Seiko Alpinist Ginza. What are your thoughts on Seiko's quality control in recent years?
Recently, I borrowed a macro lens from a friend and immediately thought, "What better way to test it than by taking photographs of the Seiko Alpinist Ginza?" 😄 I am still in love with this watch, and every time I put it back into rotation, it feels like the first time I got it. The depth and subtle reflections of the dial give the watch a very premium feel, putting it in a category well above its price point. However, I find it really hard to capture this essence in my photos.
Despite my love for this watch, I have been disappointed with Seiko's quality control recently. Nevertheless, the Seiko Alpinist Ginza reminds me of the Seiko of the past and gives me hope that they can once again become a go-to brand for people who are just getting into watches, as well as for long-term fans.
What are your thoughts on Seiko's quality control in recent years? Would you consider buying one despite the current state of quality control issues?
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My Ginza Alpinist got some dust specks on the dial (under the crystal) and I sent it in to have it cleaned up. But I’m not entirely sure whether they had been there all the time or they only crept in somehow when I owned the watch
My Ginza Alpinist got some dust specks on the dial (under the crystal) and I sent it in to have it cleaned up. But I’m not entirely sure whether they had been there all the time or they only crept in somehow when I owned the watch
Sorry to hear that 😕 I hope that will not happen to me 😅
I usually buy watches online, and I am completely disregarding Seiko during my purchase decision making process. I don't want to deal with poor alignment (dial, chapter ring, bezel), dust under the crystal, domestic or international returns etc.
Unfortunately, Seiko as a brand has completely lost me.
Btw, three Seiko's in my collection, so I am not hater of a brand. I simply avoid hustle.
I quite like Seiko. I don't think quality control is an issue, it's just quality.
For example, I don't think they aren't seeing that the chapter rings are misaligned, it's that they are't sufficiently misaligned to be deemed an issue.
To be fair, they have a point because functionally it is a non-issue and it's a well rounded product. By that I mean, why have a perfectly aligned chapter ring unless the dial is also immaculate and the case is finished very precisely and houses a movement to match. Seiko does make that product, it is sold under the Grand Seiko brand.
I have moved on from them tbh and have like interest in there offerings
Seiko still make good watches and people love them and sales are increasing by the day along with the prices , which explains that people do not mind the rise in prices and the minor issues, but still Seiko should improve their quality control standards and make them more stringent and also offer better value for the money in terms of materials used and better execution just like Citizen.
Owner of an SPB147 here with a misaligned bezel. On a watch that cost me 1.2KUS$ + VAT.
Never again.
Lovely watch and awesome strap pairing.
I have always appreciated Seiko for their occasional offering out of their perceived league; this watch is a fine example of that. Many claim issues with current Seiko but the one watch I have purchased, a presage cocktail time for my father, is still going strong and I had no issue with its QC.
QC issues has become a stereotype for Seiko. The internet can be one big echo chamber, so when you get enough people saying something, it starts to get repeated by everyone. I’d venture to say that if you tallied up the number of complaints and compared it to the total number of models produced, the complaints would represent a small fraction of the total.
Now, I am not defending these QC issues, but I think that the people who experience QC issues with their Seiko are very vocal about it (which they have the right to be), which leads to a belief that every Seiko will have some sort of QC issue, which is simply not true. Any company that mass-produces watches has this problem on some level, it’s just that people only seem to complain when it’s Seiko. And no one is getting online to talk about how their Seiko is blemish-free, it’s only when there’s something bad to point out.
I also think that QC is somewhat subjective. A single speck of dust that can’t be seen by the naked eye might be labeled a “QC issue” by some, but for me it’s a non-issue at the Seiko price-point. All of this is to say, I think there are some legitimate complaints to be had in regard to Seiko QC, but I also happen to believe it’s an issue that’s blown out of proportion.
I love Seiko, but I think Orient has since overtaken them slightly. I don't own an Orient yet, but I've heard horror stories about Seiko QC. My Seiko 5 isn't perfect, with a tiny mark (I don't know how to describe it) on the dial. It wasn't worth my stress so I didn't bother sending it back. I don't think I will buy another Seiko for a while, not because they are horrible per se, but because very little in their range tickles me as the 5 did.
It's like car forums, people mainly post the horror stories. I currently have about 15 Seikos, all are fine as far as I'm concerned.
