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31 August 2018, 12:03 PM | #1 |
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Grand Seiko Explorer II
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. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk |
31 August 2018, 12:11 PM | #2 |
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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/ |
31 August 2018, 12:12 PM | #3 |
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I can see the resemblance, but they also have their differences
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31 August 2018, 12:17 PM | #4 |
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31 August 2018, 12:17 PM | #5 |
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The GS line is finished way nicer than Rolex. No comparison.
But GS had made other 24hr watches. Like the SBGM027, SBGX027 models. |
31 August 2018, 12:20 PM | #6 |
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31 August 2018, 12:35 PM | #7 |
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I always thought the mechanical
version of this watch was such a shame, and I love GS. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
31 August 2018, 12:48 PM | #8 |
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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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31 August 2018, 12:52 PM | #9 |
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18 September 2019, 04:27 PM | #10 |
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WOW!!! The grand seiko actually looks way better!
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18 September 2019, 09:35 PM | #11 |
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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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18 September 2019, 09:52 PM | #12 |
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Looks great! I had a 5 digit black explorer a while back but prefer this.
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18 September 2019, 10:43 PM | #13 |
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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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18 September 2019, 10:51 PM | #14 |
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Why I bought a Grand Seiko Quartz over a Rolex Explorer II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IllwEM9zRPM |
18 September 2019, 10:55 PM | #15 |
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Great looking watch. On my list of someday / maybe pieces.
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19 September 2019, 12:11 AM | #16 |
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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 |
19 September 2019, 12:45 AM | #17 |
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19 September 2019, 12:53 AM | #18 |
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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. |
19 September 2019, 12:58 AM | #19 |
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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.
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19 September 2019, 01:08 AM | #20 |
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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. |
19 September 2019, 01:53 AM | #21 |
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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.
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19 September 2019, 01:56 AM | #22 |
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19 September 2019, 03:29 AM | #23 |
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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!! Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
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19 September 2019, 04:28 AM | #24 |
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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.
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19 September 2019, 01:20 PM | #25 |
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What is the yellow on the bottom for? Is it useable? Or just designer?
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19 September 2019, 01:30 PM | #26 |
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It is actually for AM/PM. It’s a brilliant watch.
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20 September 2019, 12:46 PM | #27 | |
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Quote:
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25 September 2019, 06:03 AM | #28 |
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DavidSW has one of the yellow ones for $3475 if anyone is chasing one
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6 October 2019, 03:37 PM | #29 |
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Beautiful watch.
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7 October 2019, 04:13 AM | #30 |
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I’m actually going to look at the blue dial version tomorrow. I think they look nicer than the Rolex Explorer.
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