[Results Announcement] Wannaby Watch Grand Prix 2018

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2018.12.30

A. Lange & Söhne F.P. Journe IWC omega Audemars Piguet Cartier Credor Chrono Tokyo Grand Seiko Chopard Jaeger LeCoultre ZENITH Tudor Patek Philippe Baume & Mercier Rolex Longines Vacheron Constantin

The "Wanna Buy Watch Grand Prix 2018" asked our readers to vote for their most desired 2018 model from four price ranges: "~500,000 yen," "510,000 to 1,000,000 yen," "1,010,000 to 3,000,000 yen," and "3,010,000 yen and up" (all prices excluding tax). Voting took place from October 9th to November 30th, and we received a total of 977 votes! Below you will find an overall review by Editor-in-Chief Masayuki Hirota, an introduction to the top 5 watches in each price range, and comments from those who voted for the top 3 models!!

Comment from Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota

This project was started by the president's strong push. When it was launched, the number of votes far exceeded our naive expectation that "if we give out luxurious gifts, we'll get more votes." Thank you to everyone who cooperated. Gifts will be sent out in order. The delay is due to a severe lack of manpower lol

What surprised me was the reliability of the models selected. While the so-called classics were well covered, the fact that watches that enthusiasts would prefer were also selected sets it apart from run-of-the-mill voting projects. To be honest, it's even more intimidating to write an article for readers who choose watches like this. The Longines "Longines Legend Diver," the Jaeger-LeCoultre "Reverso Tribute Small Seconds," the Chopard "LUC Quattro," and the Credor "Eichi II" are not typical choices. This time, I've provided an overall review by price range.

Up to 50 yen category

Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 33 yen (excluding tax). Baume & Mercier Tel: 03-4461-8030

Seiko "Presage Shippo Limited Edition Model SARX059"

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 15 yen (excluding tax). Seiko Watch Customer Service Center Tel: 0120-061-012

CHRONO TOKYO "CHRONO TOKYO #1"

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. Discontinued. Spindle Shin-Maru Building Store Tel: 03-3211-5117

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 38 yen (excluding tax). Rolex Japan Tel: 03-3216-5671

Longines "Longines Legend Diver"

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 286,000 yen (excluding tax). Longines Tel: 03-6254-7351

~Reasons for voting for the top 3 in the 50 yen category~

1. Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic

・It has a newly developed movement, a long power reserve (which will probably become the norm in the future), and even a COSC chronometer, so it's definitely worth buying at this price point. (Tsubasa)
・The minute display is placed outside the index to prevent the date from appearing too close to the center, and consideration has been given to maintaining the overall balance. Of course, the overall balance is also excellent. (Morie)
As someone who owns multiple watches, I really appreciate the long power reserve. The accuracy is excellent and the straps are easy to change, so I have nothing to complain about. (Tsuwan)

2nd Place: Seiko "Presage Shippo Limited Edition Model SARX059"

・The beautiful dial, which makes full use of traditional Japanese techniques, gives this model a strong "Made in Japan" feel. (Yuji)
・One reason is that it was nominated for the GPHG, but I also think it's amazing that it was released at this price range. (Raika)
・It is made using traditional Japanese craft techniques, and the deep blue wave pattern is reminiscent of the sea. If I saw the real thing, I would definitely buy it. (Nakanu)

3rd place: CHRONO TOKYO "CHRONO TOKYO #1"

・What makes this watch unique and exceptional is that Hajime Asaoka supervises not only the design but also the quality of the mass-produced product. (Shishamo)
・The design and construction are meticulously crafted for under 20 yen. I never expected it to be this pricey, so I didn't pay much attention to it and missed out on buying it. What a shame! (Hiroyuki Igarashi)

Editor-in-Chief Hirota's overall review

The Under ¥500,000 category featured a selection of masterpieces. Taking first place was the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic, a model highly praised by our magazine. Its high magnetic resistance, long power reserve, and affordable price make it a natural choice. Second place went to the Seiko Presage Enamel Limited Edition SARX059, highly praised by Chronos Japan readers. Judging by its reviews on social media, its selection is no surprise. Third place went to the Chrono Tokyo #1, a collaboration between Hajime Asaoka and Tic Tac. Its craftsmanship, which belies its ¥100,000 price tag, and its exceptional packaging are likely the reasons for its popularity. The fact that it managed to secure a high ranking despite its limited production numbers suggests the high expectations of its readers. Fourth place went to the Tudor Black Bay GMT, a reasonable choice. An interesting choice was the Longines Legend Diver, which came in fifth place. This is a small model with a diameter of 36mm that was released in 2018. When it was released, it was a big hit among watch enthusiasts, but no one expected it to make it to number 5 in Wanna Buy. The people who selected it must have had a very good eye for quality.

