And what do I wear to mow the lawn? A G-Shock of course. Having a robust watch is a must in a collection. I like the creativity found in all G-Shcok models. There are real references to watchmaking. I chose this model because I wanted an analog display. This G-Shock offers the best of both worlds. Easy-to-read hands, and a digital display that completes the whole thing. I wear it without fear of scratching it, its khaki color reinforces the adventurer side. We hesitate, a gadget, a toy, a watch, a tool-match? A bit of all that, but it's essential, too.

Let's get to work!

Having an El Primero in my collection was a must. We won't go back over the question of whether it was really the first, but in any case, this movement has a history, as does the Zenith brand. And what a movement! More than 50 years later, it's still there. And seeing this hand go around the dial in 10 seconds, and offer you precision to the tenth, it's magical. I still had to choose the model equipped with this movement. This Chronomaster Sport is the first model I tried. And then I took the time to discover the range. Chronomaster Original, Revival, different colors, the Defy too. And then finally I came back to my first flash, this Sport model. I like the contrast of the white dial and the tones of the three sub-dials. The ceramic bezel reinforces this contrast and gives it this sporty character. It doesn't go unnoticed when you wear it, it attracts attention, not really a model to remain discreet. And so it is not worn in all circumstances. And then when you wear it in the middle of a group of watch enthusiasts, there is always one who will come and start the debate on the reference to the Daytona. And you can settle the question over a drink...

Indispensable The First

I have always appreciated the ORIS brand. They have a real watchmaking tradition and a strong identity. And certainly the best value for money on the market. I also like iconic models brought up to date. And that is exactly what this Big Crown Pointer Date corresponds to. This edition was proposed on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the model. A history, beautiful mechanics, a successful design, all the ingredients of a good watch.
We find its beautiful characteristics, the date pointer of course which makes it all the originality. Admire this little red touch which enriches the whole. Great art. The railway all around the dial, the cathedral hands, the easily readable numbers. And then bronze is a fantastic material for a case. It lives with you, it evolves.

Tradition and trust

Gran Seiko is known for its precision work, both in its movements and for its dials and polishing. It's elegant, it's classy, it's simply a job well done.
I was looking for a GMT watch, I wanted it with a clear dial, and then I discovered this model and I recognized myself in this watch. What a pleasure to look at the blue GMT hand, the mirrored indexes, the balance of the dial which gives off an impression of sobriety while it has many indications. Its movement visible through a very beautiful sapphire gives you confidence.
It's classy, quite simply.

Japanese elegance

We often associate the world of watches with that of automobiles, less with motorcycles. And this link, Carzo & Lieutier has made it, with success. We find multiple references to motorcycle mechanics on the case. See this bezel which recalls a throttle grip, the case in the shape of circlips, the crown in the shape of a hexagonal screw head. Saint-Luxeuil is the patron saint of bikers, so it brings me luck when I go for a ride.
And then this blue dial... probably the most beautiful blue I have seen on a watch.
Here is a French micro-brand that was able to create an original watch with a real story.

For the riders

I went into AD Tudor with the firm intention of buying a blue Pelogos, and I came out with this BB58. An immediate favorite. Its format, its perfect diameter of 39, the beauty of the dial, and then that je ne sais quoi that the red triangle at 12 o'clock brings to it. I can spend a long time looking at it, admiring it. I like to wear it on a NATO. It gives it a magnificent adventurer look.
There is also at Tudor this impression of quality and robustness that the case offers. When you turn the bezel, you have this impression of work well done just by hearing the click.
If there were only one left in my collection, it would probably be this one.

Love at first sight for the red triangle

Is it still necessary to add an additional opinion on the Speedmaster? I'll risk it anyway. A watch is a story, a movement, and a design. And there, nothing to complain about, the three elements are combined. Yes, Omega plays the marketing of the "first watch on the Moon" to the fullest. But it still works, right? Then there is this design, what readability, what balance. I don't know why some aficionados go crazy with this DON (dot over 90) but it is there. And finally, this co-axial caliber is still exceptional. I like the rustic side of the manual winding. It allows you to have a more intimate connection with your watch (well, you get what I mean).
And what I also like about my Speed is that you can wear it with a suit as well as on a golf course or in the evening. And when you want to change your look, everything suits it: NATO in all colors, black or brown leather.

