Could the Grand Seiko SBGX261 Complete a Great Two Watch Collection?

I was also considering sbgx261 as an alternative to Explorer. Imo it does whats Explorer would but bit more on a dressier part.

No clue how long you are on the list and would you be willing to keep both if you would get a call?

Adrian Bark made a vid about this watch vs Explorer if you wanna check it out: https://youtu.be/REF3GLJ6J2s 

PS: check out SBGW289/291/293, they were on my mind as well (pink, silver and brown dials, not black tho)

It’s a difficult choice, see my last post 

Probably wouldnt keep both - but maybe I don’t need the Explorer. Thats kind of the idea of the post - do I take lessons from my own history with the tank and embrace GS quartz..

Those other GS are lovely of course but it’s this shiny black scratch I have to itch!

i see, misread it. if its only the blank ink dial you are going for, think the gs is a great candidate for the price (9f quartz is insane value). No clue about wearability so you better check it in person

Funny you should say that I just tried my local WoS. Of course they only have much more expensive ones in. Perhaps a trip to the GS boutique is in order!

Do it.

i had the Exp 1 too and thoroughly disagree that the GS is an “alternative explorer”. For me, the GS is in another league with innovative in-house movement, superior finishing, perfect sizing and value for money. 

Oh wow you are the person to ask? So you sold your explorer 1 and held on the the GS? How much wrist time does it get?

I sold the exp 1 when i bought the SBGX261 as it became a daily wear for me for at least a year, until I sold it to upgrade to a GS SBGA415. 

Ah nice! So it started a GS love affair.

More like a rabbit hole now that I have 3 and looking at a 4th 🙊

I simply adore mine - and it gets worn way more than any other watch I own. Haven't owned an Explorer but this is the watch that made me stop wanting one.

’….maybe the only 2 watches you’ll ever need’?

It could be but in all probability, not. Especially being a member on WC….😉

Looks so nice 

You know it!

The lugs are thicker on the GS which makes the watch rounder versus the Explorer. But the GS is slightly thinner (2.5mm) which I find better as an EDC.   If I was after the movement from GS quartz line I would prefer 8J55 over 9F.  The 9F was a value enginnered version of the 8J55.  I like and own the Grand Seiko SBGF011 instead of the Explorer.  I think this is a good pairing with the Cartier.

You cannot beat the Grand Seiko 9F quartz movement.  GS lists the spec as +/- 10 seconds per year.  I set the 9F86 GMT movement in my SBGN003 back in February the day it arrived.  It's on track to gain less than 1 second a year!  I love all my auto/mechanical movements, but the 9F is simply on another level.   

Well I’ve booked an AD appointment on Tuesday so let’s see how it goes! Any tips? Can I swing any freebies? I recall someone mentioned there is a club to join?

It would be a little to dressy for my own taste. Don't get me wrong - both of these watches are incredible. There is just something fun, color, exciting missing for me :)

I do agree but was thinking inject the colour via the straps.

That or get a SBGX353!

Let the simple two watch collection dream begin.. maybe (already I have ruled out selling watches gifted to me etc!)

Enjoy your SBGX261 fella! same same, but a lil different :)

Very similar even your strap choice!

I’m curious why you went for the 37mm version over the 40mm. Look great btw.

I went for the 37 as I already have a couple of 40mm Grand Seiko's. Plus at the time I'll admit that I was looking at it as an explorer 1 alternative (the explore 1 should always be 36mm IMO.)

Despite what I said a year ago I do now have a 36mm explorer 1 but I still love the SBGX261.

Sbgx anyday. I'd go so far to say I'd pick the sbgx over the explorer too

Looks like you ended up getting both the Explorer 36 and the GS. Congrats! What are your thoughts on owning both today?

Both sadly departed! I miss the GS more often than I miss the explorer..