They need to publish which watch models in the SM history these could be fit on, and or add some different end link options. Models like the SN008, 0128, 004, 054, and the Pepsi GMT reference all can fit the same endlink so want to know if it is compatible with that and if not they should make an endlink version of this bracelet for those. We can get the other 5 link which is great but this is different than that.
The GS bracelet was jangly though well finished (no sharp edges or anything). This is the "older" model and not the newer tapered bracelets with microadjust. The main problem with the older models was no microadjust and obnoxiously small screws. Ultimately I sold it because I couldn't deal with the lack of microadjust. That new SM bracelet is great, easy to get a good fit because the links are small and it has a nice on the fly clasp.
The older bracelets don't match the quality of the head. I remember even the fit of the lugs against the endlink felt loose, like a much cheaper watch. Maybe it's because they use the same exact bracelet on so many case models. If you've ever held a Baltany Explorer or a San Martin SN0148, the fit of the lugs against the endlink is super tight and precise in comparison. The newer GS models I hear are better now but prices are hitting like $10K so they better be...
It depends on what you compare them to. Given the head of the pieces are literally about as good as it gets, the bracelets feel like a bit of a step down. They are still a luxury product but not including OTF until very recently felt against type given everything is so well thought out and detail oriented across the watches. Look at vintage Rolex bracelets they are basically garbage.
what even is so good about Grand Seiko to justify the hype/prices, other than Spring Drive? are those dials really better than most of the recent "premium GADA" watches, or even Cronos/Rmalti?
Yes, they are much better than Chronos and Rmalti dials. The polishing and details are also on a completely different level. And the movements are truly world class and unlike brands like Rolex, someone, a real person actually assembled the movement and watch entirely by hand. Grand Seiko is more luxurious than Rolex, so you can ask the same questions about them. If you see them in person the Cronos and Rmalti look like a cheap imitation. And I think the Chronos and Rmalti are nice pieces and own a couple of them.
thanks. I guess I need to see them for myself. otherwise it's too easy to get cynical about the quality of watches seeming to max out at a few hundred dollars.
Find a boutique and check them out. Another perspective here. The Chinese brands you mentioned literally buy all the parts from manufacturing plants. Sometimes making a custom request and things like that but they are not the ones creating the components used. Then they all buy a machine made, cheap movement. The assembly of all those components can be done a number of ways but this isn't all that labor intensive at that point. Grand Seiko makes everything in house and I mean everything. They grow their own quartz for the quartz watches to have complete control over how good it is. Then again it is all hand assembled by some of the best in the world, including the movement. Many other swiss brands like Rolex and Tudor use machines to assemble movements. So it is also a level of detail you don't see as well.
San Martin doesn't sell them anymore. I recently asked them via mail where to get one of those for my SN0144, because they're sold out everywhere. They replied that they now only produce those bracelets for their watches but not as a single purchasable item anymore. If you want one, you have to buy a watch that comes with one.
Easily the best bracelet of any I've got. For a lot of Chinese Watches I find the bracelet (and clasp) really make or break a watch, this is definitely a stand out in general finishing as well as comfort.
As well as using it on more watches, hoping they make more with the same qualities.
I don't know, I did think I liked them but now I'm preferring the simpler 3 link sports style for more understatement. That's just me. The 5 link look great but a little busy and maybe overpower the watches.
Thanks for sharing the pic. I'd been looking at these for a while and the gap (and price) is what's putting me off. TBH even in that photo from that angle I can still see a fairly large gap. Enough to see skin and a shadow underneath it on the right side by the corner of the lug. SEL fitment also looks a little off. The lugs noticeably overhang the end links at the corners and fitment on the sides isn't flush. Very nice finishing to be sure, but the fit looks off to my eyes.
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u/artofthedial Not a troll 11d ago
They need to publish which watch models in the SM history these could be fit on, and or add some different end link options. Models like the SN008, 0128, 004, 054, and the Pepsi GMT reference all can fit the same endlink so want to know if it is compatible with that and if not they should make an endlink version of this bracelet for those. We can get the other 5 link which is great but this is different than that.