Grand Seiko SBGW001

[SaletCivin]

1

I've received this beauty yesterday, and as with all my Grand Seikos it has grown on me despite the strong initial impression that it had made. 


I wanted a manual-wind GS for a while, and this is probably the one I desired the most apart from an Eichi.

Here it is, alongside my SBGX009 : 





As you may see, it seems much bigger than its Quartz counterpart, though it only is larger by 1.2mm. It has a tremendous presence for a watch of its size. Unlike larger watches, though, this presence is justified by the quality and integrity of each visual component instead of being some sort of mantra. 

The crystal sits proud of the case, domed and reflective, very much so actually, which gives the dial a seldom seen brightness.

Its texture is very smooth, contrasting in such a tasteful way with the indexes and hands. 

The lugs are slashed, tapering them out towards their tips. 

All in all, apart from the black strap whose quality seems a good notch below the one delivered with my SBGX009, and the crown which I'd replace with an onion-shaped one, it's probably the most elegant wrist-adornment that may think of. 

It exudes class in a restrained way, never looks quite the same twice throughout the day, shines like a lady in love yet doesn't attract the wrong kind of attention. 

What's left to ask ?

Collectionist write 08-26-2017, 11:20 PM:
Added the missing photo (from the internet)..

[Fletcher]

1

Great post, love those watches! They must cost you a pretty penny though...

[SeikoMan]

1

Original strap too. That is quite rare no? How comfy is that by the way?

[SaletCivin]

0

Great post, love those watches! They must cost you a pretty penny though...

Thanks ! This one is my most expensive watch, yes, and by a long shot.

Yet, considering what's being sold for the same price in the shops, this seems to offer a good value in terms of emotions provided for my hard-earned dollars. 

I wouldn't have bought it new, though.
 

Original strap too. That is quite rare no? How comfy is that by the way?

I bought both it and my SBGX009 from the same man, I'll add him to our trusted sellers, and he had the SBGX's original strap as well. 

Yet, the SBGX' seems of a much higher quality. It's thicker, has a more pronounced profile, shinier and lined with very fine rubber-coated calf whereas the SBGW001's seems a bit "entry level".

[BigCahuna]

2

I'll add him to our trusted sellers

Don't forget now... Is there a thread for that already?

Found it: here

[Fastaire]

0

Damn, exactly what I would go for. But around 600-800 euro I guess....

[GoTuna]

0

That last photo with the casebook screwed on seems quite a rare construction for a GS - nice.

[SaletCivin]

0

I'll add him to our trusted sellers

Don't forget now... Is there a thread for that already?

Found it: here

Thanks ! 

Done.

[SaletCivin]

0

Damn, exactly what I would go for. But around 600-800 euro I guess....

It's a lovely watch indeed. 

That last photo with the casebook screwed on seems quite a rare construction for a GS - nice.

Yes, I also quite like that it doesn't feature a sapphire caseback. A solid one tends to suit the watch best.

[SaletCivin]

0

Got the text and pictures back on.

[Collectionist]

0

Ah, great. And I still don't know what happened...

[Collectionist]

0

I wanted a manual-wind GS for a while, and this is probably the one I desired the most apart from an Eichi.

What? What? An Eichi? Now, you have got me down another rabbit hole.... That is a beautiful watch. Now I will have to read up about it and buy it I guess.
Ok, I read up on it - it is going to be a long term project.... There is a great article on it here...

[SaletCivin]

0

I wanted a manual-wind GS for a while, and this is probably the one I desired the most apart from an Eichi.

What? What? An Eichi? Now, you have got me down another rabbit hole.... That is a beautiful watch. Now I will have to read up about it and buy it I guess.
Ok, I read up on it - it is going to be a long term project.... There is a great article on it here...

The Eichi (especially its second iteration, which I find superior to the first) is one of the most desirable watches I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. 

Here is another article about it on Hodinkee : https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/with-t...nd-ferrier

Comparing it to Laurent Ferrier and Philipe Dufour's finest efforts. No less. 

Along with a Vacheron 4261 (well, this one would have to wait till I make a fortune) and a 1815 Up/Down (first version, the 36mm one. In white gold, blue dial), these three would make for the perfect collection. And a Tank Louis Cartier in Yellow gold, original size (which is to say, quite tiny indeed).

Pics galore incoming : 







Vacheron 4261 (Minute Repeater) : 



Tank Louis Cartier : 




Oh, and a VC Patrimony Traditionnelle (I fell in love with that dial long ago) : 

[SeikoMan]

0

The Eichi anytime. That watch blows me away!

[Elnixean]

0

Damn, now why did you do that to us..? Such watches are grails and as such nearly unattainable...

[SaletCivin]

0

The Eichi anytime. That watch blows me away!

It's wonderful, isn't it ? Though, having been exposed to sub-39mm watches by my other Grand Seiko(s), I regret the increase in size. Though modest by modern standards, 39mm feels a touch too large to me. 

Damn, now why did you do that to us..? Such watches are grails and as such nearly unattainable...

Well, the mere sight of these watches brings joy to my mind. Now isn't the time for me to own any of them, it could very well never be. 

What I wanted to highlight is that, even if I could buy these watches, and form a most perfect collection, I would still wear and adore my Grand Seiko. 

They really are up there.

[SeikoMan]

0

The Eichi anytime. That watch blows me away!

It's wonderful, isn't it ? Though, having been exposed to sub-39mm watches by my other Grand Seiko(s), I regret the increase in size. Though modest by modern standards, 39mm feels a touch too large to me. 

Damn, now why did you do that to us..? Such watches are grails and as such nearly unattainable...

Well, the mere sight of these watches brings joy to my mind. Now isn't the time for me to own any of them, it could very well never be. 

What I wanted to highlight is that, even if I could buy these watches, and form a most perfect collection, I would still wear and adore my Grand Seiko. 

They really are up there.

That I can agree with - Still that Eichi - it cannot be unseen.