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4 - Grand Seiko / Cartier / Rolex / Rolex - 202410152349

mydudemax

Collector:

Collector Description
4 - Grand Seiko / Cartier / Rolex / Rolex - 202410152349

Grand Seiko Shosho SBGJ249

USD 6800

Grand Seiko

Cartier Ronde Solo XL Automatic

USD 3300

Cartier

Rolex Submariner Date 41

USD 13878

Rolex

Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne

USD 7000

Rolex

Picked Up a New Watch Today. Let Me Know What You Think

 

About a year or so ago I posted my collection and asked for advice on a chronograph. I’ve spent the past year or so considering various chronographs (Zenith, Breitling, etc.), but I kept coming back to the Speedmaster. At the same time, I didn’t want to add a Speedmaster as my fourth watch. My collection was fairly cookie cutter luxury watch, and the Speedy was another in that vain. Besides, I travel often, and am much more likely to use a GMT function than a chronograph. So, I started looking for GMTs and stumbled across the Grand Seiko Shosho. I immediately knew it was the watch, and I bought it online the next day without ever seeing it in person. It arrived today, and pictures do not do it justice. I am in love with this watch.

I’ll still likely add a chronograph next, and probably a Speedy (though perhaps the new white dial?). But I’m going to take a good bit before getting a new watch and enjoy this collection as is.

 

I plan to largely wear the Shosho on blue leather, though the bracelet isn’t bothering me as much as some reviews would indicate. It feels solid and I’ll likely use it often as well.

Let me know what you think of my collection and what else you think I should consider. I’ve also got a Day Date on my list, but that’s designated as a 40th birthday present for myself in a few years.

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/qc1EO0vYTP

 

A.I. Watch Collection Review

8.7

4 Watches - Rolex (50%) / Grand Seiko (25%) / Cartier (25%)

Collection Type by Style:

  • Dress (50%): Cartier Ronde Solo XL Automatic, Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne

  • Diver (25%): Rolex Submariner Date

  • Travel (25%): Grand Seiko Shosho SBGJ249

Collection Type by Movement:

  • Automatic (100%): Grand Seiko Shosho SBGJ249, Cartier Ronde Solo XL Automatic, Rolex Submariner Date, Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne

Overall Collection Rating: 8.7/10

This collection strikes a balance between refined elegance and functional practicality. With two classic dress watches, a diver, and a GMT travel watch, it suits a collector who values both sophistication and versatility. The inclusion of reputable brands such as Rolex, Grand Seiko, and Cartier indicates a preference for renowned names in watchmaking, reflecting a blend of luxury, tradition, and performance.

Breakdown by Watch Collection Metrics

  • Brand (10% Weight): 8.8/10This collection showcases iconic names in watchmaking. Rolex's reputation for durability and status, alongside Grand Seiko's craftsmanship and Cartier's elegance, provides a well-rounded selection. However, the absence of more niche brands affects the exclusivity rating slightly.

  • History & Innovation (10% Weight): 8.7/10The collection features models that have made significant historical contributions: the Rolex Datejust as the first watch with an automatically changing date, the Submariner as a pioneer in dive watches, and Grand Seiko's excellence in finishing and accuracy. Cartier's Ronde Solo is less innovative but brings timeless design.

  • Rarity (10% Weight): 8.2/10While these watches are not particularly rare, they are highly sought-after models. The Grand Seiko SBGJ249, with its limited production nature, adds some exclusivity to the mix. The Rolex Datejust and Submariner models maintain desirability but are relatively accessible.

  • Material (10% Weight): 8.5/10High-quality materials are used across the collection, with Grand Seiko's zaratsu-polished stainless steel, Rolex's durable Oystersteel, and Cartier's fine finishing. The focus on material depth ensures each watch feels luxurious and well-crafted.

