The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 8 September 2020, 08:46 PM   #1
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
SBGW231 - QC Issue?

Hi all,

Have just taken delivery of the GS SBGW231 and firstly let me say this is a stunning watch.

However, I'm disappointed that it seems my example has what appears to be a not-so-insignificant QC issue. I'm not entirely sure exactly what's going on; but it seems there's either some markings on the rehaut that are being magnified by the crystal, or some condensation under/embedded in the crystal.

Has anyone here seen this issue? Do you have any opinions on how to proceed?

Here's someone who has encountered the same issue:

https://www.watchprosite.com/seiko/d...73501.9309536/
https://www.watchprosite.com/seiko/w...4151.11550366/


And here's my example (see especially 8 - 11 o'clock on the inside of the bezel): https://imgur.com/a/j6Co2gU


Would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 September 2020, 12:53 AM   #2
mgsooner
"TRF" Member
 
mgsooner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Matthew
Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
Posts: 1,894
It looks like air bubbles trapped within the crystal itself.
__________________
|Rolex Submariner 114060|Rolex Datejust 126234 silver dial|
|Tudor Heritage Chrono 70330B|
|Grand Seiko SBGT021 day-date quartz|
mgsooner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 September 2020, 03:52 AM   #3
Gargamel
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: France
Posts: 74
I've had a SBGR061 and noticed these bubbles.
In fact it's there in nearly all the GS with this particular crystal.
Something they can't fix and they don't want to fix. Returned as "within tolerances" by the Seiko.
Gargamel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 September 2020, 11:39 AM   #4
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gargamel View Post
I've had a SBGR061 and noticed these bubbles.
In fact it's there in nearly all the GS with this particular crystal.
Something they can't fix and they don't want to fix. Returned as "within tolerances" by the Seiko.
That's very disappointing to hear. This is not a subtle defect.

I guess I'll be trying my luck for a replacement crystal at the service center in my city.
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2020, 02:18 PM   #5
southcarolina1801
"TRF" Member
 
southcarolina1801's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: The Peach State
Posts: 734
Did you ever get this figured out? I’m eyeing a SBGW231 as well and I almost every one I see online has these types of bubbles in the crystal.
southcarolina1801 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2020, 03:52 PM   #6
214270Explorer
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: United States
Watch: me buy Watches
Posts: 3,956
Jeebus! That is disturbing. One has to wonder why just these crystals?
__________________
The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind

Rolex "some"
Tudor "some"
Damasko "some"
Misc Pieces "some"
Marathon "some"
GS Spring Drive "some"
Hamilton "some"
Findeisen "some"
214270Explorer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2020, 10:20 PM   #7
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by southcarolina1801 View Post
Did you ever get this figured out? I’m eyeing a SBGW231 as well and I almost every one I see online has these types of bubbles in the crystal.
Not as of yet, given the COVID situation where I am I haven't had the inclination to pursue a solution with GS.

Unfortunately this has left me a bit sour on the watch - especially as I think it's otherwise an absolute beauty.
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2020, 02:34 AM   #8
tom2517
"TRF" Member
 
tom2517's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Asia & US
Posts: 1,550
This can’t be normal.
tom2517 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2020, 01:36 PM   #9
toxicavenger
"TRF" Member
 
toxicavenger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Watch: Seiko's
Posts: 2,563
Quote:
Originally Posted by 214270Explorer View Post
Jeebus! That is disturbing. One has to wonder why just these crystals?
Looks like there is only 2 watches with this issue. So I wouldn't think it is that common.

I do know that if it can not been seen with the naked eye, the chances of it being consider a flaw is not to high.
toxicavenger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2020, 05:38 PM   #10
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicavenger View Post
Looks like there is only 2 watches with this issue. So I wouldn't think it is that common.

I do know that if it can not been seen with the naked eye, the chances of it being consider a flaw is not to high.
It seems it's more widespread than that. Also at least in my case it's absolutely visible with the naked eye - quite visible from a normal wrist-to-eye distance in fact.
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 November 2020, 07:44 AM   #11
toxicavenger
"TRF" Member
 
toxicavenger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Watch: Seiko's
Posts: 2,563
Quote:
Originally Posted by PJitz View Post
It seems it's more widespread than that. Also at least in my case it's absolutely visible with the naked eye - quite visible from a normal wrist-to-eye distance in fact.
Where are the other accounts of this defect? I only two from the same person that you posted?
toxicavenger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 December 2020, 10:08 AM   #12
bonovox
2024 Pledge Member
 
bonovox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Colorado
Watch: your time
Posts: 1,412
I purchased an SBGW231 in late October. I've been over it with a loupe multiple times. No sign of this issue.
bonovox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 December 2020, 01:23 AM   #13
Whineboy
"TRF" Member
 
Whineboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: New York City
Watch: Credor GCLP993
Posts: 32
I see something similar on my SBGW035. I wonder if it’s caused by how the box crystal is shaped. Never noticed it before and it’s a non-issue for me. I adore that watch.
Will try to post a photo shortly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Whineboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 December 2020, 11:25 AM   #14
Mbbgysam
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,021
I never noticed it on my 231... until now :/
Mbbgysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 December 2020, 12:27 AM   #15
pandrew6l
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California
Posts: 499
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gargamel View Post
I've had a SBGR061 and noticed these bubbles.
In fact it's there in nearly all the GS with this particular crystal.
Something they can't fix and they don't want to fix. Returned as "within tolerances" by the Seiko.
This refusal of Warranty Work came from Netherlands or Japan ? If it came from the regional service center, a letter to the HQ maybe in order.
pandrew6l is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 February 2021, 11:56 PM   #16
DantonIzzo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 184
Any update on this issue? Just ordered one through my AD last week.
DantonIzzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 March 2021, 12:07 AM   #17
Whineboy
"TRF" Member
 
Whineboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: New York City
Watch: Credor GCLP993
Posts: 32
Back with a photo, had to use a 10X loupe to make things visible.



Whineboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 March 2021, 03:03 AM   #18
DantonIzzo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 184
Quote:
Originally Posted by PJitz View Post
Not as of yet, given the COVID situation where I am I haven't had the inclination to pursue a solution with GS.

Unfortunately this has left me a bit sour on the watch - especially as I think it's otherwise an absolute beauty.
Have you tried to take the watch in? Any resolution?
DantonIzzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 March 2021, 09:42 AM   #19
london_v
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Watch: 124060
Posts: 295
Any AD saying this is within tolerance is BS’ing you.

My 231 had this issue. I noticed it a few months after wearing the watch. My AD was amazing and sent it back to Japan to get fixed (apparently they wanted to see the watch for themselves to understand the issue better). It’s now back with me and watch is defect free.

If GS Japan fixed it for me, it’s definitely worth pursuing with your AD as a known issue.
london_v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 March 2021, 11:33 PM   #20
DantonIzzo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 184
Quote:
Originally Posted by london_v View Post
Any AD saying this is within tolerance is BS’ing you.

My 231 had this issue. I noticed it a few months after wearing the watch. My AD was amazing and sent it back to Japan to get fixed (apparently they wanted to see the watch for themselves to understand the issue better). It’s now back with me and watch is defect free.

If GS Japan fixed it for me, it’s definitely worth pursuing with your AD as a known issue.
That is great! I'm glad that GS took it seriously and worked with you to resolve it!
DantonIzzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 March 2021, 05:08 AM   #21
london_v
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Watch: 124060
Posts: 295
Umm maybe I spoke too soon. I notice 1 bubble has made a magical reappearance at the 10 o’clock mark. I’ll monitor to see if more appear before visiting my AD.
london_v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 March 2021, 07:32 AM   #22
illiguy
2024 Pledge Member
 
illiguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: UTC/GMT -5
Posts: 3,447
Maybe put the loupes away and just enjoy?
illiguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 March 2021, 01:43 PM   #23
toxicavenger
"TRF" Member
 
toxicavenger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Watch: Seiko's
Posts: 2,563
Quote:
Originally Posted by illiguy View Post
Maybe put the loupes away and just enjoy?
Totally.
toxicavenger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 March 2021, 04:48 AM   #24
DantonIzzo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 184
Just received the watch today. Happy to report that there are no bubbles.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1.jpg (61.1 KB, 1009 views)
File Type: jpg 2.jpg (109.1 KB, 1007 views)
File Type: jpg 3.jpg (57.8 KB, 999 views)
DantonIzzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 March 2021, 08:08 AM   #25
london_v
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Watch: 124060
Posts: 295
Stunner!
london_v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 March 2021, 06:05 PM   #26
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by DantonIzzo View Post
Have you tried to take the watch in? Any resolution?
I haven't, yet. This has definitely soured me on an otherwise stunning watch.

Quote:
Originally Posted by london_v View Post
Any AD saying this is within tolerance is BS’ing you.

My 231 had this issue. I noticed it a few months after wearing the watch. My AD was amazing and sent it back to Japan to get fixed (apparently they wanted to see the watch for themselves to understand the issue better). It’s now back with me and watch is defect free.

If GS Japan fixed it for me, it’s definitely worth pursuing with your AD as a known issue.
Great to hear.

Quote:
Originally Posted by illiguy View Post
Maybe put the loupes away and just enjoy?
This is clearly visible without a loupe even at a normal wrist/eye distance. It's not an issue of micro-details.
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 March 2021, 06:08 PM   #27
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbbgysam View Post
I never noticed it on my 231... until now :/
Sorry!
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 01:00 AM   #28
doink
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Singapore
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by PJitz View Post
Sorry!
Did you manage to bring it back to the AD to get fixed? How did it go?
Im facing the same issue too with bubbles on the 231....
doink is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 10:02 AM   #29
PJitz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: North
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by doink View Post
Did you manage to bring it back to the AD to get fixed? How did it go?
Im facing the same issue too with bubbles on the 231....
I haven't, yet. I will update this thread if I decide to go through the process.

Sorry you're experiencing the same issue - it's a real shame.
PJitz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 May 2021, 10:04 AM   #30
london_v
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Watch: 124060
Posts: 295
I’m visiting my AD next week to discuss this. It was sent to Japan to fix the issue first time round, and now the exact same issue has reappeared :(
london_v is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.