Steel or Titanium

I'm looking at Seiko's JDM solar radio-controlled watches and two have stood out. Both have the same dimensions, but as you can see different dials and slightly different shades of blue. Then there is the material difference. The "world timer" is also made out of titanium (and has Seiko's "Diamond Shield"). The other is good old stainless style. Other differences also include the bracelets, with the stainless steel looking to have better articulation. I'm leaning towards the titanium "world timer" but would be interested to get other peoples thoughts here. Links with more info here: https://www.sakurawatches.com/seiko-selection-sbtm321 https://www.sakurawatches.com/seiko-selection-sbtm289
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I’m voting stainless for the cleaner dial alone, and if I held both in my hand at the same time I just might change my mind. 

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I don’t know the specific differences for this model but I am always drawn to titanium given lower weight and that darker hue.

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Does the radio function work globally?

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Titanium. Color matched date wheel.

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George55

Does the radio function work globally?

Yes it does for both of these modules. I double checked as there are some Seiko radio control watches that only receive the Japan signal.

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Dingus

I’m voting stainless for the cleaner dial alone, and if I held both in my hand at the same time I just might change my mind. 

I second that.

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CrazyBlue

Yes it does for both of these modules. I double checked as there are some Seiko radio control watches that only receive the Japan signal.

There are radio signals around the world but not every place on earth can actually receive the signals as far as I know.

I think Stainless Steel looks cleaner and ultimately prefer the weight of it for a watch of this size. Light watches feel more like wearing a decorative bracelet for me. Both personal preferences though.

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The World Timer has a somewhat similar design aesthetic to your Vaer A3 Atlas. So, I get why you like it, particularly also with its textured dial. If the World Timer outer track is movable, then it has a definite use case. Otherwise, at least for me, it adds to much complication to computing time zones. Just get a GMT. 
On the other hand, the SBTM321 has a classic Seiko look, and its dauphine hands makes it more versatile to dress up or dress down. End of the day, it's what's most important to you, bud. Whichever you pick, it'll be great to see what you got. Congrats and enjoy, in advance! 🍻

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I generally prefer the weight of stainless steel, but that's very much a personal preference. I think both are great choices. Do they also have the option to time sync by bluetooth?  

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ckim4watches

I generally prefer the weight of stainless steel, but that's very much a personal preference. I think both are great choices. Do they also have the option to time sync by bluetooth?  

Neither have bluetooth, which for these I'm fine with.

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tonmed

There are radio signals around the world but not every place on earth can actually receive the signals as far as I know.

I think Stainless Steel looks cleaner and ultimately prefer the weight of it for a watch of this size. Light watches feel more like wearing a decorative bracelet for me. Both personal preferences though.

I'm in the UK and my two Casio's with multi band can pick up the signal easily.

I've been wearing my titanium Casio today and do like the lightness of it.

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hakki501

The World Timer has a somewhat similar design aesthetic to your Vaer A3 Atlas. So, I get why you like it, particularly also with its textured dial. If the World Timer outer track is movable, then it has a definite use case. Otherwise, at least for me, it adds to much complication to computing time zones. Just get a GMT. 
On the other hand, the SBTM321 has a classic Seiko look, and its dauphine hands makes it more versatile to dress up or dress down. End of the day, it's what's most important to you, bud. Whichever you pick, it'll be great to see what you got. Congrats and enjoy, in advance! 🍻

My "dream" is possibly an amalgamation of the two. I do like the hands of the steel and the cleaner face. But prefer the shade of blue and the matching date wheel of the titanium.

I'm possibly leaning more towards the titanium because of the lightness that it brings. I have small wrists and stainless steel watch and bracelet combo can be tiring for me if worn all day.

I don't have the Vaer Atlas anymore, had to return it, so partly why I'm looking for a blue dial. Also recently been enjoying quartz a lot.

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CrazyBlue

My "dream" is possibly an amalgamation of the two. I do like the hands of the steel and the cleaner face. But prefer the shade of blue and the matching date wheel of the titanium.

I'm possibly leaning more towards the titanium because of the lightness that it brings. I have small wrists and stainless steel watch and bracelet combo can be tiring for me if worn all day.

I don't have the Vaer Atlas anymore, had to return it, so partly why I'm looking for a blue dial. Also recently been enjoying quartz a lot.

Totally get you, bud. I also like dauphin hands and a date window. Same here, heavier bracelets do weigh hard on our small wrists. I've been liking Milanese bracelets recently and even silicon straps. Whichever you select, you will do well. Lean towards what you really enjoy looking at and speaks to you. Advance congrats! 🍻

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Two absolutely stunning watches! They have now brought out the Seiko SBTM339 which is being released today. It's similar to the SBTM321 but is all titanium. Available from Sakura Watches, Japan. Not available in the UK.

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CrazyBlue

My "dream" is possibly an amalgamation of the two. I do like the hands of the steel and the cleaner face. But prefer the shade of blue and the matching date wheel of the titanium.

I'm possibly leaning more towards the titanium because of the lightness that it brings. I have small wrists and stainless steel watch and bracelet combo can be tiring for me if worn all day.

I don't have the Vaer Atlas anymore, had to return it, so partly why I'm looking for a blue dial. Also recently been enjoying quartz a lot.

The Seiko SBTM339 fits the bill. Available from Sakura Watches, Japan.

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George55

Does the radio function work globally?

Works fine in the UK.

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ckim4watches

I generally prefer the weight of stainless steel, but that's very much a personal preference. I think both are great choices. Do they also have the option to time sync by bluetooth?  

No Bluetooth function on either of them.

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giffigippi

Two absolutely stunning watches! They have now brought out the Seiko SBTM339 which is being released today. It's similar to the SBTM321 but is all titanium. Available from Sakura Watches, Japan. Not available in the UK.

Thank you for letting me know! Will keep an eye on this