I'm really enjoying you and young Baldassare's exploration of the workings of the mind around the watch obsession, on top of the watches themselves. I'm fortunate in that 1. I'm a man of modest means. 2. So many retailers and eBay sellers won't ship to here in New Zealand or want a fortune to do so. 3. Through you and other watch tubers I can geek out over so many awesome watches, get over them, without buying them, the whole time distilling what really resonates with me in my watch distraction. Keep up the good work mate.
Yessssss !!! He’s going for it ! I sincerely hope you will get that Grand Seiko ! I love Seiko, I do have few SARBs, a couple of SKX, a Sumo, but, deep inside, I know these are just steps to the actual target. Spring Drive, GMT, that is the exit watch for me , I know it... According to all the videos I have seen from you, which I can relate a lot to somehow, and yes it hurts sometimes, 😅, I have the feeling that watch will fulfill all your desires and can be your cure once and forever.. I’m curious about the model you are targeting...
Hey McMahon I like the content you’re putting out. I like your presentation skills they are very individual. In a good way. I myself have the Seiko Cocktail watch and I really enjoy it. The Presage line is very nice. But it’s never gonna scratch that Grand Seiko itch you have. Keep up the good work McMahon.
LOL!!!!! I burst out loud laughing on the part about getting in trouble with your wife!!!!!!!!! Hey, at least you’re honest, so I think that’s sufficient improvement to treat yourself to a grand seiko!
Yep 100% there with you. The horology nerd factor is exactly why I'd prefer a GS over a Rolex. Nothing against the watches themselves, but the snobbery around Rolex from the non-watch crowd is what's off-putting to me about it. I actually like that GS is kinda still under the radar and would just make *me* happy.
That's the root of all the watch obsessive evil: unquenched curiosity. The belief that there is always something out there that is just a little better, a little more elegant, a little more refined. And we're dying to find out what it is. It's the engine that drives our obsession.
Grand seiko has some beautiful divers, but i feel they're quite expensive. However, there is two models that i really would consider buying and that i find reasonable priced. It's the SBGX117 (and 115) and the Spring drive (not sure about ref, its about $4k i believe)
I would like to see/hear your reviews on watches... like watches that you are considering to buy in the future (both short and long term). If I get stationed in Japan next year, I think I'll buy a Grand Seiko GMT over there. I'm learning to buy watches that I can attach some important moment in my life (I bought a Seamaster when I was selected for promotion), bought Speedmaster when I earned my MA. And my wife bought me a Seiko SBDC051 for my 40th birthday. If I get stationed in Germany - I'll probably buy another Sinn... UK, I'll "possibly" look at buying a Bremont. You get the point. I'm also considering saving for a Rolex Explorer or an IWC Pilot Chrono for when I retire from the Navy (I'm at 16 years now; 4 to go). P.S. I will also keep my Seiko Black Monster (gen 2) as my beater. Love the brutalist design and it's the most comfortable watch to wear that I own.
I've got funds for a Grail, but I need time to go to real store and try a watch on. I need to be 100% in love with it. I need to have a Clear Moment. Otherwise, I'm wasting my time and money. I'm drawn to Omega Seamaster blue ceramic 41mm, Tudor Black Bay Steel 41mm, and Grand Seiko SBGR099 42mm. The latter may scratch too easily for my temperament.
You are right about the quality McMahon .......I dont now .,your honymoon fase don’t last that long (Seiko Brightz ) Grand cocktail is Very nice ,Bruce Williams video ....good luck to you
You crack me up, Mcmahon. :-) GS is not in my near future - maybe ever - 2 kids in college, but they are great to aspire to for sure. I have a Presage and they are nice. It's gotta be the Spring Drive for you right?
I’ve got 18 right now. And I’m a depth obsessive: charmex 20,000 ft, H2o 8000m etc etc. mostly massive (but functional I tell myself) pieces I’ve been wearing a Fitbit the last 10 days. Somethings terribly wrong. Agonizing over downsizing both the collection and the sizes of the Watches I wear. Seriously feels like I Don’t know who I am anymore, lol.
