SBGY011 - Who needs a vintage GS/KS?

I've been contemplating getting a vintage GS or KS during 2023. However, after buying the SVGY011 (10,5mm thin, 100m WR, manual wind Spring Drive, PR on the back, MOP-ish dial with a linen structure in the modern 44GS case...I'm not sure I want a vintage GS anymore.

What would you do? Stick to this modern and classic version, or get a vintage?

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Why not have more than one grand seikos, can't get bored of their watches

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As a GS fan (I cannot afford one yet) both are nice, I would be happy either/or. Can't answer this one for you, and I know it would be hard to compare vintage/new together. Whichever was you go, you will have a lovely watch.

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There is nothing wrong with having both. I have a vintage GS & KS manual winds and I love them just as much as my modern GS automatic.

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dsoyke

Why not have more than one grand seikos, can't get bored of their watches

Have nine GS (modern) watches, so I agree.

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SurferJohn

There is nothing wrong with having both. I have a vintage GS & KS manual winds and I love them just as much as my modern GS automatic.

What year and model is your vintage?

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If the modern has a design that you love, why would you be interested in vintage?

I prefer modern just because there’re likely less issues assuming you hang onto them for a year or longer. Vintage can be quite tricky sometimes so I avoid them if possible.

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Haha as expected, when this group is offered a choice the answer is "yes".

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This is a stunner! Tbh, I don’t see the point of going vintage once you own this. I mean vintage GS and KS are indeed smaller, and considering they’re mechanic or automatic they’re different enough to justify their purchase. But for me I would buy them almost exclusively for the case shape. I’m contemplating buying a vintage KS at the moment, because I do not intend buying a modern 44GS.

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This is so close to being the perfect GS....If they only would have made it with 20mm lugs 😢

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Zetaplus93

If the modern has a design that you love, why would you be interested in vintage?

I prefer modern just because there’re likely less issues assuming you hang onto them for a year or longer. Vintage can be quite tricky sometimes so I avoid them if possible.

Why vintage? Easy: Wearing and owning a watch produced by a watch brand from your birth year is kind of a romantic notion. And, let's be honest, watch collecting is often a more emotional pursuit than a rational one. At least for me, it is.

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riverstoneflyfishing

This is so close to being the perfect GS....If they only would have made it with 20mm lugs 😢

19mm is perfect for any GS collector as most of the GS have either 19mm or 21mm. Heck, even Rolex converted to 21mm - and several microbrands now release watches with 19mm.

20mm is now seen as the odd number by many brands as watches gets smaller.

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ckim4watches

Haha as expected, when this group is offered a choice the answer is "yes".

Yes = "buy both"

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Amazing watch! Buy the vintage as well and if you don't end up wearing it, sell it and call it a lesson learned. Or you like it and keep both 👍🏻

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Justonemoregrandseiko

Amazing watch! Buy the vintage as well and if you don't end up wearing it, sell it and call it a lesson learned. Or you like it and keep both 👍🏻

Trying to avoid the LL - even though a LL can be fun/frustrating.

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If the question is this way and buying a vintage is not necessary and is not the only option, always choose new. less headache. more time for other activities rather than wasting time and possible disappointment.

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loevhagen

19mm is perfect for any GS collector as most of the GS have either 19mm or 21mm. Heck, even Rolex converted to 21mm - and several microbrands now release watches with 19mm.

20mm is now seen as the odd number by many brands as watches gets smaller.

I just think the profile looks odd especially with a bracelet, on any case larger than 38mm.

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danmerry
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The SBGN005 is a stunner. 🙂

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riverstoneflyfishing

I just think the profile looks odd especially with a bracelet, on any case larger than 38mm.

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You're probably overthinking it. Join some GTG with GS watches and take it from there.

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loevhagen

Trying to avoid the LL - even though a LL can be fun/frustrating.

Yeah, I hear ya. Gotta be done sometimes though.

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loevhagen

Why vintage? Easy: Wearing and owning a watch produced by a watch brand from your birth year is kind of a romantic notion. And, let's be honest, watch collecting is often a more emotional pursuit than a rational one. At least for me, it is.

Sure makes sense, if that floats your boat, more power to ya 👊

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Justonemoregrandseiko

Yeah, I hear ya. Gotta be done sometimes though.

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loevhagen

What year and model is your vintage?

1965 GS

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1967 KS

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I’m not afford to have a modern GS now, so, I’ve got this one instead. For about only 280$.

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I’ve never been a fan of bigger case sizes and just found modern watches (not just GS) at 40mm or more just look kinda overbuilt.

I’m loving the manual wind 36mm 44GS that came out. However not SD.

I’m waiting on the grail setup of 36/38mm 44GS SD. And I’ve a gut feeling it’s a grail for many.

So till then, the vintage pieces satisfy me.

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That's really a tough call! On one hand, vintage exudes such class, and (to me) the design is the absolute essence of what Grand Seiko is. On the other hand (again, to me) the modern Heritage models have their own charm, and being newer, are more robust and have 50+ years of technical improvements. My favorites of the Elegance line is probably your beautiful SBGY011, or maybe the equally stunning SBGW301. I hope you really don't have to choose...but good luck with the decision if you do!

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Just wish it had 20mm lugs!!!!

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tokyo_watch_guy

Just wish it had 20mm lugs!!!!

19mm is perfect for any GS collector as most of the GS have either 19mm or 21mm. Heck, even Rolex converted to 21mm - and several microbrands now release watches with 19mm.

20mm is now seen as the odd number by many brands as watches gets smaller.

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I’d keep this over a vintage for sure. It’s a stunning piece, it has the beautiful 44GS case and manual wind interaction to give you that neo-vintage look and feel, but it’s loaded with modern tech to provide peace of mind.

Absolutely stunning.

I know it’s a very different feel with the date window and textured dial, but I love my SLGH009 because of the 44GS case design. It’s just the touch of old school GS I wanted.

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A little late to the discussion, but the SGBY011 looks so vintage, I don't see much of an advantage to a vintage, unless that is your thing (they ARE nice)