Dilema - 38.5 AT Skyfall or Grand Seiko SBGA375

[NativeTxn]

So, I’m looking for a watch that is versatile and can pull off both sporty and dressy. That looks at home on a bracelet or a leather strap.

I am pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to the 38.5mm Aqua Terra Skyfall or the Grand Seiko SBGA375.

I loved the Skyfall when it came out and I think it still holds up today. The 38.5 fits my wrist well. Obviously I’d have to pick it up pre owned and I’m fine with that.

The GS spring drive is pretty awesome IMO. And the blue, many times looking black, dial if the 375 looks great in pictures. I’ve not seen it in person but I’ve seen and handled GS in person and I find them very impressive.

I’ve also considered the 373. Obviously different dial color but from what I’ve seen, an excellent dial.

I feel like any of the options would serve my purposes well. I’m probably leaning toward the AT at the moment, but I’m really just looking to see if anyone has thoughts, pros, cons, etc. about these options that might help me come to a conclusion.

As always, TIA.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Andad]

Pix?

[NativeTxn]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Pix?

GS pics pulled from this Time and Tide article (https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands...drive-sbga375/)





AT pics pulled from the internet:






Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[steadywaters]

I’ve owned the AT for 4 years now and it is going strong. Very versatile as you’ve stated and that blue teak dial really changes depending on the lighting.

There’s a very old pic online with the AT on a cherry brown leather strap that makes it look amazing as well.

It’s just a beautiful watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AEC]

Love my blue Aqua Terra (in the 41.5mm case). The 38.5mm watch with a blue dial, all-satin bracelet and framed date window is a rare bird, but one of our local trusted sellers is offering one at the moment. You should grab it! https://www.watchexchangecompany.com...23110392103001

My Aqua Terra...

[FinWatch]

IMO with those two options: the dial of the AT is slightly more interesting. But:
GS Spring Drive is truly something very special. In terms of accuracy: my GS with Spring Drive is the most accurat watch of all my 15 watches (Rolex, Glashütte, Omega, Eterna...).
I love the structure and details in GS Spring Drive. Also the visual simplicity of that GS that you are concidering is an advantage.
Both excellent choices!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andad]

Wow, difficult decision.

[ROGERB]

Silly but I always prefer lume!

[ap1]

AT. Don’t like the lug design on that GS and clasps are subpar on the many I’ve owned

[GTS Dean]

All other factors could rate a toss-up, so IMO the deciding factor is lume. The AT has modest lume, while the GS appears to have none at all. Easy choice.

[Pongster]

Am a seiko guy. But for this match up i would go for the AT.

Full disclosure: am also an omega guy. And i am actually pining for that exact same reference.

[sensui]

Tough one. Slight edge to the Aqua Terra.

[vukotab]

As an Aqua Terra owner myself I say - GS all the way. While Omega's advantage is in its remarkable bracelet (much better than on GS), Grand Seiko wins basically in every other category. Yes, Omega Co-axial movements are great, but Spring Drive is simply a thing of magic, one have to try it and play with it for a while to fully appreciate it. Superb timekeeping, almost on a quartz-watch level, followed with flawless glide of the seconds hand...definitely my next watch.

[zengineer]

Now go ask the Grand Seiko crowd.