51 to 100 million yen category

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 88 yen (excluding tax). Rolex Japan Tel: 03-3216-5671

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 52 yen (excluding tax). Omega Customer Service Center Tel: 03-5952-4400

Cartier "Santos de Cartier"

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 74 yen (excluding tax). Cartier Customer Service Center Tel: 0120-301-757

Zenith "Defy Classic"

Automatic. Ti. 74 yen (excluding tax). ㉄Zenith Boutique Ginza Tel: 03-5524-6420

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds

Manual winding. Stainless steel. 855,000 yen (excluding tax). Jaeger-LeCoultre Tel: 0120-79-1833

Top 3 in the 51 to 100 yen category - reasons for voting

1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

・I think it's an iconic piece that is unique to this brand, combining an exquisite design that is both casual and formal, while also being highly practical. (Shiropupu)
・This long-awaited model, featuring a stainless steel case and red and blue bezel, has been reissued using the latest technology. (Yoshinori Kato)
・Timeless design, sturdy case, high-spec in-house movement, and reasonable price. Overall, there are no blind spots. (YH)

2. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer

・The pinnacle of industrial products. (Hiroyuki)
I didn't expect the return of the wave pattern to change the impression so much. It's also more refined overall, and it no longer feels old-fashioned. I think I'll be able to wear it for many years without getting bored of it. (After all, the watch is an IWC.)
A few years ago, I would have never imagined that a Co-Axial Master Chronometer would be available at a reasonable price of around 50 yen. I would definitely like to own one, but I can confidently recommend it to friends who aren't particularly interested in watches, thanks to the brand's name value. (KF55)

3rd Place: Cartier "Santos de Cartier"

・It's a historic model that has been around for over 100 years, and I think it's highly refined both as a collectible and practical item. (Sen-chan)
・I think there have been watches up until now that allow for easy strap changes, but I think it's great that with Cartier, a brand that anyone can recognize, you can easily enjoy a different look on a daily basis by changing the bracelet, strap, or different strap. I think that even people who aren't interested in watches will buy one watch up to 1 million yen, so a Cartier watch that you can wear many times will be very useful! (Taka)

Editor-in-Chief Hirota's overall review

The mid-to-upper-middle range, from ¥510,000 to ¥1,000,000, featured a lineup of high-quality, practical timepieces. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II with its Pepsi bezel, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer, and the Cartier Santos de Cartier were all on display. The Zenith Defy Classic, coming in at fourth place, is a masterpiece for connoisseurs. While its design may at first glance resemble Hublot's Classic Fusion, its movement is an in-house Elite, giving it a more luxurious feel. Perhaps its improved in-house movement is the reason it made the cut. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, coming in fifth place, is a real gem for anyone who chose it. This successor to the classic Big Reverso, this timepiece features an improved Caliber 822 movement with improved precision and a case that's comfortable to wear. If you're picky, the Big Reverso wins, but the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is even better in terms of its overall quality. Anyway, if you buy any of the five watches listed here, you're unlikely to go wrong.

101 to 300 million yen category

Vacheron Constantin "Fiftysix Automatic"

Automatic winding. Stainless steel. 128 million yen (excluding tax). Vacheron Constantin Tel: 0120-63-1755

Grand Seiko "Sports Collection Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Model SBGJ229"

Automatic winding. Ceramic x Ti. Discontinued. Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel: 0120-061-012

Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph"

Automatic. Ti. 290 million yen (excluding tax). Audemars Piguet Japan Tel: 03-6830-0000

IWC "Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days "150 Years""

Manual winding. Stainless steel. 1,025,000 yen (excluding tax). IWC Tel: 0120-05-1868

Chopard "LUC Quattro"

Manual winding. 18KRG. 295 yen (excluding tax). Chopard Japan Press Tel: 03-5524-8922

Top 3 reasons for voting: 101 to 300 million yen

1. Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Automatic

・It makes me feel like an unreachable goddess is reaching out to me and waiting for me. (Mibu Shunsuke)
This model recreates the sophisticated design of the past, and offers excellent practicality and cost performance. It has the potential to become a standard model for Vacheron Constantin in the future. (NW86NS)
・I feel that it has an overwhelming sense of "dream" and "romance." I was impressed by the sense of balance, or rather, the sharpness, of not obtaining the Geneva Hallmark. (Michiru)

2nd Place: Grand Seiko "Sports Collection Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Model SBGJ229"

・I want to vote for the future of Grand Seiko, which has shifted from a defensive to an offensive approach. (Opane)
・A Grand Seiko mechanical watch is something every Japanese person would want to own. And if it's a limited edition model with the highest class high beat, it's sure to be a coveted item. The Japanese quality, with no shortcuts in the finishing, is wonderful. (Tsubasa)
・The blue is so beautiful. (Nuu)

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

・It is eternal and the most desirable model in the world. Its innovative design seems to have finally caught up with the times. It is also the manufacturer's flagship model. (Kaichi Gen)
History, beauty, durability, status. If I had the chance, I would definitely want one, but it's almost impossible, so I want one even more. (Kiyopon)

