Mostel
4358
Great review!
Thorough and candid, like a real review should be.
Great pics!
I have the blue dial GMT LE on bracelet. It has become one of my most worn watches. I love the domed crystal too! I agree it would be nice to see more of the movement, however, I had a GS with a trans. back with this movement, and while it is excellent, is not so mind blowing at full view. This is not to say it lacks finish or excellence, but to my eyes, it is MORE interesting with the blue rotor. Maybe I'm jaded with movements.
The case and steel bracelet are among the very best I have ever worn. The bracelet HAS to be compared to a Daytona for silky, supple comfort.
For the money, it's a joke how great these recent LE's are.
BUT WAIT! There's more! We haven't even talked about the dial! I am telling you Purists, this is one of the single most stunning deep blue dials I have ever seen. Everything about it. The markers are like individual sculptures that catch light brilliantly. Highly legible even in low light--instant classic everyday watch.
THE GMT HAND in soft, matte gold is a supremely fine touch. I was wary of a gold hand. It is understated and very artful against the exquisite blue dial.
The bezel on mine is another really outstanding piece of craftsmanship. For an everyday steel sport watch? Right there with my 1st gen Rolex LV for me, probably, frankly, much nicer... but a man's fave Rolex holds it's special place.
I can imagine for some, it may wear on the smaller side. At 40 mm, it wears like 39... but for me, somehow that emphasizes it's Japanese origin and feels right with its design features, curved Seiko case etc.
Here's a pic by Jessica. (good pic, but does no justice at all!)
This message has been edited by Mostel on 2013-04-21 12:27:24 This message has been edited by Mostel on 2013-04-21 12:29:16
Part 2/2: Review of Grand Seiko SBGM031 (SBGM021/SBGM023): The watch!
Part 1 outlined the technical aspects of the movement: I've had the GMT strapped to my wrist nearly every day for over 2 months now and it's time for a proper review. It's the only watch I've worn for the past 2 months and I've travelled with it. Retail ...
Nice review
Thanks for covering so many details. As I have many GS watches myself, I have to say I agree completely with you on the two extremes of the watch experience: + the marvelous crystal and - the very uncomfortable buckle design Keeping enjoying it! Cheers, C...
The crystal really is something,
I can't think of any other brands that use anything even similar.
Marvelous review ...
I enjoyed the two parts like a fine book. If Seiko had a better distribution channels for the GS, it could be a hit here. In respect to the buckle, welcome to the club. I believe that is the part that most of the manufacturers fail. Thank you and enjoy yo...
I've found that clasps are a difficulty
with many deployants having some sort of sharp edge that annoys my wrist. Tang buckles are usually more comfortable to me, but tang vs deployant is a dead horse that needs no more beating. Thanks for your compliments!
Thank you for such an excellent review :)
Though I am yet to bite the bullet & get a GS. I am impressed by the overall positive comments that I have read over the years regarding the GS. Seiko, remains today one of my favourite brands.
Splendid
Wasn't Seiko fan but after PuristS influence mainly G99 and Tyler (still dreaming that GS from Paris) and now your review I become believer :) Cheers D
Haha, thank you. They have minor improvements
but I think the GS is a great buy overall.
Hmm... a few questions
I would respectfully like to clarify a few parts of your review: 1. would be interested to hear how you arrived at the conclusion that the "technical finish of the movement is similar to what you would find in a Jaeger LeCoultre or Caliber 39 Glashütte Or...
Please, let's not be quite so hard on each other
It is true that we make claims for our watches that we might not be completely able to sustain empirically, but some of the observations you make in return are a matter of taste and not measurements. These sorts of comparisons and resulting reactions just...
Thanks Mike, I posted some more "evidence"
but your photos are still some of the few (if any) pieces of real life photos of the movement.
Evidence for my case
In JLC, I did of course not meant their grande complication watches but rather calibers like the 899 or even the 859. Glashutte cal 39 is really quite similarly finished. I've attached a photo of a cal 39 and 859 which you can compare to Cazalea's photos....
Here are a few new GS photos for evidence
I apologize for the poor lighting. What's good for the technician is not necessarily good for the camera! We start with this one. Nice dial, hands and markers. Typical GS back with gold medallion inset in the case. Caseback from the inside Yes, this is qu...
Thanks for the photos, it's interesting
to see the gold medallion from the inside, looks like it's no longer glued/cemented like the vintage pieces.
Great review!
Thorough and candid, like a real review should be. Great pics! I have the blue dial GMT LE on bracelet. It has become one of my most worn watches. I love the domed crystal too! I agree it would be nice to see more of the movement, however, I had a GS with...
I was debating between the two actually
but I still think that both are superb pieces. The sport version has a less cluttered dial which I like, but I preferred the zaratsu polished case.
Thanks for your
succint and comprehensive review---you've captured most of what i like about this watch. I'm enjoying mine for the past six months and would have liked to see more of the movement through the back. Unlike you,i'm fairly comfortable with the deployent clas...
excellent review Ed and a lovely watch
i had the earlier version with black dial and really liked it. i have no idea why i ever sold it now as the build quality is superb as is the accuracy. glad you like the watch and hopefully one day i may get another. best Graham
Thanks for the great review.
I like your style daring to sport a nato strap. Which by the way looks pretty good if I may say so. I will have to dig in a little more... Thanks Bill