Budget?
Diver, Chronograph, Sports, Field…..etc?
Vintage/New?
Quartz/Auto/ Spring Drive?

Narrow it down and we can help

 

Well, not sure yet - perhaps around $2K-$3K. I’m lining up to get a GMT, rock climbing gear, and some pew pew stuff this month. So yeah, maybe around that amount by November.

I am swinging like a pendulum on the Alpinist. But I won’t discount any other recommendation. My personal doubt about the Alpinist is I’m not sure if the SPB121 is a true Alpinist.

But then. I think I’m ready for my first Spring Drive if that budget allows.

 

SBBN045

 

I looked into this and although I have a few quartz, not sure I’m ready for another one.

 

Grand Seiko.

 

I was looking at GS but the price is more than what I’m currently willing to spend on another watch. If only …

 

+1 for Tuna, maybe Astron.

 

SSJ013. Interesting. Interested. 🤔

 

Grand Seiko.

This. Lots to choose from.

 

Seiko Prospex LX Spring Drive SBDB037 (Japan Domestic)

www.shoppinginjapan.net

pre-owned should be in budget,a very sturdy watch I dare say.

 

🤔

 

In this age of globalization and with JDMs finding themselves all over, is it still worth it to specifically look for JDMs? I say, just pick the Japanese watch you like best.

 

Funny you say that. When my wife initially mentioned this, I got really excited. I started looking for JDMs because of the opportunity to get a non-US watch. So I looked. And I looked at a lot. But before going to bed last night, the excitement waned and reason took over. Am I buying a watch I want or am I buying a watch just because I have a chance to? I just got three - two G-shocks and a GMT. And I have watches now that barely see wrist time.

This morning, I’m thinking I can get another Buffalo or Eagle with that amount, plus maybe some silver.

But we’ll see what the day brings. I still haven’t had a cup of coffee. My head should clear by then.

 

Credor Eichi. Duh.

 

I’m sure I can get a couple of those based on my budget 😂🤣

 

There's nothing you can buy in person in Japan that you can't get online. But for a 3K pricepoint, you better buy the watch in person.
But if you were to ask for something as a souvenir request, the Seiko x TiCTAC watch collaborations would not be a bad choice:

 

There's nothing you can buy in person in Japan that you can't get online. But for a 3K pricepoint, you better buy the watch in person.
But if you were to ask for something as a souvenir request, the Seiko x TiCTAC watch collaborations would not be a bad choice:
View attachment 17778772
View attachment 17778773

I think that’s the proper word - souvenir watch. Even though I wasn’t actually there. Good point though. My wife is planning to run the Tokyo marathon 2 years from now. Perhaps just wait until then??? 🤔🤔🤔

I might have a better budget then. Or not.

 

It is an LE but I do not know if only JDM, I just know that it is a grail for me and I am sure easy to find in Japan. When was the last time you saw a Seiko no-date diver? I think it is just gorgeous.

 

I can feel the symmetry from here.
What exactly is it?

 

As much as a Seiko fan I am I’d also lean towards Citizen as a souvenir watch. There’s a greater difference between Citizen’s US options and their Japanese ones, particularly at the high end. I know how Seikos and Grand Seikos fit me (extraordinarily well) but I don’t actually know how a Citizen would, and if I’m spending low thousands it would be nice to try them on. Plus there seems to be a lot of differentiation even between different high-end Citizens, ranging from the Eco-Drive One (what I’m really interested in) to chunky-geometric automatics.

Another place to look might be vintage digital/quartz. They have a lot of character, some really unique stuff reflecting sensibilities that didn’t always make it across the Pacific. Popeye (the big men’s fashion/lifestyle magazine) had series of articles about digital vintage that might be worth checking out to get an idea of what’s out theee (including vintage digital Seiko).

 

I agree about looking at Citizen. Most "JDM" Seikos at this point are identical to the ROW models with just a different reference.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were more Thailand exclusives at this point than JDM exclusives, at least of the standard range, anyway. They aren't going to start sending us Anantas or those gargantuan Galante monstrosities.

 

I agree about looking at Citizen. Most "JDM" Seikos at this point are identical to the ROW models with just a different reference.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were more Thailand exclusives at this point than JDM exclusives, at least of the standard range, anyway. They aren't going to start sending us Anantas or those gargantuan Galante monstrosities.

View attachment 17780944

Ananta. I’m gonna have to look at those.

 

Good folks of the forum. Thanks for the input. I talked to the wife and she is running the Tokyo Marathon in two years. We decided we’ll just get a souvenir watch when I’m actually there. It would also give me to chance to get more money for either a GS Spring Drive GMT or a GS Spring Drive Diver. Plus maybe perhaps a dress Spring Drive. I guess it’s Buffaloes and Eagles for me for now.

 

Look into Grand Seiko when you see the dials they make representative of their culture and nature ...you're going to think twice about just settling for a Seiko

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

 

Look into Grand Seiko when you see the dials they make representative of their culture and nature ...you're going to think twice about just settling for a Seiko

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

Yup! I hear that a lot. I heard there was even a four seasons series that really brought the Japanese interpretation of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall dials.

 

be warned, they are addictive and you can spend all your money with them.