Cheapest ways to get into a Grand Seiko
I hear complaints about the inexorable uptrend of GS prices led me to the topic of budget grand Seikos. I came up with the SBGW231 (3-4k) and the SBGV243 (2k). What are some other options that come to mind? 🤔
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Captain Crunch
Co-founder of WatchCrunch; Inventor of the Zero Pass strap.
United States
Member since
Last active: 1 min ago
16.51 cm
Not the cheapest, but the best value: SBGA427 (Soko Light) and SBGA429 (Soko Dark)
Not the cheapest, but the best value: SBGA427 (Soko Light) and SBGA429 (Soko Dark)
Thanks for the input! I saw these at my AD, thought they were cool, but for some reason lacked personality to me... Iono if that makes sense, great specs but especially the silver dial was very plain.
Definitely simple but in that very elegant way 👌
Thanks for the input! I saw these at my AD, thought they were cool, but for some reason lacked personality to me... Iono if that makes sense, great specs but especially the silver dial was very plain.
Yeah, I think you've hit the nail on the head. On paper, the SBGA427 is amazing. It was top of my list for a while, and then I went in to a boutique, and it completely lacked personality, as you say.
Okay, well, if that's a bust, how about this one: SBGA375 - it's got spring drive and the 44GS case. Who doesn't love the 44GS case? It looks like a TIE Fighter!
It looks like the recently got discontinued, but the SBGA283/285 were spring drive watches that had a retail price of $3800. The dial work wasn’t as intricate as some of their higher end models, but the cheapest way to get into a spring drive. i just did a search on Chrono24 and am seeing them for as little as $2800. Otherwise the absolute cheapest new GS will be the SBGX259/261/263. Beautiful 9F powered 37mm pieces for retail of $2200
Yeah, I think you've hit the nail on the head. On paper, the SBGA427 is amazing. It was top of my list for a while, and then I went in to a boutique, and it completely lacked personality, as you say.
Okay, well, if that's a bust, how about this one: SBGA375 - it's got spring drive and the 44GS case. Who doesn't love the 44GS case? It looks like a TIE Fighter!
Never noticed, but now will never unsee.
The new GS quartz sbx347 And 349 are great. 34mm but very elegant. Really like the blue dial. Grey market price would be good for these
It looks like the recently got discontinued, but the SBGA283/285 were spring drive watches that had a retail price of $3800. The dial work wasn’t as intricate as some of their higher end models, but the cheapest way to get into a spring drive. i just did a search on Chrono24 and am seeing them for as little as $2800. Otherwise the absolute cheapest new GS will be the SBGX259/261/263. Beautiful 9F powered 37mm pieces for retail of $2200
Good call! A pic of the sbga283 for reference 👍
The SBGX 341 ‘tough quartz’. Extremely high level of finishing with dual lumed indices that glow like a torch. 200m WR and magnetic resistant. 45mm lug to lug with a 40 mm dial makes it most wearable. Priced competitively at around 3500 USD.
I really like the SBGN005 (and 003).
This is mine. I think it's one of the least expensive spring drive options. Also one of my favorite. (why I bought it) :)
SBGA293
Vintage GS might be an option, perhaps lacks some variety of but well within an enthusiast's budget.
The SBGX 341 ‘tough quartz’. Extremely high level of finishing with dual lumed indices that glow like a torch. 200m WR and magnetic resistant. 45mm lug to lug with a 40 mm dial makes it most wearable. Priced competitively at around 3500 USD.
Ooo I've always liked this one! Looks like Olympic colors to me 😂
I really like the SBGN005 (and 003).
I was tempted to pick one of these up back in the day! Great proportions 👍
SBGM221 to me. I just wish they manage to squeeze it to a 38mm. 39.5 is just a tad too big for an elegant watch like this.
In the video on youtube you mentioned that the sbgv243 could be had for 2k. Was that in USD? If so where can I buy it for so little?
SBGX295
JDM model featuring very fetching blackened hands and markings.
Thanks for the input! I saw these at my AD, thought they were cool, but for some reason lacked personality to me... Iono if that makes sense, great specs but especially the silver dial was very plain.
Max - good to know!
I was leaning toward the white bamboo, but sounds like it wouldn’t fulfil in inner rapper in me who likes a watch that’s a bit blingy.
No way to see any of these things here in YVR 😢. Our border opens again soon (April 1, after 2 years of needing bloody PCR tests)
… what is a good GS dealer in Seattle where I could see several in person? BB?