A long time ago, for my 20th birthday, my uncle gifted me this Heuer Carrera, model 1553. I remember that special moment very clearly, as I had been eyeing his watch with longing since my teenage years. By talking about it and showing interest, he introduced me to the world of horology, laying the foundations for this consuming passion.

I had no knowledge of Heuer until I came across this model, and I knew nothing about watchmaking in general, to be honest. This watch became my first vintage piece, which led to others, but paradoxically, it remains the only vintage chronograph in my collection.

I love its '70s racing look, and especially the reversed position of the crown, which is placed on the left side of the case. Even though I'm left-handed, I wear it on my left wrist just like any other watch. The applied indices are really cool, and its accuracy is decent for a watch bought by my uncle in 1973. I admit, it does give me a chance to show off the Heuer name, which many consider as TAG Heuer... Despite this significant difference when you dig a little into the history of Heuer, I haven't taken the leap for recent TAG models, but I've become attached to vintage Heuer pieces.

Thanks, Uncle!

A gift from my uncle

For almost 15 years now, I've been regularly buying watches, primarily from well-known brands like Rolex, Omega, or Longines... and throughout these years, I've always told myself that Grand Seiko was just Seiko and to me, they were watches - sure, efficient ones - but not really horology!

Imagine how long and unexpected the journey was to actually end up buying a Grand Seiko, and a Spring Drive at that. The model is the SBGA211, nicknamed "Snow Flake." So how did I get here? As often is the case, it started with a chance encounter at a dinner where my tablemate was sporting a GS. We got to chatting, and it didn't take long to realize we were on different sides of the fence ;-) However, my neighbor, Patrick, who I must thank, enchanted me with all the DNA of Grand Seiko. The finish, innovation, understated elegance, and historical significance that I hadn't previously grasped.

So, I started doing some research and fell for the dials offered by the brand... and I must admit, they make a big difference compared to my other watches. Since I didn't have a model with a white dial - mostly black ones - I set my sights on this Snow Flake, and, going all-in on the craziness, I got it in Spring Drive.

Thank you, Patrick, and thank you, Grand Seiko!

Never thought this could happen!

The story of Grand Seiko is closely linked to that of <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko">Seiko</a>, the famous Japanese watch brand. However, Grand Seiko has a distinct identity as Seiko's premium division, focusing on watchmaking excellence, precision and refined aesthetics. Since its beginnings, Grand Seiko has strived to compete with the best Swiss watch brands, embodying Japanese know-how and developing its own vision of luxury watchmaking.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of Grand Seiko</h2>
The story of Grand Seiko dates back to the late 1950s, when <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko">Seiko</a> decided to create a line of high-end watches to compete with renowned Swiss brands. The goal was to design and manufacture watches that met the highest standards of precision, durability and finish.
In 1960, Grand Seiko was officially launched, with the introduction of the Grand Seiko "First" model. This watch was equipped with a manual mechanical movement and was distinguished by its exceptional precision and readability. The dial features a distinctive logo, &ldquo;GS&rdquo;, which will become emblematic of the brand. The first Grand Seiko models were received with praise, not only in Japan, but also abroad. The watches were particularly valued for their unparalleled precision, reliability and clean aesthetic. Grand Seiko quickly gained a reputation for watchmaking excellence, rivaling established Swiss brands.
Over the decades, Grand Seiko has continued to innovate and improve its watches. The brand introduced high-precision quartz movements in the 1970s, which were considered the most precise in the world at the time. However, Grand Seiko has always maintained its commitment to mechanical movements, developing sophisticated calibers with complications such as chronographs, minute repeaters and tourbillons.
In the 1990s, Grand Seiko faced challenges due to the growing popularity of quartz watches and the decline of interest in mechanical watches. However, the brand has continued to produce high quality watches with meticulous attention to detail and precision, cementing its reputation for watchmaking excellence.&nbsp;At the turn of the 21st century, Grand Seiko experienced a renaissance. The brand was reintroduced to the international market, with particular attention given to the United States and Europe. Grand Seiko watches were now presented as luxury products, with distinctive designs and high-end finishes.
The Grand Seiko line has also diversified with the introduction of collections such as the Grand Seiko Heritage, Grand Seiko Elegance, Grand Seiko Sport and Grand Seiko Nature of Time. Each collection offers a diversity of styles and features to meet the tastes and needs of watch enthusiasts around the world.
Over the past few years, Grand Seiko has consolidated its position as an internationally recognized luxury watch brand. Grand Seiko watches are made at the Shinshu Studio factory, located in the mountains of Japan, where master craftsmen are committed to creating watches of exceptional quality. Each watch is assembled by hand and undergoes careful checks to guarantee its precision and reliability.
The constant pursuit of watchmaking perfection is a key characteristic of Grand Seiko. The brand has developed innovative technologies, such as Grand Seiko's alloy spring movement and Zaratsu polishing, which gives the cases an impeccable mirror-polished finish. These advances demonstrate the brand's commitment to innovation and superior quality.
Grand Seiko has also been recognized for its distinctive design, combining elegance and functionality. Watches often feature sleek dials with precise indexes and hands, providing exceptional readability. The cases are designed with balanced lines and highly polished finishes, adding a touch of sophistication to each model.
The Grand Seiko watch has become a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and watchmaking excellence. The brand is proud of its motto "The Nature of Time", which reflects the deep connection between nature, time and the creation of each watch. This philosophy is reflected in dials inspired by nature, such as the Mount Iwate motif or the dials of the "Snowflake" series, which recall the beauty and purity of Japanese landscapes.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Grand Seiko watch cost?</h2>
Prices for new Grand Seikos change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between $7,000 and $9,000 depending on the models and finishes. A Grand Seiko Spring Drive begins at $5,000, while a Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon (limited to 20 pieces) costs no less than $370,000. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a less expensive Grand Seiko.
<h2 dir="ltr">Grand Seiko: The discretion of luxury Japanese watchmaking</h2>
In summary, the story of Grand Seiko is that of a Japanese watch brand which has established itself as a major player in the world of luxury watchmaking. With its commitment to watchmaking excellence, unparalleled precision and refined aesthetics, Grand Seiko has captivated watch enthusiasts around the world.
To choose the Grand Seiko model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience. Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Grand Seiko.
(Updated January 2024)

