Subtle Beauty
I have to admit that when I got this watch (Grand Seiko SBGA413, Shunbun as many would call it), I was a bit underwhelmed.
Again, this was another purchase whereby I went based on photos and online reviews. I didn’t get to try the watch beforehand so yes, it was risky.
To give a bit of background to this story, I have always wanted to buy a Grand Seiko spring drive watch. To me, what other ways to properly experience the brand than through getting a watch that has the brand’s proprietary movement. The SBGA211 (a.k.a. The Snowflake) was of course the first that came to mind. I will not belabor further on why but suffice to say a lot of watch blog outlets would have already written a lot of articles on this. However, having had the chance to try it on my wrist, I was not impressed. It was rather ‘sterile’ for me.
Around the same time, I read news and reviews of the Shunbun that was at the time recently released. Going by these and photos I see online, I feel that it’s the right Grand Seiko for me. The dial pattern is pretty, and the pink is just the right hue, and going against many people’s preference, I actually LOVE the power reserve indicator because it breaks up the monotony of the dial and adds a point of interest to the dial due to the asymmetry. In my opinion, the power reserve indicator on this (and on the Snowflake, which has the same exact design) is one of the most beautifully crafted power reserve indicators I’ve ever seen.
One small problem was that, at the time, this model was US exclusive. It was hard to find an actual model to try wearing it and seeing it in real life.
About a year after the release, when I found out that someone in my country can actually source this watch, I jumped at the chance and purchase it. But of course, I still had not tried the watch and it was risky, yes, but I took the jump anyways.
So coming back, it was rather underwhelming for the first couple of days. I thought that It was not as pink as I’d like it to be (I like pink), and the titanium made it feel cheap due to the lack of heft. And the bracelet is just hopeless. But as I kept wearing I started to notice a few things.
The dial appears silver most of the time, especially in bright sunlight. I’d imagine that most people would probably only notice a silver watch. But this watch, at certain angle or certain lighting conditions, will show its pink hue clearly. And I think most of the time only the wearer will notice this. And when it does shows its pink hues, it’s stunning.
The hands, hour markers, and certain sections of the case, really sparkles. Very bling. And I love the bling. A lot of people say that Grand Seiko’s finishing (zaratsu polishing) is something else. They’re not lying. And they all look sharp. The hands look sharp enough to cut.
The bracelet is still hopeless though.
And now, this is one of the watches that I truly cherish in my collection. It’s beauty is subtle in that it will appear elegant enough in most situation but reveal is full glory only at certain condition and it is mostly noticeable only to the wearer (which is of course the most important thing because it is meant to satisfy the wearer and not the onlooker, right? … Right?). And if one day I feel like splurging on a glossy crocodile pattern strap, this will be a perfect dress watch. It may not be a watch for everybody but it’s definitely for me.
I rate it elegant/10 😃
I love watches. Ironically started the hobby due to Apple ‘Watch’, realizing that there’s an underused ‘real estate’ for accessorizing. Trying to keep to 1 watch purchase a year. Fine, 2. Ok, ok maybe...
I have the SBGA415 Winter StormCloud and totally agree about the sharpness of the polish!
Oh man, this might be the most beautiful GS I've ever seen...
Apart from the clasp and lack of adjustment (two big things they could def improve) I actually like the bracelet and the somewhat darker/warmer metal. . . but I also have warmed up quite a bit to titanium. I don't care about heft . . . such an odd thing in this hobby that people care about, I think but so it is. I just think the bracelet is comfortable!
That feeling you get when you finally see that pop of color that only presents itself in the most specific lighting conditions. I can relate to that feeling and i love it. 🥰🖤💙
GS makes some really beautiful watches, and with luck I’ll own one at some point.
I do wonder what they have to say about their bracelets. Has anyone read or heard anything from them? I always wonder if they thing the bracelets are fine or is they have a reasoning about not making them more comparable to those from other luxury companies.
I commented recently on another GS thread. Those watches are amazing but you have to appreciate the Japanese culture with the strive for perfection, quality and precision. Keeping that in mind you will better understand what GS represents.
Glad you were able to get one and are growing with it. It is a beautiful watch, but I hear you, there are some angles and light it can appear underwhelming, but more often than not, looks stunning.
@thekris Their bracelets are nothing to write home about for sure, BUT (pure speculation on my part) the hard part is how to keep a slim profile. Either way, I think they could add some taper.
You know what they say, "you buy a Rolex to impress other people, you buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself "
„He called you „sterile“, that mean man“…
Come here my lil‘ 211 🥺
Apart from the clasp and lack of adjustment (two big things they could def improve) I actually like the bracelet and the somewhat darker/warmer metal. . . but I also have warmed up quite a bit to titanium. I don't care about heft . . . such an odd thing in this hobby that people care about, I think but so it is. I just think the bracelet is comfortable!
