I had been in a manly watch rut, buying tool divers and realizing my small rotation, now 9 watches, lacked diversity. I was looking for something dressy but bold and masculine.
The Citizen Grand Touring all stainless steel with domed sapphire and 44mm case has a Panerai look that caught my attention a few months ago. I couldn't keep my mind off it and finally pulled the trigger, waiting anxiously to make sure I didn't flop-sweat during the boxing as Internet photos are too often more glorious than having the watch in your very hands.
This time I was not disappointed. Heavy in a good way, giving high quality earmarks of a Panerai and even a Rado D-Star XL, the Grand Touring is a perfect specimin with polished stripes through the links and a monochromatic all stainless steel look that I find very appealing.
Sean at Watch City approved of it and admitted to researching the watch when I first mentioned it to him a month or so ago. He removed two links and showed me how to lift the crown guard for setting the time and using the hackable movement.
I really love this watch and feel most fortunate to have it as a "Panerai substitute," though I must say in the end the Grand Touring has a look all of its own.
"Dressy/Bold" nails it. This is a really nice looking watch and definitely a departure from the divers----but still plenty hefty/masculine. What I like the most about it is that at a first glance, it looks very spartan/basic (in an uncluttered/good way). But as you view it several times, you start seeing that in fact there are quite a few details. This tells me that there was a lot of care put into the design----they integrate the details beautifully into the overall design----giving you something new to look at whenever you're wearing the watch. To me, this is the type of watch that you can have for decades and it will be a classic.
Posted by: Angelo | February 11, 2014 at 06:32 PM
Nice looking, Jeff. I like the display back (shown at the site below).
Here's a short article about the Grand Touring, with lots of photos and a video.
http://azfinetime.wordpress.com/2013/07/19/citizen-signature-grand-touring-automatic-nb0070-57e/
Posted by: Gary | February 11, 2014 at 07:15 PM
Wow - I love it. Definitely nicer in your pictures than others that I have seen. I'm guessing that it wears a bit between the Sumo and OSD in size?
Anyhow, well done - that's a looker and very unique in your collection. A diver bezel is usually a must for me, but that one might be going on my wish list...
Posted by: jonnybardo | February 11, 2014 at 08:10 PM
It's exactly the same size as the Sumo. Perfect.
Posted by: herculodge | February 11, 2014 at 09:15 PM
Speaking of watches, I think this Omega commercial is just awesome. A variation of it is running during the Sochi Winter Olympics on NBC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ8NDtxmAB4
Posted by: Gary | February 12, 2014 at 12:14 AM
Gary: I work in advertising---I had not seen that Omega commercial you linked to. It's fantastic.
Posted by: Angelo | February 12, 2014 at 04:55 AM
Nice ad. You mean its an ad that isn't selling via sex or power?
Anyhow, my only problem with the co-axial movement is that its so damn expensive. My very favorite watch may be the Planet Ocean Chronograph, and it costs around ~$8K new. Put in a more pedestrian movement and its half that price.
Posted by: jonnybardo | February 12, 2014 at 06:33 AM
ABlogtoWatch on watch lume.
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/what-you-want-to-know-about-watch-luminant/
Posted by: Gary | February 15, 2014 at 12:59 PM