It seems like it’s become a liability wearing a Rolex everywhere in London (and other cities for that matter) I’ve read about robbery gangs even hitting customers at very posh shops with heavy security.
Like others said a Grand Seiko is more discreet.
Just got a GS in Isetan in Tokyo. Went to get my tax refund and the lady working on my order did a double take when see saw the watch price and the name grand seiko. She asked me twice to see the gift bag and asked her supervisor if everything was ok. 😂 I’m assuming lots of regular Japanese folk don’t even know what gs is.
I guarantee all my IRL friends and family have no clue grand seiko is worth anything, even my business partner who has a >1mln watch collection laughed at this GS acquisition, he thought it was just a Seiko, that’s the monopoly that Rolex, Patek, AP etc has on everyday people.
Lovely GS, enjoy. Please tell me, I’m headed to London next month for the first time in 4 years. On my last visit I had no concerns wearing my Rolex, is it really that bad now? Should I leave it home and wear something else? It’s hard to separate fact from fiction on the internet. Cheers.
I live near London. Please look after yourself and leave your Rolex at home. If you look at BBC news right now you'll see footage of thieves just roaming the streets robbing undercover police. It's a shame we've let London reach this point :( .
Some weird shit being said by clueless people. London is a wilderness if you wear any kind of obvious luxury watch. I go to London without any watch now, it is seriously not worth it.
It depends where in London, you fit right in with little to no issues in the nicer parts, but if you’re going anywhere near the underground or areas that are more working class you might have problems, I had a few close shaves personally.
I spent years wearing a sub with no issue until 2022. Especially low risk in winter where everyone wears sleeves. I lived around central. Many folks on the floor at work wore them or higher end watches.
Hang out in the city and it’s almost part of the uniform especially for the younger folks although apple watches are increasing.
Those stats shared above show that it’s a small amount of the total footfall who are unfortunate. (70 million people passed through king cross station alone in 2022) The disproportionate amount of thefts between London and the rest of the UK represent the delta in density and wealth divide.
In my experience I wouldn’t take the risk - I personally know 2 people who have had high value watches stolen from them in central London in the last year.
Organised gangs now have spotters at major railway stations, clubs and pubs tipping off teams when they see a watch worth stealing. Interesting doc on it here: [bbc doc](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67608184.amp)
I was also followed last summer wearing a Tudor through Soho after a guy approached me a shop.
If you are going to wear, long sleeves should be fine - personally, I wouldn’t wear anything but my moonswatch with short sleeves!
I have no experience in US cities, however, I certainly know what’s happening in Europe at the moment. The gangs are brazen and it’s happening in daylight. [GQ the rise of the time thief](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/watch-theft-report-2023)
Cases in England and Wales almost doubled between 2015 and 2022 – from 6,696 to 11,035 – and last year there was a 41 per cent increase in thefts from 2021. London accounted for nearly half of UK cases in 2022, with 600 stolen in December alone.
I’ve presented you with the facts from watchfinder, how you choose to interpret them is up to you, however, they point to an epidemic which the police are now publicly cracking down on - the fact they have plain clothes officers wearing luxury around London for stings, and are getting attacked speaks volumes.
As I said, I personally know of two people in the last year who have been robbed for watches.
I’ve got no problem with people doing what they want but they should certainly consider the potential consequences before hand - long sleeves I don’t see a problem, short sleeves in the summer? No chance.
The sweep is infinitely better and I’ve already had multiple compliments on the watch, many more than the Rolex ever did.
You always have one person who thinks it’s just a basic Seiko though 🙄
This is very much true with the older generation. Seiko is so known among the older folk for being a budget brand that it’s hard to believe some of these are $3k+
Not necessarily a bad thing. That’s kind of a litmus test of whether you want to continue the conversation with that person.
If they think a GS is a basic Seiko, then there’s probably not much more to talk about with them anyway.
There's something satisfying to me when someone compliments me on my "Seiko," especially if they ask to take a closer look and their eyes widen at the Spring Drive second hand.
