Seiko New York Boutique Visit: Mr. Ohira
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Seiko New York Boutique Visit: Mr. Ohira

By KIH · Oct 12, 2014 · 13 replies
KIH
WPS member · Seiko forum
13 replies4141 views35 photos
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KIH's post offers a fascinating glimpse into the Seiko New York Boutique, highlighting a rare demonstration by Mr. Ohira, often referred to as the 'God of Adjustment.' This article provides a unique perspective on the craftsmanship behind Seiko's movements and the brand's retail presence. It serves as a valuable record of an event that underscores Seiko's dedication to precision and horological artistry.

I had heard that Mr. Ohira - who I call the "God" of adjustment would be performing demonstration at SEIKO's newly opened boutique, I couldn't help going and greeting smile

Here it is.  New building (to me...).



Next the the gigantic Tourneau....



And inside is he, explaining to some customers.



He was demonstrating deassembling and assembling of 9S65 caliber....







Even though he has done this many times before, he was quick...



While he was demonstrating, I checked out the inside show windows:

GS Quartz...  9F series caliber.




Spring Drive.  9R series calber.




Mechanical.  9S series caliber.




Inside looking from the entrance.  Tidy and neatly placed displays.




On your left (from the entrance) is Astron series.










Oh, and the water bottle is "SEIKO", too smile




Inside the show cases on the floor are....












Yeah, Prospex Diver series (Tuna).



















Again, on the right side near the entrance are Galante....



...Ananta....



With Ananta, Kabuto is set in the display.....










... and in Galante, the miniature model of "Wako" the flagship store for SEIKO in Ginza, is set inside....




Another miniature model (porcelain, I assume) of the Clock Tower and the even smaller Wako are displayed in the GS corner.





Mr. Ohira - he has been traveling around the world, instructing the watchmakers at the service centers in many part of the world - so, rest assured, SEIKO fans around the world.  The service center near you will be ready soon.  They are in fact operational already.




My trusted 61 VFA...




And his trusted 45GS - fine tuned by himself, of course.







It appears that the SEIKO and Grand Seiko are being well received by the New Yorkers and the business is pretty well here.


A bit short report, but I hope you get the gist of the SEIKO boutique on the normal days.
Thanks very much, Mr. Kawada, CEO of SEIKO Corp. of America, and Ms. Parker for attending.  And Mr. Ohira, for being a missionary to spread the technique and craftsmanship all around the world SEIKO customer service center.  See you in Tokyo, hopefully, soon!

The Boutique is located on the Madison Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Street.


Many thanks!

(and thanks for joining, Ronald!)

Ken



This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-10-12 05:57:03

About the Seiko Ref. SBGH315

The Grand Seiko SBGH315 is a contemporary mechanical timepiece from the brand's Heritage Collection, known for its classic design and high-beat movement. This model continues Grand Seiko's tradition of producing watches that combine precision engineering with understated elegance, appealing to collectors who appreciate refined horology without overt embellishment. It stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to the fundamental principles of watchmaking.

Powered by the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85, the SBGH315 operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour, ensuring high accuracy. The watch features a stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a screw-down case back. Its dial is often characterized by intricate textures and meticulously finished hands and markers, reflecting Grand Seiko's renowned Zaratsu polishing technique.

For collectors, the SBGH315 represents a modern interpretation of Grand Seiko's historical high-beat movements. Its combination of a robust, high-frequency caliber and a timeless aesthetic makes it a sought-after piece. The model underscores Grand Seiko's position as a manufacture capable of producing movements and finishes comparable to leading Swiss brands.

Specifications

Caliber
9S85
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
White/Silver textured
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Box-shaped sapphire with anti-reflective coating

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The Discussion
RO
Ronald Held
Oct 12, 2014

Mr. Ohira was extremely skilled in assembling and disassembling the 9S movement. I unfortunately did not look closely enough to see which watch he was wearing. The staff was friendly and listened to my suggestions for enhancements to some of their 9F movements and Astron movements. I iell be going back to the store when i have an opportunity to do so.

JR
jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
Oct 13, 2014

Now I definitely am in full regret that I couldnt join you! :P Would love to learn more from the God of Adjustment from Seiko. Looks like a new boutique in a nice new building. Thanks for the photos and reports and I wish all success to the Seiko NY boutique I will try to visit it too when I next visit NY. Cheers robin

RO
Ronald Held
Oct 14, 2014

is not at that store?

HU
Hulk
Oct 14, 2014

See watches i don't come across often. Cheers Steve

CA
cazalea
Oct 15, 2014

but tomorrow we will head to Seiko factories on behalf of the PuristS and hope to soon give a report. In the meantime, I have been teaching the staff of the Princess Cruise Ship about Grand Seiko and its lower-level siblings. Well, somebody had to do it, right? Thanks to Michele and her patient display of the BlancpaiN, Hublot, Zenith, Omega, Longines and other watches. I hope they will soon be selling Seikos. Enjoy New York, Ken. Cheers Mike

DR
Dr No
Oct 15, 2014

. . . for country of origin, Mike? Bass Stateside is brewed in New York; just wondering if you could detect a difference between our stuff and the genuine article from the UK. Kinda funny how you're there and Ken's here ;-) . . .

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