^^ This. The gradual international rollout of the GS brand has been building up to just this decision - to truly compete with international brands, GS must be its own brand as well. The watches are receiving greater acclaim while gradually more people are educated as to the technical and craftsmanship capability of the best Japanese manufacture.
Related, many GS owners have complained about poor resale value of what they know to be stellar watches - this decision, and further success as a distinct brand, is the only way that the watch buying public will, gradually, value more what GS does.