When you see this timepiece you understand that you are entering an extraordinary universe, a universe of poetry, a story that takes you far from the usual marketing of space, the sea or even the mountains climbed. 
Here everything is beautiful, the snow blue dial, the Zaratsu polishing, the Springdrive movement, it is a feast for the eyes and the head. This second hand that flies through the indexes at the speed of a galloping samurai without the slightest flinch. We understand that we are in Japanese poetry and magical art. 
A total success of a beauty characterized

The reflection of the sky in the snow

Good dial always changing colours during depending on sunlight it’s spring drive so the seconds swipe like a sword it’s a forgettable watch because it’s titanium made but with a resistance to scratches so it’s so light you just forget your wearing it the battery reserve on dial is good for me because I like to know when to stop winding but with this watch you got 5 days power so if you wear it every day you’ll never have to wind it 

Best everyday watch 

Equipped with the legendary spring drive caliber, this watch of total aesthetic simplicity is a daily pleasure. Although it is the least expensive reference in the Grand Seiko catalog equipped with the Spring Drive, the finishes are exceptional. The hands are incredibly long, the indexes catch the light on each facet and the matte black dial deliciously brings out the whole. The metal bracelet is very pleasant and the folding clasp is very well made. A point of improvement would be the addition of a micro adjustment for warmer days.

The Japanese Datejust, GS SBGA285

A steel case without frills, 3 sharp and extremely precise hands, a simple and effective date window, a black dial, a single "Spring Drive" line and, as the only folly, a 4th small hand indicating the power reserve.

At first glance, this watch is simplicity incarnate, but on closer inspection we are undoubtedly dealing with one of the most elaborate "general public" watch pieces there is...

2 concepts to prove this:

The spring-drive, obviously, which completely redefines the concept of a timepiece by finally managing to transcribe the passing of time in a fluid manner, as in real life. With this second hand (I imagine we can no longer call it a "second hand"?) which turns without any hitches, without respite, as if to remind us that life is only one whole. Perfection and watchmaking revolution that combines the automatic movement that can be admired in its magnificent sapphire crystal on the back of the watch that allows us to appreciate each piece worked and magnified with a quartz crystal that allows this fluidity of time and above all a precision to any test, unique in the industry of "battery-free" watchmaking (you would be very unlucky to have a second difference at the end of the day). 

The polishing! Between the Zaratsu polishing on the case that shows us a unique mirror polish coupled with brushing to the nanometer and the polishing and treatment given to the hands that is simply incredible, the watch offers rare reflections, whatever its inclination or the brightness, this Grand Seiko shines brightly and reinvents itself with the slightest movement of your wrist. 

The little detail that makes all the charm of this watch for me is of course the power reserve, dug inside the dial itself which gives all its charm to this black which could at first glance seem a little boring. 

Having replaced a Rolex Explorer I with this Grand Seiko Heritage, do not make the mistake of thinking that it is a "sports" watch like the Rolex, it does not live very well with scratches and it is in reality a watch for great evenings, a watch for suits, beautiful shirts and offices. Take care of it as the Japanese craftsmen of Grand Seiko took care of it when it was created.

Perfection in simplicity

This watch had fascinated me for a long time. Having only seen it in photos, I was eager to hold it in my hands. It was during a stay in Paris that I was able to admire it in real life in the boutique on Place Vendôme. It was love at first sight. Its sparkling dial is of rare beauty. Depending on the lighting, it changes from white to gray and subtle pink. The Spring drive movement, which lets the seconds pass in a continuous flow, is captivating and soothing.