  • Movement (10% Weight): 8.7/10The collection showcases robust, reliable automatic movements. The Grand Seiko SBGJ249 features the in-house Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86, and Rolex's watches are powered by their trusted calibers known for accuracy and durability. Cartier's automatic movement is decent but not as technically refined.

  • Versatility (10% Weight): 8.8/10The collection covers a range of use cases from formal (Cartier Ronde Solo, Rolex Datejust) to sporty and functional (Rolex Submariner, Grand Seiko GMT). It balances well across dress, diving, and travel needs, though more casual options would increase the versatility further.

  • Complications (10% Weight): 7.8/10The collection features a GMT function (Grand Seiko SBGJ249), a date feature on all models, and a useful rotating bezel on the Submariner. However, there is a lack of more advanced or rare complications.

  • Functions (10% Weight): 8.5/10Solid water resistance across the Submariner and moderate resistance on the Datejust and Grand Seiko SBGJ249. The GMT function of the Grand Seiko provides travel functionality, and overall, the watches are reliable for their intended purposes.

  • Dials & Design (10% Weight): 8.8/10Each watch excels in design, from the classic elegance of Cartier's Roman numerals and the champagne dial of the Datejust to the sunburst blue dial of the Grand Seiko and the iconic Submariner. The collection shows strong craftsmanship and visual appeal.

  • Cohesiveness (10% Weight): 8.4/10While each watch brings its unique characteristics, the collection maintains cohesiveness through high-quality, reliable automatic movements. The diversity in styles—dress, diver, and travel—shows a well-rounded selection, although a more defined thematic focus could enhance it further.

Collection Strengths and Potential Ways for Improvement:

Strengths:

  • A versatile mix of iconic models from reputable brands.

  • High-quality materials and reliable automatic movements.

  • The collection offers functional variety, including a GMT for travel, a diver, and dress watches.

Improvements:

  • Introduce more complication diversity for added interest, such as moonphase, perpetual calendar, or chronograph.

  • Consider adding a casual or sporty chronograph to broaden use case versatility.

  • Explore more niche or independent brands for a unique, collectible piece to elevate the rarity score.

Watch by Watch Summary:

  1. Grand Seiko Shosho SBGJ249 (8.8) - Price Estimate: $6,800Brand (8.5), History & Innovation (9), Rarity (8.5), Material (8.6), Dials & Design (9), Movement (9.2), Complications (8), Functions (8.8), Versatility (8.7), Cohesiveness (8.5)
    A refined GMT watch with a blue dial inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Powered by Grand Seiko's Hi-Beat Caliber 9S86, known for precision and a 55-hour power reserve.

  2. Cartier Ronde Solo XL Automatic (8.5) - Price Estimate: $4,900Brand (8.5), History & Innovation (8.0), Rarity (7.5), Material (8.0), Dials & Design (8.8), Movement (8.0), Complications (7.0), Functions (8.0), Versatility (8.5), Cohesiveness (8.2)
    A classic dress watch with Roman numerals, a blue-steel hand, and an elegant design that embodies Cartier's tradition of refined watchmaking.

  3. Rolex Submariner Date (8.9) - Price Estimate: $11,500Brand (9.2), History & Innovation (9.0), Rarity (8.2), Material (9.0), Dials & Design (8.7), Movement (9.0), Complications (7.5), Functions (9.2), Versatility (8.5), Cohesiveness (8.5)
    Iconic diver with a black dial and robust Oystersteel case, known for its reliability and functionality. Features a unidirectional bezel, water resistance up to 300m, and the Caliber 3235.

  4. Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne (8.8) - Price Estimate: $7,500Brand (9.0), History & Innovation (8.5), Rarity (8.0), Material (8.5), Dials & Design (8.8), Movement (9.0), Complications (7.5), Functions (8.5), Versatility (8.5), Cohesiveness (8.4)
    A timeless dress watch with a two-tone aesthetic, featuring a champagne dial, automatic Caliber 3135, and the iconic Rolex Cyclops date lens.

Footnote: A.I. WatchMetrics Review v7.2

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