Grand Seiko Collection: The Collector's Dilemma

Cookies · 2021-09-20T13:10:59Z

A collector shares the personal struggles and joys of maintaining a watch collection, navigating spousal opinions, and preserving cherished Grand Seiko pieces.

WPS member · Seiko forum

23 replies3825 views2 photos

Cookies shares a deeply personal reflection on the challenges of maintaining a watch collection, particularly when navigating spousal opinions and the desire to preserve cherished pieces. This post delves into the emotional connection collectors have with their watches, the fear of wear, and the humorous strategies employed to keep beloved timepieces. It offers a relatable glimpse into the private world of watch collecting.

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This is my least worn piece, somehow. I never connected with it in a way I should. Wanna know why? Because my significant other nags at me to trim my collection when she gets into a bad mood. She picks on this piece because she knows I seldom wear it. Taking this piece out today, wearing it, knowing no one will see it, warms my heart.

I don’t wear it often because I treasure the Zaratsu polishing, and it looks so brilliant. I’m afraid to marr it with a scratch

Many forum members here know that I sometimes hide watch purchases from my significant other. If I let this one go, I know I will regret it. I am not selling her away, although I placed an ad to appease my significant other, to show her that I am “trimming” my collection.

It the time comes, and she audits my collection, this piece will be shifted for storage for a few years, and I’ll simply tell her I bought it back again after a few years. Sometimes, I feel, having a watch collecting hobby is like keeping a mistress.

Key Points from the Discussion

Many collectors face similar challenges with partners regarding their hobby, with some friends making compromises like limiting their collection size, which can lead to significant financial losses when upgrading pieces.
The contributor expresses confusion over Grand Seiko reference numbers and highlights several favorite models like the SBGW255, SBGK005, SBGY007, and SBGW231, valuing their craftsmanship and honest value proposition.
Women often perceive mechanical watches differently, valuing form, color, and proportion in alternate ways, sometimes finding more joy in items like handbags.
A personal preference for withdrawing from watches that become overly hyped or trendy, indicating a desire to avoid being seen with popular items.
The discussion includes shared images of other Grand Seiko watches, reinforcing the community's appreciation for the brand's aesthetic and finishing.
A podcast discussion about Grand Seiko evoked a similar sentiment of missing the brand's more obscure days before its current popularity.
Further images of Grand Seiko watches are shared, contributing to the visual appreciation of the brand's diverse offerings.
Another community member shares an image of their Grand Seiko, illustrating the shared passion for the brand's designs.

The Discussion

Echi

Sep 20, 2021

What’s the ref number on this one? Trying to understand all that case variants of GS. Still trying to determine if there’s one out there for me :-)

Sep 20, 2021

Ah, it’s a SBGH273

The reference numbers for GS confuse me a lot too. Here are some pieces I had an eye for, but funds are always the limiting factor. Maybe I’d get one in a few weeks time. Pls check these out, they are my favourites for some special reasons: SBGW255 (LE of 150 pieces) AKA Thong Sia Green, SBGK005 Iwate Blue Handwound (non LE), SBGY007 Baby blue time only (Non LE), SBGW231 simple 3 handed piece (non LE) They’re nice, well made, and an honest value proposition. I like the most simple SBGW231 a lot.

Echi

Sep 20, 2021

The 231 seems to be a fave. I like it as well..

I find myself, so far, liking the case and handset on the Birch. Pricey though

Sep 20, 2021

I tend to like those sleepers

When people start hyping about something; that’s when I withdraw from it. I don’t wanna be seen wearing “trendy” things. Strange aren’t I?

Sep 21, 2021

Worn and Wound podcasts

I was taking a drive to get some food today and listening to the podcast. They covered so many GS topics, it is delightful to hear them discuss specific pieces. The podcaster mentioned a similar sentiment, that he misses the old days when GS was obscure. I think you’d thoroughly enjoy it. Have a good day Echi.

xxcesar

Sep 20, 2021

I think you missed this one …

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