Gargamel
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Another Grand Seiko review (SBGR061)
I have to admit, I really love Seiko.
But it wasn’t love at the first sight.
The first was a « sumo » (SBDC001) but this one didn’t left me a huge souvenir.
The second one, the famous SKX007, is much more iconic and is still in my box and we shared a lot of dives together.
It’s impressive how such a cheap one gives me that nice feeling each time I strap it !
Time passed, many watches have been there and gone. Mainly “must haves” indeed.
But If I have to admit that brand recognition is a criteria, it is fairly small in weight when choice comes.
Nice reviews and pictures often drive me mad.
That was the case with the MarineMaster 300m (SBDX001) which has been and gone too.
Gone for a couple of Submariners which I found boring like – as we say in French – a day without bread !
…but back as I wanted to upgrade my dive companion a little.
Of course, having a SBDX001 makes you have a look at the Grand Seiko line.
And oh damn right I was when I got the SBGH001 “hi-beat” a year ago!
“Eyeblowing” is the right word for every Grand Seiko.
No matter you like it or not, there is something special in the finishing of every part.
This is not an in depth review of the watch or the brand, but my praise to these fantastic timepieces.
I was looking for a more classical watch and obviously a Grand Seiko, to be it has!
A lot of people don’t understand how we can put such money into a “Seiko”, nor why buying an expensive watch no one knows. I don’t care because I know… I know how great my choice is, despite the difficulties I’ll have to have it repaired or serviced.
Over the small (37mm) manual winding ones (SBGW031/035), over the GMT ones (SBGM021/023) and over the limited high end ones (SBGW033, SBGH013), I have chosen the simple 3 hands with date SBGR061.
Grand Seiko’s are not easy to render on pictures. You have to try them by yourself in shops to see how they feel.
That’s what I did and my fear of a brownish dial vanished.
The box, with all you can expect into it. You don’t pay extra for a wooden big one.
Some pictures of the lacquered cream dial.
It’s silly to think that a GS is more or less like a entry level Seiko automatic with a better movement.
Everything is sharp and fantastic. Changing colored dial, highly polished indexes, blued second hand or grey powder date disk.
And last but not least, the BEST hands I’ve ever seen on a watch. Period.
The movement is the 9S65 which has 72 hours of power reserve and all great Seiko engineering into it.
I don’t master the techniques of watches so I won’t say more.
It’s not that beautiful but it’s seriously made.
Notice the +5/-3 seconds a day setting which is Grand Seiko kind of COSC.
...well mine looks to run a little faster. The SBGH001 was on +2s/day after 3 years.
The beautiful hand polished case: 39,5mm wide (excl. crown) and 13,1mm thick.
Nice domed sapphire which reminds the vintage classic watches and a non-screwed crown.
It’s not that thin, neither thick, but It feels “there” on the wrist and I like it.
The strap is a brown/redish big square alligator mounted on a beautiful deployant clasp.
If you don’t want to use this clasp but rather a tang buckle, don’t buy another one: it’s in!
The tang buckle can be mounted out of the deployant. Great idea.
And then the wristshot.
Hope you enjoyed those pictures.
But please: don’t buy a Grand Seiko. I’m proud to be one of the small number of lucky guys who have one 
This message has been edited by Gargamel on 2013-07-30 10:06:17
More posts:
Another Grand Seiko review (SBGR061)
I love Seiko. I have to admit, I really love Seiko. But it wasn’t love at the first sight. The first was a « sumo » (SBDC001) but this one didn’t left me a huge souvenir. The second one, the famous SKX007, is much more iconic and is still in my box and we...
Wonderful review ...
I recently entered the Seiko, can I say upscale line with a MarineMaster 300m (SBDX001). I'm in love with this Seiko, despite of my friends stating that I'm crazy to pay more for ... a Seiko. One day "they will see the light". You post made me dream about...
Your review helped me
Gargamel, Thanks for your personal review about Grand Seiko that reminded me to look for mine somewhere in my house! I completely agree that a GS is not just a Seiko with better movement. Everything is better: dial, crown, lugs, case edges and of course, ...
Wonderful review!
I know how you feel and the pride as well as satisfaction. Much under-appreciated brand - Grand Seiko. Thank you for voicing up! Please share with us more reviews and thoughts. Your pics are superb, by the way! Best, Ken
Grand Seiko and their model numbers.
Great Review! A Grand Seiko is definitely in my horizon. Slightly off topic: I have a bugbear with Seiko. They always have cryptic model numbers: SBGR0061, SBGA003. Its really hard to roll off the tongue, and to remember. Why don't have names like 'Submar...
True classics always have numbers :D
5513 , 1675, 6263 or CK2913, CK2915 or 96 , 5070, I don't even need to tell the brand :) . cheers Francois
An true example of Japanese craftsmanship
In pursuit of perfection. I must take a look at these closer. I must say in 25 years of collecting, I have never thought to buy a Japanese watch despite being half Japanese. I must say I have been missing out. Thanks for opening my eyes. Dean
Hope to be joining the ranks . . .
. . . sooner rather than later, G. I've been a fan for some six years now, after first seeing a fellow collector's small collection in '07, and then another collector's larger haul the following year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and passion for GS wi...
Congratulations G.................
Without a shadow of a doubt, this piece is my most favourite GS...........PERIOD! I love the colour of the dial on this piece and the hands suit it perfectly. :) Of course the craftsmanship of a GS is famous. One day I would like to own this very model.
LOVE your review
like the watch adore your pictures and what more to say than welcome here sincerely looking forward reading and seeing more from you Best Damjan P.S. Yes I liked The Smurfs as well ;)
Great review!
Mine says hi to yours! ...
Thanks a lot for this great review!
It is a watch I highly appreciate. Makes me think that I have a huge delay with my Baseworld Seiko report... Thanks for this excellent wrte-up and for the beautiful pictures. Fx
Update
New strap (Blue Camille Fournet), new pictures ! ...
GS's really do deliver
great review, stunning photos. I recently resized my LE GMT blue dial on bracelet and it's now almost preternaturally perfect to wear. The value of a GS is, IMO, second to none. I agree with all you said. the detail of a soft-shaded date wheel background ...
i have owned one modern and 3 vintage GS's and loved them all
why i let them go i really dont know, something i often ask myself. a beautiful yet minimal watch with superb build quality. enjoy it Graham
Nice! (nt)
Nt
Love the Grand Seikos.
Alas, I must confess that I haven't worn mine in several months. But ~ I do love my GS GMT, for all the reasons stated. I'll probably have to get a new strap, though. Aloha, Bob
Fantastic photographs!
You may have taken the best GS photos I\'ve ever seen. Luckily I don\'t have to worry about getting GS fever ... I should have built up a resistance by now. Cazalea ...
Thanks!
What a nice collection ! Sometimes I regret selling my SBGH001 (Hi-Beat) and thinking to get it back.
Beautiful..................
I love this GS combination. The colour of the dial is amazing. One day, I hope to own one :)