You're right about the heft. There's presence, and then there's 'subtle' presence. I think with the watch being very light goes perfectly well with the whole 'subtle' theme of the watch. You know it's there, but it doesn't 'scream' at you telling you that it's there. Just like its pink hue.
Glad you were able to get one and are growing with it. It is a beautiful watch, but I hear you, there are some angles and light it can appear underwhelming, but more often than not, looks stunning.
@thekris Their bracelets are nothing to write home about for sure, BUT (pure speculation on my part) the hard part is how to keep a slim profile. Either way, I think they could add some taper.
If they want to go with no taper, that’s a choice I can understand. I may not buy, but I understand stylistic choices even when I don’t like them. My concern is that I’ve heard people complain about the quality.
I don’t wear my Speedmaster bracelet much, but man the quality is great. It feels solid in a way even other bracelets I like don’t. That’s what I’d expect for GS money.
I recently found out how much they cost in Japan. And oh the coincidence - I’ll be there in a few months. Grand Seiko boutique will be my first stop there
It is one of the most beautiful GS watches out there in my opinion. I think it would be better on steel as the shine and polish on this instead of titanium in my opinion looks better and suits the silver/pink dial more. Titanium is great for a tool watch but this isn’t that. I also agree the bracelet is lack lustre to say the least. When you have become accustomed to a Rolex oyster bracelet or an IWC this feels disappointing. So for sure I’d swap this out with a suede or leather strap.
Cheers 🌸
This is my favorite GS Spring drive model. Simply Gorgeous
"You buy a R. to impress others. You buy a GS to impress yourself."
As an SBGA415 owner I was like you, always wanted a Spring Drive, I have never seen the watch in person, and I had the opportunity to buy one for a superb price, as a friend of mine was in Tokyo, so I pulled the trigger. I was amazed when I held it in my hands for the first time (I flew just to meet my friend to Barcelona from Budapest to get the watch earlier), but after a short time I went through these stages, not so bad, but still. But now I am happy about it every single day, can't take it off my wrist. I love the PR indicator, the bling, the sharp edges, the Zaratsu, the movement, the simple elegance that it has quietly. And also that I can wear it in a hoodie or a suit. Nobody noticed it on my wrist or told me any compliments yet. But I am glad and saying thanks for myself every single time when I look at it.
Cheers mate, enjoy the Shunbun's beauty for long! 🥰
Apart from the clasp and lack of adjustment (two big things they could def improve) I actually like the bracelet and the somewhat darker/warmer metal. . . but I also have warmed up quite a bit to titanium. I don't care about heft . . . such an odd thing in this hobby that people care about, I think but so it is. I just think the bracelet is comfortable!
I was afraid too about the bracelet before I bought it, but now I actually love it! After I realised half links are not halfs by size, I found a perfect fit. And since it's a feather light watch, I barely want to micro adjust it.
I recently found out how much they cost in Japan. And oh the coincidence - I’ll be there in a few months. Grand Seiko boutique will be my first stop there
And you don't have to pay the VAT, so you can buy it at 90% 😉
And you don't have to pay the VAT, so you can buy it at 90% 😉
Exactly. Plus it’s already around 10-20% cheaper than in the USA and Europe
Exactly. Plus it’s already around 10-20% cheaper than in the USA and Europe
The SBGA415 is 445 on the Japanese market. In Hungary 415 is 7500 USD. In Japan 445 was 5200 USD without VAT 🤯. And not at a shady dealer, but the a flagship boutique in Ginza, Tokyo 🤗
The SBGA415 is 445 on the Japanese market. In Hungary 415 is 7500 USD. In Japan 445 was 5200 USD without VAT 🤯. And not at a shady dealer, but the a flagship boutique in Ginza, Tokyo 🤗
Yeah. I found grey market dealers on Chrono24 selling them way cheaper. But I’ll go through an AD. Budapest has so many watch stores on that one street. Andrassy or smth like that. Amazing
Yeah. I found grey market dealers on Chrono24 selling them way cheaper. But I’ll go through an AD. Budapest has so many watch stores on that one street. Andrassy or smth like that. Amazing
Yes and I spoke to them and they don't have the watch in the store, or they don't even have a shop and only ship the watch to an address.
Yes Andrássy street is beautiful and has a lot of watch shops. But generally it's the most expensive thing to buy a watch here 😂🔫
I think what a lot of people miss about the power reserve, is that it’s supposed to look like a Japanese fan. When I bought the Shunbun in Japan, I was given this GS branded fan as an extra. With pouch, box and it’s scented too! The power reserve indicator reminds me of that fan every time!