I’ve often thought about buying a luxury watch. Maybe the Omega Seamaster Professional, Rolex Submariner Hulk or maybe just an Oris Aquis Date. While I could afford a few low end luxury watches I know I’ll never wear them. The risk of damaging them and the service costs down the road will keep me playing in the entry level segment. Also I don’t think owning these expensive watches will ever kill my “need” to buy new watches. There will always be that new watch I’m hunting for.
I’m also considering selling the bulk of my collection to buy a single piece and I feel like it would make my few remaining pieces more “special”. I won’t sell my Tuna or my Timex Expedition because those have been across the world and back with me but most of the others are just “there”. During my last few years in the Army I became quite the minimalist so I attribute the want for a smaller more personal collection in part to that. Let us know how the GS fits!
Hi Jeff, do you think the draw of the GS is highly related to your new svelte frame? I have to admit i was 220lbs ..went down to 190lbs and now i live with just the rolex explorer...the hulk ..great watch is now less worn along with my omega planet ocean 8500..42 and 45 PO 2500..it just suits my size ...and i also have to say age (52)..i can see you falling in love with the size and elegance of the GS...great watch!
I am right there with you McMahon. Looking at the GS spring drive diver in titanium or the spring drive GMT. I also like the snowflake but maybe it's a little too dressy.
No Snowflake. I like black, blue, and silver dials. Just tried on 40.5 Seiko Cocktail at nearby store and it's too small. Looks like I'll have to fork out more for a 42mm Grand Seiko. Too bad. I love the 40mm Grand Seiko, but it's almost identical in size to Cocktail.
I am not going to waste any more money on 4R and 6R inaccurate movements anymore. I will keep my MM300 and my SBBN015 tuna and get rid of the sumo and turtles for a Grand Seiko. I have plenty of time to figure out which one while I am saving. Good luck with your search.
Hey McMahon, I have both a Presage and Grand Seiko in the collection. I have to agree that while the Presage is a nice watch, it lacks the refinement of a Grand Seiko. This can be seen from the polishing of case and hands to the quality of the movement. You may ask, why do I have a Presage when I already own a Grand Seiko? Good question, the reason is that my Presage is a limited version with a blue enamel dial, a dial execution that offers a significant amount of craftsmanship and beauty. For reference, my presage is SPB069.
You know you're in trouble when your wife bust you for looking at a watch website and she wishes she caught you watching porn instead. I've watched all your Tuna reviews and pulled the trigger on the SBBN033! Man this is exciting.
I think there should be more 80mm watches available... If you want a larger watch for a good price, Oulm is a good brand to look at. I suspect when you aquire your Grand Seiko, your next watch will be a Timex Marlin...
I see were your coming from on Grand Seiko. I have owned two Seiko Spring drives. The quality is better than any of the luxury swiss brands out there. That second hand is mesmerising, I could look at it for hours. I too could be on the hunt for a GS Diver.
The evolution of a watch geek ladies and gentlemen. I had a bit of a same kind of evolution. Yes knowledge and understanding happened to me too. And the thought of quiting purchasing 5 watches of € 400,00 p/piece. Instead i started saving up for more "higher value"pieces.
Do you think you would have to take a bigger loss on the grand seiko you like if you decided to sell it later compared to say the sumo, tuna, or the mm300 you sold. I would imagine with a higher end watch people are looking for huge discounts if they are gonna buy used. If the price is to close to the price of a new one they might opt to buy a new one instead just to have peace of mind and know nothing is wrong with it.
My very favorite is the Grand Seiko High Beat SBGR099. Part of me thinks I should sell 3 more watches and spend $3.2 K on that one. www.ebay.com/itm/Grand-Seiko-SBGR099-9S61-New-Factory-fresh-condition-FREE-SHIPPING/253356660418?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
You are going to gravitate to swiss by next year, then you will discover fine timepieces. There's a whole world of watches outside the Japanese Seikos, and that's where you will find an end to your search.
