A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
There was a time when I spent about a few hours a day commuting to London. Fortunately I now only visit at more civilised times and always try to fit in trying on a few watches, before meeting friends (watch “research” being off the menu if Mrs nbg is with me).
Yesterday afternoon I called in at the Seiko Boutique to try on a few GS.
I particularly wanted to look at Spring Drive that used the 44GS case, as the cases are different to the 41mm case that is often used for SD models. I also wanted to checkout the quartz GMTs, although they didn’t have any of the Explorer II look alike ones in stock.
A few pics that illustrate the wide variety of case shapes used by GS. My favourite was the spring drive, the dial was a fantastic shade of blue, that changed dependant on lighting, although I don’t think any of them looked their best under the harsh AD lighting.
Very friendly staff and worth a visit if in London.
Neil
Yesterday afternoon I called in at the Seiko Boutique to try on a few GS.
I particularly wanted to look at Spring Drive that used the 44GS case, as the cases are different to the 41mm case that is often used for SD models. I also wanted to checkout the quartz GMTs, although they didn’t have any of the Explorer II look alike ones in stock.
A few pics that illustrate the wide variety of case shapes used by GS. My favourite was the spring drive, the dial was a fantastic shade of blue, that changed dependant on lighting, although I don’t think any of them looked their best under the harsh AD lighting.
Very friendly staff and worth a visit if in London.
Neil
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Was this the seiko boutique just a few yards away from Harrods?
Mark
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Yep that’s the one.albionphoto wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 12:40 pm Was this the seiko boutique just a few yards away from Harrods?
Neil
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Shame they didn't have any of the Exp.II look-a-likies as I would have been interested in opinions.
Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
I tried the LE on last year, along with some others. Might as well add them to the thread.
I thought it was typical high end GS fit and finish. A good size, just like wearing a 16570 Explorer II. Being quartz also slimmer than SD, which is itself slimmer than the bloated Hi-Beat models. Neil
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
It looks like a fun day out in Knightsbridge. Did any of them take your fancy? Do you need to re-write your wish list?
Mark
Bremont, Casio, Citizen, Christopher Ward, Chronotechna, Mido, Omega and Oris
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
The blue SD in the first pic is the one I would go for if I went for another GS.albionphoto wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 2:27 pm It looks like a fun day out in Knightsbridge. Did any of them take your fancy? Do you need to re-write your wish list?
Neil
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Pornographia Horologica!
Very nice, Neil. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice, Neil. Thanks for sharing.
Steve
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
What I read ...
"The blue SD in the first pic is the one I am going for when I buy my next GS. "
Agree, that SD is simply outstanding.
I'd seen the green 9F GMT LE, but not the blue dial you photo'd.
Lovely colour, but sadly let down by a rather tall looking bezel.
Thanks for posting these
Ryan
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Interesting to see the variety of GS's Neil, thanks for the photos. I must be honest, a lot of the GS models don't do much for me. I did really like the SBGX059 HAQ that I used to own, lovely case, beatiful dial and amazing polished angled hands. Not to mention unbelievable accuracy. The only thing that made me sell was it just felt a little on the small side to me @ 37mm.
The other model of GS that was probably my favourite was Richard's SBGM021 GMT which had an amazing cream coloured dial and at 39.5mm would have been perfect. Alas I didn't have any cash in the watch fund coffers at that time and it got away.
The other model of GS that was probably my favourite was Richard's SBGM021 GMT which had an amazing cream coloured dial and at 39.5mm would have been perfect. Alas I didn't have any cash in the watch fund coffers at that time and it got away.
Patrick
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Dare I say the SBGV would be perfect for you then Patrick. Same case, slightly different markers and 39mm.Thegreyman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:55 pm I did really like the SBGX059 HAQ that I used to own, lovely case, beatiful dial and amazing polished angled hands. Not to mention unbelievable accuracy. The only thing that made me sell was it just felt a little on the small side to me @ 37mm.
Like this SBGV225 for example ...
Ryan
Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Whilst recognising that all GS have high quality dials, indices and those signature hands, the key for me is the shape of the case. I tend to favour the more complex cases, as they tend to give the watch a more sporty look. Whilst I can appreciate them I don’t think I would ever end up wearing enough what I identify as a dress watch GS.Thegreyman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:55 pm Interesting to see the variety of GS's Neil, thanks for the photos. I must be honest, a lot of the GS models don't do much for me. I did really like the SBGX059 HAQ that I used to own, lovely case, beatiful dial and amazing polished angled hands. Not to mention unbelievable accuracy. The only thing that made me sell was it just felt a little on the small side to me @ 37mm.
For me this means I am more drawn to the so called 44GS cases, albeit that the one I already have isn’t a 44GS!
Think I will wear mine to the GTG. It would be a bit obvious to wear a decent dive watch and then spend time comparing its bezel action to a Trident Mk 3.
Looking forward to trying on your PAM.
Neil
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Ryan, possibly if there is a version in a white face as I'm not sold on the blue, lovely as it is. Size wise though, definitely in the sweet spotStrappedUp wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 11:11 pmDare I say the SBGV would be perfect for you then Patrick. Same case, slightly different markers and 39mm.Thegreyman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:55 pm I did really like the SBGX059 HAQ that I used to own, lovely case, beatiful dial and amazing polished angled hands. Not to mention unbelievable accuracy. The only thing that made me sell was it just felt a little on the small side to me @ 37mm.
Like this SBGV225 for example ...
Patrick
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Well Neil, I had briefly contemplated which watches to bring and the PAM is on the shortlist, so you never know!nbg wrote: ↑Thu Aug 22, 2019 7:53 amWhilst recognising that all GS have high quality dials, indices and those signature hands, the key for me is the shape of the case. I tend to favour the more complex cases, as they tend to give the watch a more sporty look. Whilst I can appreciate them I don’t think I would ever end up wearing enough what I identify as a dress watch GS.Thegreyman wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 10:55 pm Interesting to see the variety of GS's Neil, thanks for the photos. I must be honest, a lot of the GS models don't do much for me. I did really like the SBGX059 HAQ that I used to own, lovely case, beatiful dial and amazing polished angled hands. Not to mention unbelievable accuracy. The only thing that made me sell was it just felt a little on the small side to me @ 37mm.
For me this means I am more drawn to the so called 44GS cases, albeit that the one I already have isn’t a 44GS!
Think I will wear mine to the GTG. It would be a bit obvious to wear a decent dive watch and then spend time comparing its bezel action to a Trident Mk 3.
Looking forward to trying on your PAM.
Neil
Patrick
C60 Pro 300, C60 Sunrise, C63 Sealander Lucerne blue LE, C65 Dartmouth, W11 Amelia (wife), C63 Sealander (son)
Some others + a few on the way
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Some others + a few on the way
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Re: A grand time trying on Grand Seiko
Strangely, they do the champagne, black and blue dials as per the SBGX, but no whiteThegreyman wrote: ↑Thu Aug 22, 2019 1:21 pm Ryan, possibly if there is a version in a white face as I'm not sold on the blue, lovely as it is. Size wise though, definitely in the sweet spot
Ryan
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