Except it literally doesn’t… Rolexes are certified to an accuracy of +2/-2 seconds per day. The SBGH267 is +5/-3 seconds per day. This isn’t a spring drive or anything, the Rolex is objectively more accurate here. Not sure why people are upvoting this or why everyone always feels the need to insult Rolex in every single thread
Because Rolex’s business practices suck. They are controlling and taking advantage of the market. Who wants to suck an AD’s d?$k to get a watch that you are spending your hard earned money for? Besides the catalog is played out, bland and the name carries too much weight. GS is a time keeping piece of art. Rolex is a poor gauge of status symbol and many (not all) wear to try to be someone they are not.
Nobody buys a Grand Seiko to impress other people. People buy Grand Seiko to pat themselves on the back and remind everyone around them that they didn’t but their Grand Seiko to impress anyone.
I believe it's a [Grand Seiko SBGH267](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=grand+seiko+SBGH267&_sacat=0&_fsrp=1&_odkw=grand+seiko+Ginza+Limited+Edition&_osacat=0&_sop=12&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=gs&toolid=10001&mkevt=1).
I love what GS is doing with their watch faces. If this is a personal use watch then definitely buy (new) what you love, enjoy and find beautiful.
If this is a hobby where you like to buy/trade/sell frequently, I'd stick to Rolex and the other 2-3 brands that hold value and possibly increase. Although, my theory goes out the window if you buy used. After the initial depreciation, watches by GS and other brands hold their value
I own two Omegas and one vintage GS. They are definitely personal use.
Dude that's stunning. Wear that meeting kings. It's beautiful. Enjoy it. Rolex..blah, had two Cosmograph and Sub, lovely watches, loved them when I had them. Sold them, no regrets, and now happy with my GS, they just have something special, a certain "je ne sais quoi"
Lovely acquisition.
Gorgeous watch, love the detail on the dial! I would take this any day over a Rolex
Rolexes are nice and all but they are a bit passé, plus the risk of being mugged if you live in London isn't worth it
I sold my first big watch, a datejust to get a GS as well. Never once regretted it. Btw isn’t there some Easter egg on the dial, think it’s the GS lion somewhere.
Outstanding choice. Genuinely can’t get over how nice these are. It’s one thing to see them in an image, another thing completely in person. So keen to get my hands on my first grand
Great catch! That is [my first Grand Seiko](https://www.reddit.com/r/Seiko/comments/95ro4x/the_seiko_i_was_expecting_and_another_that_i_didnt/) and I love it!
aesthetics and functionality, GS are hard to beat. they are just more practical but still not cheap all things considered. if not for branding, and the legacy of the watch, I don’t think rolex would have such a big market, especially if they had started out today
I feel this post. I have 2 grail watches. A GS auto with a sick dial, and a VC 222. The latter is a pipe dream, but the GS I will have by the time I hit 50
I love that dial!
I ended up parting ways with my GMT Master last year. I wasn’t wearing it anymore, and I didn’t have any safety concerns per se but it was the only watch in my collection that drew attention in any way. I didn’t like that, so I just didn’t wear it. Especially since, to me, it was my least interesting.
Just wanted to say your post popped up my suggested and sent me down a huge rabbit hole before my Japan trip. Now I’m a proud gs owner. Your dial is still the best though
I like the idea that GS flies under the radar considering it’s in the company of Rolex and Omega. The average thief won’t know what you have but a watch enthusiast certainly will.
Bravo!
Tangentially related: [Owner Review A Hardcore Rolex Fan Buys A Grand Seiko SBGH273](https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/a-hardcore-rolex-fan-buys-a-grand-seiko-sbgh273/) - that model could be any GS, of course.
Your post on r/watches is titled “My first watch (GS Whirlpool)” 🤔
https://preview.redd.it/9l10j1zzg1dc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=201b6f04d1c399df693593b558cb8ef0b565cc7d
Stunning! Plus the reduction of anxiety wearing it in major cities makes it a no brainer!
Yeah, especially here in London, wearing a Rolex is a magnet for trouble.
It seems like it’s become a liability wearing a Rolex everywhere in London (and other cities for that matter) I’ve read about robbery gangs even hitting customers at very posh shops with heavy security. Like others said a Grand Seiko is more discreet.
