u/EnglishAex

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone in this sub — reading your posts, reviews and comparisons genuinely helped educate me, convince me, and ultimately push me over the line to join the club.

Like a lot of people here, this wasn’t a casual purchase for me. It took a lot of saving and a lot of research.

But when it finally came time to put the money down, I felt confident it was the right choice both emotionally and logically!

I ended up purchasing the Grand Seiko SBGA445 tax-free for ¥860,000 at the Grand Seiko Omotesando Boutique.

For anyone currently hunting one down: from what I found, both the Grand Seiko SBGA445 and Grand Seiko SBGA443 seemed to be sold out across most of Tokyo.

I only managed to secure this one because someone else didn’t show up for their reservation , pure luck and timing.

Happy to answer any questions about the buying experience, pricing, stock hunting, tax-free process, or the watch itself.

And honestly… it feels pretty great to finally be part of the Grand Seiko gang.

In this rare interview, Marilyn Manson discusses the ideas and mindset behind his then-new album Mechanical Animals, a major shift in tone and style following the intensity of Antichrist Superstar.

Manson reflects on themes of alienation, fame, identity, and transformation, describing the album as a kind of “rebirth” after a period of extreme personal and artistic change. He also talks about living in Hollywood, the feeling of not belonging anywhere, and how that sense of detachment shaped both the sound and concept of the record.

Influenced by artists like David Bowie and Queen, Mechanical Animals marked a dramatic evolution in Manson’s image and music—moving toward a more melodic, glam-inspired sound while still maintaining his provocative edge. In this conversation, he also addresses his views on art, shock value, and the responsibility of artists in shaping interpretation.

A fascinating snapshot of an artist in transition, this interview captures the moment Marilyn Manson redefined himself at the height of his career.