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I used to think of Grand Seiko as the sleeper luxury brand, having bought everything from the spring drive Ti diver for $4,500, to the spring drive chronological for around ~ $5,000 (used). But the days when you could be a wide range of GS' for under $5K are gone, with Seiko moving even their Prospex line over the $5K mark.
I realized this was over when I had a meeting with a vendor and they were espousing how their entire office was obsessed with Grand Seikos. I would have never have had that conversation 3 years ago. Good for Seiko though in getting the brand out there into the mainstream.
So I started looking for other options. I've owned a number of chronometers in the past... I had a AQ-1000, AQ-1020, and recently an AQ-4030. But then I purchased a AQ-4020-03E (black dial, leather strap) for $2K and they solved most of the issues with the previous models I owned. The dial was subtle, unique, and always engaging to look at, the hands were sharp and well polished, it was just the right size and thickness, and so light it almost disappears from your wrist.
When they announced the limited edition line with the green and red dials, I was intrigued. I contacted Seiya to see if he could get a green dial version for me - and as usual he came through.
This is not really an in depth review, but just a post to share some photos of this amazing - under $3K - watch.
And for me - this Citizen line has firmly taken its place as the sleeper luxury brand.
Here it is next to the black dial version:
![IMG_2347.png]()
In bright direct sunlight you can see the texture on the paper dial.
![IMG_2348.png]()
And here's how the dial looks 99% of the time:
![IMG_2340.png]()
![IMG_2342.png]()
![IMG_2344.png]()
![IMG_2345.png]()
I realized this was over when I had a meeting with a vendor and they were espousing how their entire office was obsessed with Grand Seikos. I would have never have had that conversation 3 years ago. Good for Seiko though in getting the brand out there into the mainstream.
So I started looking for other options. I've owned a number of chronometers in the past... I had a AQ-1000, AQ-1020, and recently an AQ-4030. But then I purchased a AQ-4020-03E (black dial, leather strap) for $2K and they solved most of the issues with the previous models I owned. The dial was subtle, unique, and always engaging to look at, the hands were sharp and well polished, it was just the right size and thickness, and so light it almost disappears from your wrist.
When they announced the limited edition line with the green and red dials, I was intrigued. I contacted Seiya to see if he could get a green dial version for me - and as usual he came through.
This is not really an in depth review, but just a post to share some photos of this amazing - under $3K - watch.
And for me - this Citizen line has firmly taken its place as the sleeper luxury brand.
Here it is next to the black dial version:
In bright direct sunlight you can see the texture on the paper dial.
And here's how the dial looks 99% of the time:
