Horological Meandering

The Grand Seiko SBGM003, SBGR059 and SBGE001 (pictured below in that order). The first one, SBGM003, came about four years ago, while the next two followed my trip to Seiko in August this year. 

 

Despite my impulsiveness and lack of foresight I managed to assemble a small but good representation of Grand Seiko in many ways, in my humble opinion.

Material:

Steel (SBGM003 and SBGE001) and Bright titanium (SBGR059), leather strap and bracelet, sapphire bezel (SBGE001)

Size:

37 mm (SBGR059) to 43.5 mm (SBGE001); SBGM003 is 39.5 mm 

Movement:

Automatic first generation (9S56 of SBGM003), automatic second generation (9S65 of SBGR059) and Spring Drive (SBGE001)

Design:

Retro (SBGM003), dated (SBGR059) and attempt at modern (SBGE001)

Provenance:

Shiojiri for the Spring Drive and Shizukuishi for the automatics

This also reflects in the design with Shiojiri having more contemporary designs than Shizukuishi

And the two automatics also reflects the evolution of Grand Seiko from first generation to second generation; the SBGM003 has been discontinued and replaced with the SBGM021 

- SJX This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-11-12 22:43:44 This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-11-14 18:11:59 This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-11-16 08:25:48

I just wish that we could see them here in the UK.

Out of the three, my choice from looking at your photos, would be the first one.

It has a distinctive and attractive design, which is unusual for a Grand Seiko.

- SJX

If you go on the Grand-Seiko website it has the dealers listed and there's one in London - but their stock is limited at the moment.

Happy hunting.

Vernon

congratulations. wear them Well.

 Tony

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I now want a hi-beat....
Thanks for sharing. Nice trio.

Ken

but found the case too large and slightly disproportionate from some angles, but to be fair it looked good on the wrist.

- SJX

and I still have my eye on the old manual wind time only piece.  Just have to get my act in gear.

Thanks

Andrew H

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That GMT looks fantastic.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Vte

every pic I've ever seen of it... probably will own it one day... great stuff!

 and interesting brief report, SJK thank you .

 Faisal

but having this and this and all those other GSs makes it a bit hard for me to justify (to my wife, if not myself). Keep up the GS collecting - and thanks for helping me with that big find down in your neighborhood!
Mike

This message has been edited by cazalea on 2010-11-13 18:17:48

and it was the only sporty looking mechanical GS in the range. You might have a collector's item on your hands.

- SJX

You undoubtedly will know which of the 3 is the one I like best.

how a diet of otoro and uni results in uniquely skilled craftsmen who make such watches.

- SJX

what are those things you refer to?

Unfortunately, at least to me, it seems that the GS craze has in recent years subsided a bit compared to a few years ago, and I see that they are trying to come up with a lot more "limited editions" than before. I still really like them but am not encouraged by their having a lot more "choices" now. IMHO GS was attractive to me because they kept their lineup small with each piece rather special and unique, but this is no more the case, sadly.

for various anniversaries and retailers. On average about a few each year. They even celebrate anniversary of the movement (9s55). 

Perhaps it seems that there are a lot of limited edition now because of the 50th anniversary which has half a dozen LE to commemorate it. But it is no more than the past.

- SJX

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Looks like we share the same good taste. Are you located in Singapore?

- SJX

yes, Singapore based and became PR recently

Welcome here!  I hope to read more from you!  I am really attracted to these Grand Seikos and am looking forward to finally checking out the collection in the metal at my local AD.

Cheers,
Daos

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I really like the titanium model pictured above.  Grand Seiko offers quite an array of timepieces!  There's something very clean about the cases, movements and dials.  Very enjoyable post!  Thanks!

Cheers,
Daos

...really growing on me. They are still so underrated but obviously have a lot of technical mastery and charm

Best

Hans