This quartz GS was my third. After 2 mechanical models (Nomos and Ming), I wanted to treat myself and move upmarket, without any preconceived ideas, I just had to be seduced. I lived in Geneva, so the tests were easy and numerous. Unfortunately, for a 16 cm wrist, I quickly became disillusioned...
Even for models of 39 mm and less, the diameter was not excessive, but no watch suited my wrist: Tudor, Zenith, Mont-Blanc, H. Moser, Girard Perregaux, Glashutte Original... It didn't fit.
And, for watches of smaller diameter, it lacked presence, or it was too much of a jewel for my taste.
At the time, Seiko had just removed the 2 indications to leave only the Grand Seiko brand.
I tried a first model, it was a revelation. Sure, the watch was only 37mm, but it fit my wrist perfectly. From then on, I became passionate about the brand.
My first Grand Seiko is therefore a quartz watch, it was not my initial wish but I do not regret it at all. For 6 years and a battery change, the drift is less than 5 seconds per year.
The titanium bracelet is super comfortable, only small problem, no micro-adjustment.
The readability is perfect. For the finishes, it is Grand Seiko.
I recently tried a superb Spring Drive model of 44.5mm diameter and 50mm LtL, and well It works very well.
Japan 1 - Switzerland 0

The beginning of a love story

A year and a half ago, I stopped by the Kurono showroom, a charming place where I was able to try out the few models on display that were all out of stock. The Reiwa 2024 had not yet been released, but the tests had confirmed the quality of manufacture, the refinement, and the "portability" of the brand. It's as if making cases that fit small wrists was a Japanese specialty (exclusive?).
When the anniversary Reiwa came out, in the photo, the dial looked much more worked than the old models with a beautiful shade of translucent blue surrounding a deep black: a marriage of the most beautiful effect.
So I rushed to acquire it.
Tracking and delivery: as usual, perfect Japanese service.
The watch is in a beautiful case wrapped in a furoshiki fabric.
In real life, because of its small size, the watch is even more precious than in the photo: a real little gem that is very pleasant to look at. The dial, the hands, the horns, the case, everything is delicate. On the other hand, I will not talk about minimalism. The bracelet is very flexible, very pleasant to wear, its edge of the same blue-worm as the edge of the dial magnificently accentuates the harmony given off by this watch.
But big black point for me: the length of the hour and minute hands. The 2 leaf-shaped hands are certainly not the same length, the minute hand extends into the blueish zone which has concentric and metallic circles of the same shine. Depending on the exposure, I have a lot of trouble distinguishing the 2 hands, and therefore reading the time...
With lacquered dials like those of the urushi models, the time is much more readable.
I went back to the store last month, I saw the Shanghai edition chrono (which was not out of stock and could apparently be bought in store): superb, but no more readable and much more expensive.
I'm posting a photo where you can clearly see that a light dial doesn't make it easier to read the time...

Exclusive watch but not very readable

After the (very) conclusive experiences of 2 quartz models of GS, I was looking for a mechanical watch, or one equipped with the Spring Drive movement, so I was primarily looking at the omiwatari SD model and this SBGW 231 with manual winding. Both have a stripped-down dial and no date window. I was able to compare them: if the dial of the omiwatari with the hand that slides on the snow is superb, on my wrist, there was no comparison... Despite its larger LtL, the SBGW 231 fitted perfectly on my wrist thanks to its delicate lugs. I won't dwell on the manufacturing quality specific to GS but on the obviousness that emerges from this watch: as soon as the bracelet was closed, I said to myself:
"... , class in Las Vegas" 
A very simple dial but in a subtle cream, no indication other than Grand Seiko with the GS overhanging, indexes and hands without fuss but which play with the light like I had never seen, a domed sapphire crystal just the right amount... I changed the bracelet right away because I don't like black bracelets, and to contrast with this perfect minimalism, I think it needed a little fantasy and texture on the bracelet side. Note that GS changed the reference to adapt its steel bracelets.
There you go, now I'm looking for a Spring Drive model, but I think I've found it...

Just classy

In 2019, we were already hearing about Ming, but buying a young brand from Malaysia based on a photo was a gamble. 6 years later, I don't regret buying this model, which was offered at a "reasonable" price at the time.
The dial has it all: the color and the guilloche pattern that takes on beautiful reflections depending on the exposure; the solid hands, which were quite rare for the brand at the time, and the indexes. Under an apparent simplicity, this dial takes up details that are both classic and "industrial".
I love the case with once again a very industrial design steel block that contrasts with very old school horns that remind me a little of historical cows, with a more pronounced curvature that ensures a perfect plating, even on a small wrist.
The crown is easy to grip, but I don't find the winding the most pleasant.
The bracelet is beautifully made and gives off a good cow smell when opening the leather case, well made and functional. Again…

The dial and the horns

My first mechanical watch.
I hesitated a lot with the pale pink ORION model, but maybe because it was my first mechanical watch, I went for the more classic of the two. Especially since it is not so classic, after all...
On this watch everything is fine: the case, the horns, long and thin, and these two hands that are so nice to see turning when setting the time. The minute hand is particularly long and allows a perfect adjustment that contributes to the great readability of the watch.
The manual caliber is also very fine, in the elegant sense, and particularly pleasant to look at. The drift is +5 seconds per day, which for me remains acceptable.
The mahogany cordovan strap is beautifully made but combined with the sobriety of the dial, it is a bit “boring”… So I immediately changed it for a blue alligator strap which electrifies the whole thing and matches the hands.

Elegant, well finished, beautiful caliber at a low price

Love at first sight when I saw it during a trip to Japan, I was missing a black and white diver's watch.

Super comfortable to wear, it fits my small wrist perfectly, the rubber strap is less massive than my Citizen BN0226-10P, more flexible while giving off an impression of durability.

Very readable during the day, beautiful and durable blue luminescence, I don't have better in my collection.

Titanium, screw-down crown, water-resistant to 200 meters.

Very precise like all Citizen Eco-drives (maximum drift of 3 seconds per week).

For 180 euros, what more could you ask for?

It appeared with this white dial and a black dial on the Japanese site a month ago but is now only available in its black version which I like less. I haven't seen it on the French Citizen site.


Finally a watch that I want to take everywhere

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)

This watch means a lot to me! It's a new step in my collection. I wanted a beautiful, well-made watch that would accompany me in many moments and that would mark memories, like the birth of my daughter.
This watch is less demonstrative than others in my collection. I could have taken a spring drive or a hi-beat from Grand Seiko, a more worked dial or special metals. But at the end of the equation, this was the most obvious: 37mm, pure and balanced case, impeccable finishes and especially this play of light between the dial and indexes/hands. On the wrist, this watch appears like a retouched photo, as if the contrast had been increased a little too much to be realistic. The zaratsu polishing, the sky dial, almost gray, play with the light, and it is as if the coating of the dial and the 12 mirrors were arguing over which would be most enhanced by the slightest ray of light.
Inevitably very discreet, it is a great satisfaction for me to wear a watch that no one calculates, of which I am the only one to fully enjoy the subtlety. It is for me a new discovery of luxury: to take the watch that we like, regardless of the price and the hype. I was ready to take a more technical, advanced watch... but it seemed to me the most accomplished, in a disconcerting simplicity of which Grand Seiko sometimes has the secret.

Kishun: The Spring Sky

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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