Cazalea shares a spirited account of a road trip in a Lotus convertible, featuring a Grand Seiko SBGW033 on the wrist. This post captures the joy of driving and friendship, set against the backdrop of San Diego's diverse landscapes, offering a personal narrative that blends automotive passion with watch appreciation.
Guys, I must apologize for a break in our rhythm. Today I took my friend John for his first ride in a Lotus and it turned out to be his first time in a convertible. He's 65! Of course I can solve both those deficiencies.
Yesterday I washed the wheels, changed the oil, drained flushed and refilled the cooling system, and checked the tire pressures. No holding back Friday morning!
I did manage to leave the house at the usual time, under the same moon, with an SBGW033 on my wrist. Only instead of heading to the trail with my wife, I was going much farther today.
I walked all the way out to the driveway. Where the car was waiting; of course the top was down. What you can't see is the 45ΒΊ F air and you can't see the wind chill factor. I have on two Rohan layers, a yak wool sweater, and a Columbia Titanium Jacket liner. And a Seattle Yacht club sailing jacket over the top.
I waddled like the Michelin Man into the donut shop and got two apple fritters. Mine was fantastic! I assume John's was also (didn't bother to ask)
First break stop at 3000 ft elevation (to unwrap the fritters and start chomping)
Second break at 5000 feet (to take a pee)
If my hand looks dry it's because today we have 15% relative humidity. Great fire danger! Keep fingers crossed, pray we get through this dry windy weekend intact.
Selfie with Lotus
Third stop at 6500 ft, 40 mph winds, colder than ever ... maybe around freezing. My GS hat blew off after the photo and flew about 100 feet across the road.
Note to self: Wash the car before a photo session!
As they say, "Not a cloud in the sky" also known as typical winter day in San Diego, with Arizona in the distance.
Now looking westward. Moon is still visible in the sky, even in these iPhone photos. I took the big camera but didn't use it.
Still looking west towards Hawaii and Japan. You can see the Pacific Ocean out there, about 25 miles away.
Final break stop at Dishwasher Pond, in Tierrasanta area of San Diego.
We took off about 3 layers each and got in some walking.
Here's the water:
Home by 11 am, 4 hours and 162 social distanced miles. Watch still ticking.
Cazalea
About the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGW033
The Grand Seiko SBGW033 is a limited edition model released to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Seiko's founding. It is a re-creation of the original Grand Seiko from 1960, capturing the aesthetic and proportions of that seminal timepiece. This reference is distinguished by its faithful adherence to the design principles of the first Grand Seiko, offering a direct link to the brand's heritage of precision and craftsmanship. It represents a significant piece for collectors interested in the foundational designs of Grand Seiko.
The watch features a stainless steel case, carefully polished to a high standard, measuring 37.6mm in diameter. It houses the manual-winding Caliber 9S64, known for its stable performance and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The dial is protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, which enhances the vintage appeal while providing modern scratch resistance. The solid case back further emphasizes its classic design.
This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate historical re-creations and the understated elegance of early Grand Seiko designs. Its limited production run makes it a sought-after piece within the collector community. The SBGW033 stands as a testament to Grand Seiko's enduring design language and its commitment to mechanical watchmaking, offering a blend of historical significance and contemporary quality.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 9S64
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 37.6mm
- Dial
- Ivory
- Water Resist.
- 3 bar
- Crystal
- Box-shaped sapphire
