Grand Seiko Explorer II

[cenzo86]

I just found out that Grand Seiko is making the Rolex Explorer II.
I just saw this pop up on my new feed. It's called the sbgn003 and it also comes in a blue dial with red gnt hand and a yellow gmt hand. The bezel is nearly identical and they even used the orange gmt hand.
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

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[Jacobkg]

The text at the bottom of the dial looks like 9F movement, which would make this a Grand Seiko High Accuracy Quartz movement.

https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/ne...ease/20180830/

[schoolboy]

I can see the resemblance, but they also have their differences


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[Air Rescue 5]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I can see the resemblance, but they also have their differences


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Like an overpriced quart movement.

[toxicavenger]

The GS line is finished way nicer than Rolex. No comparison.

But GS had made other 24hr watches. Like the SBGM027, SBGX027 models.

[Old Expat Beast]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=625458

[puckbw11]

I always thought the mechanical
version of this watch was such a shame, and I love GS.


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[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by Air Rescue 5

Like an overpriced quart movement.

There are many different levels of quartz... and Grand Seiko quartz is by far the best. Plus, accuracy is phenomenal, with +/- 10 seconds a year for the standard models. Not everyone gets it, that's OK.

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[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Air Rescue 5

Like an overpriced quart movement.

Hahaha not exactly.

[Cdaddylutz]

WOW!!! The grand seiko actually looks way better!

[JR16]

This looks like a great watch, it’s been on my radar and hoping to find it in person to try on. Have been wanting to add a GS 9F quartz movement to my collection.


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[steeevvvooo]

Looks great! I had a 5 digit black explorer a while back but prefer this.

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[Jostack]

This post seems to be an attempt at mockery. It only has that effect for people who are clueless. These watches are a good bit nicer than the explorer. The shine and sparkle from the hands and markers is incredible. The case is much nicer. The bezel has the same character as the explorer, but that’s about it. Calling it a copy is disingenuous. That’s like saying all stainless steel watches are copying Rolex. The Rolex fanboyery gets ridiculous sometimes. Rolex makes great watches, but there are lots of manufacturers of great watches. Many are better than Rolex. The only area that Rolex trounces everyone else is marketing. Don’t be so myopic.


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[fullofboats]

Why I bought a Grand Seiko Quartz over a Rolex Explorer II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IllwEM9zRPM

[ddaly12]

Great looking watch. On my list of someday / maybe pieces.

[kegan]

Instead of imitate I would say improved in every way and for nearly a third of the price.
Rumor has it that these are available for purchase as well, which is nice

[KBM]

Originally Posted by kegan

Rumor has it that these are available for purchase as well, which is nice

[ashbaug2]

I tried one of these on since posting a few weeks ago and it is extremely wearable. 39mm, I believe? I've been fascinated by the Spring Drive GMT but it's 44mm and just too big on my wrist. The Rolex Explorer II is too big, as well, I've found. My GMT Master II 116710LN sits about perfect, and the GS 9F GMT is in the sweet spot. The craftsmanship on GS is just something else, a whole other level above many Swiss "luxury" timepieces, including many Rolex.

I think calling it an Explorer II copy or homage is being nearsighted and closed off to watch designs. Grand Seiko doesn't make copies of anything, their style is completely its own. The stainless 24-hour bezel is about the only similarity.

[mgsooner]

The blue dial variant of this and the BB58 are the two watches at the top of my wish list right now. The fact that it's quartz actually appeals to me. No fuss, no pricey services looming down the road.

[Chewbacca]

From Seiko:

Caliber 9F86

Accuracy: ±5 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN001)
±10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN003 / 005)
Instant date change
High-torque stepping motor
Protective shield construction
GMT function / Independent hour hand adjustment function

Specifications:

Stainless steel case and bracelet
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 39.0mm Thickness: 12.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe:
3,600 Euro (SBGN001) /3,200 Euro (SBGN003 / 005)
Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (SBGN001): Limited Edition of 800

The dial, hand polishing and details alone probably put craftsman on stress leave.

By all accounts it's great value and should be a great addition to any collection for a lifetime. And its less than Tudor money.

[mgsooner]

My one complaint with the blue dial version is that it is a very dark blue. I wish it were more like the blue on the modern Datejust.

Can you imagine if GS released one of these with a white dial? Knock me over with a feather.

[Locust]

Originally Posted by Air Rescue 5

Like an overpriced quart movement.

9F is the best quartz movement on the planet.

[steeevvvooo]

Called the boutique in London today and the lady could not have been less helpful! I gave reference numbers and I was told (paraphrasing)

"We don't have any"

"We can't order any"

...Ok, any suggestions as to where else could I try?

"We are the only boutique in the UK"

...I asked how I could possibly go about getting one then if the only boutique in the UK can't order me one?

"Look online and you might find one"



Seriously, WTF?! Felt like I was asking for a steel Daytona!!

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[Laszlo]

I did deep researching and found only one for sale in the US which I purchased. Then I flipped it. It felt a little small on my wrist. Gorgeous piece no doubt.

[Cdaddylutz]

What is the yellow on the bottom for? Is it useable? Or just designer?

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Cdaddylutz

What is the yellow on the bottom for? Is it useable? Or just designer?

It is actually for AM/PM. It’s a brilliant watch.

[jag32]

Originally Posted by fullofboats

Why I bought a Grand Seiko Quartz over a Rolex Explorer II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IllwEM9zRPM

That was a really great video. I always discounted GS quartz watches but after your video I’m going to consider them.

[steeevvvooo]

DavidSW has one of the yellow ones for $3475 if anyone is chasing one

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[Ny325]

Beautiful watch.

[Ny325]

I’m actually going to look at the blue dial version tomorrow. I think they look nicer than the Rolex Explorer.