Seiko

May 4, 2012

Grand Seiko GMT Anniversary Edition

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The Grand Seiko GMT Anniversary Edition celebrates the tenth year of the GMT timepiece. The GMT uses the caliber 9S66A, which is the same movement originally used a decade ago. It features striped bridges, 35 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and a 72-hour power reserve. A circular blue titanium/tungsten blue rotor with cut-outs is visible through the clear caseback and is signed with the Grand Seiko logo. According to Seiko, the rotor has high elasticity which absorbs vibration and shock "ten times better" than brass. Functions include hours, minutes seconds date and second time zone (GMT). The bright blue dial has applied steel indexes, Dauphine-shaped steel hands and a gold-toned GMT hand.

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April 3, 2012

Seiko Introduces SNDD61 Chronograph at Baselworld

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Introduced at Baselworld 2012, the Seiko SNDD61 Chronograph features a black IP treated stainless steel case, Japenese powered quartz chronograph, Hardlex crystal, screw down caseback, a urethane strap and 100 meter water-resistance. It will be available in August for a retail of $300.



August 22, 2011

Seiko Baby Monster vs. Orange Monster

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The Seiko Orange Monster is one of the most popular, and affordable Seiko timepieces. It comes with a Japanese automatic movement for the price of a typical Japanese quartz timepiece. Needless to say, the value proposition is amazing.

The Seiko Baby Monster (pictured, right), is maybe an even better value. It has most of the features that have made the original Orange Monster (pictured, left) so popular, for approximately one hundred dollars less.

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October 15, 2010

How will Grand Seiko do in the United States?

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For the 50th anniversary of Grand Seiko six models have been created, including automatic, quartz and Spring Drive powered models. The one (shown above) is the most accurate of these new mechanical Grand Seiko timepieces. It runs at -2/+4 seconds per day, which is slightly better than the Swiss standard for chronometers (COSC certified-chronometer's rate should be between -4/+6 per day).

Seiko is the oldest watch manufacture in Japan, a true manufacture that can make mechanical and quartz movements totally in-house. They clearly produce some amazing pieces, like the Ananta, for example. The Ananta has Seiko's high-end Spring Drive movement in it, and has an extremely smooth seconds hand as a result of that proprietary Seiko technology. The problem, though, is that it retails for $6,400. Yeah, a Seiko for over six grand. In Japan, Seiko has been selling high-end watches for years, but for the United States, Seiko is perceived much differently. And now, after 50 years of selling Grand Seiko in Japan, they will be introducing the brand to numerous markets around the world, including the United States. The problem, is that US consumers are used to prices for Seiko watches being under five hundred dollars.

The new Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36,0000 50th Anniversary edition costs more than brand new ceramic bezeled steel Rolex Submariner ($7,400-$7,800).

The Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36,0000 features a Japanese in-house manufacture movement (although Swiss movements are generally more sought after, even if the Seiko produces comparable quality). The movement beats at a high rate of 36,000 vph (the same rate as the Zenith El Primero). At -2/+4 seconds per day, it is even slightly more accurate than what COSC chronometer certification specifications require (-4/+6 second per day). The movement finishing, assembly, case and materials are all first rate. These timepieces are highly regarded and have been selling consistently in Japan for 50 years now. But when these timepieces arrive in the United States, I wonder if enough people will be interested. The list price for the Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" Hi-Beat 36000 model (shown above), is $8,378 (based on today's exchange rates).

Based on the perceived brand value of Seiko (created by Seiko's long time marketing strategy of selling lower priced timepieces), I think it may pose quite a challenge to convince US consumers to part with eight grand for a timepiece that says "Seiko" on it. Especially when there are so many more prestigious brands to choose from in this price range - Rolex, Breitling, IWC and Panerai to name a few. And yes, I understand that the "Seiko" name is a sense of pride, but other Japanese brands, such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, have put their pride aside, and used totally different brand names for their higher-end models, Lexus, Acura and Infiniti - without too many problems.

pollcode.com free polls
Would you ever spend $8,000 or more on a "Seiko" branded timepiece?
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April 7, 2010

Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Chronograph

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The Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Chronograph was introduced last year, so this is not a 2010 model. However, during Baselworld 2010 was the first time I had a chance to see it close-up. It is a good looking timepiece, and it could easily be mistaken for a watch costing thousands more. The bezel features a black PVD treatment, and it's fully polished. The case sides, lugs, pushers and crown are a mixture of polished and brushed steel. The case is 46 mm x 15.8 mm thick and has fairly large pushers, so it looks pretty big. Although, the case is well designed, so it does not feel uncomfortable on your wrist.

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October 25, 2009

Seiko Velatura Kinetic Direct Drive Rose Gold

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The Seiko Velatura Kinetic Direct Drive was recently introduced in rose gold. It features one of Seiko's proprietary hybrid quartz/mechanical movements. A kinetic movement consists of an automatic mechanical rotor that powers a traditional electronic quartz movement. This configuration allows quartz accuracy and cost, without the need for a battery.

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October 15, 2009

Seiko Premier Kinetic Rose Gold Chronograph

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Seiko recently released a new luxury dress watch, the Premier Kinetic Chronograph. The 42mm steel case features a lustrous Rose Gold PVD coated finish. The dial is black with steel Roman numerals and rose gold accents on the subdials, hands and indices.

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August 27, 2009

Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive Moon Phase

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Early this year, Seiko unveiled a new flagship among its Premier collection of watches. The Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive Moon Phase. Unlike their entry-level offerings, the Premier collection offers more luxurious features.

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