Horological Meandering

I have recently been looking at buying a Grand Seiko, with the view of wearing it as a daily wearer.

There are several to choice from, but the three that I like the most are the SBGR061 and the SBGR001 Hi Beat with the white dial.

From the models that have been discontinued (I believe), I very much like the SBGL017 for the additional PR complication.

I am looking for an automatic piece that has a 40mm and a sapphire exhibition back. 

Can you please tell me which Grand Seiko you like and why?

What makes them so special and how do they compare to their Swiss couterparts?

Also does any member know what the letters stand for? 
I believe that the "R" at the end means automatic "W" means manual and "H" means Hi-Beat

This message has been edited by Topcat30093 on 2011-02-19 11:01:24

This isn't exhaustive, but as I understand it, the SBG prefix is the Grand Seiko line, and the final letter:

W=manual Winding
R=Rotor automatic
H=automatic Hi beat
M=automatic gMt
L=automatic + power reserve (no mnemonic for this one!)

A=spring drive  + power reserve
E=spring drive GMT
C=spring drive chronograph

I believe the X and T suffixes are for the quartz GS.

As for favorite, well, I've never ownede one, so you'll have to wait for the usual suspects to chime in

Tom

I would love SBGH something or SBGR061 with leather band.  Cool with display back.  Either works fine.
Why?  Because it is Grand Seiko mechanical - made by the actual people who have been trained home grown with such rigorous testing and most advanced facility.  Yes, I am not only biased but also brainwashed by visiting the factory.  What is INSIDE makes GS special, not outside.

Ken

One of these two is (are) my favorites

 

specifically for the blue dial. Ok, so it's also an anniversary model with the gold lion etc. and newer movement with 72 hr. PR. At first,I was hesitant as it is only 37mm. but once on the wrist,it felt perfect. Everything about it speaks high quality,from the polishing on the bracelet to the faceted brilliance of the hands & indices.The movement is manufactured like a precision instrument and timekeeping is tourbillon standard.

What more can I say - go for it Topcat.

cheers

fernando

otherwise known as the second generation, ref. 5722A Chronometer. This one appeals to me because of the exceptional quality and accuracy of the watch, its classic, understated design, and its historical interest. As many know, in the early '60s Seiko used the "Chronometer" designation on the dials of some of their Grand Seiko models. These were early attempts by the Japanese to compete with the best Swiss watches, and, precisely because of Seiko's successes in the Swiss Observatory competitions during the early and middle parts of that decade, the company was ultimately forced to remove the Chronometer designation from the dials. In other words, they were (correctly) perceived as being a threat to Swiss superiority in the market, and by 1968 agreed to stop using the designation.

Alternatively, Seiko developed an even more rigorous in-house standard, which, of course, wearers of Grand Seiko watches benefit from to this day.

Tranquility made manifest--akin to the gentle descent of a snowflake......

J

SBGM003 - conservative yet distinctive look.

SBGR059 - the titanium case is a pleasure to wear and the blued steel seconds hand is a discrete detail in what is otherwise a boring watch.

There are so many to choose from, which doesn't make it an easy decision

Thanks Tom for explaining to us what the different letters stand for.

I only wish that the only UK AD was closer, so I could take a personal look at them.

Though I may be able to get them to send one to me on a 30 day approval ,as long as I pay the full price,of couse