I’m very lucky to have lots of watches, ranging from big names to tiny micro brands.
And I obviously love them all, otherwise they wouldn’t be safely nestled in my watch drawer in the first place. But if I had to choose only one favourite, as impossible as that sounds? It might just be my Grand Seiko Heritage.
Grand Seiko Heritage - Credit WatchGecko
This watch is a comparatively recent arrival to my collection, having only taken up residence just over a year ago. But in that time it’s resolutely wormed its way into my deepest affections by being a stunningly beautiful watch that’s suitable for any occasion. In spirit, I feel it’s actually closest to the Rolex Explorer 1, thanks to the simple yet timeless design that fits into your life seamlessly.
Grand Seiko Heritage - Credit WatchGecko
What quartz has perhaps lacked, up until now, is the engineering pedigree to match the convenience. But Grand Seiko slings that argument out of the ballpark. Words can’t quite describe just how well this watch is put together. Look at the way the seconds hand squarely hits the markers, for example. Suffice it to say that this Grand Seiko makes some of the big Swiss brands feel flimsy. And the exquisiteness of every detail is second to none.
Grand Seiko Heritage - Credit WatchGecko
What I love most about it is that deep blue dial, which is so multi-faceted and complex that it feels like staring into the depths of an ocean. It’s brilliant and lustrous in equal measure. But none of this ever compromises the stunning legibility (which is what reminds me so much of the Explorer). The Grand Seiko is effortlessly easy to read, with the design so optimally balanced, that just looking at it is a zen-like experience; ordered Japanese heritage shining through like a tranquil beacon.
That’s not just the result of one thing. Instead, the watch is formed of a supremely harmonious mix of design elements, which converge to form a near-perfect whole. The dagger hands are a three-dimensional work of art; ending in a sharp tip that’s entirely analogous with the precise nature of the engineering. The case shape is a beguiling mix of curves and straight lines that manage to pull off a true piece of design alchemy: appearing gorgeously retro, yet crisply modern at the same time. There’s no fuss about this watch, no self-consciousness about the design. Everything is there for a reason, with form strictly following function. It almost feels like feng shui for the wrist.
Grand Seiko Heritage - Credit WatchGecko
This watch is also genre-defying. There’s a feel of the steel sports watch here, but also of the dress watch. I genuinely believe that my Grand Seiko can be exactly what I want it to be, which is why I’d choose it as my only watch.
I also love the company and its philosophy. Not only the individual design but also the whole brand is elegantly understated; like a well-kept secret. Not everyone knows just how good these watches are, and that’s part of the joy of ownership. The name even downplays itself: Grand Seiko, not so far off those eminently reliable everyday watches worn by half of Japan (and the world, come to think of it..)
But rather than diminishing the watch, the modest nomenclature is instead the ultimate statement of quiet self-confidence. This watch doesn’t need an epic name like the ‘Adventurer’ or ‘Conqueror’ or anything like that. It’s proud to wear a Seiko suffix. But actions, looks, and build quality speak eloquently for themselves, with no unnecessary emotional baggage or snobbery attached. And that’s really why I love this watch so much.