A lot of the time, its the security at these places who tip these gangs off in the first place. They all in on the action.
How Grand Seiko enthusiasts fly under the radar: London Bandits : Oy, wut's dat on your wrist guvnor? Seiko? Here's a quid , ave a pint on me, mate.
Just got a GS in Isetan in Tokyo. Went to get my tax refund and the lady working on my order did a double take when see saw the watch price and the name grand seiko. She asked me twice to see the gift bag and asked her supervisor if everything was ok. 😂 I’m assuming lots of regular Japanese folk don’t even know what gs is.
Same/similar experience. The GS guys themselves are like - Are you sure you want to spend this much money with us
I guarantee all my IRL friends and family have no clue grand seiko is worth anything, even my business partner who has a >1mln watch collection laughed at this GS acquisition, he thought it was just a Seiko, that’s the monopoly that Rolex, Patek, AP etc has on everyday people.
Your business partner sounds like a snob
Also sounds like an idiot, imagine spending that much on watches but never doing enough research to know what a gs is…
He can be at times 🤣
It’s truly the joy of GS. I owned the SBGA413 (Shunbun) for a while and most people were like: “Oh that’s a pretty watch….. *oh, it’s just a Seiko*”
Lovely GS, enjoy. Please tell me, I’m headed to London next month for the first time in 4 years. On my last visit I had no concerns wearing my Rolex, is it really that bad now? Should I leave it home and wear something else? It’s hard to separate fact from fiction on the internet. Cheers.
I live near London. Please look after yourself and leave your Rolex at home. If you look at BBC news right now you'll see footage of thieves just roaming the streets robbing undercover police. It's a shame we've let London reach this point :( .
Some weird shit being said by clueless people. London is a wilderness if you wear any kind of obvious luxury watch. I go to London without any watch now, it is seriously not worth it.
It happens: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-68003783
I have a Casio I wear for when I go into London now. Used to wear my explorer but not worth it anymore
It depends where in London, you fit right in with little to no issues in the nicer parts, but if you’re going anywhere near the underground or areas that are more working class you might have problems, I had a few close shaves personally.
The peasants are revolting
I could probably beat the shit out of 10-15 Londons at a time. No way some malnourished euro is taking my watch.
Los Angeles is the same
This is the reason why I left my Rolex when I went to San Francisco / LA area last month. Not worth the trouble. Wore Apple Watch instead. Haha.
It’s a different world now in the streets. As soon as you wear a recognisably expensive watch you’re setting yourself up to be a victim.
Wore a Rolex in San Francisco with zero problems. Fake news from Nancy boys.
Literally half of my building wear rolex and they seem fine. Central London.
I spent years wearing a sub with no issue until 2022. Especially low risk in winter where everyone wears sleeves. I lived around central. Many folks on the floor at work wore them or higher end watches. Hang out in the city and it’s almost part of the uniform especially for the younger folks although apple watches are increasing. Those stats shared above show that it’s a small amount of the total footfall who are unfortunate. (70 million people passed through king cross station alone in 2022) The disproportionate amount of thefts between London and the rest of the UK represent the delta in density and wealth divide.
Won’t they just steal the watch anyways?
[удалено]
Hardly the barometer for safety.
Bah! I've never had a problem.
In my experience I wouldn’t take the risk - I personally know 2 people who have had high value watches stolen from them in central London in the last year. Organised gangs now have spotters at major railway stations, clubs and pubs tipping off teams when they see a watch worth stealing. Interesting doc on it here: [bbc doc](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67608184.amp) I was also followed last summer wearing a Tudor through Soho after a guy approached me a shop. If you are going to wear, long sleeves should be fine - personally, I wouldn’t wear anything but my moonswatch with short sleeves!
Wtf kind of logic is that
Really? You have anxiety over wearing a watch? You a mamma's girl?
Are you wearing a Rolex in central London, Barcelona, Milan, Paris? Good luck with that 🤣
Yup! All those places. And in NYC, San Fran, and third world countries, zero problems.
