Horological Meandering

G99
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Seiko build quality.. is it vastly improved or is it my imagination?

i spent Thursday with a friend who is a lurking member of this forum who hasnt yet posted anything as he's shy. we spent some time browsing 'that auction site' looking for something that a newbie can add to his collection that will complement his current 1944 Omega 30T2, but wont cost the earth, or even a few bags of soil.

i was amazed, as we slogged through the huge number of Seiko's there, how the build quality of modern Seiko's seem to have improved dramatically. ultimately he would like a Grand Seiko, but funds wont push to that or any of the higher end Seiko's, neither do i think an entry level Seiko 5 is appropriate. that leaves the mid range, but in that mid range i found some big surprises.

this watch for example, described as a Seiko Superior automatic with a 22 jewel 4R16 calibre movement, 42mm diameter WR to 50m, but just look at the finish. i've only got 1 pic that i've taken from the seller(thankyou). it doesnt show it off to its best as there is a waffle pattern to the centre. it has a display back with decently finished movement.

i think that many of us would be happy to wear a watch that looks like this especially when i commit the cardinal sin and tell you the price. it available for $180!!!! brand new.

having typed this i'm wondering why i havent yet bought one and the only reason i can think of is that i'm trying to remain focused on my collecting themes.

so back to the main question, are Seiko reacting to the vastly improved quality of brands like Omega or have they always been this good?

if you dont like it, feel free to disagree as i'm used to it

Graham