Is the SBGW231 the hidden unicorn in the GS lineup?
Let me be clear - I bought this watch because I just fell in love with it - I really like dress watches and this little manual wind micro machine pushed all my buttons. That face, that case, those hands and facets, and that pretty little movement - what could I realistically buy short of something in Patek Calatrava territory that would make me smile as much?
I enjoy it more and more as time goes by, but Ive been reflecting a lot on just how unique it is in the GS line up - its not a spring drive, a high beat automatic or a high accuracy quartz - all the sophisticated highlights we tend to associate with GS. Yet, it’s simple manual mechanism is adjusted in 6 positions, has a unique in-house design and is very nicely decorated - and therefore it definitely appears to have genuine GS chops!
So, setting aside my obvious affection for this little thing off beauty, is it a unique unicorn worthy of more attention? I certainly think so - and even in New Zealand where retail discounting of GS is virtually impossible to find - I think it’s a bit of a bargain.
What do others think?
Watch nerd with a small collection from New Zealand.
Congratulations, sir! You picked up an absolute gem! It's gorgeous!!!
It really is a wonderful watch. Admittedly with all my time spent at home these days it doesn’t get a lot of wear — but whenever I do strap it on, I fall in love with it all over again. It’s also very charming on a more casual strap.
I need to go check out Grand Seiko in person. I think they do some cool stuff but the watches just don’t really connect with me. Maybe it would be different if I had one on my wrist.
A great looking dress watch. Do you have a picture of the movement?
I have so much respect for those Instagram watch photographers - this is the best I could get in an evening shot:
A great looking dress watch. Do you have a picture of the movement?
See below - best I could snap I’m afraid
Posted :)
I have so much respect for those Instagram watch photographers - this is the best I could get in an evening shot:
Very pretty 😍
Enjoy your watch, looks awesome. I think GS is going from strength to strength. It's not just their quality with dials, polishing but the company is innovative! I love the spring drive and hi-beat movements. But the constant force tourbillion is 🤯
beautiful simply beautiful😎😎
This is probably my favorite GS. Unlike a most of the rest of their collection it isn’t too large, not too thick, and just absolutely perfect in its simplicity. Consider me jealous!
I think you're spot on! It's a truly fantastic watch, and really needs to be seen in the flesh to fully appreciate. I was recently in a GS boutique and it stood out to me even next to all the glitzy and headline grabbing watches they offer now.
It dispenses with what I find to be the annoying aspect of Grand Seiko: gimmicky textured dials, grand size, and unwarranted warts mucking up a clean design. So I'm inclined to agree.
Beautiful clean design. I do think this is a GS bargain and has unique attributes that make it a rare interesting GS. 🦄 indeed!
I have so much respect for those Instagram watch photographers - this is the best I could get in an evening shot:
Look at that beauty! Congrats for the watch man!
Not sure I would call it hidden (anymore). But it's an awesome watch and will stay on my list...unless Longines launches a new heritage piece in the 35-37mm range.
Beatiful looking watch. Right up my alley. I have a SARB035 which I love. Yours look like an upgraded and much more elegant version of that.👌