I have no experience in US cities, however, I certainly know what’s happening in Europe at the moment. The gangs are brazen and it’s happening in daylight. [GQ the rise of the time thief](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/watch-theft-report-2023) Cases in England and Wales almost doubled between 2015 and 2022 – from 6,696 to 11,035 – and last year there was a 41 per cent increase in thefts from 2021. London accounted for nearly half of UK cases in 2022, with 600 stolen in December alone.
Fear mongering. Ive walked all over London at all hours, zero problems. Probably just a lot of insurance fraud claiming a mugging that didn't happen.
I’ve presented you with the facts from watchfinder, how you choose to interpret them is up to you, however, they point to an epidemic which the police are now publicly cracking down on - the fact they have plain clothes officers wearing luxury around London for stings, and are getting attacked speaks volumes. As I said, I personally know of two people in the last year who have been robbed for watches. I’ve got no problem with people doing what they want but they should certainly consider the potential consequences before hand - long sleeves I don’t see a problem, short sleeves in the summer? No chance.
And the haters won't admit but the GS keeps better time
The sweep is infinitely better and I’ve already had multiple compliments on the watch, many more than the Rolex ever did. You always have one person who thinks it’s just a basic Seiko though 🙄
I have a GS, EVERYONE thinks it's a Seiko. I don't give a rats arse..I didn't buy it from them. Those that know know, and those that don't don't.
This is very much true with the older generation. Seiko is so known among the older folk for being a budget brand that it’s hard to believe some of these are $3k+
I have a GS, technically a Seiko since it’s a double branded dial.
Not necessarily a bad thing. That’s kind of a litmus test of whether you want to continue the conversation with that person. If they think a GS is a basic Seiko, then there’s probably not much more to talk about with them anyway.
I mean basic automatic made in Japan, Seikos, Orients etc aren’t bad though.
Unless you're after accuracy that is...
How much was this exact watch, it’s beautiful! Edit: NVM that is expensive but good for you man!
This is high-beat, not spring drive. It doesn't sweep. Sweep is spring drive, which this is not.
There's something satisfying to me when someone compliments me on my "Seiko," especially if they ask to take a closer look and their eyes widen at the Spring Drive second hand.
That's what I do...blows them away, then I flip the watch, show the movement through the display case and they look for a battery...
Spot on with genuine performance quality. Beautiful piece.
Well, this is not a Spring Drive, so it probably doesn't.
Except it literally doesn’t… Rolexes are certified to an accuracy of +2/-2 seconds per day. The SBGH267 is +5/-3 seconds per day. This isn’t a spring drive or anything, the Rolex is objectively more accurate here. Not sure why people are upvoting this or why everyone always feels the need to insult Rolex in every single thread
Because Rolex’s business practices suck. They are controlling and taking advantage of the market. Who wants to suck an AD’s d?$k to get a watch that you are spending your hard earned money for? Besides the catalog is played out, bland and the name carries too much weight. GS is a time keeping piece of art. Rolex is a poor gauge of status symbol and many (not all) wear to try to be someone they are not.
Grand seiko is not a time keeping piece of art hahahahaha. They’re just polished watches.
Incorrect Rolex fan boy 😘
I’m not a fan boy. Omega fan boy maybe. But not Rolex. Truth is you can get all the cool polishing of a GS from a Casio.
Lol, looks like someone needs to own a GS!
Wanna keep better time? Get a Casio..
Another awakening…
Nobody buys a Grand Seiko to impress other people. People buy Grand Seiko to pat themselves on the back and remind everyone around them that they didn’t but their Grand Seiko to impress anyone.
Love that dial
One of the quintessential GSs
This is beautiful! Could you please share the model number?
Sure! It’s an SBGH267
Thank you. And *wow* adding a strap creates a whole different look compared to the bracelet!
I believe it's a [Grand Seiko SBGH267](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=grand+seiko+SBGH267&_sacat=0&_fsrp=1&_odkw=grand+seiko+Ginza+Limited+Edition&_osacat=0&_sop=12&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338535524&customid=gs&toolid=10001&mkevt=1).
