Is Grand Seiko getting better?

thelinendial · Jan 22, 2020

zrleopold
The dial work and case finishing is truly beautiful. With the exception of the handwound movement, I feel many of their pieces wear too thick though.

Agree with you there. I saw some in real life for the first time and was quite disappointed with how thick they were. Also, I'd say for except for a handful, like the SBGW253 (series) and SKX, just not into the aesthetics.

BUT I can certainly appreciate why people like them.

guaranteed.rohu · Jan 22, 2020

phamti
Agree with you there. I saw some in real life for the first time and was quite disappointed with how thick they were. Also, I'd say for except for a handful, like the SBGW253 (series) and SKX, just not into the aesthetics.

BUT I can certainly appreciate why people like them.

++1, totally agree. It's interesting that for a watch brand that services largely the japanese market, with (not backed by any source) I would guess smaller wrist sized on average than western markets - the watchers on average are actually bulkier....

If they literally just had the same case design language, but made them thinner and a bit sleeker, so many models would be fantastic!

scapa · Feb 1, 2020

Any GS quartz owners here? Have my eye on one of the recent 9F GMTs, and just trying to sway myself into living with a quartz. Build quality and dials seem superb.

snunez · Feb 1, 2020

scapa
Any GS quartz owners here? Have my eye on one of the recent 9F GMTs, and just trying to sway myself into living with a quartz. Build quality and dials seem superb.

I've got one. Let me know if you have questions. Practical, beautiful, cheap(ish). High quality quartz is great.

sdre · Feb 1, 2020

NT931
Just took ownership of the new Seiko Seasons, this is the Spring SBGA413. The dial is truly amazing! A short mini-review I did is here, but suffice it to say I am deeply enamoured of this one.

My SBGA397 says hi.

zrleopold · Feb 1, 2020

sdre
My SBGA397 says hi.

How does this case shape wear compared to the Snowflake. Ive been eying the winter SBGA415, which I think shares this same case.

sdre · Feb 2, 2020

zrleopold
How does this case shape wear compared to the Snowflake. Ive been eying the winter SBGA415, which I think shares this same case.

wears super well. at 40mm, its way better than the snowflake which is at 41, the case is probably the best i have tried of GS.

zrleopold · Feb 2, 2020

Awesome. That’s great to hear

scapa · Feb 2, 2020

snunez
I've got one. Let me know if you have questions. Practical, beautiful, cheap(ish). High quality quartz is great.

Thanks for the reply. I just picked one of the limited GMTs (SGBN 009). Wanted a GMT, wanted to try a GS, but am saving up for a special piece, so some of the pricier models were out, and the stars sort of aligned with this one, since it was available locally LNIB.

Mostly wondering about getting used to the look and feel of that quartz second hand, dealing with the 3-year battery-replacement and the general care and maintenance of those highly-polished cases. Most of my other pieces are variations on a tool-watch theme. It's this one (not my photo):

Riviera Paradise · Feb 2, 2020

guaranteed.rohu
Been looking more seriously at the Grand Seiko quartz SBGV245 as a daily wearer... anyone with any experience??

The silver dial.

Also on my list, quite unique and I prefer this case to the other GS cases. Found the review below...

pongster · Feb 3, 2020

Snow proof?

NT931 · Feb 4, 2020

zrleopold
How does this case shape wear compared to the Snowflake. Ive been eying the winter SBGA415, which I think shares this same case.

Definitely wears well. In fact, although it's 40mm, it wears slightly smaller, and is comfortable. The Snowflake wears true to size at 41mm.

zrleopold · Feb 4, 2020

NT931
Definitely wears well. In fact, although it's 40mm, it wears slightly smaller, and is comfortable. The Snowflake wears true to size at 41mm.

I need to get out and try one on at some point. I think that may be the one for me then!

scapa · Feb 4, 2020

Just picked my 009 GMT today. Blue/light blue sunburst dial is mesmerizing; handset, case and finishing all superb. Wouldn't mind a bit more fine adjustment on the bracelet but not a dealbreaker. Overall very pleased, and find the quartz tickover much less distracting than I'd thought. Glad to finally have one in the stable -- and my friend agrees...

Dsloan · Feb 6, 2020

Riviera Paradise
Also on my list, quite unique and I prefer this case to the other GS cases. Found the review below...

I've been eyeing this model too. I have a penchant for what could maybe be called 'dressy tool watches', and this seems to fit the bill nicely. I really like the contrast of the highly finished dial and the course, brushed grind on bezel. Sadly, there's no GS AD in the area, so I've yet to see one in person.

Evose · Feb 6, 2020

I've been eyeing the SBGV245 as a daily, at $3,000 it's pretty reasonable. There's an AD close by — I'll check it out this weekend and report back my thoughts. From the review on Watchfinder & Co, it looks like a versatile well-built option for work.

quattro98 · Feb 27, 2020

scapa
Any GS quartz owners here? Have my eye on one of the recent 9F GMTs, and just trying to sway myself into living with a quartz. Build quality and dials seem superb.

Have the SBGC103 & SBGV017. The GS are great. They have the best dial and hands around. The case and bracelet are nice too. I like the reasonable diameter and thickness of the quartz models.

YY77 · Feb 27, 2020

The SBGJ235 has a stunning dial, unfortunately it's GS boutique only so not able to see in the metal in NL. Not fond of the bracelet it's fitted with and slightly ugly lugs IMHO.

efauser · Feb 27, 2020

How is this not represented in this thread?

Blakestarhtown · Jul 14, 2020

MG-Speedy
My SBGJ217 says hello

I've got the exact same one. Really nice understated piece. I just wish it was 41 mm and a little bit thinner.