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EDITOR’S PICK: 10 things you need to know about Japan’s grandest watch brand, Grand Seiko EDITOR’S PICK: 10 things you need to know about Japan’s grandest watch brand, Grand Seiko

EDITOR’S PICK: 10 things you need to know about Japan’s grandest watch brand, Grand Seiko

Felix Scholz

Editor’s note: My love (indeed the collective T+T love) for Grand Seiko is very real. There’s no denying the quality, care and craftsmanship that goes into these watches that (still) manage to be one of the better kept secrets of fine watches. There’s also no denying that the world of GS can be a little, um, esoteric. So if you need a little explainer, or even a refresher, this one’s for you.

I’m sure everyone reading this has, at some point, felt that feeling of utter bewilderment of being in a conversation about watches. The level of technical jargon, slang and verbal shorthand can be confusing at best and exclusionary at worst — it can feel like a club with its very own secret language. And the hardest thing is that the language changes with every brand. Take Grand Seiko, for instance — you have to get your head around reference numbers, specific nomenclature and calibres, not to mention the vast and colourful world of fan-based nicknames.

But don’t worry, today we’re here to help you crack the code. If you’ve ever been confused about what makes Grand Seiko so grand, why everyone keeps talking about Snowflakes and Spring Drives, or what a Credor is, watch this video and all will be explained …