Results for Seiko

Pre-Owned Spotlight: Grand Seiko Quartz Value Is Unbeatable

Pre-owned Grand Seiko quartz watches come with Rollie-beating Zaratsu-polished greatness at no extra cost. So, where’s the catch? There is none. I know many of you are still on the fence about even considering quartz for your collection, and I understand you. I was there myself for years until the charm of budget-winning meca-quartz got […] Visit Pre-Owned Spotlight: Grand Seiko Quartz Value Is Unbeatable to read the full article.

Depth-Testing my Seiko SKX013 Dive Watch: Jumping In at the Deep End

Professional watchmakers have specialist machinery for testing the water resistance of their watches, but Colin Alexander Smith does not. So after servicing his Seiko SKX013 he was on the lookout for an opportunity to take it down deep. And he found the perfect opportunity while summer holiday diving at Aiguablava cove on Spain's Costa Brava. But it didn't go quite to plan and his Seiko came out of the experience a tad better than he did.

Watches, Stories, & Gear: the X-Men Animated Series Returns, “Wild” Ice Skating in Alaska, and a Rare Seiko Alpinist for Sale

“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Share your story ideas or interesting finds by emailing us at info@wornandwound.com The Return of the X-Men Animated Series  It’s easy to be jaded about the state of comic book movies, particularly the MCU. Looking at the new release calendar, there are more gaps than we’re used to seeing from Marvel in recent years, and big questions about where the enormous franchise is heading. But if you’re looking for silver linings, you might find one in this trailer for the return of the classic X-Men animated series from the 90s. The animation has been spruced up a little, but this series is clearly meant as a throwback to a style that was popular thirty years ago, before the superhero movie industry really took off. The trailer strongly hints that this is a direct continuation of where the series left off, and not your typical reboot, which is surely going to have longtime fans excited. And they kept the original theme song!  Beatles Movies Take Shape  From the MCU, to the BCU. News broke this week that Sam Mendes, director of American Beauty, Skyfall, and many other films, is embarking on a project that will result in four films, each based on the life of a Beatle. T...

A Grand Seiko “First” 3180 Remake in Titanium and Powder Blue

Having just opened its first boutique in Singapore, Grand Seiko has now announced a limited edition especially for the store. The Elegance Collection Singapore Boutique Exclusive SBGW315 is essentially a new take on the “First” cal. 3180 remake. Instead of traditional colours and materials, the SBGW315 renders the familiar design in titanium with a patterned, powder blue dial. Initial thoughts Grand Seiko releases a lot of limited editions – a Spring Drive pair was just announced two weeks ago – but the SBGW315 unexpectedly manages to be different. For one, the base model of the edition is infrequently iterated. The last variant of the “First” remake I can think of was from early 2023 when Grand Seiko unveiled a version with a maki-e lacquer dial. Additionally, past “First” limited editions were more traditional in colour, with plain dials in either silver, cream, or dark colours like black or blue. The SBGW315, on the other hand, combines the aesthetics of the “First” with a decidedly contemporary powder blue dial finished with a radial feathered pattern. While the colour and pattern are hardly novel, they give this watch a distinctive look. Even amongst the numerous Grand Seiko limited editions, the SBGW315 stands out. And it will continue to be uncommon as long as Grand Seiko doesn’t roll out more version of the model in additional colours – which is an overly optimistic assumption given the brand’s inclination towards such watches. A new(ish)...

The Grand Seiko Media Experience: An Enthusiast’s Observations (with Photos!)

