I had planned to buy myself a Grand Seiko Snowflake Spring Drive in 2023 for my tenth birthday when I stumbled upon it in a second-hand store last year.
And then, I completely fell in love when I put it on my wrist.
The reflections of the hour and minute hands and indexes (Zaratsu polishing), the blued seconds and power reserve hands, the highly detailed dial with its "Tatami" texture and its little GS logos.
When you get closer, you can see some details like the Lion hidden among the GS and the inscription "caliber 9R 10th anniversary" on the flange because it is a limited series for the 10th anniversary of the Spring Drive (2004-2014).
Of course, it works perfectly and is super precise: less than 10 seconds per MONTH.
If I had to find a fault, the only small one I could find concerns the metal bracelet which is not very easy to adjust (micro screw) and to change for its Croco bracelet.
Otherwise, a killer.


Grand Seiko 10th Anniversary of Spring Drive

This Perrelet is my first "out of the ordinary" watch with a turbine inside a watch!
I discovered this watch model by watching the Dialicius video with the presentation of the turbine diver by Tangui.
I also find it hypnotic because as soon as you move your wrist, the blades start to turn very quickly until they disappear and you stay looking at the dial until they slow down.
Another very original thing is its crown which is embedded in the case and which can be manipulated thanks to a folding handle. Super pretty but not very practical for winding the watch.
Otherwise, it is a very comfortable watch to wear with its rubber strap and not very heavy: thank you titanium.
It is a little big, 48mm anyway, but the lugs are very short. So good presence but does not look huge.
I don't wear it often but I like to rediscover it from time to time like a toy that we have put aside.

A Turbine in my Perrelet

Skeleton watches have always fascinated me and it was while watching a show that I discovered this Swiss brand "DONE" and saw this one in their collection. And there, Wow.
A real skeleton on a hand-wound watch as beautiful on the front as on the back.
As soon as you turn the crown to wind it, the gears start to turn and then you see its heart beating and it's magnificent. You can also immediately see the power reserve depending on the tension of the spring. The finishes are very beautiful and the bracelet is very comfortable.
The case is made of grade 5 titanium and it is water-resistant to 100 m.
Inside, the ETA 6494 is much larger than the SW 200 of my old skeleton watches (Hamilton and Oris, part of the movement at the back of which was hidden by the oscillating weight) and it allows us to admire this superb skeleton through the anti-reflective sapphire crystals on both sides of the watch.
Only very beautiful and good. Very beautiful achievement and superb work.
The only small regret, no stop second and not very precise (-12s/d).

A completely transparent skeleton

I had the steel version of this model for a few years but I didn't wear it anymore because it was really too heavy (200 g), even though I loved it.
It had everything of a perfect Tool Watch diver but when I found this one, I jumped at the chance.
I found all the Victorinox know-how. Titanium bracelet and case, 500 m resistance, a helium valve, a transparent case back to see the ETA 2896 movement, a very beautiful lum on the hands, the indexes and on the rotating bezel.
Otherwise, a small particularity on this watch which is very rare on a diver, it has a large date very well integrated into this beautiful dial where you can even see carbon.
The numbers are on a black background like the dial which really doesn't clash at all. Not like on some watches which have a date on a white background with a beautiful black dial. What Horror!!
This Victorinox Dive Master 500 is a limited edition of 900 copies, including 30 copies for France.
It is very light and very comfortable to wear.


My titanium diver with a big date

This 2010 Tissot PRS 516 automatic has seen it all. A real tank, but it comes at a price: 232 g on the scale.
In any case, I like it and I wear it almost every day at work, not behind a desk but rather in the field and I don't spare it anything, yet it has never let me down.
Why this one?
Because it's a design that I love and I need a Chrono at work.
With its openwork bracelet, it is associated with motorsport, especially with this chronograph model equipped with a Valjoux 7750 that can be seen through the transparent back. Another feature that I love is the syringe-shaped hour and minute hands, very readable and very precise. Otherwise, very practical, well integrated and which I use often, the day and date window is on a black background so fits very well in this black dial. (I hate having a white block for the date on a beautiful black screen!)
Every time I put it on my wrist, I imagine finally having the TAG HEUER CARRERA “PORSCHE” of my dreams.

Tissot “Particularly Resistant”

Another French brand that does a great job.
BRM: Bernard Richard Manufacture.
Their watches are super sporty, with most of them featuring references to cars and circuits.
This mechanical watch is water-resistant to 100 m, yet it weighs less than 50 g.
Here's the recipe to get it:
- Skeleton movement
- Drilled hands, horns and crown
- Makrolon case
- Drilled technical fabric strap
- Titanium buckle
The watch is super comfortable to wear and with its featherweight, you totally forget about it.
But as soon as you lay eyes on it, it has a hell of a face.


BRM Featherweight

What attracted me to this watch was this other way of reading the time.
Its dial is inspired by submarine instrumentation, such as a depth gauge here.
I don't really like "single-hand" watches like the MeisterSinger, but this one is something else, another universe.
Above all, there is this "lightning" hour hand where the hour change and the return of the minute hand are instantaneous.
This watch has several complications: a jumping hour, retrograde minute and a power reserve indicator.
It also has a transparent back and a very well-made leather strap.
For your information, this model is a limited edition of 250 pieces.
And with this sick face (black and yellow), it matches really well.
RESERVOIR is a very young French brand (but Swiss made) that makes superb, very original watches like the SONOMASTER (uses the VU-meters of old amps) or the POPEYE (with its articulated arm).
I love this brand and I love this watch.


A watch with a lightning-fast passage of time

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)

I have always been a big fan of Grand Seiko, both for their polishing and their incredible finishes. Poetry is anchored in most of their models with sumptuous dials. The opening and excellent welcome of the Grand Seiko Vendôme boutique convinced me to take the plunge and buy it. And I don't regret it! I chose a Spring Drive to marry the best of both worlds (between automatic and quartz). The only negative point is that I find that the bracelet is not in line with the rest of the model. The buckle is not high enough quality and it remains a little too simple for my taste.

GRAND SEIKO SBGA283 SPRING DRIVE

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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