Indispensable

I received this Longines Grande Vitesse for my 40th birthday. It was my first "real" watch, and my entry into the magical world of watchmaking. Its beautiful brown dial is inspired by the world of car racing, classic of course for a chronograph. I really like the sub-chrono at 12 o'clock, with this number 12 as found on vintage racing cars. The display is very clear, the details are magnificent. It is equipped with an ETA 7750 movement which contributes to the overall quality. It is a watch that I wear with pleasure, sometimes in sport mode, sometimes in class mode.

We always come back to our first loves

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)

Third and final episode of my "watchmaking adventure" series, this Grand Seiko logically complemented my speed panda and my bb58 that you can discover on my Instagram @watchyab . The idea was to find an unusual dress watch, with a white or ivory dial, with a different identity from my other two watches. This is how, after multiple searches, I came across this Grand Seiko SBGM021 with GMT complication! In terms of emotion, I remember the shivers that rose up my arm when I put it on my wrist! Its ivory dial is to die for, as is the polishing of the case and hands that the firm calls zaratzu. Three other details that are to die for: the transparent back revealing a beautifully finished auto caliber, the date window with an incredible finish, and finally the writing of the 24h gmt in navy blue on the very fine dial! After two years on my wrist, this watch is a delight, it shines brightly while remaining discreet with its 39.8mm! Its leather strap is also very classy, as is the pin buckle! It looks super dressy with a classic old side, it is ideal with a suit! In short, with an equivalent finish you would have to spend very high financially to acquire it if it was a Jaeger Lecoultre or an Omega! Of my three watches, it is the one that offers the highest level of finish and by far! The quality-price ratio is phenomenal! I can only recommend it to you! What about my fourth watch now?! Lol

My dress watch with a Japanese twist

An iconic watch from the Grand Seiko catalog for several years. 
This SBGM221 ticks all the Grand Seiko boxes. 
The indexes, the hands, the polishing of the case, the balance, the precision... 
And what about this ivory dial that perfectly juggles between the blued hand and the reflections of the sun. 
For me the most beautiful dress GMT on the market!

The most beautiful GMT dress on the market!

Clarification on the reference: GMT automatic SBGM245. There are watches that catalog photos do not always pay homage to or do not really attract more than that. This GMT is one of them. If I had missed a video or a fitting at the Paris Vendôme boutique, I would have missed it and yet.... So there are a number of GS that attract me, some that have become unobtainable or unaffordable such as the Peacock with its green hammered dial, itself a GMT. And then I came across this one - a little more modest (everything is relative of course) - I think it was a Youtube video from a fanboy in Singapore that most invited me to go and try it. For the description, I appreciate its proximity to the Rolex Explorer 2 and especially its differences with a thinner bezel although its 40mm case excluding the crown is close, this gives it a larger dial opening. What strikes me in general with GS and this one is not usual are the finishes. So from afar, it looks "not bad" but up close the magic (IMHO) works! I will not talk about the magnificent chamfers present on the cases and the handles (that some big brands would be wise to always apply IMHO ...), a finesse in the details passing by the indexes, a slightly sunrayed dark blue dial, a subtly two-tone inner flange to distinguish the hours of day vs. those of night. I come back to the case because the play of textures (brushed, polished, micronillé ..) are magnificent, also present on the bracelet also manufactured by GS. A real GMT moreover with adjustment and safe return back. The softness of the crown is also a detail both when winding the watch and when setting the hours / dates / minutes. A defect? probably the high weight due to materials or GS is not economical, a fixed bezel (is it a defect?...) .... In short, controlled dimensions, a pleasure watch. The Japanese no longer have much to envy/learn from their Swiss colleagues!

The photos don't do him justice.

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.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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