The Grand Seiko Media Experience is a whirlwind tour of several Grand Seiko/Seiko facilities across Japan. It’s designed to immerse journalists with a precursory knowledge of the brand in its culture, capabilities, processes, and goods while also giving a flavor of Japan itself. As one of four media invited to go last fall from the US and UK, I was delighted by the opportunity, but my goals were different, I believe, than those of my fellow attendees. You see, I am what you might call a Grand Seiko nerd. I have reviewed several of their watches (such as the Snowflake and White Birch), served on a panel of their GS9 event, espoused my affection for the brand in a video with fellow Worn & Wound colleagues, and, perhaps most importantly, owned several of their timepieces (and still do). My goal during this trip was less to learn about the brand, though any information I could gleam would be valued, rather to further my appreciation for their craft and better understand the people who put my (and your) watches together. The newest Grand Seiko boutique in Ginza, located on Namiki Street Now, I could take you through each stop we made, every meeting we had, and each lecture or interview from an esteemed member of the Grand Seiko and Seiko ranks (including Mr. Hattori) we took, but I feel that article has been written. Instead, I want to tell you about how it affected me from the perspective of the Grand Seiko enthusiast I claim to be. And there will be lots of photos to show t...

The Grand Seiko SBGX265 - A Pre-Owned Entry Ticket To Zaratsu Stardom

Unsurprisingly, my plans for the year have already been led astray by Chrono24 and its infallible feeds. Following my story on whether or not to perform what I envisioned as a final upgrade in the Seiko dive game, I folded. I sold my Marinemaster SLA023 and searched for an SBGX335/337, only to find that the […] Visit The Grand Seiko SBGX265 - A Pre-Owned Entry Ticket To Zaratsu Stardom to read the full article.

Asking Akio Naito - President Of Seiko Watches - About Grand Seiko In The USA

What does Grand Seiko's new Madison Avenue boutique represent for the brand in America?

A Week in Watches Ep. 74 - A Great Week for Fans of Titanium (and the Grand Seiko Snowflake)

Welcome to episode 74 of A Week in Watches! Another solid week of releases, this one is dominated by one brand that just can’t stop, and the most noble of metals – titanium. There’s a new brutish military diver from the mil-spec nerds over at Tornek-Rayville, some crystallized dress watches from Baltic, a simply handsome titanium chronograph from Zenith, and a ton of stuff from Grand Seiko. Like, a ton. Check it out below, and please like and subscribe if you haven’t already! This week’s episode was brought to you by the Windup Watch Shop and the new Formex x Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer Limited Edition. The first collaboration between the two brands, its sci-fi-inspired style will stand out in any collection. Head over to WindupWatchShop.com to check them out, as well as accessories, EDC, clocks, and more. The post A Week in Watches Ep. 74 – A Great Week for Fans of Titanium (and the Grand Seiko Snowflake) appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Just a Minute with the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT

Today’s star is the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT, a fresh take on a cult classic. The SPB377 and SPB379 are based on the original 1959 Alpinist that became a full-blown phenomenon as watch collectors began to appreciate the watch’s toolish good looks and practicality. Today the Alpinist is positioned in the Seiko Prospex line, which is focused on purpose-built tool watches with serious specs. The additional GMT functionality is a welcome upgrade to elevate the Alpinist already storied reputation as a superlative explorer and traveler’s watch. Whether you reach for the blue-dialed SPB377 or the black SPB379, you can be certain you are getting a reliable timepiece with a celebrated history. As always, we encourage you to join our rewards program to earn points and save with every purchase. The Windup Watch Shop team is also available to schedule a consultation with you and answer any questions you have. Today’s star is the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT, a fresh take on a cult classic. The SPB377 and SPB379 are based on the original 1959 Alpinist that became a full-blown phenomenon as watch collectors began to appreciate the watch’s toolish good looks and practicality. Today the Alpinist is positioned in the Seiko Prospex line, which is focused on purpose-built tool watches with serious specs. The additional GMT functionality is a welcome upgrade to elevate the Alpinist already storied reputation as a superlative explorer and traveler’s watch. Whether you reach for the...

