Editor’s notice: On this week’s 3 Watch Assortment for $5,000, reader Mark Alamares picks a theme and sticks with it. His assortment consists of three sporty Seikos, however these are all JDM fashions that differ simply barely (nicely, typically greater than barely) from their counterparts obtainable in the US, and elsewhere. Amassing JDM Seiko is a rabbit gap inside a rabbit gap, and Mark makes a compelling case for why diving into these barely more durable to acquire Seikos is well worth the further effort.
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The theme of my $5,000 trio is Neo-Classic (late 1990’s to early 2000’s) JDM Titanium Seiko’s that cowl the gambit of Air, Land, and Sea (prior service U.S. Marine, 2001-2011). Whereas this theme might not be for everybody, there’s a sure degree of problem in buying clear examples of those watches that I have to say is extraordinarily gratifying. Rather more so than simply crunching the numbers and hitting your targets on the brand new market. You’ll have to do a little analysis, make some connections, and revel in lots of insightful back-and-forth whereas on the hunt for a trio like this. Suppose area of interest JDM watch sellers on Instagram.
So, as nice because the vacation spot is, the journey is equally as satisfying. Sure, pricing could fluctuate relying on many exterior components however in actuality, I’ve by no means had $5,000 burning-a-hole-in-my-pocket to the purpose the place I needed to get inventive on find out how to spend it. On this case you’re getting superb heritage from an iconic Japanese model with roots courting again to 1881, really in-house mechanical automated actions with easy 4Hz (28,800vph) beat-rates, and finely executed titanium building, providing each goal and subjective factors of worth.
JDM Seiko Prospex Flight Grasp – SBDS001 [$2,350]
Whereas the cult-classic SNA411 Flightmaster Quartz could get all the love on-line, this lesser-known premium automated instance was means forward of its time, sporting a 4Hz in-house column wheel automated chronograph with a well built-in energy reserve indicator in addition. Its titanium building helps the 42.5mm diameter x 14.8mm peak x 48.5mm lug-to-lug put on very comfortably on the wrist, and whereas not compact in dimensions, it’s removed from feeling outsized. The deep matte black dial is sort of vantablack-like in look, conserving elevated distinction even in opposition to the reflective gunmetal toned subdial accents. Crisp white numerals and textual content plus signature yellow highlights full the aviation impressed aesthetic to supply a critical sports activities watch that not solely has-it-all, but additionally presents a refreshingly modern tackle a pilot’s chronograph, when in comparison with extra classic impressed mainstays just like the Breitling Navitimer. As a bonus you additionally get splendidly commonplace 20mm lugs which accommodate among the greatest navy impressed strap pairing available on the market. To not point out a confidence inspiring 100m of water resistance because of a screw-down crown and pushers that guarantee this watch is as succesful because it appears.
JDM Seiko Brightz – SAGL003 [$1,800]
Subsequent, to offset the tooltastic nature of the Flighty, you’ve got this way more obscure but versatile on a regular basis piece from the JDM Brightz line, assume Rolex Explorer 1 meets Patek Philippe Nautilus, however add in a stunning black enamel dial and titanium building. Its 38mm diameter x 13mm peak x 46mm lug-to-lug make it infinitely wearable and the 20mm drilled lugs add to the flexibility, do you have to ever select to forgo the superbly articulated titanium bracelet. The clear and nicely balanced, dateless dial format presents a degree of stability and symmetry that can hold this design timeless for a few years to return. Talking of longevity, the no-date 8L21 motion is derived from the well-known 9S Grand Seiko caliber, providing the identical easy 4Hz beat-rate with the one downside being the marginally dated feeling 50hr energy reserve. This watch was initially produced throughout a time earlier than Grand Seiko gained the worldwide footing it now has, and on the time, even in Japan, GS was merely a heritage sub-brand that had solely just lately been revived. So, items like this mechanical Brightz had been really close to the head of Seiko’s powers on the time. I simply love the flexibility of this piece and whereas some traditional on a regular basis sort of watches can method being overly easy and even boring, the SAGL003 has all of those ornate particulars that current themselves to you over additional examination, simply missed at a look, but simple upon detailed inspection.
JDM Seiko Scuba (4S15-7000) – SCVF003 [$850]
Lastly, you must have a diver, and from a model like Seiko with such storied involvement in improvement and innovation throughout the dive watch area, selecting only one might be robust. Curiously sufficient, the SCVF003 shares a lot of its iconography with the model’s famed discipline and expedition line, the Alpinist. Serving as a sister-model to the Purple-Alpinists of the identical period, sharing the now signature cathedral handset and common proportions at 40mm diameter x 12.6mm eight x 46mm lug-to-lug, you additionally get the bonus of its King Seiko derived 4S15 motion, an evolution of the their Daini Seikosha actions beforehand utilized in Chronometer Licensed KS purposes. The graceful 4Hz sweep remains to be fairly uncommon to search out even at this time inside their fashionable diver choices. Now don’t let the uniquely non-traditional diver particulars idiot you; it is a critical piece of dive equipment at its core. Particulars like a Monoblock case helping in water resistance in addition to general thinness and a rudimentary friction based mostly ratcheting diver’s extension outfitted clasp give this mannequin real dive chops. You even get the trendy niceties of a surprisingly nicely tuned 60-click unidirectional bezel motion in addition to a full titanium building, and having each of these collectively is a uncommon feat inside itself, as titanium bezel motion is notoriously troublesome to dial in and make really feel pretty much as good as their metal constructed counterparts. Moreover, on this notably creamy gilt colorway it stands out and even appears as particular as its distinctive particulars would indicate.
So, whereas titanium watches are having a little bit of a second as of late, in addition to Seiko extending its attain on each the informal and fanatic markets, I really feel prefer it’s simply a good time to exit and piece collectively a trilogy of titanium titans like these three. All being as collectable as they’re succesful, whereas additionally nonetheless being area of interest sufficient to stay comparatively attainable. In the end, I simply really feel that you simply’ll get extra satisfaction accumulating inside a chosen theme typically. So, set objectives, make a plan, and execute, you’ll by no means really feel the reward of reaching a vacation spot, should you by no means establish one price chasing. Whether or not you gather these three particular watches or any variety of others, be deliberate, take your time, and revel in your journey.
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