Sbga231g

[WS9D]

Boy, the more I look at this, the more I’m falling in love. Time to flip my 116710ln for it? Still leaves me with my blnr and 16710...

I’m so drawn to it

https://www.grand-seiko.com/global-e...tions/sbga231g

[1William]

My AD had this Seiko Diver and I was not as impressed with it in person as I was by the pictures. The watch that for me is the winner of the Seiko Diver range is the Marine Master 300. The black dial is the SLA017 and the green dial version is the SLA019. They have a "unfinished" Grand Seiko movement. I assume that means that since there is no visibility that the movement is not as nice as what you see through an open case back. I have the green dial version and it could be the diver for me. Look at some of the videos on YouTube and you will see what I mean. Good luck.

[Gargamel]

I have this SBGA231 as well as a SBGA029.

Between the two, it's a matter of weight acceptance and preference.
While I like feeling the watch I have on the wrist, I wanted to wear it daily, so choose to buy the titanium version after the steel one (which is for sale - EU based).

The finish is stunning and it's highly legible in all conditions.

I love the fact that there's no outer AR coating and the aluminimu coated bezel insert. It can be scratched but will not crack and could be replaced for a relatively cheap amount.

Funny, a Ploprof bezel costs 1000$ and most ceramic bezel will also cost more than 600$.

It's a 135 grammes watch with the bracelet and absolutely comfy.
I swapped the bracelet for a silicon z22 from the Turtle and it's even better.

If you're OCD with scratches, you might consider the steel version as it's brighter and will show less marks than the darker and more softer.

A fantastic watch made to last decades.

[GB-man]

Having an sbgr305 and seeing what GS can do with Ti in terms of polishing I would def go Ti on this one. I say go for it. Have you tried it on? Going to obviously wear larger than your rolex.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by 1William

My AD had this Seiko Diver and I was not as impressed with it in person as I was by the pictures. The watch that for me is the winner of the Seiko Diver range is the Marine Master 300. The black dial is the SLA017 and the green dial version is the SLA019. They have a "unfinished" Grand Seiko movement. I assume that means that since there is no visibility that the movement is not as nice as what you see through an open case back. I have the green dial version and it could be the diver for me. Look at some of the videos on YouTube and you will see what I mean. Good luck.

Wife has one it's a great watch. If that the LE one of 1968 produced. There is a head to head write up against the hulk. A winner was not really chosen but the impression was the writer like the Seiko better.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

I love the fact that there's no outer AR coating and the aluminimu coated bezel insert. It can be scratched but will not crack and could be replaced for a relatively cheap amount.

What is the cost on the bezel? I love the ti GS, for such a big watch it almost disappears on the wrist.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by 1William

They have a "unfinished" Grand Seiko movement. I assume that means that since there is no visibility that the movement is not as nice as what you see through an open case back.

Over the years I keep hearing that the 8l35 in the MM's are "unfinished". I guess I must be blind because we have one on the bench right now for service and it does not look unfinished.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Over the years I keep hearing that the 8l35 in the MM's are "unfinished". I guess I must be blind because we have one on the bench right now for service and it does not look unfinished.

That looks awesome.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

If you're OCD with scratches, you might consider the steel version as it's brighter and will show less marks than the darker and more softer.

Interesting, I've been wondering about this, particularly in light of owning a Casio Oceanus (OCW-S100), which is titanium and is way more scratch resistant than I can sometimes believe. So maybe Casio uses a different Ti? My hope was that GS Ti watches would share the same resistance to scratches, but perhaps not.

Darn this Oceanus, sometimes I wish it wasn't so freaking great (especially for the money).

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by the_natural

Interesting, I've been wondering about this, particularly in light of owning a Casio Oceanus (OCW-S100), which is titanium and is way more scratch resistant than I can sometimes believe. So maybe Casio uses a different Ti? My hope was that GS Ti watches would share the same resistance to scratches, but perhaps not.

Darn this Oceanus, sometimes I wish it wasn't so freaking great (especially for the money).

There are different levels of ti. The one on the GS I am not sure what it is but my buddy has one and it does not show a ton of scratches. And it is so nicely finished you would believe it is SS.

Now I had a ti Omega years ago and that thing was a scratch magnet.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

There are different levels of ti. The one on the GS I am not sure what it is but my buddy has one and it does not show a ton of scratches. And it is so nicely finished you would believe it is SS.

Now I had a ti Omega years ago and that thing was a scratch magnet.

My ti Snowflake has not a single mark on it after about two years......knock on wood.

[Gargamel]

Well, Seiko uses a specific blend of titanium but no coating like Citizen or like their Diashield coating you get on the Sla017/19.

Coatings make the watch more scratch resistant but cannot be refinished.
Over long term, i think the bright titanium used on the GS is a better choice.

The vicker value is better than 316l and it will hold better over deep scratches.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

Well, Seiko uses a specific blend of titanium but no coating like Citizen or like their Diashield coating you get on the Sla017/19.

Coatings make the watch more scratch resistant but cannot be refinished.
Over long term, i think the bright titanium used on the GS is a better choice.

The vicker value is better than 316l and it will hold better over deep scratches.

From what I’ve read, SEIKO alloys it own titanium- putting some iron into it , to make it stronger and “brighter “- like polished stainless steal.
Very cool!

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeet

From what I’ve read, SEIKO alloys it own titanium- putting some iron into it , to make it stronger and “brighter “- like polished stainless steal.
Very cool!

Probably on their GS line only I don't think this is true on the lower end versions.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Probably on their GS line only I don't think this is true on the lower end versions.

You’re right, it’s just GS that uses this special titanium.
Seiko uses “DiaShield “ in their SS and regular titanium watches.
Now - this is only what I’ve read ,.... I’m no expert !

[Gargamel]

Maybe my fav dive watch from all those I have or had, including several Seiko, Sub and SD 5 and 6 digits, Vulcain or SM300MC.







The dial has a certain depth and plays incredibly well with light, despite being apparently less shiny than for example of SBGH001 dial.

It's all well built and despite its short supported depth of 200 meters, it's designed to handle diving hazards more than the latests Omega or Rolex of the world.