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Seiko GS 120th Anniversary SBGW003 (former owner's pic) Hello, PuristS! I’m a new, unwitting, member of the SBGW003 club, having been convinced I should pounce on the opportunity to acquire one of these beauties by Cazelea’s many informative posts. (I discovered his deep well of knowledge in initial
Hello, PuristS! I’m a new, unwitting, member of the SBGW003 club, having been convinced I should pounce on the opportunity to acquire one of these beauties by Cazelea’s many informative posts. (I discovered his deep well of knowledge in initial searches to learn more about the 003 before I purchased the watch.) Great thanks are due for his hours of devotion to this interest, not to mention his gracious answers to the questions of other GS enthusiasts. I’ve only had the watch a month, and still am adjusting to the charms of this unusual timepiece.
Though inspired to tell my story by the moderator’s own account of his quest for the 003, being new to these pages I’m a bit self-conscious about taking up so much space. For while some out there might enjoy a full account, others not so interested in the journey might prefer simply to read of the arrival. This initial post, then, covers who I am and how I came to spend time with watches. The second, motivations behind looking for something special, and the discovery of the 003. The third, initial impressions. And the final post contains questions that have developed since I acquired #154, and a gallery of sorts. (Who knows, one of you readers could be the original owner!) To begin, then…
For the past three years, since I retired from my university position, I’ve had the time to indulge a latent interest in watches and watchmaking. (I’m a professional violinist who spent his early career here and abroad in symphony orchestras before settling into college teaching.) To raise the cash necessary to step into this pool, I sold my great-grandfather’s gold pocket watch, which had been relegated to a safe deposit box for thirty years.
It was difficult to let go this piece of family—this connection to the past. But when I faced the dilemma squarely it was clear that keeping the Waltham in a box was no way to honor my great-grandfather. So I bought a modern regulator.
My thought was to acknowledge both family, and horologic history, with Hamilton’s Jazzmaster—a watch that combined sound aesthetic judgment with reasonable build quality, while affording a little eccentric flair at a price I could wrap my mind around at the time.
But since my home is surrounded by thousands of acres of corn and soybeans, rather than a maze of city streets, there is little opportunity to try on mechanical pieces before pulling the trigger. Thus, when the watch arrived, although I was relieved to be genuinely delighted by the subtle gray tone of the so-called “blue” dial, the sturdiness of the case with its excellent finish, and the watch’s consistent rate of +4-5 spd, there was a tragic flaw: I could read the watch only in certain lights. In fact, within a few days it was obvious that I had to twist and turn my arm nearly every time I wanted to know what times it was! How could a watch company not take such a fundamental issue into account? (Now I know how often this is not prioritized!) I was floored. I had looked forward to wearing my great-grandfather’s legacy proudly every day.
Not surprisingly, my perspective has changed. For example, when I spent around $800 (grey-market price) on the Hamilton I gasped at what I had done. Now I’m entirely comfortable imagining a five figure watch on my wrist. I don’t own any, though! My career wasn’t in investment banking, you’ll remember, and therefore even acquiring the 003 was a stretch. Yet one—as you will see—that I had planned to make for several years.
The Grand Seiko SBGW003 is a significant early re-issue from the brand's contemporary era, paying homage to the original Grand Seiko models. It represents a commitment to classic design principles and mechanical watchmaking, distinguishing itself with a restrained aesthetic that emphasizes legibility and traditional finishing. This reference was part of a series that re-established Grand Seiko's identity for a global audience, focusing on the core values of precision, durability, and beauty. It is a hand-wound model, reflecting the purist approach to watchmaking that characterized early Grand Seiko.
The watch features a stainless steel case, measuring 37mm in diameter, a size that aligns with vintage proportions and offers comfortable wear. It is equipped with the manual-winding Caliber 9S54, known for its robust construction and accuracy. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance, while the caseback is also sapphire, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.
For collectors, the SBGW003 holds particular appeal as an early and faithful reinterpretation of Grand Seiko's heritage. Its limited production numbers and adherence to classic design make it a sought-after piece for those who appreciate the brand's foundational aesthetics and mechanical integrity. It appeals to enthusiasts who value understated elegance and the direct engagement offered by a hand-wound timepiece, fitting into a collection as a representation of Grand Seiko's enduring design language.
Here's 148 saying Good Morning, Fred from Iowa. My family is from Ottumwa, along with "Radar O'Reilly" and very few other famous people ... Congratulations on your 5-yr anniversary. I look forward to part III (I love multi-chapter stories, being a writer by trade). Cazalea (I'm off to the Doc this am myself, including a visit to the radiologist, so might not wear this beauty in the x-ray room.)
It was a pleasure to be of assitance. I heard a guy on the radio today saying he was trying to make a dollar and one penny at a time stull adds up to a dollar. For the same holds building a community one member at a time. Welcome and looking forward to hearing more. Best Bill Ps i agree the primary function of a watch is to be able to read the damn time. So often over looked. Its not jewelry.
I've come far enough in this pursuit to understand that there are degrees, yes. A dress watch need not have three hands. Agreed. But a number of watch company choices still do not make much sense to me (other than from a profit perspective). Best example: seconds hands on moon-phase watches! In what sense are we honoring one of the oldest of time-keeping phenomena if we're sweating the passing of one second??? On so many really nice pieces the moon phase looks simply like it was added to show th
No doubt I'll take your advice. I appreciate your taking the time to wish me well.
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