Which GS to get next?
A visit to the AD for me, a choice for you!
OK, Crunchers and particularly those GS nuts out there; yes, we know who you are! I was at my AD today and three GS are on my possible list for this year.
The GS SBGY013 Omiwatari, with the 9R31 manual wind spring drive. I’ve (mostly) decided my next GS will be a manual wind spring drive. To me, part of the draw of GS is the accuracy and the thinness of these movements draws me in. This one the certainly shinier than most in my box, but it’s light and beautifully finished.
OR - the GS SBGY009 55th Anniversary edition. Also a 9R31, and wow, what a dial! I like the leather band on my Skyflake and this gives me the same vibes. Given the ‘bling’ of the Omiwatari, I’d consider these both dress watches.
OR - the dark horse (bird?), the GS SBGJ26 Blue Peacock - yes, it’s heavier, no it’s not a spring drive, yes, I’ve already got a GS GMT, but again, that dial!
So what would you all pick first?
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Rob
Always interested in variety, but must be useful
Annapolis
Member since
Last active: 9 min ago
7.09” / 18.00 cm
Bluuuuue!
For me, it's a really tight race between the SBGY009 and the SBGJ261.
Both have the 44GS case design, which is awesome
The SBGY009 has spring drive, and the power meter on the back, and that gold logo and seconds hand is to kill for
But, the Peacock dial is something else
And, well, I did actually end up choosing the SBGJ261, so I guess revealed preference says the SBGJ261!
For me, it's a really tight race between the SBGY009 and the SBGJ261.
Both have the 44GS case design, which is awesome
The SBGY009 has spring drive, and the power meter on the back, and that gold logo and seconds hand is to kill for
But, the Peacock dial is something else
And, well, I did actually end up choosing the SBGJ261, so I guess revealed preference says the SBGJ261!
You’ve guessed my front runners!
I am all for shinny, so the Omiwatari for me please! Don't wrap it, I'll use it immediately...
Haha. What a great problem to have. Go for all three 😏
They still make the Peacock?
Definitely the peacock then, that textured dial and that gold hand is such a beautiful combination.
They still make the Peacock?
Definitely the peacock then, that textured dial and that gold hand is such a beautiful combination.
I think they’ve stopped, but my AD has one left!
You will find that my suggestions are absolutely biased. I will start with your considerations first and then give my opinion, as this is going to be your watch.
Giving what you have shared, between the SBGY and SBGJ, it makes sense that these are your frontrunners. Although the dial of the last one is absolutely gorgeous, it would be more redundant in your collection. It sounds to me that you are considering it for its style but the other two serve a closer purpose to your overall wants.
The reason that I would suggest the SBGJ for you is because it is manual wind and it has the legendary 44 GS case. On top of that, to personal belief, I believe that the way that the dial furniture sits on a milky dark bed of the dial, this high low type of dynamic really brings out the shine of a polishing. On top of this the case will help the entire watch glimmer.
The SBGY, on the other hand, is beautiful both in case shape, and execution. With a double dome sapphire, it replicates the feeling of acrylic. For an added bonus, b double dome sapphire helps further visually curve and already curved dial. Personally, with my money, this is the way I voted, as I now own SBGY003.
Giving the points that I have shared, it is up to you to decide whether or not those points are important to consider. Between the points of case shape, whether or not you want to bracelet, and the color of the dial you want and expect to wear it most, I believe these will guide you towards getting a watch that you would enjoy. Either way, Grand Seiko is no slouch. Whatever interpretation you have of the brand, I do hope I resonates and you would enjoy it in good health!
You will find that my suggestions are absolutely biased. I will start with your considerations first and then give my opinion, as this is going to be your watch.
Giving what you have shared, between the SBGY and SBGJ, it makes sense that these are your frontrunners. Although the dial of the last one is absolutely gorgeous, it would be more redundant in your collection. It sounds to me that you are considering it for its style but the other two serve a closer purpose to your overall wants.
