The Grand Seiko bracelet dilemma
We all know how much of a pain it is that Grand Seiko doesn't have a micro adjustment on their bracelets. So I just want to offer some hope! I cannot get mine to fit right - one half link out is too small and back in it's too big. Now, some will know the half link is actually more than a half! So I called Seiko UK, and they will send a half link to you for free if your watch is still in warranty. Therefore, I can theoretically (TBC!) take a full link out, and put another half link back in, thus making it roughly a 1/3 smaller?! Let's see 🤣 and yes, it is still an unnecessary faff after spending a lot of money, but if it's your dream watch otherwise, then at least there's hope. I'll report back for part 2 lol.
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I had the same issue for ages, but seem to have found a good fit now. Sometimes it is loose, sometimes a wee bit tight but it's in a semi sweet spot and helped by it being titanium. I don't know if steel reef do or will do on the fly adjustment links for GS.
I had the same issue for ages, but seem to have found a good fit now. Sometimes it is loose, sometimes a wee bit tight but it's in a semi sweet spot and helped by it being titanium. I don't know if steel reef do or will do on the fly adjustment links for GS.
Honestly, I have been researching the entire Internet 🤣 even going through measurements of replacement clasps amd accompanying links. And then I stumbled across a video of someone explaining that the equivalent of micro adjustment is swapping full links for half links (rather than just adding or taking half links). Then came the search for specific SBGW303 half links, when I gave in and just phoned Seiko 🤣 who knew it would be free?! BTW £90 for ONE half link if not in warranty! 😱
Honestly, I have been researching the entire Internet 🤣 even going through measurements of replacement clasps amd accompanying links. And then I stumbled across a video of someone explaining that the equivalent of micro adjustment is swapping full links for half links (rather than just adding or taking half links). Then came the search for specific SBGW303 half links, when I gave in and just phoned Seiko 🤣 who knew it would be free?! BTW £90 for ONE half link if not in warranty! 😱
Excellent well done. Let us know if it is successful. I am a bit of a fidget and love a good micro as I seem to adjust quite a lot or at least like the option.
Honestly, lack of micro adjust on bracelets has become a deal breaker for me. If a company can’t give you a decent method to size and fit a bracelet I just don’t want to buy their product. They spend so much money perfecting the watch itself and then the bracelet, and especially the clasp, is a complete afterthought. Really frustrating! That’s the primary reason I’ve stayed away from Grand Seiko.
Honestly, lack of micro adjust on bracelets has become a deal breaker for me. If a company can’t give you a decent method to size and fit a bracelet I just don’t want to buy their product. They spend so much money perfecting the watch itself and then the bracelet, and especially the clasp, is a complete afterthought. Really frustrating! That’s the primary reason I’ve stayed away from Grand Seiko.
I get that. And I probably would have had more hesitation if my previous two GS hadn't fitted perfectly - but they do. So it was a surprise this time around. But I will get there and it will be free! Determined face 🤨
Excellent well done. Let us know if it is successful. I am a bit of a fidget and love a good micro as I seem to adjust quite a lot or at least like the option.
Will do! To be continued!
I have just found out this after 3 months of ownership, I was so happy about it 😂.
But Steel Reef will make a micro adjustment link or something to GS bracelets, as far as I know.
Grand Seiko Like Never Before: Announcing a Breakthrough in Bracelet A – Steel Reef (steel-reef.com)
I have just found out this after 3 months of ownership, I was so happy about it 😂.
But Steel Reef will make a micro adjustment link or something to GS bracelets, as far as I know.
Grand Seiko Like Never Before: Announcing a Breakthrough in Bracelet A – Steel Reef (steel-reef.com)
Absolutely amazing! I just saw that when @grand.psycho mentioned it. I've signed up to their updates 🙏🏻
I know people complain alot about the bracelets I'm glad you found this workaround! Just curious I wonder why the people that complain about the bracelet don't switch it out? I know dropping 5k$ tho u don't want to do a swap out immediately. But I think if it's your final piece or long term daily driver of many years ppl can try to experiment. Kinda like a facelift to the watch. I did that with my Hamilton .
But I honestly haven't seen many GS posts with ppl using aftermarket straps and bracelets tho occasionally I'll see someone swapping out leather bands on the dress watches. But now much on the Heritage models.
I know people complain alot about the bracelets I'm glad you found this workaround! Just curious I wonder why the people that complain about the bracelet don't switch it out? I know dropping 5k$ tho u don't want to do a swap out immediately. But I think if it's your final piece or long term daily driver of many years ppl can try to experiment. Kinda like a facelift to the watch. I did that with my Hamilton .
But I honestly haven't seen many GS posts with ppl using aftermarket straps and bracelets tho occasionally I'll see someone swapping out leather bands on the dress watches. But now much on the Heritage models.
Funny you say that, as I had swapped it for the leather strap that comes with this watch and it is gorgeous. That in turn made me buy another brown leather strap this week and again, it's gorgeous. Aftermarket bracelets is another story though as, personally, if the original has curved end links then so should the aftermarket one otherwise it doesn't look as good and is not an improvement. Then there's the need to match aesthetically and to fit perfectly. I did however dredge the Internet to find one, and one company does make aftermarket GS bracelets that are 19mm ... but this is 18mm 🤣 so really, I'm at the point where I think/hope an extra half link (2 thirds) in place of a full link means it fits right and I keep the original aesthetics, with leather options too!
Funny you say that, as I had swapped it for the leather strap that comes with this watch and it is gorgeous. That in turn made me buy another brown leather strap this week and again, it's gorgeous. Aftermarket bracelets is another story though as, personally, if the original has curved end links then so should the aftermarket one otherwise it doesn't look as good and is not an improvement. Then there's the need to match aesthetically and to fit perfectly. I did however dredge the Internet to find one, and one company does make aftermarket GS bracelets that are 19mm ... but this is 18mm 🤣 so really, I'm at the point where I think/hope an extra half link (2 thirds) in place of a full link means it fits right and I keep the original aesthetics, with leather options too!
Well, If that doesn't work or meet your expectations long term you could do a nato or Milanese. It's a sports watch kinda sorta right so a nato could work. U could get a conservative colored one and a vibrant one. I've find vibrant can work sometimes on these expensive watches if color combo is good, but then again filters and IG photo effects can make a lot of things pop and sparkle or look vintage etc depending on the filter
Well, If that doesn't work or meet your expectations long term you could do a nato or Milanese. It's a sports watch kinda sorta right so a nato could work. U could get a conservative colored one and a vibrant one. I've find vibrant can work sometimes on these expensive watches if color combo is good, but then again filters and IG photo effects can make a lot of things pop and sparkle or look vintage etc depending on the filter
Yeah to be fair I had accepted the leather strap as it is so nice, and it weirdly made me miss a bracelet so that when I went back to my SBGA285, I was loving that more! It made the two options more different, which is a good thing. Lots of options as you say. I'm not really a nato fan, but there are colourful leather straps to scratch that itch too.