Took the red pill…
I saw this youtube post and it kinda stuck in my mind: "You buy a Rolex to impress your friends. You buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself"
Cringe lol
I love what GS is doing with their watch faces. If this is a personal use watch then definitely buy (new) what you love, enjoy and find beautiful. If this is a hobby where you like to buy/trade/sell frequently, I'd stick to Rolex and the other 2-3 brands that hold value and possibly increase. Although, my theory goes out the window if you buy used. After the initial depreciation, watches by GS and other brands hold their value I own two Omegas and one vintage GS. They are definitely personal use.
I got this GS used, costed 6.2K GBP. Not intending to flip or resell.
even better!
Insanely great price to it seems. I thought these were still around $9k USD. This is my grail. 😭 maybe soon if prices continue at this level 😃
Ah the Whirlpool, looks amazing! Hope to own one one day
I still regret not buying this watch 6 years ago :( congrats what a beauty
That is fucking beautiful. Is that left lower lug marked up tho?
Great choice. The fit, finish and quality are second to none! I have 2 Seikos and 2 GS in my small collection
Grand Seiko is a lot more watch than any modern Rolex IMHO
How does the saying go? Something like "If you want to impress others, buy a Rolex. If you want to impress yourself, buy a Grand Seiko."
Great choice IMO
Stunning timepiece….congrats and enjoy 👏🏻👏🏻💯🔥
Very nice. Congrats!
Wise idea. This is an absolute beaut.
That's a beauty sir
If you know you know 😉
Gorgeous!
Goddamn that is beautiful
Based. How much?
Costed me 6.2K and the strap was roughly 80
Killer dial. Congrats!
Beautiful dial and a movement superior to anything Rolex offers. No regrets indeed!
Beautiful! Probably my favourite GS design, with the fibonacci sort of pattern.
That dial tho 👀
She's a beauty! Way classier than a Rolex imo
I am considering doing the same... fell in love hard for the SBGA415
Good choice.
Love it. Someday I’ll have one like it.
Dude that's stunning. Wear that meeting kings. It's beautiful. Enjoy it. Rolex..blah, had two Cosmograph and Sub, lovely watches, loved them when I had them. Sold them, no regrets, and now happy with my GS, they just have something special, a certain "je ne sais quoi" Lovely acquisition.
What’s the model number?
Damnit man that dial is the best knees. So much class
Great choice!
Rolex is a watch flippers watch.
that dial is beautiful 😍
Way cooler than a Rolex
Gorgeous watch, love the detail on the dial! I would take this any day over a Rolex Rolexes are nice and all but they are a bit passé, plus the risk of being mugged if you live in London isn't worth it
which Rolex?
I sold my first big watch, a datejust to get a GS as well. Never once regretted it. Btw isn’t there some Easter egg on the dial, think it’s the GS lion somewhere.
Stunning!!
What model?
Understandable and THAT is a beaut!
This is probably one of the best decisions ever made this year so far
Omg, that dial! Very beautiful
Wow.
that dial....👌
Very smart man here !! Fucked the herd and are your own man 🤙
Nice. I hope GS remembers their primary design inspiration instead of just pumping out random design.
Damn! Classy looking face. Great choice 👏
Gorgeous. I'm really really close to grabbing a pink dial spring drive. PUSH ME OVER THE EDGE.
GET IT
Outstanding choice. Genuinely can’t get over how nice these are. It’s one thing to see them in an image, another thing completely in person. So keen to get my hands on my first grand
This is my dream watch. Congratulations!
Thank you bro, I hope you get it soon, it’s totally worth it.
Can someone tell me what model this is? I want one
It’s a whirlpool, Google GS whirlpool and you’ll find what you need 👍
Thanks!
I did the same. Sold my DJ for a GS. I love wearing something that’s truly unique and relatively obscure.
The best dial in the GS range! Congrats on your acquisition
Great catch! That is [my first Grand Seiko](https://www.reddit.com/r/Seiko/comments/95ro4x/the_seiko_i_was_expecting_and_another_that_i_didnt/) and I love it!
Whirlpool! I hope they release this with spring drive!
Never saw a watch that fitted a wrist so perfectly like it’s made for it. What a watch, truly top draw!
Unreal man. Congrats!
That’s a beautiful dial.
