LuxuryWatchesThis is the most underrated Grand Seiko watch according to the brand’s Master TechnicianEXCLUSIVE: We chat with Grand Seiko’s Master Watch Technician about the Spring Drive movement and hidden gems in the rangeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
LuxuryWatchesThis is the most underrated Grand Seiko watch according to the brand’s Master TechnicianEXCLUSIVE: We chat with Grand Seiko’s Master Watch Technician about the Spring Drive movement and hidden gems in the rangeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EXCLUSIVE: We chat with Grand Seiko’s Master Watch Technician about the Spring Drive movement and hidden gems in the range
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
If you’re a fan of thebest watcheson the market, you’ll know just how convoluted the market is. Gone are the – arguably simpler – days when you’d simply purchase a dress watch for the office and adive watchif you fancied yourself a bit of an outdoorsy type.
These days, even buying a luxury watch isn’t easy. You start off withRolexandOmega, with their iconic ranges, but can quickly find yourself wanting for more. If your pockets are deep enough – and your connections and status worthy – you can start shopping in the catalogues ofAudemars Piguet,Patek PhilippeandA Lange & Söhne.
But nestled in amongst them all is a brand which has soared in popularity of late.Grand Seikowere once simply viewed as a tarted up version of the more affordableSeiko watches. Fortunately, the watch industry has wised up. Stunning finishing, sublime dials and pure innovation – Grand Seiko are a brand worthy of your respect and your cash.
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
I recently had the opportunity for a chat with a member of staff at Grand Seiko. And he’s not justanymember of staff. Rob is a Master Watch Technician at Grand Seiko, with a really enviable CV.
He’s worked with the Seiko group overall for a whopping 39 years, and has been part of the Grand Seiko team since 2013. He’s also one of the first certified Grand Seiko watchmakers outside of Japan – safe to say he knows a thing or two about the brand, then!
A headshot of Grand Seiko Master Watch Technician, Rob(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
A headshot of Grand Seiko Master Watch Technician, Rob
A headshot of Grand Seiko Master Watch Technician, Rob
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
Of course, when you chat with anyone about Grand Seiko, the first thing you mention is Spring Drive. For those unaware, this is the brand’spiece de resistance.
Think of it kind of like the ultimate hybrid of mechanical and quartz movements. While parts of both kinds are used, the genius of the design hinges on something called a Tri-Synchro Regulator. No, that’s not the thing which powered the Delorean inBack to the Future, but it’s not far off.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
(Image credit: Grand Seiko)
“Anything with a quartz movement is underrated,” Rob tells me.
“They never get the love they deserve – perfect accuracy, perfect timekeeping,” he adds.
It’s certainly a fair assessment. After all, this isn’t any old run-of-the-millquartz watch. These movements retain the absolutely sublime decoration and design of their mechanical counterparts.
If you’re looking to buy a quartz watch, there are few you’ll find on the same level as the Grand Seiko models.
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
New Grand Seiko watch reissues its first mechanical piece in a modern wayThe Grand Seiko Icefall Hi-Beat has a new skin
The Grand Seiko Icefall Hi-Beat has a new skin
New limited edition Grand Seiko watch packs in a stunning dialThe Grand Seiko ‘Genbi Valley’ sports a gorgeous mottled green finish
The Grand Seiko ‘Genbi Valley’ sports a gorgeous mottled green finish
