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nyc2la · 24 October 2018, 11:50 PM

I’ve had the opportunity to see some incredible Grand Seiko timepieces recently. The details and craftsmanship are fabulous. I saw these four and am looking for thoughts and opinions on which would be a good addition as a “one and only” GS.

SBGH051, SBGA387, SBGH267, or SBGJ201

Appreciate your thoughts.

The SBGH051 is a Boutique LE, and only 35 were shipped to the US. It has the dual logo. It has a smooth dial, and my thought on the latter point was I felt that GS is known for their textured dials, but this one seems pretty special and quite unique. The case on this one has a smaller massing than the others. I feel the others are not big by any means, but more “Maxi” in nature - more broad shouldered, if you will. They all are beautifully designed.

The SBGA387 is the new US LE. The textured dial is spectacular, and I love blue. It is a very light blue. I’m still torn on the Spring Drive vs Hi Beat debate.

The SBGH267 deep, intricately designed blue dial is out of this world.

The SBGJ201 has a beautiful Mount Iwate dial. And the blue GMT hand is striking.

Stevec14 · 24 October 2018, 11:54 PM

Depending on what else you have, I like the second and third ones. For sure, the light blue will be unlike much else and I love the patterned dark blue dial of the third. All lovely watches however.

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imperio · 24 October 2018, 11:59 PM

I like the SBGJ201 most out of the four!

scarlet knight · 25 October 2018, 12:05 AM

I think it’s a limited edition. Not a baby blue fan (sorry Rolex Day Date), but that is a pretty design.

benlee · 25 October 2018, 12:06 AM

They are all nice. I have 4 GS as of now, and my choice for "one and only" GS is the SBGH267

oldman2005 · 26 October 2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benlee

They are all nice. I have 4 GS as of now, and my choice for "one and only" GS is the SBGH267

I tried this watch on and it's stunning

Dsmith1974 · 25 October 2018, 12:33 AM

I would advise against the first with the SEIKO at 12. I like the HiBeats but they have a bit more heft to them and the GMT is also pretty thick.

If you’ll only ever get one I’d think very long about Spring Drive vs HiBeat.

In an ideal world, you’d want one of each (eventually)

nyc2la · 25 October 2018, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I would advise against the first with the SEIKO at 12. I like the HiBeats but they have a bit more heft to them and the GMT is also pretty thick.

If you’ll only ever get one I’d think very long about Spring Drive vs HiBeat.

In an ideal world, you’d want one of each (eventually)

Thanks for the feedback. What is it about the SBGH051 (SEIKO at 12) that makes you say to stay away? Is it the Hi Beat / Weightiness? Or is it that it has the Dual Logo? Appreciate your thoughts.

Dsmith1974 · 25 October 2018, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Thanks for the feedback. What is it about the SBGH051 (SEIKO at 12) that makes you say to stay away? Is it the Hi Beat / Weightiness? Or is it that it has the Dual Logo? Appreciate your thoughts.

Just the dual logo as it must pre date when GS became an independent company. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but I prefer it to be a GS and not a SEIKO/GS.

Not against heavy watches either and love the HiBeats.

If you have a preference for heavy or light then SD/HB is an easy choice.

I like a GMT so would probably go for that if you went the HB way.

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powerfunk · 26 October 2018, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Just the dual logo as it must pre date when GS became an independent company

I don't believe Grand Seiko is any more of an "independent company" than they were before. It was just a marketing decision. They're not even all made by the same company; Spring Drives and quartzes are made by Seiko Epson, mechanicals are made by Seiko Instruments, and they're all sold by Seiko Watch Corp if I'm not mistaken.

Dsmith1974 · 26 October 2018, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerfunk

I don't believe Grand Seiko is any more of an "independent company" than they were before. It was just a marketing decision. They're not even all made by the same company; Spring Drives and quartzes are made by Seiko Epson, mechanicals are made by Seiko Instruments, and they're all sold by Seiko Watch Corp if I'm not mistaken.

Sure, I was mainly referring to the logo. Why go for the old arrangement?

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Syroko · 25 October 2018, 02:18 AM

Personally I would go with the SBGH267

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incontrol · 25 October 2018, 02:24 AM

It looks like the SBGH267 is a favorite.

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Dsmith1974 · 25 October 2018, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incontrol

It looks like the SBGH267 is a favorite.

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Yes on second thoughts I’d go with the 267 too. Shame it doesn’t have the GMT but the dial is much nicer.

HiBeat GMT Peacock had the best of both worlds but was limited to 700 pieces. Probably all gone now?

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GB-man · 25 October 2018, 02:42 AM

High beat gmt for me. Nothing wrong with the rest but I prefer high beats and the 267 while awesome, I had one of the first in the US back in march, I did not like the way the seconds hand is a polished brass look against the brushed finish of the logo. This made no sense to me.

