Getting into Grand Seiko

All pretty awesome. Don’t have any but I’m pretty sure I’ll eventually get one.

I’m partial to the cherry blossom and the blue dial. Though I believe you won’t go wrong with any pick.

Just do this…

Def handle them in person if you can. The cherry blossom/Shunbun is more silver than anything and only light pink in certain lights/angles. So very subtle. The winter is very muted/dark (appropriately) but does have that second hand blue pop.

If you haven't already GS have to be seen in person. Pictures do not do them justice.

Grand Seiko watches are great. A good starting point would be either the 9F Quartz Models or the Spring Drive Models. It's hard to beat GS for its finishing and quality at this price point.

Personally I like their Heritage Collection. Got the SBGA415 3 years ago, it's a wonderful watch, lightweight and beautiful watch dial.

It is easier to go with the “popular models” for any watch brand, GS is no exception.

BB 58 is an awesome watch on its own, if you are willing to part it to get a GS, may be just starting to list out things you like and dislike about the BB 58 then find which GS model give you more likes and less dislikes on the list ?

That’s the end goal but gotta start somewhere! 😂

I'll make a heretical suggestion: Go with one of the Sports Collection models. NOBODY buys GS sports models. Everyone always buys from the Heritage Collection. But, here's why you should get a sports model:

• You can dress them up and down with a simple strap change

• Due to the incredible finishing and Zaratsu polish on the case, and the diamond polished indices, etc., etc., you can take any sports model, put it on something like shell cordovan or crocodile, and it's effectively a dress watch

• Meanwhile, put a waxed canvas strap on it, and it'll pass for a beater

• The sports collection models can be had for much cheaper than the Heritage line and much, much cheaper than anything on offer from the Evolution 9 line - if money is important to you, you'll be getting a lot more bang for the buck

Got this gem from my broker, brand new for $4,575, all-in, overnight Fedex shipping.

And I ain't saying all this, because somehow I got sour grapes. I got plenty of Heritage and Evo9 GS.

I'm saying this because if you're trading in your BB58, and you wanna make every penny count, I can't imagine a better way to get the best bang for your buck with GS.

Is your broker interested in new customers? That’s a great deal. Likewise, I like the sports line more than the heritage line

What would be your budget in mind?

Most grand Seiko usually lose 20% of it values when you walked of of the store, would you be okay with it.

If not, Do you mind pre-owned?

Are you looking for sporty watches or dressy ones?

Any preference on movement type? Although Dial is what make people turn their heads to GS, I would say that GS their highlight. Take 9SA5 for example, it the next new mechanic innovation after Omgea co-axial.( I could be wrong)

I think we could advise you better if provide a little more information

I was about to add, don't ask @HotWatchChick69 🤣🤣

I only own one. I opted for the White Birch Spring Drive. The dial is more subtle than the High Beat movement, which is another reason I went for the SD.

The dial, the Zaratsu polishing and the accuracy of the movement are all insane! It never left my wrist for the first 2 weeks and it only gained 1 second!

The way the light catches the dial and the polished indices is mesmerising! I'm always bumping into things, as I can't stop staring at the dial and the sweeping second hand. 🙉🤣

Can't comment on the sports models, as I've not owned one. I would probably listen to @HotWatchChick69, as he owns one or two GS models. 🤔🤣

I was going to go for the winter or the spring edition, but I didn't like the feel of the titanium. Plus I prefer the indicator on the back and the extra power reserve.

Enjoy your time down the GS rabbit hole @srtxdd. Good luck!

I just got a Shunbun (Spring/Cherry blossom) a month ago. Love it to bits.

I can honestly say this for GS (and most my watches, especially $1k+ range): money and pictures/videos don't matter, you're not buying an asset or a look, you're buying a feeling. I don't believe in starting points, I have $100 and $5k watches that make me feel great but for different reasons.

