IMO, at this level, service means a trip back to the factory. BUT, buying from an AD tends to make this pretty painless.

These are both watches on my short wishlist. The black meteorite is definitely the more formal, IMO. 2 others to consider: Omega DeVille Tresor (steel with blue dial), and if it's still available, the GO Sixties Glacier Blue.

 

No PR, easy choice.

 

Parmigiani for me, too. Grand Seiko makes some very nice pieces, but that one doesn't speak to me, personally. I would agree that in either case you'd probably be sending them to an authorized service place when the time came rather than your friendly local watchmaker.

Not that I'm recommending against the Tonda, but you might take a look at JLC's offerings in that price range as well.

 

JLC is a good suggestion to look at... Ulysses Nardin and Glashutte Original may have some models that appeal too.

 

I have one watch each from both brands. They are at different price brackets so comparisons are moot. Delve deep to appreciate each brand/watch on its own terms and both deliver pleasurable experiences.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses! I have had the JLC MUT 34 and the GS Snowflake and loved them but they each had their own quirks that ultimately had me let them go. I am really interested in the Parmigiani because of the brand's short history, Michele Parmigiani's continued involvement and the fact that the Tonda 1950 really is in a class above the GS, but there is something about the GS's dial that really grabs me.

@Age_of_Surfaces How do you like your Parmigiani? Have you had any issues with it?
@gangrel I had an Omega Tresor for a hot minute but sold it for an explorer and regret it. That's actually what drew me to the Grand Seiko.

 

No issues whatsoever.

The PF is the Tonda GT in all steel, with a black guilloché dial, big date and small seconds. It's a deliciously crafted, liquidy all-purpose watch.

The GS is a SBGR261 on an opulent alligator strap. I wanted this one for its simplicity, plain cream dial and decidedly vintage aspect.

The former cost three times the latter, but this is immaterial when both watches are a joy in their own right.

 

if it was me, iwould choose the Parmigiani Ronda 1950 Meteorite

 

I went with the Parmigiani. I was able get it for the same price as the GS. Should arrive just in time for Christmas. I'll post pictures once it arrives.

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That GS is fantastic but wears small for 39mm

 

Congrats! That meteorite dial is stunning.

 

Did you end up getting the sbgk005 as well?

 

I did. But I got to say, it's amazing in person but for some reason it doesn't sing to me.

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Got it. I’m debating looking for one, just haven’t seen it in person. Have looked at the 007 from a size perspective.


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The watch sits nicely on my 6.5 inch wrist, but I can't get over how short the lugs are.

If you're interested, PM me. I'm willing to let it go for a song

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Doesn’t look like I can PM (long time lurker but only recent poster). Not sure what rules are on email/text and don’t want to go offside


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I’d go Parmigiani as well as you’ve already done altho GS makes a stellar product.

just be careful of the service costs - a friend of mine just had his Parm serviced and was mentioning that while well worth it, had to pay a small fortune. Hopefully they are built to last and do send us pics when you get it!

 

I'd go Parmigiani as well as you've already done altho GS makes a stellar product.

just be careful of the service costs - a friend of mine just had his Parm serviced and was mentioning that while well worth it, had to pay a small fortune. Hopefully they are built to last and do send us pics when you get it!

I actually had to send mine to get serviced recently. My watch had a bit of grinding when I wound it. Fortunately, it was under warranty so I don't know about cost, but the customer service has been pretty good. They need a bit of prompting to get information but respond quickly. It definitely has a small operation feel to it.

It's been 6 weeks and I haven't gotten back, but have been told it should be back this week.

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I have bought two Grand Seikos after years of being Rolex or bust and I could not be happier with my purchases

 

Can you elaborate on why you feel this way?

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