Another Grand Seiko Review - SBGA397

Hey OF,

I would like to share my newfound enthusiasm for a watch brand that gets thrown around a lot and there seems to be a real hype about it.

Grand Seiko.

Abit of my own collecting background; I would like to think that I'm an avid vintage collector (Having owned Vintage Rolex, Universal Geneve, Omega, Certina so on and so forth), that I would generally stay away from modern watches. So, in the past during my GTGs with local friends who do have Grand Seikos, I would take a look at it and would just wave them away because of a few "flaws" i felt that Grand Seiko has:

1) case size mostly in 42mm or 41mm
2) case thickness
3) Bracelet isn't well made.

Because of these "flaws", i never quite got on with Grand Seiko and would always just compliment on how beautifully its being crafted (I honestly never really appreciated the design or craftmanship because i didn't have a loupe).... it's kinda reminds me of my first impression of a Rolex 5513; i loved the dial, the markers and looks so iconic, but i never noticed the lugs so to me a polished lug would get the "okay" from me until @watchknut taught me the finer points to collect Vintage Rolex...it became an absolute criteria to consider when purchasing a 5513/1675 etc.

My appreciation of Grand Seiko, in line with a renewed view and appreciation of its craftmanship came when I bought my very first modern Grand Seiko; SBGA397.

To cut the story short; I managed to purchase this particular Grand Seiko and it is perhaps, one of the rarer Grand Seikos around.

Spotting the same titanium 62GS case as with the USA 4 Seasons variant, the SBGA397 was made for the exclusive GS9 Club in Tokyo.

The dial dances under the light with Zaratsu finished markers and hands. The dial texture was suppose to reflect the snowy mountains of Iwate, a mountain near Grand Seiko factory.

The color of the dial changes from dark blue/purple to textured in an instant the moment lighting hits the dial.

I have never owned a watch this "nice" before and it wears absolutely incredible. 40mm case size, with the lugs curved down; it wears fantastic on my 7 inch wrist.

The case is titanium and to be Zaratsu finished seems to be an impossible task as a friend noted. Titanium is a material that is usually dark/matte in finish. However, the SBGA397 has chamfers and lugs that have been beautifully polished and made.

The bracelet isnt as well made as the dial or case, as there's distinct lack of "flow" from the case/lugs to the endlinks. Also there isnt any micro extension so it might fit too tight for some who want it snug or too loose.

All in all, it isnt a game breaker because the watch still wears magnificently with straps (mostly from @Optimizer13 Veblenist)

Every time you post a picture of this watch I move closer to purchasing a GS

just take a leap. It's an absolute joy.

Yeah I must say that dial is really nice looking - I love how well it's complimented by a strap or bracelet. I've seen nothing but glowing reviews on the GS; but I can tell it's a watch you'll need to see in person to truly appreciate.

This is really a great watch that words can't describe, a hand-on and people will understand. Grand Seiko is still very underrated!

Yeah and even then, I didn't appreciate grand Seiko in the flesh when I held it because I didn't know what to look at or what features to appreciate. It was until I bought one, and I compared it with my explorer 2 then I realized the stark difference

Very insightful write-up and i am beginning to see GS in a different light.

I pray for mercy to my wallet.

You also see different facets of GS in different lights

I agree with the beauty of the dial. I was sold on the smooth sweeping seconds hand, but I enjoy my sbga375 very much. No regrets here.

No joke.... pics don't do the dials justice. Walked into the Boutique last week when I was visiting LA and in person, the dials are stunning. I picked up the Skyflake (pictured) and the Four Seasons Winter (delivered to the house today). Total Impulse buy.... Was going to pick up the SBGE227 as well, but needed to slow it down as the wife thinks I'm nuts. But hey, if anyone out there that has the SBGE227 and want to trade for the Skyflake.... just sayin'

As an owner of an SBGA387, I can confirm that this brand is an absolute game-changer waiting to happen. As the recognition of the name increases and changes over time to "separate" itself from the regular old Seiko, I think we will see a very real increase in desirability of these pieces. Its a rare example of truly getting what you pay for, and rather than resting on laurels, they continue to push forward. Make it better why? Because they can, not because they need to.

Feel free to post some pics of this guy...pretty sure its going to be my next buy!

However, the new SD movement they announced a day or two back is intriguing. So far they have only put it in a 46mm diver 🤮 but hopefully it finds its way into the more versatile pieces down the road.

Ask and ye shall receive..... I love this dial and gliding hands on it.... Get one... to me it's the best of the Four Seasons with the Spring in a very very close second.... Also, if you can get your hands on the a SBGH 269, do it.... I love that dial the most and certainly enjoy wearing it on a bright sunny day.... Enjoy!

😲 I need

I know what you mean. Still love the dial and the smooth hands on my Grand Seiko.

Is that the Blue Dial?????

It is. Sbga375 is the model. It can look black in low or not direct light and gets up to a medium blue with proper lighting. This picture shows it better, but still nothing like in person.

Beautiful piece, brother....! Wear it in good health.

A bit off topic but this might be my last watch purchase ever if the cornona news doesn't subside...

I caught myself holding my breath when I tried this on in Tokyo last year. The bracelet is incredible.

Again, swiss brands like AP/patek get all the hype about bracelets but this particular GS bracelet is mind-blowing