As much as people here are giving you good and sometimes even logical advice, if you're like me and many others then it's all about the feeling. The only way you'll know is by trying one on, more than once even, more than twice. Don't be afraid to either. Go to multiple dealers if possible.

If not possible to physically try various models on, then talk to real life owners who have different models. Get real life experience is my point. It matters.

In my case, I wanted an Omega SMP. Went to various dealers, tried them on. Felt so-so. One dealer had a GS Winter, tried that on... instantly felt better than the SMP. Decided to buy it. Went back, tried the Shunbun, felt even better, bought that. The crazy thing is I still want the Winter, but the SMP which I craved for a good year is now a distant memory of a crush I never dated.

Sorry if my advice is cliche and unhelpful in picking a model, but if the cost of a GS is significant to you, as is to many, I think it should make you feel great. Sure things like specs, design, price will factor into that feeling, but you'll only know if it's worth it to you once you see it.

This brand can also be polarizing so you'll get lots of advice from lovers and haters. If you want the simple answer then mine is get the Shunbun haha. But my real answer is "your gut will tell you".

Ive been a Seiko fan person since forever , I still love about 4 different GS models , Black Birch, Omiwitari , White Birch and the newest Ocean blue Lake Suwa , Sorry I can never remember their model numbers , but they are scrumptious aren’t they ! One day will make up my mind ……

I don’t think I have seen posts (though I recently joined) of their chronographs, which are funky IMO.

I’ve got my SBGN003 for a second-hand deal for about 2200 € and I couldn’t be happier.

That beast with its 9F Quartz lost a whopping 1s in six months.

You can’t go wrong with that 9F, lemme tell ya.

Go and handle a GS White Birch. Then start saving.

Also, somebody please make a high quality print/poster of this graphic. I need some GS wall art.

I have two. The SBGA407:

And the SLGH009:

My recommendation, get to know the different case types they offer, and the different dial “furniture” (indices, hands, power reserve indicator styles).

The SBGA407 is in the elegance case. I adore it. What I don’t love is that it’s 100m water resistance but doesn’t have a screw down crown. It’s a silly nit-pick but I think about it.

The SLGH009 has the 44GS case (my favorite case from GS). I love EVERYTHING about this watch, including how shiny it is.

The models you are looking at come in the 62 GS case. Beautiful, but they don’t have a bezel. Nothing wrong with that, just a difference.

And they also have the evolution 9 case, dress case, and sports models. I say take a bit of time to get to know these design aspects and as you do that you’ll learn about a lot of the different watches they offer.

Happy hunting, you really can’t go wrong with any GS!!

Sure! I'll DM you his contact info!

Can I get his info as well please?? 😊

Yeah, their chronographs are fugly! Which, weirdly enough, is precisely the reason I got this one...

Yes. DM'ing you his info right now.

The fugly watch on my wishlist was the Tudor P01. The GS has supplanted it.

Exactly. I started with the Snowflake, and it‘s an awesome watch. Obviously not the most fancy one in the GS lineup, but a good starting point.

My first was the SBGA413. I always say the seasons collection is the gateway drug to GS. Great price point and Grade 5 titanium keeps things looking good compared to SS. But you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. It’s your preference and GS has many options to suit your desires. Enjoy your journey through the GS catalog!!

IMO Grand Seiko is strongest in their elegance line. GS would not be my first choice for a sports watch or gada watch because for either of these I would like it to have both a great bracelet and great lume.

That being said, a BB58 and a SBGW231 would make a pretty awesome two watch collection 🙂

I parted ways with my 58 a little while back and may swap the 231 for the 291 (also worth considering!), but I still love the way these two compliment each other.

I’m going to have to get to an AD here in the area!

I have not yet going to have to get to an AD here

I bought the Cherry Blossom 🌸 3+ years ago and it is still probably my favorite piece. I am fortunate to have 2 GS watches, I’m always looking at other brands to diversify but then I see some new GS and I say “ but that one is so pretty!” Happy exploring!