In my opinion, buying watch for status is just like 13 y.o kid's looking for attention of a girl and constantly serach for validation of what he is doing. Buying watch for knowledge is like you evolve through out life, you know some shit and the bitterness, and you are not attention-seeker anymore. The important thing is you start to search for meaning. Haha... long-post just my opinion
Brilliant. So true. Nail on head etc.
I always enjoy your videos.. more power to you
I'm really enjoying you and young Baldassare's exploration of the workings of the mind around the watch obsession, on top of the watches themselves. I'm fortunate in that 1. I'm a man of modest means. 2. So many retailers and eBay sellers won't ship to here in New Zealand or want a fortune to do so. 3. Through you and other watch tubers I can geek out over so many awesome watches, get over them, without buying them, the whole time distilling what really resonates with me in my watch distraction. Keep up the good work mate.
Yessssss !!! He’s going for it ! I sincerely hope you will get that Grand Seiko ! I love Seiko, I do have few SARBs, a couple of SKX, a Sumo, but, deep inside, I know these are just steps to the actual target. Spring Drive, GMT, that is the exit watch for me , I know it... According to all the videos I have seen from you, which I can relate a lot to somehow, and yes it hurts sometimes, 😅, I have the feeling that watch will fulfill all your desires and can be your cure once and forever.. I’m curious about the model you are targeting...
Hey McMahon
I like the content you’re putting out. I like your presentation skills they are very individual. In a good way.
I myself have the Seiko Cocktail watch and I really enjoy it. The Presage line is very nice.
But it’s never gonna scratch that Grand Seiko itch you have.
Keep up the good work McMahon.
Don't own the GS yet, but I've sold many watches to fund one and it's on my radar.
Hope to have 6 or less very soon.
Seems like a shared theme: Less is more; less feels more like freedom and enjoyment of collection.
You can do it!!!
LOL!!!!! I burst out loud laughing on the part about getting in trouble with your wife!!!!!!!!! Hey, at least you’re honest, so I think that’s sufficient improvement to treat yourself to a grand seiko!
McMahon, love the videos! Just got your book and I gotta say so far great read man. My name is David Cote and yes I am a watch obsessive...
Please get a grand seiko
You deserve haute horlogerie
I want a Panerai Bronzo the size of a dinner plate and wear it strapped to my head...the only way I'll be happy.
Yep 100% there with you. The horology nerd factor is exactly why I'd prefer a GS over a Rolex. Nothing against the watches themselves, but the snobbery around Rolex from the non-watch crowd is what's off-putting to me about it. I actually like that GS is kinda still under the radar and would just make *me* happy.
The canny buyer would go for a used Grand Seiko to limit potential future resale losses.
That's the root of all the watch obsessive evil: unquenched curiosity. The belief that there is always something out there that is just a little better, a little more elegant, a little more refined. And we're dying to find out what it is. It's the engine that drives our obsession.
Grand seiko has some beautiful divers, but i feel they're quite expensive. However, there is two models that i really would consider buying and that i find reasonable priced. It's the SBGX117 (and 115) and the Spring drive (not sure about ref, its about $4k i believe)
I would like to see/hear your reviews on watches... like watches that you are considering to buy in the future (both short and long term). If I get stationed in Japan next year, I think I'll buy a Grand Seiko GMT over there. I'm learning to buy watches that I can attach some important moment in my life (I bought a Seamaster when I was selected for promotion), bought Speedmaster when I earned my MA. And my wife bought me a Seiko SBDC051 for my 40th birthday. If I get stationed in Germany - I'll probably buy another Sinn... UK, I'll "possibly" look at buying a Bremont. You get the point. I'm also considering saving for a Rolex Explorer or an IWC Pilot Chrono for when I retire from the Navy (I'm at 16 years now; 4 to go).
