SBGA001- Grand Seiko Spree

[Tbonewalk]

I have grown to appreciate the Grand Seiko, last week was a heavy week for me. I got a Snowflake and purchased this SBGA001. It came in today. I have ditched several watches, so I feel I am within my budget.

I owned this model, but as I have expressed before, my head was spinning absorbing information about this hobby. Some of my concerns though have not changed, mostly watch sizes and dimensions. I have adapted more but at that time the size of a watch like this was a serious concern to me. As a senior, I grew up when watches were smaller, and as my interest developed, I found myself loving 36mm Datejusts.

So I bought a SBGA001, never wore it much, sold it for a considerable loss. I didn't appreciate it then... but do now.

The Snowflake's titanium weight made this feel real heavy. I had this leather strap in the drawer, it's dark blue and nothing special, and had my watch guy put it on. I like the way it goes on the watch. Here's a few pics, funny how in one the watch looks so much more champagne colored...

[1William]

Looks great. Congratulations.

[Gharddog03]

Congrats

[Psmith]

Congrats

[sensui]

Nice and clean.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by sensui

Nice and clean.

The watch is extremely clean. I felt confident in this seller's description. He went out of his way to point out the very few, tiny scratches, the worst of which are behind the lugs from strap changes. I have seen much worse, and not visible anyway. I don't do strap changes myself, I am lucky to have found a modest but talented guy who has a booth in Flushing, Queens, Chinatown. It's worth it. I tried it once on an Omega and fumbled around, no loupe, and left my mark lol

I got the Snowflake just a few days before this came in, and questioned myself for buying this one. However, it was very appealing in terms of the watch and the price. But I was blown away by the Snowflake and felt "what do I need this for?"

I brought it to my guy to put on the leather band and was delighted with the outcome. Though somewhat different and less unique (in a way), it certainly stands up to the Snowflake.

Also intriguing to me is the old style logo on this one. Again, I owned this exact model for a year or so in 2017.

I think the lug holes encourage, almost invite you to try different bands, straps, bracelets... the one I put on is kind of cheap, but doesn't look too bad...