Career Milestone / First Watch North of $1000
Hey everyone. I know this is a personal decision, but could use the watch community’s help since my girlfriend is annoyed with me constantly asking for her opinion. I’m looking to get my first “real” watch over $1,000 to mark a personal career milestone. I’m looking at the Grand Seiko SBGX261, the Nomos Club Campus 36 701, and the Christopher Ward Sandhurst. All of these are versatile, which is something I’m attracted to.
I love the case design, shape, and finishing on the Grand Seiko, along with the 9F quartz movement. It’s a set it and forget it type of watch, but with elegance, class, and heritage.
The Nomos is classic while being a little playful, and it’s a great size for me. I do also like the hand wound movement that drives this bad boy. The only thing I’m worried about is the long lug to lug.
As for the Sandhurst, the proportions are fantastic, the military styling intrigues me, the Swiss movement is reliable, and an argument could be made that it’s the most durable out of the three.
At this point it’s a matter of which should I buy first. Any feedback is appreciated, along with any experiences one may have with any of these three timepieces.
For reference, I have a Lorier Falcon II and Neptune v3; Nodus Sector Pilot and Field Sport no date; Seiko Alpinist SARB017 and solar quartz diver SNE573; and a Citizen Promaster NY0040 black dial.
Which one would you pick, and why? Thanks in advance for your assistance and time!
I have the Grand Seiko SBGN013 GMT with the incredible 9F movement. I think you will absolutely love it. The black dial is so inky black you'd think you could swim in it.
I agree with @blake70605, also I suggest you to consider the waiting list for the Nomos Club is up to 10 month.
I have the Grand Seiko SBGN013 GMT with the incredible 9F movement. I think you will absolutely love it. The black dial is so inky black you'd think you could swim in it.
Thanks for the input! Might have to drown in that black dial then…
I agree with @blake70605, also I suggest you to consider the waiting list for the Nomos Club is up to 10 month.
Extremely good point, I definitely overlooked that. Thanks for pointing that out!
Have owned the white dial version of the GS. Incredible watch. Didn't keep it.
Bought the Sandhurst earlier this year with the usual $125 off coupon (current discount code is available online). Though not to the level of finishing as the GS, to me a far more captivating watch. The C65 Sandhurst will only leave my collection when given to my newest grandson, born a month ago.
You know that saying, "Opinions are like a$$holes... everybody's got one"? Well, here's one a$$hole's opinion:
SBGX261 without question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5u2eQG59o
Congrats on the career milestone, by the way!
Have owned the white dial version of the GS. Incredible watch. Didn't keep it.
Bought the Sandhurst earlier this year with the usual $125 off coupon (current discount code is available online). Though not to the level of finishing as the GS, to me a far more captivating watch. The C65 Sandhurst will only leave my collection when given to my newest grandson, born a month ago.
First and foremost, congrats on the new addition to your family! It does seem like a great watch, and I see your point. Thanks for your comment!
You know that saying, "Opinions are like a$$holes... everybody's got one"? Well, here's one a$$hole's opinion:
SBGX261 without question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5u2eQG59o
Congrats on the career milestone, by the way!
I actually laughed out loud at your post and that video!! Thanks so much for chiming in. I have no experience handling higher level watches, so hearing your opinion and your experiences is extremely helpful! Looks like I just made up my mind…
Tbh, I would recommend Nomos. I’m not saying that Grand Seiko is bad. In fact I’ve handled lots of Grand Seikos and their quartz are top gear. Like they grow their own crystal, making the “tick” perfect with no after-shake. But as a total watch nerd, your first meaningful watch gotta be a nice automatic one. And don’t worry about the lug, unless u have a tinny tinny wrist, you can pull it out!
Nomos and Sinn (I suggest you to check the 556 too) play in their own league.
I guess this is a controversial opinion, but for me Nomos and Sinn are way better than Longines and other Swiss brands at 2K or below.
I own a 701, feel free to ask me any questions!
GS. That thing is bulletproof!
I would go for a Nomos. In house mouvement and perfect finish. This watch would still be relevant in your collection in 5-10 years even if you have acquired more expensive watches until then
Been eyeing the GS myself so my pick will be GS and congrats!!
Tbh, I would recommend Nomos. I’m not saying that Grand Seiko is bad. In fact I’ve handled lots of Grand Seikos and their quartz are top gear. Like they grow their own crystal, making the “tick” perfect with no after-shake. But as a total watch nerd, your first meaningful watch gotta be a nice automatic one. And don’t worry about the lug, unless u have a tinny tinny wrist, you can pull it out!
There is just something special about Nomos that is captivating, and that hand wound movement has me feeling some type of way. I have a 7" wrist so I think I'd be fine, thanks for your comment!
Nomos and Sinn (I suggest you to check the 556 too) play in their own league.
I guess this is a controversial opinion, but for me Nomos and Sinn are way better than Longines and other Swiss brands at 2K or below.
I own a 701, feel free to ask me any questions!
These German brands do not get nearly as much attention as they should, which is great because it keeps costs down! Sinn 556i has also been on my radar. Great picture of the 701, looks great on the Nato! How have you been liking it?
I am a big fan of Nomos, and will never not recommend one! I think they have a little more personality than the Grand Seiko, but I will say the GS is more versatile and would also be a great choice. Pictured is my 38mm Orion on a 7.25" wrist for Nomos size reference. In my experience, the Club wears a little thicker and sturdier than the Orion.
