The top of my wish list…
A Grand Seiko SBGW231 is at the local watch shop. Fairly priced but still a reach for my budget at this time. I have the cash, but there would be some ouch. I haven’t gone to look at it. Kind of fearful of doing so.
I have a few aspirational time pieces, but this is the one that gets me swooning. It is plain, direct and exquisitely executed to my sensibilities. This may be blasphemy, but I think I like it better than the Calatrava.
I think I am writing this because all y’all might understand my unrequited yearning.
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Shemsuddin
Howdy! New collector but a long time watch enthusiast. Looking to establish a proletarian array of time pieces that I actually love and wear.
Asheville, NC
Member since
Last active: 6 days ago
7.25”
I have the SBGW 231 279 and 285. I say go for it you won't regret it. The only thing I am confused about your pic is it says Seiko on top, and Grand Seiko on the bottom of the dial. Mine says Grand Seiko, there is no Seiko label on the dial.
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgw231g
I understand you wanting to purchase this, but if it all impacts your finances, don't do it. Watches are jewelry and should not affect your overall quality of living. I'd suggest saving up for this and when it's more feasible pull the trigger, or move on to something that you can afford at this time. Good luck.
Hey Dawg - This is the photo the shop uploaded to their site. Good catch. From what I gather the older 031 had the double logo. Perhaps this is an 031 and not a 231. Or, did the older. 231’s have the 6 o:clock logo? I kind of like the two brands. I suppose it is a little Toyota/Lexus but, hey. It still floats my boat! Is the reference number on the actual watch? I only see the movement number inscribed on the movement itself.
If it’s going to bring some ouch along with it, don’t do it. The watch will still be around to buy in the future. Just my two cents
Well done for not buying it (yet). If it stops you sleeping well it’s not worth it! When there’s no ouch, whenever that is, you will enjoy it properly.
I understand you wanting to purchase this, but if it all impacts your finances, don't do it. Watches are jewelry and should not affect your overall quality of living. I'd suggest saving up for this and when it's more feasible pull the trigger, or move on to something that you can afford at this time. Good luck.
Yeah, I am in the mode of oh my oh my more than actually buying it. I am hanging out with my yearning. Suffering the ouch will take away the fun of having it. Way too cool of a piece to do that. I am talking about me more than the watch - ha!!!
I say if you don't, a prime opportunity like this might not come back around.
Yes, the double branding is for an older model. If you like that, I would suggest looking at the secondary market. GS take a 30% hit easy.
I have the SBGW 231 279 and 285. I say go for it you won't regret it. The only thing I am confused about your pic is it says Seiko on top, and Grand Seiko on the bottom of the dial. Mine says Grand Seiko, there is no Seiko label on the dial.
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgw231g
I am looking at one myself. A bit on the fence, can you give me some information about the movement?
Absolutely stunning timepiece! But don't ever stretch yourself financially for a watch.
It's just a watch at the end of the day.
It’s the “ouch” that kills ya ! Fantastic piece. You’ll get it one day ✌🏻
Don’t delay and risk missing out.
Hey Shemsuddin,
Gorgeous GS, I’d echo most of the comments here about holding off.
I’m actually in the same boat myself, I want the GS SBGX261. As you put it so well, it’s “plain, direct and exquisitely executed to my sensibilities”. I have the cash and the wife has given me the green light but I am still waiting a bit as I have other milestones I’d like to accomplish first including fully paying off my student loans in the next couple of months (finally amirite?)
The only thing I’d suggest though is to make the trip to your local watch shop to try it out. I’ve swooned over watches before like the Longines Hydroconquest but when I tried them on they didn’t wear as well as I would have hoped.
I am looking at one myself. A bit on the fence, can you give me some information about the movement?
It’s a manual wind. And I have to say the crunch when you wind is like nothing I have experienced, very satisfying. I get the full 72hrs on the wind, and keeps very good time. Only thing to note is the thickness of the watch, for manual wind it could have been under 9mm but typical GS it’s extra thick iirc 11mm.
