The importance of seeing it “in the metal”
Went to visit a local AD today and wanted to try on the US Grand Seiko spring drive gmt autumn Kanro as I’ve had my eye on it for a while now and was gearing up to purchase it.
It is an absolutely stunning watch and perfectly balanced and executed….however….I felt nothing for it. Just goes to show, seeing it in the metal is an important part of the buying decision process and one I plan to enforce for anything over $1000…
What watches surprised you the most when you saw it in the metal? Both positively and negatively???
Photo for context
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It's been my experience that the majority of watches look different in person than they do in photos or videos, regardless of the quality of the media. I also find that they usually look better in person, unlike your experience with the Grand Seiko.
In many instances, it can be due to the way that the light plays with the surfaces. A friend of mine has a Vacheron Cornes De Vache from their Historiques collection. In photos, it looks like a nice enough watch, but in person it is absolutely stunning with the different dial textures, and the way that the minute track contrasts with the rest of the dial.
I also find that even in person, a watch can look different when seen on the wrist of someone else versus on your own wrist. That can be attributed to a variety of factors - skin tone, wrist size and shape, or just the difference in the visual perspective.
In addition to the visual differences, it's also really important to be able to try the watch on your own wrist. I always admired the Speedmaster Racing, but with a diameter of 44.25mm, I had always written it off as something that was simply too large for my 170mm (6.75") wrist. A friend of mine brought one to a recent meetup, so I had a chance to try it on, and quickly discovered that even thought it's large, it doesn't wear as large as the specs suggest. It's now part of my collection, something that never would have happened if I didn't have the opportunity to try it on. The white dial on that same watch is also another example of how the dial can look so different in person depending on how the light strikes it. When viewed straight on, the sub dials appear bright white, but at an angle, they appear like silver - adding a considerable amount of visual appeal in my opinion.
It's been my experience that the majority of watches look different in person than they do in photos or videos, regardless of the quality of the media. I also find that they usually look better in person, unlike your experience with the Grand Seiko.
In many instances, it can be due to the way that the light plays with the surfaces. A friend of mine has a Vacheron Cornes De Vache from their Historiques collection. In photos, it looks like a nice enough watch, but in person it is absolutely stunning with the different dial textures, and the way that the minute track contrasts with the rest of the dial.
I also find that even in person, a watch can look different when seen on the wrist of someone else versus on your own wrist. That can be attributed to a variety of factors - skin tone, wrist size and shape, or just the difference in the visual perspective.
In addition to the visual differences, it's also really important to be able to try the watch on your own wrist. I always admired the Speedmaster Racing, but with a diameter of 44.25mm, I had always written it off as something that was simply too large for my 170mm (6.75") wrist. A friend of mine brought one to a recent meetup, so I had a chance to try it on, and quickly discovered that even thought it's large, it doesn't wear as large as the specs suggest. It's now part of my collection, something that never would have happened if I didn't have the opportunity to try it on. The white dial on that same watch is also another example of how the dial can look so different in person depending on how the light strikes it. When viewed straight on, the sub dials appear bright white, but at an angle, they appear like silver - adding a considerable amount of visual appeal in my opinion.
The exact thing happened with this omega chronoscope! wrote it off once I saw 43mm. But to be honest it might make it into my collection at some point. Was extremely and pleasantly surprised once I tried it on!
One of my favorite things to is to browse all different watches online. I figured if it looks good online, it‘ll look good in person. I’ve learned that it’s not always the case. About a month ago, I went watch shopping with a friend of mine and we went to various boutiques. I must say that some watches that I really was interested in beforehand didn‘t look as appealing when I saw them in person. I still have an appreciation for those watches, but I realized that they weren’t for me. My takeaway from that day was that as appealing as it is to buy from pictures on the internet, I should see and try on a watch before purchasing it, especially if it’s going to cost a significant amount of money.
Similarly, my AD somehow had a snowflake in stock. The watch was perfect... but the bracelet... Titanium just didn't seem like the right choice, it was too light. I knew in my head it was a good stout bracelet but I couldn't shake the cheap feeling. Good news was I'm about 6 grand short of being able to afford one, so no missed opportunities!
Similarly, my AD somehow had a snowflake in stock. The watch was perfect... but the bracelet... Titanium just didn't seem like the right choice, it was too light. I knew in my head it was a good stout bracelet but I couldn't shake the cheap feeling. Good news was I'm about 6 grand short of being able to afford one, so no missed opportunities!
Didn't stop me buying it...lol....but yeah, my Lorier Hyperion bracelet seriously outshines the Snowflake, especially considering the simple nature of the clasp
I agree, I went to GS boutique to buy the sbgh295 but it just it didn’t do it for me. I didn’t have the same feeling as when I bought the sbga413. Asked if they had the WB or Minamo and they happen to have both. They both look much better in person then in pictures. I walked out with the Minamo and could’t be happier .
Didn't stop me buying it...lol....but yeah, my Lorier Hyperion bracelet seriously outshines the Snowflake, especially considering the simple nature of the clasp
I'm really impressed by Lorier. For a person just starting out their career, they hit the right price and still feel like special, aspirational pieces. You might have just pushed me over the edge!
I'm really impressed by Lorier. For a person just starting out their career, they hit the right price and still feel like special, aspirational pieces. You might have just pushed me over the edge!
Lauren and Lorenzo are top-notch. Quality is there and customer service is above and beyond!
I have been fortunate in that I've only purchased one dud. Many of the rest, I never saw in person until they showed up at my door. Fwiw..I hate the AD experience. I don't need anyone kissing my ass pretending to like me beyond my money. Perhaps I'm in the minority on this one.
I have been fortunate in that I've only purchased one dud. Many of the rest, I never saw in person until they showed up at my door. Fwiw..I hate the AD experience. I don't need anyone kissing my ass pretending to like me beyond my money. Perhaps I'm in the minority on this one.
I respect that. I need to see it in the metal above a certain price point I think. And these guys have always been pretty good. I bought my snowflake from one of the salespeople there and he was busy dealing with an issue, so the owner showed me some pieces while I waited for him. Neither of them ever pretended to kiss my ass, or snub me for wearing shorts and a polo (was in Florida visiting my folks).