Can’t get the Grand Seiko SBGY011 out of my head
Here I find myself browsing new watches again and this time my attention has turned towards GS. I’ve never fully warmed to the brand because of the larger size of most models but more recently I’ve come to accept that perhaps 40mm is an appropriate size for my 16.5cm wrist. (My main search has been 36-37mm)
This realisation has led me towards the 44GS range and I discovered the SBGY011 and I have to say I’m smitten. Not sure if I’m clouded by my infatuation with the product, what do people think about the fit of the watch on me?
I intend to wear it mainly during work days and my office environment leans towards the more formal spectrum so I think this is an appropriate piece. However given the trend towards more biz casual, will it look a bit too much in that context?
My rule of thumb is to sit on a watch for 2 weeks to let cooler heads prevail (especially given the magnitude of money to spend on this one). If I find myself still lusting for it after then, then I’ll know it’s serious.
Cheers
Hong Kong based enthusiast. Likes strong design and simple mechanics.
Looks perfect fit 🤩
Go for it 👍🏻👍🏻
The only way to get it out of your head is to put it on your wrist
It’s a beautiful piece. Did you check out the SBGY013 as well? The bracelet is really nice. Also it’s heavily discounted on the grey market.
Do it.
Beautiful watch. But I would check out Chrono24 for these, you can save a lot compared to the AD.
But my rule is but it blinding when given the chance and figure it out later
I really never put much of a deep thought in GS until I tried on a couple of pieces at an AD last year. One of them was that reference you’re showing, but in blue. They simply blew my socks off, to the point that I had to write a WC post about it.
From that moment on, I refined my research, honed in in the model I liked and desired, and from then on, all other watches that crossed my mind would be automatically compared to this GS. Went back to a different AD to try that specific piece I set my mind to.
I just bought one pre-owned out of Chrono24 yesterday for a 33% off its retail price and it’s on its way to me as we speak. And I’ll leave it there, I don’t want to jinx the delivery.
Looks awesome!
The lugwidth of 19mm hurts my soul but other than that an absolute beauty!
Do it. Do it.
I've been dying to get the SBGY011 too. I typically couldn't care less about an open case back and seeing the movement on a watch. Yet, there's something about the 9R31 movement and its looks that are just crazy mesmerizing to me!
Huge fan of the white dial + silver hands with the splash of blue with the seconds hands. I think 40mm suits you well, it has presence but doesn’t look comical. I don’t think this would look too much in a biz casual environment but if they had a bracelet version of this, that might make it a tad less dressy.
Looks great! The sides of the case have such a unique and beautiful shape. I think it could work in a casual setting as well with a cowhide strap.
I do love Grand Seiko’s, but……I just traded away a 40mm watch with 44GS case for a number of reasons
I think that dimension/case combination wears big. At least it did on my 6.6” wrist. I have another 40mm GS from the evolution 9 collection and it is much easier for me to wear.
The 44GS case has a LOT of high polish surfaces and when they scratch it’s very noticeable.
Third reason is that mine was a GMT and I found it to be not very legible in that I was constantly seeing the GMT hand as the minute hand….I know, I know, I could have read the time more carefully, but, well I didn’t.
Agree with anupster….check out the SBGY013
Gorgeous case and dial combo, this one will never be out of place, seriously.
Beautiful watch. But I would check out Chrono24 for these, you can save a lot compared to the AD.
AD offered 20% off already and indicated there’s room for further negotiation. My collector friends reckon 25% is achievable.
The only way to get it out of your head is to put it on your wrist
HAHAHA… naughty.
It’s a beautiful piece. Did you check out the SBGY013 as well? The bracelet is really nice. Also it’s heavily discounted on the grey market.
Yeah I’ve looked at it but I find this dial more balanced than the Omiwataris; I find there’s too much negative space on those dials whereas the 011 achieves a better balance.
I do love Grand Seiko’s, but……I just traded away a 40mm watch with 44GS case for a number of reasons
I think that dimension/case combination wears big. At least it did on my 6.6” wrist. I have another 40mm GS from the evolution 9 collection and it is much easier for me to wear.
The 44GS case has a LOT of high polish surfaces and when they scratch it’s very noticeable.
Third reason is that mine was a GMT and I found it to be not very legible in that I was constantly seeing the GMT hand as the minute hand….I know, I know, I could have read the time more carefully, but, well I didn’t.
Agree with anupster….check out the SBGY013
The scratch issue applies basically across the GS range of watches, no?
But yes, in general I agree with the points you made but I’m coming to terms with wear + scratches. One of my other watches is a Reverso and that’s also got its share of scratches and I’ve just accepted this reality.
The 44GS case just seems like it has more broad surfaces of high polish than other GS cases. Funny thing is I have a Reverso too and you’re right, scratches are very visible on it as well but in my opinion the 44GS case is worse
The 44GS case just seems like it has more broad surfaces of high polish than other GS cases. Funny thing is I have a Reverso too and you’re right, scratches are very visible on it as well but in my opinion the 44GS case is worse
Appreciate you pointing this out - it's good to have a point of reference and set appropriate expectations.