Editor-in-Chief Hirota's overall review

The ¥1,010,000 to ¥3,000,000 category was filled with outstanding watches. The Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Automatic is an ambitious piece from the brand. Despite its stainless steel case and lack of the Geneva Seal, our magazine praised its packaging, and our readers agreed. Its first place ranking is well deserved. Second place goes to the Grand Seiko Sports Collection Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGJ229, a model with a ceramic and titanium hybrid case. While its price range is unusual for a GS model, it is a highly refined watch and is selling well. Considering the large number of Japanese watch fans among both Chronos Japan and webChronos readers, its second-place finish is understandable. The choices below third place were interesting. Personally, I have no complaints, but I honestly think they're quite thoughtful. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is a perfect reproduction of the 1993 model. The dullness of the previous model has been removed, resulting in a more pleasing cohesion. It's no wonder the current stock has already sold out. The IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days "150 Years" features a rich lacquered dial. As a Portugieser fan, I'm truly delighted that this watch was chosen. The Chopard LUC Quattro is a choice typical of Chronos Japan and webChronos readers. While it's only a cosmetic change, the price is extremely strategic, and the content remains first-rate. Chronos readers are as impressive as ever, as they casually choose models like this.

301 million yen and up category

A. Lange & Söhne "Triple Split"

Manual winding. 18KWG. Reservations closed. A. Lange & Söhne Tel: 03-4461-8080

Credor "Eichi II"

Manual winding Spring Drive. 18KRG. 430 million yen (excluding tax). Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel: 0120-061-012

FP Journe "Chronograph Monopusher Rattrapante"

Automatic. Ti. 696 yen (excluding tax). FP Journe Tokyo Boutique Tel: 03-5468-0931

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin

Automatic winding. Ti x Pt. 365 million yen (excluding tax). Audemars Piguet Japan Tel: 03-6830-0000

Patek Philippe "Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1"

Automatic winding. 18KWG. 1297 yen (excluding tax). Patek Philippe Japan Information Center Tel: 03-3255-8109

301 million yen ~ Top 3 reasons for voting ~

1. A. Lange & Söhne "Triple Spirit"

To me, it's so beautiful that it could be called the symbol of mechanical watches. Like you? I could drink alcohol with this manufacturer's movements (lol) (hehehe)
- One rattrapante hand has been added to each of the minute counter and hour counter. I wonder what kind of situation this function would be used in. (Toshi)
・I have a great respect for the overwhelming beauty of this complicated watch and the engineers who perfected it. (Yasuhiro)

2nd place: Credor "Eichi II"

・I think this watch suits Japanese people and teaches us that simplicity is best. (Sen-chan)
・When it comes to expensive watches, hand-finishing is essential. Many manufacturers practice this, but it's rare to see even the indexes hand-drawn. Also, while it is equipped with Spring Drive, a uniquely Japanese movement, the power reserve indicator is placed on the back, and from the front, the simple white dial with three blued steel hands gives it a sense of Japanese refinement. (Tsubasa)
・If I buy this, I'll fall in love with myself for choosing a watch that people won't think is expensive. (Azarashi)

3rd Place: FP Journe "Chronograph Monopusher Rattrapante"

・If anyone in Japan is wearing this watch, I hope they will post a photo of it on a watch-related website. It's such a rare watch. (Munsell)
・It's a brand I admire. Moreover, it's a monopusher rattrapante, just like the masterpiece put up for auction at the "Only Watch" charity auction (although perhaps this one is even more impressive as it has a big date added). This watch, and all FP Journe watches, are watches I admire and hope to own one day. (Omitted) I don't yet have the qualifications to wear a watch from this brand, and I may never be able to own one. It's such a distant dream. (Sandy Papa)

Editor-in-Chief Hirota's overall review

The high-end category, priced at ¥3,010,000 and above, also featured some outstanding models. The top four were the Triple Split, followed by the Eichi II, the Chronograph Monopusher Rattrapante, and the Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin and the Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1. While the Royal Oak and Nautilus are obvious choices, the top three were filled with esoteric watches you'd likely never see in other rankings. The Triple Split, which took first place, is A. Lange & Söhne's ultimate masterpiece. While one might think it's an improved version of the Double Split, the interior has undergone significant changes. The wearing comfort has also been improved compared to the Double. Given the A. Lange & Söhne fanbase among Chronos Japan and webChronos readers, the top spot is no surprise. The Eichi II, which came in second, was a surprise. I never expected the 2018 model, which boasts improved finishes and case polishing compared to the existing model, to receive such high praise. As a fan of the Eichi II, I'm pleased with this result, but it's frustrating that it's so hard to find in stores. The third-placed "Chronograph Monopusher Rattrapante" is a watch that any classic chronograph enthusiast should own at least once. As we've repeatedly mentioned in this magazine, its logical design gives this movement a timeless aesthetic. The pushers also have a pleasant feel.

Thank you very much for your numerous applications. The various gifts introduced during the recruitment process will be shipped after selection. However, we will need to ask each shoe winner for their shoe size via email. If you have applied and have individual email reception settings, such as domain-specific reception, we ask that you please make sure to set them up in advance so that you can receive emails from...