Tokyo Moderators GTG: Seiko Watches & Seafood Feast

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Cazalea recounts a memorable mini GTG (Get-Together) of moderators in Tokyo, featuring a Seiko lover's seafood feast at Takewaka Ikebukuro restaurant. This article captures the camaraderie and shared passion for horology, showcasing an impressive array of Seiko and Credor watches alongside a delightful culinary journey. Cazalea's narrative highlights the unique blend of watch appreciation and cultural experience that defines these community gatherings.

I was fortunate enough to meet up with Ken and Casey in Tokyo tonight. It was a Seiko lover's seafood feast at the Takewaka Ikebukuro restaurant.

First came the watches - a first-release Credor Spring Drive from 1999, an SBGW003 one of 300, a Wako special 1 of 30, a VFA regulated by the god of adjustments,and a GS quartz watch.

Then the food courses began. First course was beer interspersed with seafood, okra, grapes, prosciutto, etc. Or vice versa, as you wish.

Casey told us about various aspects of photography and the PuristSPro forum that he moderates.

Next course was a dumpling in broth with special seasonal mushroom.

The the autumn box came with seasonal colors and flavors, including oyster, bean cake, egg yolk looking like a pumpkin, crab in a citrus shell, and I can't remember any more.

A burly waiter carried in our dish of seafood - several kinds of fish, lobster, a type of sea snail, and seaweed.

With much care and deliberation we switched from beer to sake.

Our ~~"mom"~~ server seemed to be having a good a time as we were.

Next was a dish of broth and vegetables (primarily eggplant) along with more shreds of seafood.

Then they brought out burners and some beef, mushroom and potatoes, which we cooked for ourselves.

That made us concentrate on cooking rather than conversation, because we didn't want to spoil our dinners

Mom gave Casey some personal instruction.

We next sampled tempura with a citrus juice and pink rock salt

Another carafe of sake was required!

The rice covered with salmon eggs was our final main course.

Once again, one of us needed special instructions from "mom". We could eat it straight, or with broth, or ...

I forgot to mention the bowl of miso soup.

Finally, at last we had a couple glasses of tea and the dessert arrived.

It was a dish of chestnut flan, a fig, pear and peach slice interspersed with mozzarella cheese and drizzled with caramel

After lots of thank-you's, good-byes, and farewells, we all headed off in different directions through the subway tunnels. Groaning with delight. That we were full, and we were dry with the typhoon outside.

We eventually found the right corridor after a mile underground and 500m above ground in the rain.

Wow. What a night! Thank you, Japanese moderators!

Mr & Mrs Cazalea

About the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGW003

The Grand Seiko SBGW003 is a significant early re-issue from the brand's contemporary era, paying homage to the original Grand Seiko models. It represents a commitment to classic design principles and mechanical watchmaking, distinguishing itself with a restrained aesthetic that emphasizes legibility and traditional finishing. This reference was part of a series that re-established Grand Seiko's identity for a global audience, focusing on the core values of precision, durability, and beauty. It is a hand-wound model, reflecting the purist approach to watchmaking that characterized early Grand Seiko.

The watch features a stainless steel case, measuring 37mm in diameter, a size that aligns with vintage proportions and offers comfortable wear. It is equipped with the manual-winding Caliber 9S54, known for its robust construction and accuracy. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance, while the caseback is also sapphire, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.

For collectors, the SBGW003 holds particular appeal as an early and faithful reinterpretation of Grand Seiko's heritage. Its limited production numbers and adherence to classic design make it a sought-after piece for those who appreciate the brand's foundational aesthetics and mechanical integrity. It appeals to enthusiasts who value understated elegance and the direct engagement offered by a hand-wound timepiece, fitting into a collection as a representation of Grand Seiko's enduring design language.

Specifications

Caliber: 9S54

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 37mm

Dial: White

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The host of the GTG carefully selected the restaurant to ensure Mr. and Mrs. Cazalea enjoyed Tokyo and Japan, emphasizing the personal connection and shared experiences beyond just watches.
The discussion included an impressive display of Seiko watches, including a first-release Credor Spring Drive from 1999, an SBGW003 (1 of 300), a Wako special (1 of 30), a VFA regulated by a master, and a Grand Seiko quartz.
The gathering was a wonderful meeting of friends, celebrating both exceptional watches and delicious food, with an open invitation for future meetups in other cities like Rome.
The event was a wonderful moderator GTG and dinner, evoking fond memories of previous visits to Tokyo and meetings with fellow community members.
A question was posed about the order of accuracy for the Seiko watches displayed in the group shot, reflecting a collector's interest in the technical aspects of the timepieces.

The Discussion

KIH

Oct 5, 2014

...since it was the first time THREE MODS IN TOKYO!!! I thought I had to have Mr. and Mrs. Cazalea enjoy Tokyo and Japan, so I chose the place carefully. We had a great time, not much talking about watches, but about ourselves and life and foods and their trip ahead. That was still an hour ago, Mike, and you are fast! Hope to see you soon, Mr. and Mrs. Cazalea! Casey, bring a camera next time LOL! Ken My pics: (sorry that most pics are taken up-side down as I took them from the other side :-)) K

bmp101

Oct 5, 2014

I'm guessing that's the quartz one? I like it a lot! It would be great if there were some database with all of the GS references...

Luis6

Oct 5, 2014

What more can one ask for a good night out!

cazalea

Oct 6, 2014

You can learn more about it here amp;fi=17&pi=4892538&ti=740723&s=0 Mike

lukather1

Oct 6, 2014

My dear friend what a nice meeting. Congratulation for all and in special mention for , thank you for share with us this meeting. Wonderful watches and wonderful food sure. Maybe that one day we can meeting together,when you come in Rome advice me. This is a small gift for this nice post. Hello everyone. Max.

Ronald Held

Oct 6, 2014

memory as to the watch with all arabics numbers?

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Tokyo Moderators GTG: Seiko Watches & Seafood Feast

About the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGW003

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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