cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
20996
SEIKO PROFILE SERIES: MAGNETIC SHIELDED QUARTZ
This is the first Grand Seiko to enter my watch collection - the SBGX039 stainless steel 39mm case, extra-shielded 9F61 movement on bracelet with sapphire crystal and NO date (Nicolas!?)
I can remember as if it was yesterday - taking the watch out of its box and staring dumbfounded at the dial. I put it on my windowsill, aimed the macro lens at it, and tried to figure out what I was seeing. A grid of lines within "larger" rectangles, with alternating Grand Seiko lions and GS logos. Measuring them tonight, I find the rectangles are 1.8mm x 2.0mm. The dial is flat when viewed at an angle, but appears to have a slight 3D quality when viewed like this.
Solid case back with perimeter tension spring unscrews to reveal a solid cover of steel and a flat rubber gasket.
Please pardon 10 years worth of minor scuffs on the bezel. Note the hefty, screw-down crown and the drilled holes for the spring bars.
Grand Seiko lion on the back too. Bracelet is extremely comfortable (I have never put this watch on a strap) and adjusted with screws.
Curvature of the Stainless Steel case is similar to many other Grand Seikos.
This was my introduction to the most intriguing part of the Grand Seiko experience - the imaginative but subtle dial textures and patterns.
This watch has a quartz movement. Ho hum you say - but don't quit on me yet, please. The 9F61 is a special quartz movement rated by Seiko at +/- 10 seconds per year. In normal operating condition, it may gain or lose "up to 2 seconds a month."
Rumors suggest that this movement was designed to run continuously for 50 years. And when you look inside, it is certainly far different from the usual quartz movement. While apprenticing and training with a watchmaker, I changed at least 1000 watch batteries. This is in the top 10 of quartz watches I've handled.
Solid case back with perimeter tension spring unscrews to reveal a solid cover of steel and a flat rubber gasket.
Removing that cover expectantly, we see a gold-plated movement with radiating brushing, polished screw heads, adjustment for calibration, steel spacer ring (that mates with the shield), and overall, a very impressive appearance.
Now let's get on with the visual inspection portion of this SEIKO PROFILE. The dial and hands:
Please pardon 10 years worth of minor scuffs on the bezel. Note the hefty, screw-down crown and the drilled holes for the spring bars.
Grand Seiko lion on the back too. Bracelet is extremely comfortable (I have never put this watch on a strap) and adjusted with screws.
Curvature of the Stainless Steel case is similar to many other Grand Seikos.
Here's another look from the side.
Twin-button clasp as usual for the GS bracelets.
The watch is substantial but will fit under long sleeves.
I decided to go out in the garden (with some encouragement from Mrs Cazalea) and pull a few weeds in my comfortable old plaid shirt. Can I help it if these flowers were screaming to have their photograph taken with my GS?
Please let me know what you think about high-end quartz watches, especially this Grand Seiko. If we have interest, I can dig out the 5 second/year model(s) in my watch box.
Cheers,
Cazalea
Available on the marketplace
Reference Guide
Explore Grand Seiko's 'date-free' watch models, a comprehensive guide to no-date mechanical, Spring Drive, and quartz options for collectors.
25 replies41554 views
Community
Test your watch knowledge with Cazalea's challenge to identify 81 watches from photos. A fun community game with a Swatch prize.
21 replies11502 views
Reference Guide
Explore Cazalea's definitive Grand Seiko Quartz model list. A comprehensive reference for modern era quartz timepieces, detailing models and movements.
0 replies8661 views
Service
See inside a Grand Seiko SBGX039 high-accuracy quartz watch. Cazalea details a battery change, magnetic shield, and bracelet reattachment.
6 replies4570 views
Reference Guide
Detailed guide defining the Grand Seiko 9S5 case style, using SBGR001 as archetype. Compare SBGA011, SBGM001, SBGX039, SBGF009.
9 replies3621 views
SEIKO PROFILE SERIES: MAGNETIC SHIELDED QUARTZ
This is the first Grand Seiko to enter my watch collection - the SBGX039 stainless steel 39mm case, extra-shielded 9F61 movement on bracelet with sapphire crystal and NO date (Nicolas!?) I can remember as if it was yesterday - taking the watch out of its ...
GS really impresses me more and more
They really take care of the details well. The case, the bracelet and the dial. .. such an intricate dial which throws light and creates a 3D effect. I love it. Thank you for sharing cazalea Cheers Robin
I do own one of those but have no current image. my views...
On high accuracy quartz watch are know here but the details can be found elsewhere.
Yes, I was reading your comments on "periodic maintenance of quartz watches"
which you posted in 2005 on PuristS. Have you done any maintenance on any of your High End Quartz watches other than replace batteries? I guess I have changed a few "o" rings on the back, and maybe cleaned a few kilos of skin and hand lotion off ladies' q...
In terms of movement maintainance, no I have not. The only...
except was the Citizen. It was running out of spec, so i sent it back to the AD in Japan who sent it to Citizen. It came back and now is close to spec unworn.