The Grand Seiko SBGH345 is a new Ever-Brilliant Steel online exclusive with a red Mt. Iwate dial

Grand Seiko has already introduced six new references in the month of February. Well... Meet the seventh: the new SBGH345.The post The Grand Seiko SBGH345 is a new Ever-Brilliant Steel online exclusive with a red Mt. Iwate dial appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

The new Grand Seiko SBGH341 & SBGH343 debut the modern 62GS case in a new 38mm size

Grand Seiko has just debuted a new 38mm 62GS case, and these two new models are the first to use a hi-beat calibre and titanium case within the 62GS collection.The post The new Grand Seiko SBGH341 & SBGH343 debut the modern 62GS case in a new 38mm size appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

The Lapinist Launches Sapphire Crystals For Vintage Grand Seiko And King Seiko Models

The Lapinist Watch Studio is a well-known source for case restorations of vintage Grand and King Seiko watches. Aside from his work, Kamil Rybarczyk, the Lapinist himself, also handcrafts display backs for these watches. Today, we’re pleased to report that his newest project is ready, and it should be sweet music to the ears of […] Visit The Lapinist Launches Sapphire Crystals For Vintage Grand Seiko And King Seiko Models to read the full article.

Introducing - The Online-Exclusive, Red Dial Grand Seiko 44GS Hi-Beat SBGH345

Probably the most classic, emblematic and recognizable model made by Grand Seiko, the 44GS is the watch that created the “House Style” according to the so-called Grammar of Design. A timeless design that has influenced the entire production of the brand since its introduction in 1967, the 44GS returned in 2023 in a slightly updated […]

Selling Points that Don’t Sell Me: Quartz Snobbery

Snob is a loaded, and sometimes divisive word in horology. Being called a snob, or calling someone a snob, is a quick way to draw blood by attacking someone’s particular approach to enthusiasm. As an enthusiast who cherishes the community aspect of this hobby, I’ve always been proud that my foundation in this hobby was built on the absence of snobbery. Or so I thought.  I’m a frugal guy, and enthusiasm on a budget is a common theme in most of my articles. A keen eye for value shaped my early days in the hobby- an approach I haven’t managed to shake. For years, I assumed that embracing watches in all price brackets was enough to rid myself of any snobbery.  But the more I “learned” about watches, the more I noticed snobbery seeping into my opinions, and in some cases stopping me from experiencing some truly awesome watches. I’d fawn over the latest Lorier release, only to question how a Hesalite crystal would hold up to an active lifestyle. Or I’d opt not to experience a 5 ATM field watch that I truly liked, instead compromising for 10 and 20 ATM alternatives. A quartz crystal, a small part of which is bound for a Grand Seiko 9F caliber I’ve since gone through an un-learning process thanks to a handful of watches that challenged what I thought I knew and allowed me to expand my horological horizons by kicking some snobby tendencies. For the next few installments of Selling Points That Don’t Sell Me, let’s explore some selling points that DO sell me a...

Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko?

This week, Fratello On Air returns with an episode featuring a hypothetical question. This is a recurring series, and this time, we ask what would make us buy a new Seiko. We’ll cover more than just sports watches and settle on a few key asks to one of our favorite brands. Enjoy the show! What […] Visit Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko? to read the full article.

Grand Seiko Unveils a New, Smaller 62GS Case in Titanium

Spring is coming early, or at least that’s what Punxsutawney Phil would have us believe. February 2 was Groundhog Day in North America. In case you don’t know (or haven’t seen the Bill Murray movie), this is the day that groundhogs around the country are coaxed from their burrows in an attempt to predict the arrival of spring weather. If the groundhog emerges to see its shadow, it will nestle back into its cozy home and winter will continue for six more weeks. Thankfully, at least for everyone pining for warmer weather, the definitive Groundhog - the aforementioned Punxsutawney Phil - predicted an early Spring. Mere days later, he has been proven right with the release of two new Spring-inspired releases by Grand Seiko. Like many Grand Seiko releases, the obvious stand-out feature of these watches are the dials. Still, before we dive into that it’s worth taking a look at the broader strokes of the SBGH341 “Sakura-Kakushi” and SBGH343 “Sakura-Wakaba.” These new releases come in a familiar 62GS case produced in Grand Seiko’s high-intensity titanium on a matching bracelet. Except, it’s not quite the case we’re used to seeing. When the 62GS case was relaunched by Grand Seiko back in 2019, it was upsized to 40mm. This new interpretation of the 62GS brings that back down to a wonderful 38mm. With their scaled-down dimensions and at just 12.9mm thick, these fall squarely into the goldilocks dimensions so many collectors seek out these days. Throw in the...