A watch with a sublime dial

Grand Seiko's quest for excellence takes on its full meaning with this magnificent Snowflake. The characteristics of the watch appear gradually, making it difficult to establish a hierarchy as the whole is so close to perfection. 
At first contact, the piece surprises with its lightness. The resulting comfort is very appreciable and, going beyond the idea that weight is necessarily synonymous with quality, you quickly get used to it. The dimensions of the case are perfect and the alternation of polished and brushed surfaces offers a magnificently successful ensemble. The Zaratsu polishing delivers incredible perfection. Despite the absence of micro adjustment, the bracelet is easily adjustable by playing with the links of different sizes that can be removed without difficulty. Too tight? Reverse a short link and a wide one. Too loose? Replace a small link with a large one. 
The dive into the dial is a sumptuous journey between reliefs, light and reflections. The sapphire crystal is instantly crossed, invisible. The polishing of the indexes and hands is dazzling, it allows instant reading of the time even in very low light conditions. Thus the slightest movement of the wrist catches the light and the eye in a dazzling alternation of reflections. Finally, the dial is of a rare purity, between frozen snow and parchment paper, it reveals a relaxing and admirably executed landscape, poetically swept by a sober blued seconds hand whose fluidity of movement is hypnotic.
On the battery side, the Spring Drive movement brilliantly reveals its skillfully mastered aesthetic. The treatment of the parts that compose it is as rigorously executed as the rest of the watch. Echoing the fluidity of the seconds hand, the continuous rotation of the regulator wheel seems imperturbable.

Excellence is of this world!

One of the great classics of Grand Seiko. A dial that has entered the legend of watchmaking with its so original and remarkable texture. An ultra-light titanium watch that is powered by a Spring Drive movement. This hybrid movement allows the second hand to move smoothly with hypnotic fluidity. A sporty-chic watch that is all-terrain and can be worn with both dressy and more casual clothing.

One of Grand Seiko's iconic watches

The Grand Seiko SBGA211 is a watch that showcases the brand’s exceptional watchmaking expertise. This watch is equipped with a high-precision automatic movement, which is entirely designed and manufactured in-house. The watch case and bracelet are also made in the Grand Seiko workshops, where artisans work with meticulous attention to detail to create an impeccable finish.

The SBGA211 features a unique dial pattern, which is inspired by the snowy landscapes of Japan’s Shinshu region. The white color evokes the purity of snow, while the faceted indexes and leaf-shaped hands evoke nature. The watch also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 100 meters.

In short, the Grand Seiko SBGA211 model is a remarkable example of the brand's watchmaking expertise, combining cutting-edge design with an elegant and refined design, inspired by the beauty of Japanese nature.

Grand Seiko: A watch that tells a story

This snowflake is a watch full of qualities that allows to bring an exemplary level of finishing at a more reasonable price than some big Swiss brands. Everything is well thought out and perfectly executed. The polishing of all the elements of the dial is fantastic, which makes it a piece that sparkles under the light whatever the angle from which you look at it. The case is extremely pleasant on the wrist, with a titanium color used that is surprisingly close to steel. The water resistance of 10 bar coupled with the ease of changing the bracelet make it an excellent watch to adapt to all situations, and a direct competitor to the blockbusters of Swiss brands, with this very singular oriental charm.

The Grand Seiko classic

A Seiko fan for many years, it took me almost 10 years to take the plunge and buy a Grand Seiko.
Of course, the price is not the same and so naturally it is not a purchase that you make in a hurry. But beyond the price, it took me a long time to understand that the quality was there. Through ignorance, I thought for a long time that GS was a UFO brand, reserved for a few watch geeks in need of exoticism.
Like many, I considered the GS as certainly well made but without that catchy charm that makes us take out the credit card.

And yet from the first try I understood that I was completely wrong! This GS is a fantastic watch whose perfection of details, a priori trivial, makes it a piece that truly brings together all the ingredients expected of a high-end watch production, and above all extremely attractive.
• the very fine indexes reflect the light perfectly.
• the polished/brushed hands that offer excellent readability, despite the little contrast a priori with the light dial, are quite impressive
• the polished bezel, which also brings a touch of discreet shine, gives the watch a little chic side (and luminous, we come back to it) which contrasts with the sportiness of the brushed bracelet
• the dial definitely not silver but truly champagne which offers a "sunshine" both discreet but present. (on the other hand I think that the qualifier of "silk texture" sometimes used is very exaggerated). This champagne shade is very chic. The perception of the watch changes completely compared to its little sister with the black dial (285) which gives a much sportier image
• the simplicity of the power reserve, just printed, is very consistent with the general style of the watch
• the case, one of the too rare in 39 at GS, is a perfect sport chic combination. Compact and homogeneous (thickness is not an issue), it is obviously perfectly finished (zaratsu)
• finally the spring drive movement (mechanical movement driving a quartz regulator) is obviously fantastic for its exclusivity, its precision and this sliding second which is definitely fascinating.

This SBGA283 is not a show off watch ... but it is a watch that is noticed and which has already earned me a few compliments because as always at GS the details make all the difference.
In the end it is probably the best value for money in my collection!

You will like it if:
• you like high quality objects
• you admire the reflections of your watch 20 times a day
• you want to get off the beaten track

You will not like it if:
• you swear by Swiss watchmaking!


Paradise is in the details

"GS dials are incredible" I have heard this phrase dozens of times, but it is once on the handle that you realize the beauty of these. The shape of the case, the seconds hand that glides like a surfer, an elegance and an incredible versatility, that is all GS.

Bewitching

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

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