The reason that I would suggest the SBGJ for you is because it is manual wind and it has the legendary 44 GS case. On top of that, to personal belief, I believe that the way that the dial furniture sits on a milky dark bed of the dial, this high low type of dynamic really brings out the shine of a polishing. On top of this the case will help the entire watch glimmer.
The SBGY, on the other hand, is beautiful both in case shape, and execution. With a double dome sapphire, it replicates the feeling of acrylic. For an added bonus, b double dome sapphire helps further visually curve and already curved dial. Personally, with my money, this is the way I voted, as I now own SBGY003.
Giving the points that I have shared, it is up to you to decide whether or not those points are important to consider. Between the points of case shape, whether or not you want to bracelet, and the color of the dial you want and expect to wear it most, I believe these will guide you towards getting a watch that you would enjoy. Either way, Grand Seiko is no slouch. Whatever interpretation you have of the brand, I do hope I resonates and you would enjoy it in good health!
What a great and thoughtful review. You’ve hit on the exact points. I’ve got bracelets and straps in the current collection and that will be a major factor. By the looks, that dark dial is really drawing me in.
I am actually surprised that blue peacock SBGJ261 is still available from various AD.
I was on a trip in Honolulu in October last year, AD at the mall brought out the peacock from the back and said they just received it and has not yet put in the showroom.
Of course, due to the high USD at that time I passed on the deal and had been regretting since as I thought I would never see one again new from a dealer.
Recently it seems alot of people had been picking one up new from their AD. I assume either it did not sell well, or GS has been shipping them out to AD very slowly?
I am actually surprised that blue peacock SBGJ261 is still available from various AD.
I was on a trip in Honolulu in October last year, AD at the mall brought out the peacock from the back and said they just received it and has not yet put in the showroom.
Of course, due to the high USD at that time I passed on the deal and had been regretting since as I thought I would never see one again new from a dealer.
Recently it seems alot of people had been picking one up new from their AD. I assume either it did not sell well, or GS has been shipping them out to AD very slowly?
Good question, I don’t know. My AD said this was the last one he had, and I think he plays pretty straight with me about things like that.
Those three must have been all great choices. Each of them got 1/3 of the votes after 100+ total votes.
Those three must have been all great choices. Each of them got 1/3 of the votes after 100+ total votes.
I know, I was surprised. I know they are all good choices, but the very even split is a surprise!
I picked the omiwatari at last, it was a hard decision but it’s my first GS. Now I have more reason to convince my wife to let me “collect” more GS in GS44 case.
They are addictive, I’ve got 3 looking for #4
All of them 😍
Omiwatari 1st if you must choose
SBGY009 - Because I had some of the same choices. In the end main factors were 9R31 movement, hand wound goodness, 44gs and no date design, nearly 10mm thinness, and intricate details within the dial. All this plus GS features in this timepiece that run deep like: attention to and fineness of finishing, state of the art movement technology, unique 44GS case design, and drop dead reliability and accuracy. Enjoy your new toy since at the end of the day they’re all good choices.
SBGY009 - Because I had some of the same choices. In the end main factors were 9R31 movement, hand wound goodness, 44gs and no date design, nearly 10mm thinness, and intricate details within the dial. All this plus GS features in this timepiece that run deep like: attention to and fineness of finishing, state of the art movement technology, unique 44GS case design, and drop dead reliability and accuracy. Enjoy your new toy since at the end of the day they’re all good choices.
That’s the way I am leaning, but I agree they are all good choices. It seems our community agrees as each seems to be getting about 1/3 of the votes.
Tight race!!!
I voted for the 009 for case thin ness and kick ass 44GS looks. Night blue radial lined dial. Tsuki tenshin + 40mm x 10mm - super lux.
I have no hand wound watches - but it's supposed to be a fun to gently wind it and watch the magic of spring drive smoothly start from a stop.
But could just as easy go for blue peacockery! 🦚
It's so difficult to choose... I would advise purchasing everything. 😅🫣