is accounting for a large chunk of sales in that demographic. (I have no actual to hard data to confirm this). They have a clear direction that is working. All is good in the world.
But then I started seeing images from the annual horological holy pilgrimage know as Watches and Wonders. They started out okay.
But then....
WTF! Where did this come from? Is this a new direction? A one off?
Now, I know I'm going to get slammed for bashing on the tourbillion. I do understand a tourbillion is a marvel of engineering. But it's hideous.
I get it that tastes are varied. And not everyone is going to like the same thing. Someone out there loves this
And more power to them. But to me it looks like GS are reaching. These releases feel forced. Like GS is trying too hard. But then again, maybe they aren't trying to appeal to me.
Admittedly, I could be wrong. I'm wrong a lot. Am I wrong?
Just a watch dumi hoping to learn stuff
Those new releases is just them flexing their muscles and trying to reach another audience. The way I see it.
Those new releases is just them flexing their muscles and trying to reach another audience. The way I see it.
Sure, I can see that. Trying to say "we can do that too". I'm just not sure why they would want to. Bragging rights maybe?
Sure, I can see that. Trying to say "we can do that too". I'm just not sure why they would want to. Bragging rights maybe?
Trying to reach that deep pocket crowd 😂
More then that I don't just think it's Grand Seiko saying "Look, I can do that too" as much as it is them saying "Anything you can do I can do better". Pretty much on par with everything they've done do far. I feel like they have a history of outperforming the rest of the industry. For example that tourbillon is one of the most beautiful skeleton watches I have seen and I wish they did the blue corundum instead if the red with more of their timepieces. If you compare their offerings this year against what Rolex considered new this year they really made a huge impression on the industry if you ask me. I'm a huge fan. With their pricepoints it's really hard to compete with them.
Yep, I think they have established a strong core collection by now and have great following from the crowd. At this point is more of a show off of their capabilities of the extreme, maybe to "scare" the competition of what they might be capable of 😅
That’s to cater to Invicta markets 🤣
More then that I don't just think it's Grand Seiko saying "Look, I can do that too" as much as it is them saying "Anything you can do I can do better". Pretty much on par with everything they've done do far. I feel like they have a history of outperforming the rest of the industry. For example that tourbillon is one of the most beautiful skeleton watches I have seen and I wish they did the blue corundum instead if the red with more of their timepieces. If you compare their offerings this year against what Rolex considered new this year they really made a huge impression on the industry if you ask me. I'm a huge fan. With their pricepoints it's really hard to compete with them.
We'll have to agree to disagree on the beauty of the skeletonized tourbillion. I can respect and appreciate its mechanical prowess. As Al said in an early comment, a single-axis constant force tourbillion running at 4Hz has never done before and is an engineering and manufacturing marvel. But beauty is subjective. It's mostly a matter of opinion. And perhaps I don't have enough engineer in me, but my opinion is that it's hideous. But I can also concede that my opinion might be in the minority and also is irrelevant.
Yep, I think they have established a strong core collection by now and have great following from the crowd. At this point is more of a show off of their capabilities of the extreme, maybe to "scare" the competition of what they might be capable of 😅
I suppose you need to flex 💪🏼 on occasion to keep everyone's attention. And I'm assuming this is a one off and not a new direction. But like I mentioned in the post, to me it feels forced. It's like watching young children play dress up.
That’s to cater to Invicta markets 🤣
😂🤣 They are going to need to do a 99% off sale to get the attention of the Invicta crowd.
😂🤣 They are going to need to do a 99% off sale to get the attention of the Invicta crowd.
If they do !! Count me in I’ll buy one !! Or two !! 🤣
Ha! If I remember, last year, GS released something like 73 new models, while Swiss brands might do 4 or 5? That's the power of Seiko's lean manufacturing. You can put out a ton of variety, in order to meet the tastes of the incredibly varied buying public.
It's the difference between Network Television and Netflix. Network Television was notorious for pilots, followed by intense focus group testing, etc., etc. They have to get every single show just right. Because they've got limited time slots in their live schedules. Think of it as analogous to "inflexible manufacturing."
Netflix, meanwhile, has creators make hundreds upon hundreds of shows, and then Netflix just dumps 'em out there, and sees what hits and what doesn't. They don't pretend to know what is really going to capture people's attention. And, as a result, you sometimes get "Haters Back Off." Never heard of it? Me neither. Probably an indication of how terrible the show is. But, other times, you get "Squid Game."
Unlike Network Television, Netflix's philosophy is "let a thousand flowers bloom." And it works.
That's GS's philosophy as well!
I looked it up Grand Seiko did release 73 new models in 2023. And that was 5 less than the 78 new models the introduced in 2022. That's freaking absurd!
So basically, it's kind of like the spaghetti test method. Just throw it at the wall and see what sticks? Honestly it's not a bad plan. Something might surprise you. And looking back I suppose it's worked well for them up to this point.