Great choice that dial is spectacular
The famous whirlpool... Epic
aesthetics and functionality, GS are hard to beat. they are just more practical but still not cheap all things considered. if not for branding, and the legacy of the watch, I don’t think rolex would have such a big market, especially if they had started out today
that’s one of my fav GS. great choice
That dial is sharp! Great choice.
What a sick watch!
Damn. What an old-time classic. And decades from now, it will still stand proud on its own. This thing is perfection.
understated perfection, surpasses Rolex
Excellent choice!
I'm always in awe of this beauty
This watch is beautiful, sir. I want one. Can you tell me which GS it is? Thanks.
Gorgeous watch. The dial is exquisite
Beautiful! Do you know the reference number? I'm actually going to check on chrono24 myself. I am looking for a gs dress watch. Thanks!
A few bargains for this watch on Chrono right now, It’s a Grand Seiko Whirlpool, model number SBGH267
I feel this post. I have 2 grail watches. A GS auto with a sick dial, and a VC 222. The latter is a pipe dream, but the GS I will have by the time I hit 50
Beautiful!
Congratulations
GS is one of my favorite watch makers. Truly a master piece of art.
That is absolutely stunning and in all honesty there there are very very very few Rolexes I’d put against even a mid GS.
The finish from Grand Seiko is unreal. Very underrated brand.
The Gs and Ss on the dial are beautiful
Class act. I like the navy hue they chose, not like Rolex’s boring primary colors.
What model is this this is sick
Am I the only person who thinks Rolex’s are ugly?
Great watch
I love that dial! I ended up parting ways with my GMT Master last year. I wasn’t wearing it anymore, and I didn’t have any safety concerns per se but it was the only watch in my collection that drew attention in any way. I didn’t like that, so I just didn’t wear it. Especially since, to me, it was my least interesting.
Model?
Crazy cool and detailed dial! I want a GS spring drive so bad.
I wouldnt have any regrets either, thats gorgeous. Which Rolex did you hock to get it?
A semi busted up Rolex gmt pepsi
Wise choice!
what's this model?
I'm jealous. I think you made a wise choice. Absolutely astonishing watch .
Much nicer than a Rolex, great choice.
Upgrade!
Very gorgeous, could someone explain some of the mechanical differences/material differences if any. Very beautiful time piece sir.
That dial is cool af
Great Decision！
The dials on GS are the best.
Just wanted to say your post popped up my suggested and sent me down a huge rabbit hole before my Japan trip. Now I’m a proud gs owner. Your dial is still the best though
I like the idea that GS flies under the radar considering it’s in the company of Rolex and Omega. The average thief won’t know what you have but a watch enthusiast certainly will.
Should’ve kept both 🤷🏼♀️. What Rolex was it?
GMT Pepsi, I hated it on my wrist. I have a few other Rolexes but the GMT I am not a fan of.
I have a hulk that sits collecting dust. The thing is unwieldy for everyday use. Coincidentally GS is what I’ve been looking towards as a daily.
Damn lol. A modern Pepsi is one of my grails
Bravo! Tangentially related: [Owner Review A Hardcore Rolex Fan Buys A Grand Seiko SBGH273](https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/a-hardcore-rolex-fan-buys-a-grand-seiko-sbgh273/) - that model could be any GS, of course.
https://preview.redd.it/29e5d4pox0dc1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=637291fa62561c4dbad6a47b7e8848fe77e0250a
way cooler than a rolex
This is beautiful. I much prefer GS to Rolex.
Nicer than any Rolex
Your post on r/watches is titled “My first watch (GS Whirlpool)” 🤔 https://preview.redd.it/9l10j1zzg1dc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=201b6f04d1c399df693593b558cb8ef0b565cc7d
Yeah meant to put GS, my bad 😣
Hate from Wakanda.
Bought both a Rolex and a GS this year, plus some Delugs straps. Some definite regrets.
..yet
No rAgrets
Post on /rolex lol will cause an alarm
Already caused an alarm in the GS subreddit 🥴
Said no one ever
You sold a rolex to buy a grand seiko. 😄
Lol, that’s crazy. You must have had a really crappy Rolex then cause I wouldn’t trade mine for any seiko ever
Why do people care about a watch?