Grand Seiko SBGN003/5 Discontinued VS Pre-owned market

I have the SBGN005, the blue one. It’s a fine watch, comfortable and impressively accurate. The newer models have a case and style change. I’m sure they are still great watches. I’ve handled a SBGN021 and it was excellent on the wrist, too. I like the look of the ceramic bezel. However, like comparing an older Rolex to a newer one, the old model stands up well. The price point for the SBGN021 is higher than the 003/5, so that may be propping up the price on the used market. If you get either one, it’s likely to last a lifetime. I think at retail price the 003/5 is still a great choice. Here’s mine:

UPDATE: I had a minute to look at the GS site and I see the new SBGN029 is listed at $3300 US, so that’s the closest new model and probably provides an upper price cap. I can see preferring the old to the new at a similar price, but don’t the the 003/5 will command a premium. 

One just needs to see how previous discontinued models fare, eg SBGV245

i doubt the SBGN003/005 will reach that status though, due to considerable flak of 003 supposedly homaging the Rolex Exp II

to answer your qns, i’d hurry up. Prices are not climbing up fast enough prob due to the upcoming recession. but thats affecting the whole market in general.

How would you compare it with the C63 GMT on a bracelet? https://www.christopherward.com/int/sports-watches/C63-Sealander-GMT/C63-39AGM3-S00K1-HKO.html

Do you love it. Can you find another? If so is it cheaper? 

If the answer is yes  no and no then buy it. It's a fantastic watch.

I was at a Grand Seiko AD a few days ago and he said that some of the quartz GMTs had been discontinued. He mentioned the models with the ceramic bezels specifically. 

There you go, great watch and well worth the money. I would be expecting £500 discount from an AD. Only gripe 19mm lug width. 

I'm looking seriously at this model as a grail purchase. The jumping hour hand sealed the deal. 

If you want a GMT, I think you will be happy. This watch is great quality. I use it for travel or when I have calls in multiple time zones. 

I'm going to do a post about why I like and want this GS. And I love quartz, so the 9F is a grail to me. I also have the Seiko tuna marine master with the legendary 7c46 quartz movement. 

Don’t know if anybody here uses Watchcharts. It’s great for a general market reading. I get a kick out if it - as long as you take it with a grain of salt. I’ve never bought anything through the site yet though. 

https://watchcharts.com/watch_model/1741-grand-seiko-sbgn003/overview

Like all GS', it's pretty.  I'd prefer an auto or a spring drive, but there's no denying that this one's a looker.

I would expect that prices will eventually fall, even though it's been discontinued.  You just need to wait for the scalpers to finish attempting to clear out their stock.

I was underwhelmed by the dials on these quartz GMTs when I saw them in person. They just seemed a bit cold and unexciting to me. 

I don’t mind the 19mm. I’m one of those that likes the look of a smaller than the lug width nato :) 

I agree with your points. And regardless of the price vs the newer ones, main reason for me was the more sporty look of the 003/005. 

No comparison at all, the GS is light years ahead of the CW. I purchased a white dial CW C63 GMT last month. And returned it as soon as I got it for a full refund due to the GMT hand being out of synch with the main hands.  

The GMT hand should be pointing to the 0300 indice…not 0230.  Such a disappointment, it’s a sharp looking watch.  But to compare it to a GS is unfair to CW. 
 

The CW does have an on the fly adjustable clasp, and it works, but it’s not very refined.  I was able to get a great fit with the GS so do not miss an adjustable clasp.  The GS bracelet is way better than the CW bracelet. 

I actually considered the CW GMT. Similar case size as the SBGN003/5. And the tapered bracelet was perfect. 

But trident hand was  a turn off for me.

I have been lucky to have both the SBGN003 and the SBGN027G in hand at the Grand Seiko Boutique before picking up the 003.

My opinion only, but the SBGN003 is markedly more attractive with its crown at 3, crown guards and charming orange GMT hand.

Cannot say where the discontinuation of the 003 will drive second hand prices, but it's a model I am proud to own when I open my watch drawer