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Old 21 July 2016, 11:27 AM   #1
rockmastermike
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Grand Seiko SBGR061

Let me be upfront and say it is almost impossible to convey through photographs anywhere close to the experience of what is like to actually handle or wear this watch.
Yes, it has been said before, this absolutely has to been seen in person to appreciate just how magnificent this really is. Anything less is an injustice to the watch and honestly to any watch fan who judges this solely on pictures.

Grand Seiko since 1960 has operated under and manufactured toward 4 core values:
-Precision
-Legibility
-Comfort
-Durability

The SBGR061 expertly delivers on each in a way that forges form and function so exquisitely that it is not only a pleasure to own but more of a honor to own. It really makes that much of an connection with the owner.

This SBGR061 is the watch that rubs thinnest the walls between our reality and Heaven.

Dramatic?, Over the top? Perhaps....that being said, this is as closest to an heirloom watch that I have owned. Will it happen, probably not, but still that is not statement to be taken lightly.

Walking around the 39.5mm case....easily wears larger due to large dial to bezel ratio....

The lugs are nothing short of majestic. flowing, arching, chamfered:



Flat sides of the lugs flow into the rounded midcase and then topped by flat bezel. The angles work together in playful harmony to create a light show from the zaratsu blade polishing (that I'm convinced to carried out by ancient masters hidden in the Japanese mountains)



The markers have many facets/angles that capture and reflect even the lowest light conditions. Again, this has to be experienced to understand





The date aperture is proudly framed and the interior walls are finished to match to finish on the date wheel. Nice attention to detail.



Speaking of attention to detail - the applied "Seiko" on top of the dial and the applied "GS" on the bottom are purposefully not set flush to the dial adding more depth. Oh, and check out the thick script used for "Grand Seiko"





The crystal is boxed sapphire and slightly domed.





The hands....more blade polishing and I'm sure the watchmaker has to wear protective gloves when handling them so as to not cut themselves.



The Blued second hand is perfect agains the cream dial. There is a model with a polished second hand but I much prefer the blued



The signed crown is deeply notched and is blessing to wind.



The in-house 9S65 caliber has 72 hour peer reserve, is smooth, accurate and finely appointed.



OEM Strap is fine burgundy alligator on a very comfortable and easy to operate deployant. If you don't like deplyants the tang can me removed and used sperately. The engraving on the clasp is michelangelo-esque.







Put it altogether and you arrive at the heart and soul, the essence of watchmaking.



And finally, take a minute to watch a few videos that are out there about Grand Seiko....not the slick ads or promo material, but the ones of the watchmakers themselves and watch their passion, skill, enthusiasm, humility and precision if their craftsmanship.

Source: Hodinkee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLXTcwxip_Y
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Old 21 July 2016, 11:58 AM   #2
Marcela
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Absolutely gorgeous watch! Thank you for taking the time to share :-)
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Old 21 July 2016, 12:33 PM   #3
BigAl72
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Real eye opener. Work of art.

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Old 21 July 2016, 12:47 PM   #4
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Are you taking pictures with a camera or a microscope :-)

Ivory dial with that strap is a classy combo.
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Old 21 July 2016, 01:01 PM   #5
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Awesome!
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Old 21 July 2016, 08:27 PM   #6
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A stunning piece - thanks for posting this
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Old 21 July 2016, 09:08 PM   #7
1William
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Very nice watch and write up.
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Old 21 July 2016, 09:41 PM   #8
droptopman
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Beautiful watch and excellent post. Congrats!
Sooner or later I will get one of these. It will be my only non Rolex watch.
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Old 21 July 2016, 10:06 PM   #9
rockmastermike
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Thank you very much!
The dial color is the hardest to capture in pictures.
Many show it too creamy and other overcorrect and it appears washed out
In reality it is right in the middle and has to be seen in person, to me it is perfect.
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Old 22 July 2016, 12:14 AM   #10
Cru Jones
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magnificent photos!!

really fantastic watch with so much to appreciate. great choice.
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Old 22 July 2016, 12:58 AM   #11
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Second to none
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Old 23 July 2016, 01:43 AM   #12
Bernie.H.
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Fantastic photographs. I own one of these beautiful watches but I don't have any photos like that. :-)
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Old 23 July 2016, 05:40 AM   #13
TheBluePrince
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Stunning, I too am convinced that the hands on my GS would slice you open.
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Old 1 August 2016, 10:43 AM   #14
red1108nyc
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Great post and fantastic shots bud - Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Fred
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Old 1 August 2016, 12:09 PM   #15
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Fantastic review of a gorgeous watch! I have a Spring Drive GMT and become mesmerized by the details every time I wear it!

I have been thinking about adding a Hi-Beat for a while now, just waiting for the right one.

Thank you for this post, and congrats!
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Old 21 August 2016, 08:59 PM   #16
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Very nice picture


[QUOTE=rockmastermike;6868179]

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Old 25 August 2016, 01:59 AM   #17
Onx
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That's a stunner..
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Old 25 August 2016, 07:14 PM   #18
ming the merciless
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Very nice watch.
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Old 13 May 2017, 11:30 AM   #19
sea-dweller
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Nice photos and review!
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Old 13 May 2017, 02:15 PM   #20
hdrazor251
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Awesome review and amazing photos. Thanks for posting.
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Old 15 May 2017, 02:17 AM   #21
wach16
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Awesome pictures and post...thanks for sharing!
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Old 15 May 2017, 04:18 AM   #22
incontrol
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Grand Seiko SBGR061

Grand Seiko design and attention to detail is second to none. Your macro photography of the details is really good.


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Old 5 June 2017, 08:32 AM   #23
Gharddog03
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That is my favorite GS!!!! Simply stunning!!!
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Old 5 June 2017, 08:41 AM   #24
One Ping Only
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Beautiful pictures.

I concur, GS has to be seen in person to be appreciated but your photos go a long way!
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Old 30 July 2017, 02:54 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockmastermike View Post
Thank you very much!
The dial color is the hardest to capture in pictures.
Many show it too creamy and other overcorrect and it appears washed out
In reality it is right in the middle and has to be seen in person, to me it is perfect.


One of my favorite threads of the year!

Beautiful watch all around...

I'm loving my 1960s hi beat, but I would welcome a modern GS as well. I think I prefer the models on strap tbh.
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Old 13 August 2017, 12:40 AM   #26
Dr. Robert
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And it has lugholes!
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Old 8 September 2017, 01:45 PM   #27
southcarolina1801
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Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
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Old 11 January 2018, 03:01 PM   #28
wgattis
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Re

Idc I love Seiko... always wanted spring drive
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Old 22 February 2018, 02:47 AM   #29
Travelller
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockmastermike View Post
...Put it altogether and you arrive at the heart and soul, the essence of watchmaking...
Just saw this for the first time - What a beautiful GS, excellent write-up & awesome imagery!

I sincerely hope it's still in your rotation - a keeper for sure!
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Old 25 February 2018, 09:55 AM   #30
razmy3
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...thanks for the nice write and most of all the photographs...will get one of the GS 1 day....
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