Seiko Brings Out Presage Inspired by Studio Ghibli

This year is the 40th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a 1984 Japanese anime film portraying the titular heroine’s valiant adventures in a post-apocalyptic world. To mark the occasion, anime studio Studio Ghibli and Seiko created the Presage Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind SPB437, a limited edition with an unusual combination of finishes, namely a blue enamel dial and a brushed steel case. Initial thoughts Seiko has long incorporated Japanese pop culture into its timepieces, drawing inspiration from iconic franchises such as Gundam and the Street Fighter video game. While the new Presage isn’t the first collaboration between the watch brand and Studio Ghibli, the Nausicaä edition is arguably amongst the best due to its classical, almost minimalist design. Even though it is a cartoon-inspired watch, the Nausicaä edition has a restrained aesthetic with stylish details. Particularly notable is the blue enamel dial featuring the emblem of the Princess Nausicaä and elongated indices. The simplicity of the dial design, combined with a steel case featuring an unusual aged finish completes the aesthetic that sets it apart from the typical Presage model. Its clean styling stands out even compared to the earlier Presage Castle in the Sky from 2021. The Nausicaä edition is priced at US$1,600, a modest increase over the previous Studio Ghibli model but still affordable. As is often the case with affordable Seiko limited editions, the m...

The Valentine’s Day Sale Roundup: Lovely Timex Watches, Moody Tools, and an Exciting Deal of the Week

The Roundup is the Windup Watch Shop’s weekly rundown of the latest and greatest watches, accessories, EDC, and more. Top billing belongs to the Treat Yourself category, which spotlights special watches worth their price tag, while the Value-Packed Pick celebrates a timepiece that provides great bang for buck. Upgrade Your Kit highlights indispensable everyday carry gadgets. When You Have Too Many Watches is all about accessories and peripherals for your watch collection. Last but not least, Deal of the Week is a limited time bargain that you will not want to miss. Don’t forget to join the Windup Watch Shop Rewards Program to save and earn points with every purchase. This week we can’t help but be enamored by the special watches and gear that qualify for our ongoing Valentine’s Day Sale. Our admiration begins with a creation in which we had a hand: the WW75s (and why you might want to consider picking up both!). We continue with a special Timex and some excellent screwdrivers from our friend at Moody. And for the collector who needs no new watches, a Seiko clock can be the perfect partner. Finally we wrap up our Deal of the Week by highlighting some special gear. Everybody knows there’s nothing more romantic than a Valentine’s Day Roundup, so dim the lights, put on some soft music, and read on! The Roundup is the Windup Watch Shop’s weekly rundown of the latest and greatest watches, accessories, EDC, and more. Top billing belongs to the Treat Yourself categor...

Grand Seiko SBGX355 | Is The Snowflake Magic Still There?

Grand Seiko has released a new 9F-powered version of their famous "Snowflake" model for 2024. How does it stack up against the classic Spring Drive original?

New releases from Piaget, Urwerk, Grand Seiko and more

Piaget brought back the OG Polo, Grand Seiko celebrated a milestone and Breitling teamed up with Victoria Beckham this week.The post New releases from Piaget, Urwerk, Grand Seiko and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Grand Seiko celebrates a key milestone with the hot SBGE305 “Hotaka Summer”

This fiery GMT celebrates the 20th anniversary of Grand Seiko's 9R Spring Drive movement line with aplomb.The post Grand Seiko celebrates a key milestone with the hot SBGE305 “Hotaka Summer” appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

#TBT The Surprisingly Wearable Seiko 6119-8083 “Dressy 62MAS”

This Seiko 6119-8083 sat in my safe for about four or five years. I got it fully serviced upon arrival but never really wore it. Then it popped into my mind last week when I was thinking about what watches I would nominate for the perfect vintage watch collection for €25,000… Don’t panic. I’m not […] Visit #TBT The Surprisingly Wearable Seiko 6119-8083 “Dressy 62MAS” to read the full article.

