Grand Seiko SBGF021
What an amazing little watch. Does it all well. Yes, it’s 38 mm but wears a bit smaller in my opinion. Maybe it’s the thick brushed bezel. It does wear more like a 38 on the bracelet but today was casual Friday so I have it in a Barton Sailcloth . It has a bit of lume that works but also some polish that makes it sit in the amazing gray zone between dress and sport for me.
Ok, I agree, 19 mm lug width is not ideal, but I found a fair amount of straps online. If you go nato, a 18 mm will look just fine and also enhance the vintage feel.
The movement is as precise as it gets. The 8J is the previous generation of GS Super quartz and this one(8F56) specifically rocks a quick set hour hand, traveller GMT style. Yes, it’s quartz, but I don’t mind it anymore. I actually enjoy ‘challenging it’ in my mind just to see it hit the minute markers every time.
To finish it up the Tatami dial is very discreet (and hard to get in pictures - as you can see in mine, tried and failed). But when you see it it blows your mind.
This is now my go to when I travel, especially to less safe places, as it is a simple seiko to the untrained eye, or when I don’t want to think much.
Is it a replacement for the Explorer 36 I used to own? Time will tel…
I would love to see Max do a video about it. I would be very much interested in his opinion and point of view on this one. I would gladly loan it for a couple of weeks.
Mechanical Engineer, Grease monkey, mad about watches, working with Electric Car Batteries Repairs and After Sales Process Consulting. Yes, All over the place!
That's a great looking watch. Solid piece!
I have an 8J (SBGF029) and I love everything about it. It’s impossible to convey the level of finish and precision in photos. Glad to see someone else giving the 8j some love!
I have an 8J (SBGF029) and I love everything about it. It’s impossible to convey the level of finish and precision in photos. Glad to see someone else giving the 8j some love!
Love your Gs and your Lorier!
Apologies for this being my first post without a proper introduction. I'll make that a bit later. I have this watch (black dial) and the white dial version. I honestly don't fully understand why they don't get more love. The value on these is very good given the price point on them. Last I checked you can still find these for <1,000 pretty easily in good shape.
Great dimensions and case profile. Wears great on my 6.75 wrist. It does wear a little smaller than the 38mm but not much. It's a thinner watch and toes the line between dress and sport. Beautiful dials. High quality movement. Bracelet is super comfortable. 200m water resistance. Just an all around great every day watch. The only downside is the 19mm lug width.
I think I prefer the white dial variant. It would probably be my GADA choice out of my collection. The black dial is stunning. Pictures really don't do these justice.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Really appreciate seeing someone else with this watch.
Very cool. A 38mm spring drive Grand Seiko is my dream. Wish they would make one.
Very cool. A 38mm spring drive Grand Seiko is my dream. Wish they would make one.
Agreed. But I think they need to reduce the movement size. My guess is they do no go below 40mm on the spring drive due to that
Very nice. Looking at the pictures I don’t think it looks small on you.
Congrats! I‘m looking myself at these caliber 8J GS. They seem to offer incredible vakue for the price. This one and the SBGF001 are my favorites. I like the SBGF009 too, but it‘s maybe a little too polished for my taste. What I like about the 001 and 021 is the broad, brushed bezel. I wonder if we’re even going to see newer GS quartz models with the GMT hour hand, but without the 24 hand. It’s maybe the SBGX343s only fault.
Super curious to hear more about your experiences with the watch and your thoughts further down the line.
Congrats! I‘m looking myself at these caliber 8J GS. They seem to offer incredible vakue for the price. This one and the SBGF001 are my favorites. I like the SBGF009 too, but it‘s maybe a little too polished for my taste. What I like about the 001 and 021 is the broad, brushed bezel. I wonder if we’re even going to see newer GS quartz models with the GMT hour hand, but without the 24 hand. It’s maybe the SBGX343s only fault.
Super curious to hear more about your experiences with the watch and your thoughts further down the line.
There is one that don’t seem to get so much love: it’s the SBGP line. 40 mm case and 9F85 movement inside. This one tempts me a lot even though it’s more dressy that this old timer.
You can also find them new for a bargain from Japan on chrono 24. Especially the blue dial.
There is one that don’t seem to get so much love: it’s the SBGP line. 40 mm case and 9F85 movement inside. This one tempts me a lot even though it’s more dressy that this old timer.
You can also find them new for a bargain from Japan on chrono 24. Especially the blue dial.
I've tried on the SBGP001 at the AD a while ago, but I find the 44GS case in 40mm a bit too big for a "plain" three hander. It is a beautiful watch though and I loved the sun-ray champagne dial with contrasting blue seconds hand. The SBGP 009/011/013 are a bit smaller and cheaper, but I find the case a bit too simple. The moment GS comes out with quartz and spring drive movements in a 36,5mm 44GS case like this one I will be over the moon 🤑