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After having it for a couple of days, I want to write down my impression for the watch that I have been longing for, including materials from the Internet.
(1) The brand
I heard of the brand when I was still a kid and had the impression that it was a very very classical, or old fashion brand that made mostly gold or jewelry watches. Not until 4 decades later I saw the Sea Hawk pictures and I was totally surprised by the twist. There have been several generations of Sea Hawk and see some of the picture here.
GP Sea Hawk Symphony | Blog | seikomatic...only automatic - Yahoo! Blog
(2) The Case is made of titanium with the characteristics of being light-weighted, heat conductive and gray in colour. Indeed I have familiarized myself with all these as I have several ti watches but one thing that I notice is that ti can pick up watermarks and leave some kind of dirt which in fact can be wiped off. The elongated crown guard from the case is another feature that I like. It might look exaggerated, in particularly given the 44mm x 55mm case. The whole case is brushed that I prefer rather than partly polished in another version. 22mm thick causes practical problems attracting scratches from any thing walks by.
Two helium escape valves (HEV) situate at 2:30 and 9:00 and are arguably unnecessary. Anyway, it makes the watch more unique and I like it.
(2) Crown..humongous, deeply fluted, 9mm signed. The GP logo is much better shaped than the "S" in Seiko. It takes more than 4 to 5 turns to completely lock.
(3) The sapphire is slightly domed that becomes more visible when turn to the side, casting bluish in reflection under strong sun light while seems transparent indoor.
(4) The bezel is a heavily notched, dual layer, I believe, with raised numbers like the Rolex Yacht Master and a lume pip at the 12. It is 120-click unidirectional, the bezel turns fairly easily and seems to be used metal ring rather than rubber that makes it sound crisp. The only complaint I have is the lack of lume on the minute makers, hardly practical when used in professional diving.
(5) The rubber strap is neither too hard as the Seiko MM's nor soft like silicone. It is 22mm and tapering to 19mm near the clasp. There is 5-level of micro adjustment built on the clasp which is twofold and one over the other . It took me a day to figure out the correct combination and it now sits comfortably.
(6) The case back is screwed in and the sea serpent / dragon emblem is beautifully carved. I notice that the emblem on the limited edition is even more refined and detailed than this normal version.
(7) The movement. The official web site reveals it to be a highly decorated GP033RO base movement that other functions have been built on it. I notice that it is exceptionally soft to wind and very quiet. Not till I realize the change in the power reserve indicator, I hardly believe the winding is functioning properly. Mine maintains +5/s daily in the past few days. Quick set date and hacking are possible. I heard that there have been problems with this GP movement and mine was sent back for service only few months after purchase by the original owner for periodically stopping.
(8) The dial and hands. The dial could have been better made to commensurate its listed price. Actually I prefer the small second hand and the orange ploprof hands version in this 1000m. Lum is as good as in most of the Seiko diver watches. Date window at 6 to 9 minute position is another unique feature of this watch and I can see that the dial be 2mm thick from the depth of the window.
(9) Value for money. Really depending on purchasing new or used. I think it is listed around US$10k and I have it at 1/3. Probably expect no appreciation in future value and better buy your Rolex instead.
(10) Score: (1 to 10)
Design: 8
Material: 8
Accuracy: 7
Brand prestige: 8
Uniqueness: 10
Appreciation in value: 0
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