Explorer I hardly knew ye….
For the longest time I had my eye on the latest Rolex Explorer 40mm. I had been waiting a while for them to release that exact model and when they did I started saving.
Long story short, after owning this GS SBGA467 for almost a month, I can say that my desire for the Explorer has gone right out the window. Not saying one is better than the other, only that this covers all the bases along with some incredible finishing.
As for the bracelet, I’ve heard so many people bag on them. Maybe this is an outlier, but I can say that this is easily one of the most comfortable watches I’ve ever owned, bracelet included.
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UltraDoug
Watch enthusiast. photographer. Occasional time traveler. Owner of an ever changing collection. www.tracephotostudio.com
New Jersey, USA
Member since
Last active: 2 hrs ago
17.78 cm
Fantastic watch.
And this is what its all about. You found a piece that speaks to you, and love it. Many are not that lucky, I am happy for you. I have 3 pieces I feel this way about in my collection albiet at much lower prices.
I too lamented about the bracelet and lack of adjustment. But here I am wearing mine almost exclusively on the stock bracelet. Guess it’s not that bad after all.
Much better looking watch than the Explorer any day, cheers
Good stuff mate. And you just can’t beat spring drive!!!! It’s very hard to not give in to hype, but I will quote my wife, “just wear what you want. I don’t have to look at it! 🥸”
That thing is gorgeous….never really wanted a luxury watch but man those GS are sexy!
This is a terrific watch but feels overlooked compared to many models. Adrian Barker did a piece about the 37mm HAQ SBGX261 being Grand Seiko's answer to the 36mm Rolex Explorer. Aesthetically, that's a good comparison but you're comparing quartz and automatic. This - the 'Deep Black' - seems to me precisely the watch that anyone contemplating a 39mm or 40mm Explorer should see. You get Spring Drive, GS finishing, a fully-brushed bracelet (rare on GS), short L2L, massive versatility and, comparatively, a pretty big saving to boot.
Also: thanks for praising the bracelet. GS take a lot of stick but like you I've been impressed. The bracelet on my SBGP001 is incredibly comfortable, well-finished and solid. I particularly appreciate the simplicity of the small clasp which adds to the comfort.
Hmm that _is_ nice! I have the SBGN005 and my only issue with the bracelet is the lack of micro adjust to cater for swelling wrists - in every other respect the build and finish is excellent. Yes the clasp is small and simple compared to the large milled examples we've become used to on other sports watches, but in use it is dead simple and gives a clean unobtrusive look to the bracelet which is probably more in keeping with the GS / Japanese philosophy.
Hard to beat a GS! And I too find their bracelets fit me just fine.
I’m with you on this: easily the most comfortable watch I own is my GS.