Grand Seiko GMT - Epic but....

[HOROLOGY HOUSE]

Gday Guys and Gals,

I recently had the opportunity to spend some good time with one of the Grand Seiko GMTs, the SBGE245.

Up close this watch is quite awesome, and has probably come out one of my favourite videos to date.
So if you enjoy some macro things, and are keen to check out just how Grand Seiko GMT stacks up against the competition, click below:




If you don't like video, that’s cool, here's a summary:
- This was a limited edition release from 2018, that seen 600 pieces released.
- Price is around $6100 USD. Prices on GS are typically soft, so keep an eye on used bargains.
- Some micro flaws picked up throughout which will surprise some, however none are visible under the naked eye.
- The hands are some of the best I’ve managed to check out up close, just super sharp.
- Sapphire bezel is beautiful, the action is also dive watch bezel like, it is however a pain to photograph :)
- Dimensions of 44mm x 14.7mm means that this watch does wear quite large.
- On the wrist comfort is better than expected, with the bracelet feeling much better than smaller variants, and the lug design hellping the watch sit on the wrist.
- Spring Drive movement offers incredible accuracy, +/- 15 secs/ month. Ive been seeing .06 (edited) secs a day fast over seven days.

Great watch overall, that on paper competes and betters the Swiss GMT competition. If these were a little smaller, we would all be on the waiting lists.

Have a great week, and as always hit me up if you have any questions.

Chris

[Fabrice M]

Great video and review. What type of macro lens do you use?

[HOROLOGY HOUSE]

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

Great video and review. What type of macro lens do you use?

Hi, thank you for that. Lens depends on what look I want mate, however I use:
- Panasonic 45mm
- Olympus 60mm
- And a few vintage lenses.

I'd always recommend the 60mm, it's sharp, 1:1 ratio, and weatherproof.

I done a video a while a go on the great that I use 😄.

Cheers

[brandrea]

Nice review Chris

[JayHantz]

Excellent review.

[Psmith]

Great review Chris

[jcarm981]

Hard to capture how great that watch looks in person but you really did great - nice work!

[HOROLOGY HOUSE]

Originally Posted by jcarm981

Hard to capture how great that watch looks in person but you really did great - nice work!

Thanks man, appreciate it

[brianb95]

Just recently became a major fan of that color scheme. Thanks for sharing, love seeing more of that color scheme on different watches.

[Rolexoman]

I really love the color scheme but with a limited run it’s doubtful many will own one

[42itus]

There's one available at the Ben Bridge in Honolulu. I own this piece and it's stunning!

[bjaredt]

Really great review! Watched a few of your videos and stoked on the GS content. Seeing them under macro has me looking to buy one. Tried on the quartz GMT after your video and almost pulled the trigger.

[oldman2005]

Cool video and watch!

As much I like my Rolex, it's the other brands such as GS which makes a better watch than Rolex for less $$$, imo this why Rolex move up to the TT/PM market.

[Hipster Doofus]

Thanks OP for the excellent video and keep on keeping on. Re GMTs I tried this and the SBGN005 (great video on that one too BTW) on in the Sydney boutique. This one isn't for me - I found the fit and feel of the SBGN005 is nearly perfect. If it wasn't for the kirazuri that could have been my first GS.

I too add my voice to the chorus requesting smaller, slimmer dive/sports/GMT models from GS with adjustable clasps. It has to be a conscious decision to position that section of the brand in this oversized category. Seiko can achieve just about anything with watches so it's hard to believe there are technical constraints with the movement requiring these case dimensions.

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by HOROLOGY HOUSE

...I recently had the opportunity to spend some good time with one of the Grand Seiko GMTs, the SBGE245..

A great review, Chris - T4S

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by HOROLOGY HOUSE

...Lens depends on what look I want mate, however I use:
- Panasonic 45mm
- Olympus 60mm
- And a few vintage lenses.

T4S. I have no idea about modern video recording; my SLR can record video but I rarely take advantage of this feature as I'm more into classic photography.

Regarding the dust(?) on the dial; when I take a macro shot of my watch and notice potential dust, I then switch to a very large aperture (i.e. f/2.8) to insure that I'm focusing only on the dial (or specific marker, hand, etc).
I assume you have control over aperture with your video gear as well?

[r_afficionado]

I love mine. Hands down one of the best GMT'S on the market today.20190614_083142.jpg

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by HOROLOGY HOUSE

- Some micro flaws picked up throughout which will surprise some, however none are visible under the naked eye.

Curious to learn more about this. In the video you briefly mention foreign material on the dial (I'm assuming dust or debris of some kind). But Grand Seiko is pretty well known for their exacting level of detail, and usually their watches hold up very well under close, macro-lense scrutiny.

[Takonwong]

The quality of your videos are so good, keep them coming!

[Travelller]

Originally Posted by Largoshark

...But Grand Seiko is pretty well known for their exacting level of detail, and usually their watches hold up very well under close, macro-lens scrutiny.

Yes, "usually" being the operative word... . Seiko Service Center Tokyo declared the dust & scratches on my unit's hands as "within operational standards"...