Locust · 25 October 2018, 03:24 AM

I traded my sbgh051 for my sbgh267. Both are great but I'd go sbgh267 out of those two. I'd be very tempted to get the spring drive though depending on how it looks IRL.

nyc2la · 25 October 2018, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

I traded my sbgh051 for my sbgh267. Both are great but I'd go sbgh267 out of those two. I'd be very tempted to get the spring drive though depending on how it looks IRL.

Why did you trade your sbgh051? Looking for feedback on this one. Thank you!

Locust · 25 October 2018, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Why did you trade your sbgh051? Looking for feedback on this one. Thank you!

"had to have" the sbgh267 and since it's basically the same watch I didn't want to have both and traded in to not have to pay much in cash. I like the grand seiko only branding on the new watches as well. totally a personal preference thing.

nyc2la · 25 October 2018, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

"had to have" the sbgh267 and since it's basically the same watch I didn't want to have both and traded in to not have to pay much in cash. I like the grand seiko only branding on the new watches as well. totally a personal preference thing.

Thanks. Did the smooth dial of the sbgh051 eventually get "boring"? That is one of my concerns. The color so unique, and it seems to change dramatically depending on the light, that maybe it doesn't get boring. (?) And, the "only 35" in the U.S. shouldn't be a factor, but it is enticing to have such a "rare" piece.

How do you feel about the sbgh267? Is it still a "had to have"?

Thanks again for your feedback.

Locust · 25 October 2018, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Thanks. Did the smooth dial of the sbgh051 eventually get "boring"? That is one of my concerns. The color so unique, and it seems to change dramatically depending on the light, that maybe it doesn't get boring. (?) And, the "only 35" in the U.S. shouldn't be a factor, but it is enticing to have such a "rare" piece.

How do you feel about the sbgh267? Is it still a "had to have"?

Thanks again for your feedback.

no, the 051 didn't get boring. That purple-y blue is awesome. Still really happy with the 267 after about 6 months and yes, very glad I got it. The dial is amazing.
Another watch to consider is the gmt just announced that has the same pattern as the 267. You get a gmt function, the same pattern in white, and the way they did the 24 hour numbers is really cool. I think I like it the best out of the 9S 20th anniversary models.

rjd1 · 25 October 2018, 05:22 AM

My vote would be the new US Ltd Edition with Spring Drive - your 2nd watch pictured above.
I just picked one up and it is on my wrist now. Dial is just amazing, and to me after weighing SpringDrive vs. High Beat and boning up on GS - which hadn't been on my radar after years of owning PP, Rolex, AP, etc. - the Spring Drive seemed to be the perfect movement choice and somewhat emblematic of the brand for my first GS. Now, to confuse matters, I think my 2nd one (and there will be a 2nd one lol...) would be your 3rd one pictured - automatic, high beat, and that amazing dial.
Not a fan of the 1st one - dual logo and non-textured dial don't do it for me.
Good luck.

descartes · 25 October 2018, 05:51 AM

267 for sure.
The GMT is the runner up in my book.

Great watches these Grand Seikos.

Locust · 25 October 2018, 06:02 AM

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City74 · 25 October 2018, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

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That’s so gorgeous

nyc2la · 25 October 2018, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

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That is beautiful, but I'm looking for a bracelet, not a strap.

SUPERDOC · 3 November 2018, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locust

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that's definitely a great picture...

But seriously, this model is incredible... I know the OP has already made his decision, and I am thrilled for him !
Congratulations Stephen!!! - but I will warn you - GS is addictive!!

the US edition is in my crosshairs - I just love it ... the question is if I love it enough to swallow USD currency and Canadian HST at the border...

MP5 · 25 October 2018, 06:08 AM

Combine 2 and 4 sbgm235 limited 50th aniv.

steeevvvooo · 25 October 2018, 06:13 AM

SBGH267. I have one as well as a snowflake (pre logo change SBGA011) and in my current downsizing the snowflake will be going but the SBGH267 is staying. Limited/numbered edition too which is cool.

jaymyms · 25 October 2018, 07:21 AM

The bottom two, IMO. Probably the blue dial though.

Gharddog03 · 25 October 2018, 07:56 AM

awesome pieces. The last one.

