What time is it? Watches and horology

I do wish Grand Seiko would slow down with all the releases, the range of models in the last five years is bewildering.

I was looking on the Seiko boutique website for inspiration and was surprised at the number of £20,000+ watches in their range.

And yet their nicest models, by far, to me, all cost less than 5 grand.

I think that one was revealed last year. Or early this year maybe. Along with that amazing hammered finish one. IIRC those were all some big anniversary.

I think GS, in the west at least, have cottoned on to the special edition thing that Omega and Hublot love so much, the Biver strategy. Just variant after variant. It’s a bit annoying.

Grand Seiko's naming system doesn't help IMVHO.

I was going to write a post about the new 40mm SBGP with the thrill-inducing 9F85 movement and how the 009, 011 and 013 replace certain SGBV's (namely the 221 and 223) but the SBGP003 and 005 have the 44 case oh but the 9F85's not in the SBGX yet but then it all went spinny and I had to lie down.

The Hodinkee/GS GMT is a bit poo, isn’t it.

My girlfriend and I would like to thank you for a good chuckle.

Thank you.

@D-Dog here's a blue one with the fluted bezel. The blue in these photos doesn't look great though...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tudor/tudor-prince-date-34mm--id16814118.htm

This would be my favourite (jumbo), maybe even better than fluted bezel (pic stolen from the internet):

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Y’all are confused, what you’re looking for is a Datejust.

Yeah, but it says ''Rolex'' on the dial and I personally don't want that.

I respect that, I think an awful lot of Omega’s sales are down to folks wanting a nice Swiss watch that isn’t a Rolex, because for many people Rolex = wanker.

The Datejust is just kind of inimitable for me. The current DJ36 is in many ways the best watch they make. I’ve tried it on a few times and it is undeniably flashy - but that’s partly what a Datejust is. (Vintage examples are way less so by modern standards though.) I’ve got a real soft spot for ones with the polished steel bezel on jubilee.

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I do love everything about that design. Great dial colour too.

IMO, there are few things wrong with the popular Rolex models - people buying for status, people buying and flipping to people who keep them in safes, all the AD shenanigans etc. also, I am not comfortable paying extra just because it has a crown on a dial. I know for sure, that if I got one of the popular models, I wouldn't wear it, because of how much attention they get. Don't get me wrong, the watches are lovely, one of the best designs ever (personally not sure about the Sky-dweller though, but some people love it), the Subs and GMTs... just not for me.

And about Omega - I'm thinking about getting a Speedie for my 30th next year, will go and try one on Monday.

I understand everything you wrote there (I personally wouldn't buy or wear >95% of the Rolex catalogue), except:

I am not comfortable paying extra just because it has a crown on a dial

This is the thing, put a Black Bay 36 next to an Oyster Perpetual 36 (for example) and it is abundantly clear why it is half the price, and it's not just because of the logo. Look at the bracelet end link on that current Prince Date compared to the DJ. They are a very long way from being the same watch with a dial swap. In the old days, when Tudors used Rolex cases and crowns and it was basically only the movement that was different, it was another story.

That 34mm blue dialled Tudor I think you’re thinking of belongs to a friend of mine, I’m thinking of buying it myself!

I'd like the new, understated (re black maybe gold) , OP. Love the heft of a modern rolex but never the size.

Everyone to their own.

As usual you’re 100% correct. Also, vintage all the way

Yes, you are totally right. The materials used on a Rolex even feel much better.
The bracelet on the Tudor Prince looks less ''bling'' to me. As much as I like the jubilee, I don't think it's for me. I also like the vintage look without the vintage trouble. I didn't want to spend more than £1500 on that Tudor and it's proving difficult, so I might give up.

@freddo Dave?

@freddo sorry, didn't see the ''blue dial'' bit. The one I'm looking at is silver.

This one. Happy to broker you a deal if you want it.

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Gone. That was quick

I know for sure, that if I got one of the popular models, I wouldn't wear it, because of how much attention they get.

I wear my Sub almost everyday and have done since I got it, one person has noticed it and he is a watch nerd.

Maybe yours is well ''loved'' and not as shiny anymore ;-)

Looks good, I guess. I don't know enough about vintage to be serious enough to bother you though. To my eyes the case looks way too clean and the spring bars are pretty much flush with the case, not sure if it's meant to be like that. Also, thanks to @inchpincher any mark on the dial is a no no to me and I immediately walk away :-)
The one I'm considering has box, papers, recent service proof and a spare set of hands...

This is mine:

I actually think you'd be surprised IRL, if it's not yellow gold or diamond encrusted people often don't give them a second look (unless they're watch nerds, as Dammit says). A colleague of mine wears a 40mm white gold Day-Date on the regular and no-one except me seems to pay it any attention. Whereas his Gucci sneakers always attract comments behind his back.

#ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

On a serious note though, one of the best, most versatile watches ever. A no date sub. I'm very happy for you, good to know it's getting worn.
Great photo too.