Comments:
Trying on the new Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Divers
I'll be honest, I don't have any expertise in dive watches, but I had the opportunity to try on the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Divers and I thought sharing my photos and impressions might be of interest to some of you.
Compared to the previous Spring Drive 5 days Diver 200 m ref. SLGA023 with its very large 43.8 x 13.8 x 51.5 mm case, the SLGB023 comes with several improvements:
However, even if the SLGB023 is far more wearable than the SLGA023, the 48.5 mm lug-to-lug remains at the limit of what my 16 cm wrist can pull off comfortably.
The case design is nice and the 120-click unidirectional bezel offers a good grip and a pleasant feel when rotating it.
But the titanium case and bracelet gave me mixed feelings on two points:
A solid caseback is the perfect option for such a watch, imo.
The clasp features a security lock in addition to the classic twin trigger system: it can be locked or unlocked by sliding the GS emblem.
The green dial of the ref. SLGB025 catches the light more than the blue one of the SLGB023.
But apart from this difference in color, everything is identical, of course.
Side by side, the blue dial catches the eye a little more than the green when the light doesn't hit the dial...
... but the phenomenon reverses as soon as light hits the dial: the green dial comes to life more than the blue one.
In conclusion, I would say that, while these two models represent a significant step forward for Grand Seiko in the dive watch sector, I wasn't entirely won over aesthetically.
The Evolution 9 ref. SLGB023 (blue) and SLGB025 (green) both feature:
- A 40.8 x 12.9 x 48.5 mm high-intensity titanium case (band width is 21 mm).
- A dial with oceanic pattern (“Ushio” means wave or tide in Japanese).
- The Spring Drive U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) caliber 9RB1 with the stunning accuracy of ±20 seconds per year (±3 seconds per month).
Compared to the previous Spring Drive 5 days Diver 200 m ref. SLGA023 with its very large 43.8 x 13.8 x 51.5 mm case, the SLGB023 comes with several improvements:
- Slimmer case size.
- Removal of the date.
- Rectangular indices only instead of a mix of rectangular and round.
- Power reserve at 7 o'clock instead of 9 o'clock.
- Simpler hour hand instead of cathedral hand.
- 300 m water resistance instead of only 200 m.
However, even if the SLGB023 is far more wearable than the SLGA023, the 48.5 mm lug-to-lug remains at the limit of what my 16 cm wrist can pull off comfortably.
The case design is nice and the 120-click unidirectional bezel offers a good grip and a pleasant feel when rotating it.
But the titanium case and bracelet gave me mixed feelings on two points:
- I'm not sure I like the lightness of titanium (only 122 g) in such a context, as I find it doesn't quite suit the robust look of such a watch. It gave me the feeling of wearing a toy watch.
- Even though Grand Seiko calls its titanium “high-intensity,” I found the metal too dark and dull. The models I tried were prototypes: will the final models be a little brighter?
A solid caseback is the perfect option for such a watch, imo.
The clasp features a security lock in addition to the classic twin trigger system: it can be locked or unlocked by sliding the GS emblem.
When the red mark is visible, the clasp is unlocked and it can be opened by pushing the triggers.
Inside the clasp, one can find both:
Inside the clasp, one can find both:
- a tool-free length adjustment in 2 mm steps, up to 6 mm in total,
- and a fold-out dive extension which adds a further 18 mm of length to fit over a wetsuit.
The green dial of the ref. SLGB025 catches the light more than the blue one of the SLGB023.
But apart from this difference in color, everything is identical, of course.
Side by side, the blue dial catches the eye a little more than the green when the light doesn't hit the dial...
... but the phenomenon reverses as soon as light hits the dial: the green dial comes to life more than the blue one.
In conclusion, I would say that, while these two models represent a significant step forward for Grand Seiko in the dive watch sector, I wasn't entirely won over aesthetically.
I think I would personally prefer a slightly smaller case made of stainless steel.
What do you think?
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks so much for the review and your impressions 👍🏻👏🏻
There are several points I would mention. I am very happy that they actually did the step in the right direction size and thickness wise. I like you o applaud the chalice of titanium and the lighter weight it brings with it - different opinions here 😊
I also don’t at all mind the more ‘original’ titanium hue. GS can make a super bright titanium if they want - the SGBR305 I posted the other day is a testament to that. So this is probably a choice.
The one thing I am less enthusiastic about is the choice of a ‘conventional’ hour hand. The cathedral like hour hand has long been a hallmark of GS dive watches and I would have preferred it stayed 😊
You're welcome. As I said, I'm a complete novice in this area,
so your feeling is much better informed than mine.
I understand your feeling concerning the cathedral hour hand: the new one looks more generic.
As far as titanium is concerned, I see the advantages in terms of lightness and stealthiness, but it didn't really appeal to me... 🤷🏽♂️
I could be tempted by a dive watch someday, but I still didn't find the right one for me.
Best, Emmanuel
They do tend to be on the chunky side 🦾
The dive ones that is. You could check this - it has a GS grade movement and a historical connection, too but is a tad more slender:
Picture from: Seiko
Picture from: Seiko
I will check it, thank you!
I’ve already had a look at Seiko divers but there are so many that it’s easy to get lost!
This is one of the few areas of human endeavor…
Where the term countless could be more or less accurate 😂👍🏻👏🏻
Thank you for posting these, Emmanuel.
I WANT to like these new divers from GS (esp. the green version), but I feel that there is something off in their case/bezel/dial proportions.
And, as is the case with many other Seiko and GS divers, I find the hands a bit overwrought and too cumbersome in appearance for me.
I think I feel very much like you: I would love to love them,
but something is off, as you say...
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
I read this with great interest — as I am giving close consideration to a Tudor diver as my next watch.
Like you, Emmanuel, my smaller wrists would rule out these Seikos. But, I find the hands on these watches “over baked,” not appealing at all, and I would pass even if the watch had a smaller (sub-40 mm) dimension.
I have been very tempted by the BB58 Bronze,
but finally didn’t pull the trigger.
I wouldn’t be against finding a Seiko or Grand Seiko, but the design never appeals to me enough (and I keep telling myself that I would wear this watch only during summer).
Best, Emmanuel
I wouldn’t be against finding a Seiko or Grand Seiko, but the design never appeals to me enough (and I keep telling myself that I would wear this watch only during summer).
Best, Emmanuel
First, I love your review Emmanuel! This new GS diver is interesting, thoughts below.
I like the size reduction, it was needed IMO. I’m personally a fan of Ti in a dive watch, but respect your thoughts on the finish. I really like the change to the hands, as I think it’s an improvement visually. The green dial would be my choice and I love blue dials. The 10K plus price is a detraction for me, other wise I feel it an awesome watch and a serious diver. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for the review!
L
Thank you, Larry!
I agree with you that the price is a bit high, even if the U.F.A. caliber is an impressive one.
These watches may be available at a good price on the second-hand market in a few months... Let's hope so!
Best, Emmanuel
The new size looks like definite improvement.
I would love to try it on, as all of the dive watches I’ve had are a bit chunky. I guess if one likes to know/be reminded they have the watch on it’s a negative, but I would imagine many will like the lighter weight of the titanium. Thanks for the details on the older and new models.
My pleasure, Vetnov.
I understand the advantage and appeal of lightness, but I find it strange, personally, to have a bulky watch with feather-like weight...
Best, Emmanuel