The watch pictured is the SBGW031, which is double signed. It’s the same watch as the 231, with the exception of the double logo. These are phenomenal watches though. I’ve owned the 231 for a bit over 2 years and I love it more now than when I got it. It’s about as close to perfect as a watch can get in my eyes. I say go for it!
Yes, the double branding is for an older model. If you like that, I would suggest looking at the secondary market. GS take a 30% hit easy.
For what it's worth, there is some argument that the finishing on the older double-branded models is superior to the more recent iterations. If you search there are a few articles here on WC and elsewhere with macro photography showing GS may sometimes skimp on more entry level models like this, at least in recent years. If this is an older version you might want to get in there with a loupe and take a proper look. The quality of finishing on the dauphine hands is usually a good indicator of overall finishing.
I'm wary of playing devil's advocate if the money is a concern, but this is a true forever watch. You have this and you have the dress watch/grown-up watch/heirloom watch all sewn up. Looked after and appreciated it will not age or suffer from changes in fashion. I agree that it's not worth losing sleep over, but I would also agree that money spent on this specific watch is money well spent.
Is your ouch the equivalent of eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the week, or the ouch which is more of an financial unnecessary pain which will affect you or your family. I think only you can answer your own question.
A fabulous watch - checks all the boxes if you ask me (and I love and wear the heck out of mine)
And like others - got mine in the secondary and haven’t looked back!
I don’t know what it is, but I’m starting to see something in these vintage / Neo-vintage Grand and King Seiko.
Hey Dawg - This is the photo the shop uploaded to their site. Good catch. From what I gather the older 031 had the double logo. Perhaps this is an 031 and not a 231. Or, did the older. 231’s have the 6 o:clock logo? I kind of like the two brands. I suppose it is a little Toyota/Lexus but, hey. It still floats my boat! Is the reference number on the actual watch? I only see the movement number inscribed on the movement itself.
All the models that have 0XX are double branded models.
This could actually be two watches though, depending on the case back. The sbgw031 had a display back and double branding, but the sbgw001 from the 2000s was the same exact watch with double branding but a closed case back with the GS lion.
I say if you don't, a prime opportunity like this might not come back around.
I like your style, Bradshaw
So nice to get the reflections! The one factor that might sway me is the shop owner is a friend and supporting him is something that makes moving the timeline up a bit a worthwhile notion. Seeing that I have made my mind up to buy a 231 (or 031 - the two brands on the face looks great to me) purchasing local will make the time I keep with this watch even sweeter.
Regardless, once I have acquired one, after my sweetie, all of you will be next to see it on my wrist!
Yes, the double branding is for an older model. If you like that, I would suggest looking at the secondary market. GS take a 30% hit easy.
It is a used watch. In excellent condition.
Hey Shemsuddin,
Gorgeous GS, I’d echo most of the comments here about holding off.
I’m actually in the same boat myself, I want the GS SBGX261. As you put it so well, it’s “plain, direct and exquisitely executed to my sensibilities”. I have the cash and the wife has given me the green light but I am still waiting a bit as I have other milestones I’d like to accomplish first including fully paying off my student loans in the next couple of months (finally amirite?)
The only thing I’d suggest though is to make the trip to your local watch shop to try it out. I’ve swooned over watches before like the Longines Hydroconquest but when I tried them on they didn’t wear as well as I would have hoped.
This is sound. I already like visiting the shop. So, an excuse!
Is your ouch the equivalent of eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the week, or the ouch which is more of an financial unnecessary pain which will affect you or your family. I think only you can answer your own question.
Pb&j’s for the week sounds kinda great!
All the models that have 0XX are double branded models.
This could actually be two watches though, depending on the case back. The sbgw031 had a display back and double branding, but the sbgw001 from the 2000s was the same exact watch with double branding but a closed case back with the GS lion.
Has a display caseback.
Pb&j’s for the week sounds kinda great!
I know it’s fine with me, but is it fine for my wife. Sadly 😢 no it’s not ok for her.
Don't get it if there's any "ouch". One of the cardinal rules of watch collecting.