24 October 2018, 11:50 PM	#1
nyc2la "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Stephen Location: Beach Watch: 16660 Posts: 9,197	Opinions: New to Grand Seiko I’ve had the opportunity to see some incredible Grand Seiko timepieces recently. The details and craftsmanship are fabulous. I saw these four and am looking for thoughts and opinions on which would be a good addition as a “one and only” GS. SBGH051, SBGA387, SBGH267, or SBGJ201 Appreciate your thoughts. The SBGH051 is a Boutique LE, and only 35 were shipped to the US. It has the dual logo. It has a smooth dial, and my thought on the latter point was I felt that GS is known for their textured dials, but this one seems pretty special and quite unique. The case on this one has a smaller massing than the others. I feel the others are not big by any means, but more “Maxi” in nature - more broad shouldered, if you will. They all are beautifully designed. The SBGA387 is the new US LE. The textured dial is spectacular, and I love blue. It is a very light blue. I’m still torn on the Spring Drive vs Hi Beat debate. The SBGH267 deep, intricately designed blue dial is out of this world. The SBGJ201 has a beautiful Mount Iwate dial. And the blue GMT hand is striking. __________________ "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." --- RWE

24 October 2018, 11:59 PM	#3
imperio "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: this space Posts: 1,867	I like the SBGJ201 most out of the four! __________________

25 October 2018, 12:05 AM	#4
scarlet knight "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Watch: Good ones Posts: 8,215	I like the 267 (dark blue) I think it’s a limited edition. Not a baby blue fan (sorry Rolex Day Date), but that is a pretty design.

25 October 2018, 12:06 AM	#5
benlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ben Location: SIN & JKT Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 9,873	They are all nice. I have 4 GS as of now, and my choice for "one and only" GS is the SBGH267 __________________ Follow me on Instagram : benlee789

25 October 2018, 02:24 AM	#13
incontrol "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Somewhere in PA Watch: All of them... Posts: 10,355	It looks like the SBGH267 is a favorite. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Patek Philippe Rolex

24 October 2018, 11:54 PM	#2
Stevec14 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Real Name: Steve Location: U.K. Watch: 321, Snoopy 3 Posts: 4,400	Depending on what else you have, I like the second and third ones. For sure, the light blue will be unlike much else and I love the patterned dark blue dial of the third. All lovely watches however. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

25 October 2018, 12:33 AM	#7
Dsmith1974 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Real Name: Duncan Location: London Watch: DD 40 Posts: 2,262	I would advise against the first with the SEIKO at 12. I like the HiBeats but they have a bit more heft to them and the GMT is also pretty thick. If you’ll only ever get one I’d think very long about Spring Drive vs HiBeat. In an ideal world, you’d want one of each (eventually)

25 October 2018, 02:18 AM	#12
Syroko "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 4	Personally I would go with the SBGH267 Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

25 October 2018, 02:42 AM	#15
GB-man 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,004	High beat gmt for me. Nothing wrong with the rest but I prefer high beats and the 267 while awesome, I had one of the first in the US back in march, I did not like the way the seconds hand is a polished brass look against the brushed finish of the logo. This made no sense to me. __________________

25 October 2018, 03:24 AM	#16
Locust "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: Usa Watch: All Posts: 1,411	I traded my sbgh051 for my sbgh267. Both are great but I'd go sbgh267 out of those two. I'd be very tempted to get the spring drive though depending on how it looks IRL.

25 October 2018, 05:22 AM	#21
rjd1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: CT, USA Watch: Can't pick just 1 Posts: 318	My vote would be the new US Ltd Edition with Spring Drive - your 2nd watch pictured above. I just picked one up and it is on my wrist now. Dial is just amazing, and to me after weighing SpringDrive vs. High Beat and boning up on GS - which hadn't been on my radar after years of owning PP, Rolex, AP, etc. - the Spring Drive seemed to be the perfect movement choice and somewhat emblematic of the brand for my first GS. Now, to confuse matters, I think my 2nd one (and there will be a 2nd one lol...) would be your 3rd one pictured - automatic, high beat, and that amazing dial. Not a fan of the 1st one - dual logo and non-textured dial don't do it for me. Good luck.

25 October 2018, 05:51 AM	#22
descartes "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: North Shore Posts: 1,116	267 for sure. The GMT is the runner up in my book. Great watches these Grand Seikos. __________________ I have a weakness for Travel Watches, Platinum, Vintage Rolex and 1960s Divers

25 October 2018, 06:02 AM	#23
Locust "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: Usa Watch: All Posts: 1,411	Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

25 October 2018, 06:08 AM	#27
MP5 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: ATX Posts: 2,884	Combine 2 and 4 sbgm235 limited 50th aniv.

25 October 2018, 06:13 AM	#28
steeevvvooo "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: London Posts: 1,365	SBGH267. I have one as well as a snowflake (pre logo change SBGA011) and in my current downsizing the snowflake will be going but the SBGH267 is staying. Limited/numbered edition too which is cool.

25 October 2018, 07:21 AM	#29
jaymyms "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 55	The bottom two, IMO. Probably the blue dial though.

25 October 2018, 07:56 AM	#30
Gharddog03 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Genaro Location: Fresno Ca. Watch: R O L E X Posts: 4,466	awesome pieces. The last one.

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