Introducing: The Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar SSH145 And SSJ021

Today, we’ll look at two new Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar limited editions. The watches follow familiar forms but bring dark cases and striking dials reminiscent of the early morning sky. The Astron has a huge global following, so let’s see if these are to your liking. It was back in 2015 that I […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar SSH145 And SSJ021 to read the full article.

The Grand Seiko SBGA497 Honors 20 Years 9R Spring Drive Movement

The new Grand Seiko SBGA497: when “Shunbun” meets “Snowflake”

Grand Seiko celebrates the 20th anniversary of their 9R Spring Drive movement with a new pink take on their flagship "Snowflake" dial.The post The new Grand Seiko SBGA497: when “Shunbun” meets “Snowflake” appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Grand Seiko Introduces The 62GS In A 38mm Size With Dials Inspired By Cherry Blossoms

I don’t know about the winter weather where you are, but here in the Netherlands, we’ve hardly had any. We usually get a few weeks with freezing temperatures and a decent amount of snow. This year, though, temperatures hardly went below zero degrees Celsius, and we’ve only had a wafer-thin layer of that white stuff. […] Visit Grand Seiko Introduces The 62GS In A 38mm Size With Dials Inspired By Cherry Blossoms to read the full article.

First Look - The Pink or Green, 38mm Grand Seiko 62GS Hi-Beat SBGH341 & SBGH343

By far one of the most popular collections of Grand Seiko, the 62GS design was revived in 2019 and is now mostly represented by the “24 sekki” series and its flagship model, the SBGA413 Shunbun watch and its highly attractive light pink dial. Even though highly attractive, the 62GS design is a bit more niche […]

Grand Seiko Celebrates 20 Years of 9R Spring Drive

Grand Seiko is celebrating the 20th anniversary of 9R Spring Drive movement with a pair of limited editions featuring dials inspired by the sunrise at Mount Hotaka, a peak near the Grand Seiko workshop in Shiojiri. The first model is the Heritage Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary “Pink Snowflake” (SBGA497) that revisits the first ever watch model with the 9R but with the trademark “snowflake” dial in pink. And the second is the Sports Collection Spring Drive GMT Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary (SBGE305) combining a black ceramic bezel with a dark red sunburst dial. Initial Thoughts The invention of the Spring Drive calibre is arguably one of Seiko’s most important achievements. It encompasses most of the advantages of mechanical movement while retaining the accuracy of quartz. Similar to a fully mechanical movement, it is powered by a spring rather than a battery, while timekeeping is regulated by a quartz crystal. As the first-ever commercially available Spring Drive variant, 9R marks an important feat for Grand Seiko. Nevertheless, despite the two new releases being celebratory models for the 20th anniversary of the 9R Spring Drive movement, they don’t seem to offer anything remarkable or unprecedented. Rather, the choice of a Hotaka mountain-inspired dial for both watches seems cliche, considering how pink and red colour dials have been relatively common in the brand’s catalogue. Plus, the inspiration behind Grand Seiko’s dial seems rather repetitive, a...

New: Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli Nausicaä

Seiko extends their Presage Craftsmanship series with a collaboration with Studio Ghibli: the Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Collaboration

Introducing: The Seiko Presage SPB437 Limited Edition Inspired By Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

To be completely honest with you, when Nacho sent me the press materials for this new Seiko release, I had never heard of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Actually, I’m not very familiar with any of Studio Ghibli’s creations. I figured it would be an insult to write anything about it without knowing […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Presage SPB437 Limited Edition Inspired By Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind to read the full article.