KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
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A quick look at the new Grand Seiko SBGW253
Having recently seen many Purists fall under the spell of the SBGW253, I was very excited to see one at the local AD, when going there on some strap changing business recently.
And I have to say I understand the appreciation all the better after seeing it live.
It may be 3mm larger than the original it was based on but it's still a very 'classical' size for today's circumstances at 38mm. And the hands, hour markers, case finishing and dial have all the typical GS appeal we have gotten used to over the years.
I would venture that this - as a newly launched design - works quite harmoniously with the more minimalist signage (Grand Seiko only). Not something I feel is working equally well with all the facelifted models.
It sits nicely on the wrist and is very pleasant. It is probably not as featherlight as the SBGW305 that is the contemporary interpretation of the same design but a nice fit nevertheless.
Finally the pricing. The new expansionary course of the brand coincides with increased prices. While this is always in the eyes of the beholder, I'd say that the watches still represent excellent value for what they offer. Privately I would not have minded their previous positioning but can of course understand the business rationale for the change.
So overall, I guess we will see several more Purists succumbing to the charms of the Grand Seiko SBGW253, and with good reason 
Who knows, I may even join in, if my watch fund recovers sufficiently quickly after the current incomings, and there are still some available
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A quick look at the new Grand Seiko SBGW253
Having recently seen many Purists fall under the spell of the SBGW253, I was very excited to see one at the local AD, when going there on some strap changing business recently. And I have to say I understand the appreciation all the better after seeing it...
It's a very handsome watch.
Size is excellent. And we know it will be a very reliable piece. All in all-a winner.
Fully agree with you, Padj!
Definitely a great piece. The one thing I would like to see, though, is the SBGW305. That one may be the closest competition IMO...
Nice watch but I think it is grossly over-rated.
I have seen it and even "owned it" for a short period of time when I picked it up for a friend. But I think many GS collectors are giving it more credit than it deserved. Its a nicely finished but rather plain looking watch. I know this opinion is deeply ...
Tastes are generally deeply personal :)
Thanks for your opinion, Benlee. I personally also prefer my SBGH035, which may not hold universal appeal. Still I find this a nice watch. As said above, will probably wait to see the 'modern' SBGW305 before making any decisions
Love the 305
And that's even before seeing it in real life, I think this is my next GS. Compared to the 253, it is more masculine, has a date ( more practical ) and a textured (blizzard) dial! The same sweeping second hand and GS exquisite finishing in Titanium. What'...
Quite some do not see the date as a feature...
Although I have to say in this application it does not bother me all that much. It is also the first GS with a larger date disc and consequently larger date numbers. It is a great watch, I fully agree
If you listen to your wife KMII, you are saved!
....any watch can wait. Best Regards Edward
wonderful watch it is...simple, robust...
clean dial & affordable one. Best, mahesh.,
Thanks for your feedback, Mahesh :)
It really is clean and minimalist but exquisitely executed.
I agree with all you're saying
But then again, I thought it was too similar to some earlier iterations, but once on the wrist, all that went out the window. It is a beautiful, understated and very comfortable watch.
A big fan of this reissue model
Have been monitoring Grand Seiko lately and I must say that they did well on this reissue. I am close on pulling the trigger on this watch and hope to get this on my wrist soon! Great review!