I have been lucky with my last two. The SPB243 dial is immaculate and I recently got the Save the Ocean SPB333 with that “faux birch” dial. No QC issues at all. How I would love that Ginza. Wish I had pounced when they were available
I have been lucky with my last two. The SPB243 dial is immaculate and I recently got the Save the Ocean SPB333 with that “faux birch” dial. No QC issues at all. How I would love that Ginza. Wish I had pounced when they were available
Had three so far, only the Alpinist remained. That one has also qc issues, mainly movement accuracy, inner bezel alignment and oil speck on the movement. I love the brand but with current price increases they need to sort qc issues, otherwise not buying another one
Lovely watch and awesome strap pairing.
I have always appreciated Seiko for their occasional offering out of their perceived league; this watch is a fine example of that. Many claim issues with current Seiko but the one watch I have purchased, a presage cocktail time for my father, is still going strong and I had no issue with its QC.
Thanks, glad to hear you like our strap! 🙌
Three Seiko’s, two misaligned bezels, don’t care, still love them, only notice them when I read about Seiko QC issues. Haven’t heard about misaligned chapter rings. Stated rates for 4r and 6r are terrible, but all of mine run about +5 a day. Yeah not as accurate as my Swiss watches but they run fine. If I need by the second accuracy, and I never do, I’ll use my phone. Dust only visible under a microscope…seriously?🤷♂️
Nice pics, beautiful watch.
QC issues has become a stereotype for Seiko. The internet can be one big echo chamber, so when you get enough people saying something, it starts to get repeated by everyone. I’d venture to say that if you tallied up the number of complaints and compared it to the total number of models produced, the complaints would represent a small fraction of the total.
Now, I am not defending these QC issues, but I think that the people who experience QC issues with their Seiko are very vocal about it (which they have the right to be), which leads to a belief that every Seiko will have some sort of QC issue, which is simply not true. Any company that mass-produces watches has this problem on some level, it’s just that people only seem to complain when it’s Seiko. And no one is getting online to talk about how their Seiko is blemish-free, it’s only when there’s something bad to point out.
I also think that QC is somewhat subjective. A single speck of dust that can’t be seen by the naked eye might be labeled a “QC issue” by some, but for me it’s a non-issue at the Seiko price-point. All of this is to say, I think there are some legitimate complaints to be had in regard to Seiko QC, but I also happen to believe it’s an issue that’s blown out of proportion.
Well said. When people start throwing OCD-inspired fits about something tiny that can't even be seen with the naked eye, I kinda raise an eyebrow. Like, are you serious? Maybe these folks shouldn't be let near macro lenses and then they'd have nothing to worry about in the first place.
Well said. When people start throwing OCD-inspired fits about something tiny that can't even be seen with the naked eye, I kinda raise an eyebrow. Like, are you serious? Maybe these folks shouldn't be let near macro lenses and then they'd have nothing to worry about in the first place.
Haha so true. There's a great youtube channel called Hafiz Mehmood, he typically reviews luxury watches and he does some very high quality macro shots. Turns out, you're going to find imperfections on even 5-figure Rolexes when you look close enough! I think some people just have impossible standards.
A few month ago I bought an Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage in black. One day later I noticed a defect on the dial which could easy be seen by daylight. No magnifier required. 😄 These things happen and I love my Seikos. 🥰
Got a few mid tier Seiko's (£600-£1100) & not had any problems. Better value than Swiss imho - the diashield coating is superb, wish my Omega's had it.
Sick dial!
Beautiful pictures of the Ginza and great strap pairing! Have one myself, with a slight misalignment of the date disc but nothing too painful to see 😅 Still falls under this QC problems from Seiko I guess... Also I have some very discreet noise when the rotor is in action, like if some piece was a bit loose inside the watch, I think it's my mind playing games with me but with all these stories of QC I guess one can become a bit paranoid!
Owner of an SPB147 here with a misaligned bezel. On a watch that cost me 1.2KUS$ + VAT.
Never again.
Mind is good , I only buy Seiko in a store where I can try it on , inspect it first and won’t touch it if it’s not perfect….. sorry to here you got a misaligned one ….
I own an SARB017 , an SPB147 & a SPB183 all are spot on …. People love to bitch , if you buy a Seiko 5 what do you expect? I’ve had about 15 Seiko watches in the past 48 years with no issues . Fuck me, how about if you buy Seiko , go into a store and buy one only once you have tried it on and are happy it is spot on . Buying online is ALWAYS a risk because companies will piss off their worst stuff online rather than put it on display if It’s not spot on . Buyer beware is a bloody ancient saying ……