Grand Seiko SBGA469g Review
This is a short review of my first Grand Seiko.
At first the snowflake had sparked my interest in GS watches. But the fact that it’s titanium put me off. It was just way too light for my taste and while being wonderfully finished, the slightly grayish tint of the material wasn’t really up my alley either.
So when GS announced this Online Boutique only Edition in stainless steel, it immediately got my attention.
Quality really is on a different level. No other watch has impressed me this much visually. The dial is pure perfection. See for yourself:
The only thing that bothered me a little was the fact that the bracelet just isn’t on the same level as the watch itself. It doesn’t have micro adjust, but only two half links and the endlinks have a little bit of play where they meet the case. In some instances this results in a minor gap between endlin and case. In my opinion this shouldn’t be like that. And this is the only aspect where GS loses against Rolex in my imho.
Most people won’t be bothered by this but if you have this level of perfection, every little detail that is not as perfect seems to jump at you.
This also is the case with scratches. Every micro scratch seems to stand out on this watch and hurts. The first real scratch will probably break my heart when it inevitably happens.
But all of this is very minor. But the point is: no watch is perfect. Even GS is no exception, so don’t expect it when buying one. Or go for a watch with a leather strap like the Skyflake.
It‘s an awesome watch and I’ll probably won’t meet another person wearing it very soon.
If you are a person who likes to flex, this watch won’t be for yo, though. Some people asked me if it’s a Rolex and only shrugged after stating that it’s in fact a Grand Seiko.
But I don’t care about this at all. For people in the know, this can spark a great conversation between watch nerds.
For those who asked about the dial color, here are some everyday pics in different lighting situations:
Grand Seiko SBGA469g Review
Yes
No
- Zaratsu polishing is top notch!
- Dial is impeccably well made. No spec of dust or scratch in sight.
- Spring Drive movement is so incredibly accurate.
- The seconds sweep is so awesome.
- Sapphire exhibition case back with subtle imprint that’s only visible in certain angles. Much better than on some other limited edition.
- Great power reserve and a visible indicator is quite practical.
- Very fair package for 5k
- Case hugs my 18,5cm/7.25in wrist very nicely.
- While being very well finished, comfortable to wear, the bracelet is flawed. Endlinks have a little play at the case, no micro adjust.
- Every little micro scratch is visible in sunlight and hurts because the finish was once absolutely perfect.
- Power reserve indicator is a little counter intuitive and not at the best position on the dial, but it doesn’t bother me a lot.
- No lume, but is honestly doesn’t need it. The hands and indices catch every little bit of light.
- Case is a bit thick.
- No immediate date change but changes gradually over the course of an hour.
12 years of watch addiction brought me here. My current collection: Tissot, Stowa, Breitling, (Grand) Seiko, Oris and Nomos.
Great review 👍🏻 Also im Surprised that hibiki is still full man! 😉
Great review 👍🏻 Also im Surprised that hibiki is still full man! 😉
Thanks, pal! I bought the Hibiki in order to celebrate the acquisition of this grail piece. By now a considerable amount has been consumed 😉
Absolutely gorgeous! Congrats!!!
Thats not a fair review.. You loved it going in
Still its a great watch and I can't fault it. 10 out of 10 here
Great review, agree with you regarding the bracelet... I own a SBGJ235 and I love it, the bracelet, I got used to it, and now I don´t hate it, luckily, it fits perfect as it is... Saratzu polishing is a real scratch magnet... regarding the thickness, I agree, it is a bit bulky but it doesn´t wear thick at all (at least mine on my wrist)... cheers and wear it in good health
Thank you so much for this review! I have the 469 on my short list of GS models I might be able to afford. It’s very hard to tell how ‘ katsu iro ‘ will look in real life, pics on GS website make it look quite blue.
Based on your pics I think it comes off as black in most situations. The scratches drive me crazy as well, painful on new otherwise perfect watch. Maybe my best option is finding a bashed up GS so I feel safe having it for my daily wear.
BTW - my current ”pricey/ fancy” watch is a black prospex LX on rubber - so I’m quite used to my grail watch being mistaken for a $100 Seiko 5 😂
Thank you so much for this review! I have the 469 on my short list of GS models I might be able to afford. It’s very hard to tell how ‘ katsu iro ‘ will look in real life, pics on GS website make it look quite blue.
Based on your pics I think it comes off as black in most situations. The scratches drive me crazy as well, painful on new otherwise perfect watch. Maybe my best option is finding a bashed up GS so I feel safe having it for my daily wear.
BTW - my current ”pricey/ fancy” watch is a black prospex LX on rubber - so I’m quite used to my grail watch being mistaken for a $100 Seiko 5 😂
Regarding the dial color:
In low light situations the dial looks glossy black, but if the light hits the dial the pattern becomes visible and it varies from a very deep blue like on these pics to almost purplish. It‘s very hard to capture and it feels like 2 or 3 different dials depending on the lighting.
I think this makes the watch even more interesting. I will add some pics to show this effect later today.
haha yeah this might help, otherwise you might be too cautious with it to really enjoy wearing it.
Congrats, that’s a great watch! Yeah it doesn’t matter what people think. I don’t understand people who wear watches rather for status than their own enjoyment.
Thats not a fair review.. You loved it going in
Still its a great watch and I can't fault it. 10 out of 10 here
I am a little biased, that’s true but I tried to list everything that could be an issue for potential buyers.
I will also update the review after the honeymoon phase 😉
Beautiful watches. Been thinking a lot about saving up for a GS. I wish they perfected their bracelets and had more options sub 40mm. Maybe I'll start saving and just see their development.
Beautiful watches. Been thinking a lot about saving up for a GS. I wish they perfected their bracelets and had more options sub 40mm. Maybe I'll start saving and just see their development.
Sorry for the late reply 😅
Yeah I am with you. Until then, there are great options on leather straps and sub 40mm available in their catalogue. The Omiwatari is drop dead gorgeous for example! Maybe it’s something for you?
Sorry for the late reply 😅
Yeah I am with you. Until then, there are great options on leather straps and sub 40mm available in their catalogue. The Omiwatari is drop dead gorgeous for example! Maybe it’s something for you?
I can't even look 🥺 It's far into the future if at all ...
I can't even look 🥺 It's far into the future if at all ...
There are more important things in life than watches. And someday you‘ll achieve your grail piece 💪🏼
I have a Pelagos with great micro adjust, but the bracelet on my GS is absolutely fine by me. My AD at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Joe Lim, could not have been more helpful, and adjusted it twice till over a couple of visits we got just the right fit. I have been so impressed by the customer care from his team at GS.
As for what my Spring Drive "resembles" - I complimented a colleague on his Batman, and he said "but you're wearing a Rolex too, right?" With its champagne dial, I think he thought my GS was a datejust. They are stunners, either way, so congratulations! You won't be disappointed
Belated thanks for a great helpful GS review! 🤙
Thanks for this review! I randomly stumbled onto this watch on chrono24 and absolutely loved it. What held me back were the comments saying it was so hard to see the textured dial if the lighting conditions weren't optimal. It's a bummer bc it's such a beautiful looking watch.