a challenge). But that said… here's my nicest watch, the Grand Seiko SBGW003, produced in 2002 in a limited edition of 300 for the JDM. What makes this watch rise a little above many, in my estimation, is clarity (and beauty) of its time-telling.
Such is the ’003’s presence. Surrounded by the unparalleled gleam of the zaratsu-polished stainless steel is a dial of delicate egg-crème, embossed with brightly shining golden Arabic numerals. But the pièce de résistance is the presentation of the startling wild blue hands—including the delicate seconds hand—which may flash in the light in a moment of abandon, but always offer such a stark contrast to the dial that even in the dimmest light it is still possible to tell the time.
When I saw this watch come available on another forum I was struck by… I didn’t know what. There may be those among you who will tease that this seems to happed to me regularly. And I’ll admit that I’m a guy for whom it often “takes awhile.” But I followed my instinct and found cazalea’s marvelously complete post regarding the four watches in this issue on the ’web. In that run down he spoke so admiringly of the ’003 that I was encouraged to pounce. Thus, here she is, with great thanks to Mike for his friendship and encouragement.
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My contrasting piece is a Nivrel big date chronograph in a beautifully executed satin brushed stainless case. At 38mm a perfect size for modern fellows who still like to see a watch framed by the wrist. The particular design of this grand date appealed to me. One truly can have a great deal of fun here for modest sums.