I am a big fan of Nomos, and will never not recommend one! I think they have a little more personality than the Grand Seiko, but I will say the GS is more versatile and would also be a great choice. Pictured is my 38mm Orion on a 7.25" wrist for Nomos size reference. In my experience, the Club wears a little thicker and sturdier than the Orion.
Great picture, looks fantastic on wrist! I do agree that Nomos has a little more flare than the GS; both are just so dang gorgeous! I appreciate the input!
Great to hear that you've been enjoying it, wear it in good health! Thanks for helping make this decision more difficult! 😂 Might have to look for it used since the waiting list is around 10 months now if I go that route...
You're welcome 😂 Try to check one out at an AD, or a Club Campus at least. I have one Nomos AD in mi city, maybe you have one too!
Nomos and Sinn (I suggest you to check the 556 too) play in their own league.
I guess this is a controversial opinion, but for me Nomos and Sinn are way better than Longines and other Swiss brands at 2K or below.
I own a 701, feel free to ask me any questions!
Love the Nomos on a Nato!
I suggest to try in store if possible. Nomos looks nicer in photos than my wrist. I would go for a longines flagship heritage for that price range. have you thought of a monta or formex? Their finishing looks ways above their asking price. A black bay 36 blue would be a stretch but would be nice too.
I suggest to try in store if possible. Nomos looks nicer in photos than my wrist. I would go for a longines flagship heritage for that price range. have you thought of a monta or formex? Their finishing looks ways above their asking price. A black bay 36 blue would be a stretch but would be nice too.
Thanks for the suggestions! Formex doesn’t really speak to me, but I’ll have to look more into Monta and the Longines. I do love the black bay 36, which could also be a good choice if I save a little longer. Appreciate the input!
3 really solid watches. Now my opinion. Even if the quality of the GS is superior, the watch and it’s looks is something that gets me exci and I feel like the GS looks boring. You can get like 200$ Seikos that look very similar while they may not feel that way. Point I’m trying to make is: the nomos is also very solid and timeless looking while it has some interest to it. It looks a little more lively and young. Anyways i think you will be happy with either one. Congrats mate :)
3 really solid watches. Now my opinion. Even if the quality of the GS is superior, the watch and it’s looks is something that gets me exci and I feel like the GS looks boring. You can get like 200$ Seikos that look very similar while they may not feel that way. Point I’m trying to make is: the nomos is also very solid and timeless looking while it has some interest to it. It looks a little more lively and young. Anyways i think you will be happy with either one. Congrats mate :)
Thanks for the feedback! I do agree, the Grand Seiko can seem a little underwhelming, while the Nomos definitely has more character. I'll have to do some more self-reflecting on which one speaks more to me!
+1 for nomos
Big congrats on your milestone first of all. being that this watch purchase is commemorative, I would recommend going with something a little more versatile, conservative, timeless that ages well. The GS is the ticket. in terms of finishing you will find the GS is on a different level. with its accuracy, you will find yourself using it to set all your other watches because it’s quicker than pulling out your phone. GS all day, everyday (including leap days), hands up, hands down, hands side ways.
Thanks for the feedback! I do agree, the Grand Seiko can seem a little underwhelming, while the Nomos definitely has more character. I'll have to do some more self-reflecting on which one speaks more to me!
its cliche but pictures don’t do the GS justice. ultimately each to their own, but handle it in person before making the decision.
For what it's worth, I own the Sandhurst and it's my daily wear watch. Very happy with my purchase. I don't own a Grand Seiko but aspire to but your reference is just such a different watch from the Sandhurst and the NOMOS--more dress than sport. I've been looking at the NOMOS Watch Club – Reference 703.S4. I've always wanted a NOMOS but don't like the California dial on the Club Campus models and the standard handwound "Club" doesn't have lume, which is a nonstarter for me for a watch like this. The special edition watch club version is only available until the 12th of June, and is a deal compared to the regular club. Note that it won't ship for four months.
Big congrats on your milestone first of all. being that this watch purchase is commemorative, I would recommend going with something a little more versatile, conservative, timeless that ages well. The GS is the ticket. in terms of finishing you will find the GS is on a different level. with its accuracy, you will find yourself using it to set all your other watches because it’s quicker than pulling out your phone. GS all day, everyday (including leap days), hands up, hands down, hands side ways.
I actually went to see it in person a few weeks ago and tried it on, its incredible in person and its the one for me! Thanks for the input!
For what it's worth, I own the Sandhurst and it's my daily wear watch. Very happy with my purchase. I don't own a Grand Seiko but aspire to but your reference is just such a different watch from the Sandhurst and the NOMOS--more dress than sport. I've been looking at the NOMOS Watch Club – Reference 703.S4. I've always wanted a NOMOS but don't like the California dial on the Club Campus models and the standard handwound "Club" doesn't have lume, which is a nonstarter for me for a watch like this. The special edition watch club version is only available until the 12th of June, and is a deal compared to the regular club. Note that it won't ship for four months.
Thanks for the heads up on that Nomos, it looks incredible! They do seem to have waiting periods for their watches, which isn't an issue for me. Also great to hear that you're enjoying the Sandhurst, wear it it good health! I will probably pick one up at some point in the future!
If I was in your shoes I’d go with the Nomos. I like their designs, the alpha movement is reliable and handsomely finished and I respect how they march to their own drum. The longines Spirit 37 may be another consideration in this price range.
The GS is a beautiful watch but the bracelet does not taper and the crown looks like it’s from a different watch. The Christopher ward is neat too. Whatever you choose, you will have a watch that will make me say “hey, nice watch” should our paths cross