P.S. I will also keep my Seiko Black Monster (gen 2) as my beater. Love the brutalist design and it's the most comfortable watch to wear that I own.
I've got funds for a Grail, but I need time to go to real store and try a watch on. I need to be 100% in love with it. I need to have a Clear Moment. Otherwise, I'm wasting my time and money. I'm drawn to Omega Seamaster blue ceramic 41mm, Tudor Black Bay Steel 41mm, and Grand Seiko SBGR099 42mm. The latter may scratch too easily for my temperament.
Great vid! i wish i had the bottle to get a GS. All power to you man for taking one for the team! God im jealous!
40mm GS? Great to see you reaching this milestone 👍
Wives come and go, watches are forever 😁
hahaha. good point, women are gonna hate you.
You are right about the quality McMahon .......I dont now .,your honymoon fase don’t last that long (Seiko Brightz ) Grand cocktail is Very nice ,Bruce Williams video ....good luck to you
You crack me up, Mcmahon. :-) GS is not in my near future - maybe ever - 2 kids in college, but they are great to aspire to for sure. I have a Presage and they are nice. It's gotta be the Spring Drive for you right?
Quartz is okay, but I just went to watch store and tried on 40.5mm Seiko Cocktail, and it was too small. I need 42mm.
I’ve got 18 right now. And I’m a depth obsessive: charmex 20,000 ft, H2o 8000m etc etc. mostly massive (but functional I tell myself) pieces I’ve been wearing a Fitbit the last 10 days. Somethings terribly wrong. Agonizing over downsizing both the collection and the sizes of the Watches I wear. Seriously feels like I Don’t know who I am anymore, lol.
Jeff,
Enjoyed the video as usual, but I must ask ...what about the Seiko Kool-Aid?
Best,
_Scott
kool-Aid is opposite of critical thinking. Passion is good but healthy critical thinking needs to balance it.
I’ve often thought about buying a luxury watch. Maybe the Omega Seamaster Professional, Rolex Submariner Hulk or maybe just an Oris Aquis Date. While I could afford a few low end luxury watches I know I’ll never wear them. The risk of damaging them and the service costs down the road will keep me playing in the entry level segment. Also I don’t think owning these expensive watches will ever kill my “need” to buy new watches. There will always be that new watch I’m hunting for.
I hear that a lot from others and have similar thoughts in my head, but I hate playing merry-go-round with mid-tiers.
I’m also considering selling the bulk of my collection to buy a single piece and I feel like it would make my few remaining pieces more “special”. I won’t sell my Tuna or my Timex Expedition because those have been across the world and back with me but most of the others are just “there”.
During my last few years in the Army I became quite the minimalist so I attribute the want for a smaller more personal collection in part to that.
Let us know how the GS fits!
Tried on a 40.5mm Seiko Cocktail yesterday. Too small. Looks like I'll "need" the 42mm Grand Seiko, not the 40mm version.
McMahon , Seiko Presage watches can be found for a price around 300 usd . Look at SARY055.
Like the Presage but love the GS.
Jeffrey McMahon can buy both 😀
Your right man .
I say buy the grand seiko. Life is short. ENJOY
But, we want to see it
Hi Jeff, do you think the draw of the GS is highly related to your new svelte frame? I have to admit i was 220lbs ..went down to 190lbs and now i live with just the rolex explorer...the hulk ..great watch is now less worn along with my omega planet ocean 8500..42 and 45 PO 2500..it just suits my size ...and i also have to say age (52)..i can see you falling in love with the size and elegance of the GS...great watch!
Good points. Svelte physique = smaller watch tolerance and preference
I am right there with you McMahon. Looking at the GS spring drive diver in titanium or the spring drive GMT. I also like the snowflake but maybe it's a little too dressy.
No Snowflake. I like black, blue, and silver dials. Just tried on 40.5 Seiko Cocktail at nearby store and it's too small. Looks like I'll have to fork out more for a 42mm Grand Seiko. Too bad. I love the 40mm Grand Seiko, but it's almost identical in size to Cocktail.
I am not going to waste any more money on 4R and 6R inaccurate movements anymore. I will keep my MM300 and my SBBN015 tuna and get rid of the sumo and turtles for a Grand Seiko. I have plenty of time to figure out which one while I am saving. Good luck with your search.
Check out the 42mm SBGR099 silver dial GS. Wow.
Hey McMahon, I have both a Presage and Grand Seiko in the collection. I have to agree that while the Presage is a nice watch, it lacks the refinement of a Grand Seiko. This can be seen from the polishing of case and hands to the quality of the movement. You may ask, why do I have a Presage when I already own a Grand Seiko? Good question, the reason is that my Presage is a limited version with a blue enamel dial, a dial execution that offers a significant amount of craftsmanship and beauty. For reference, my presage is SPB069.
I just looked at the SPB069, and I much prefer the Grand Seiko. Good to hear from your first-hand experience with the two.
Watch Show and Tell A
You know you're in trouble when your wife bust you for looking at a watch website and she wishes she caught you watching porn instead.
I've watched all your Tuna reviews and pulled the trigger on the SBBN033! Man this is exciting.
Well i do like GS but the mechanical line is a little bit to thick for my taste
The quartz is much thinner, about 10mm thick.
I think there should be more 80mm watches available... If you want a larger watch for a good price, Oulm is a good brand to look at.
I suspect when you aquire your Grand Seiko, your next watch will be a Timex Marlin...
I see were your coming from on Grand Seiko.
I have owned two Seiko Spring drives.
The quality is better than any of the luxury swiss brands out there.
That second hand is mesmerising, I could look at it for hours.
I too could be on the hunt for a GS Diver.
The evolution of a watch geek ladies and gentlemen.
I had a bit of a same kind of evolution. Yes knowledge and understanding happened to me too. And the thought of quiting purchasing 5 watches of € 400,00 p/piece. Instead i started saving up for more "higher value"pieces.
Do you think you would have to take a bigger loss on the grand seiko you like if you decided to sell it later compared to say the sumo, tuna, or the mm300 you sold. I would imagine with a higher end watch people are looking for huge discounts if they are gonna buy used. If the price is to close to the price of a new one they might opt to buy a new one instead just to have peace of mind and know nothing is wrong with it.
Grand Seiko has high resale.
Or maybe it’s because you are now a size 42. Good on ya !
the smaller
rhe better..only us watch nuts know that
I know I can love a 42mm Grand Seiko, but I'm less confident about the thinner quartz 40mm GS. I'll need to try that one on.
What is it about the Grand Seiko Quartz that you prefer to the other GS variants like High Beat and Spring Drive?
My very favorite is the Grand Seiko High Beat SBGR099. Part of me thinks I should sell 3 more watches and spend $3.2 K on that one. www.ebay.com/itm/Grand-Seiko-SBGR099-9S61-New-Factory-fresh-condition-FREE-SHIPPING/253356660418?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Don't drink the grand KOOL- AID, IT'S MADNESS I SAY, MADNESS. There are nicer watches to waste money on. Cheers
You are going to gravitate to swiss by next year, then you will discover fine timepieces. There's a whole world of watches outside the Japanese Seikos, and that's where you will find an end to your search.
Man you have lost weight!
In my opinion, buying watch for status is just like 13 y.o kid's looking for attention of a girl and constantly serach for validation of what he is doing. Buying watch for knowledge is like you evolve through out life, you know some shit and the bitterness, and you are not attention-seeker anymore. The important thing is you start to search for meaning.
Haha... long-post just my opinion
True points. More I know, the more I gravitate to smaller, more refined watches.
Why do not come up to Rolex Explorer 1?
I like and respect Rolex, but I'm not in love with them. I'd rather have Tudor Black Bay Steel.