Seiko Selection vs Grand Seiko Heritage

I highly recommend the sbgx261!

The answer really ought to be determined by your long term collection goal. If you want the GS in your collection, and the Seiko is a substitute, then most would say not to buy the Seiko. Because, substitute watches tend to be money squandered in the hobby. Most collectors end up buying the target watch, in this situation the GS, eventually and the substitute just doesn’t get worn - thus being money better saved.

Only you can decide if the GS is what you really want, or if it’s just a passing fancy. Only you can decide where you want your collection to go.

It is so beautiful, only thing holding me back is the price. To date, the most expensive watch I’ve ever bought is $250. Quite a big jump to go to $2,000 😅.

Hey Ben, appreciate the thoughtful response. You’re absolutely right, I frequently fall into that trap. I get a substitute watch but still find myself thinking of the target watch. There are times though when the substitute watch turns out much better than you initially thought and that extinguishes your desire for the original target watch. I guess that’s what I was hoping to answer with my post.

If the substitute works, then the more expensive option was never necessary. But a lot of people buy a lot of substitute watches, and find themselves looking back about two or three years out wishing they had focused their purchases better. I did check out your profile, and among the watches you have uploaded pics of the GS represents a set up in luxury. Meanwhile, the Seiko seemed like what you already have. Now, this is just my thoughts on what I saw and I’ve no place to tell anyone else about how to structure your collection. But if it were me, given what you’ve posted, I’d be looking upmarket. GS is a great watch, and a fine introduction to the next level versus the Seiko. Happy collecting!

Totally understandable! The price is steep. I would say if you have an AD to check it out at it doesn’t hurt! Its odd but you gotta really see it in person to appreciate it. Pics don’t do it justice.

Hey Ben, that’s fair. Yes, if the alternative is good, the more luxurious option was never really necessary.

It is 100% a step upz As the saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun. A lot of what we’re going through, someone else has gone through before. So I appreciate you giving me your take on things. 🍻

Hey Lauren,

I did get to try it on, it’s gorgeous.

P.S. I love your Hamilton Khaki Expedition btw! Such a clean and rugged watch!

Oooooo!!! It looks great on you!!! So I dunno how the ADs are by you, but in order to offset the cost of mine I traded some watches in. I would shop around for a discount. 😁 oh yes and the Expedition is an excellent watch! I wore it for a week in Mexico and it worked beautifully. Highly recommend that one! Much better price point too. 😄

Thanks Lauren! I was told that the AD could give me a bit of a discount on the price, I’ll learn more next time I swing by.

Haha, that is also on the shortlist but I’m leaning more towards the Murph for the Interstellar reference.

I personally did not like the Murph. I bought it and immediately returned it. They really didn’t apply enough AR coating so it looked like a mirror when I looked at the dial. If you are not bothered by the AR coating then its a very nice dial otherwise!

If you’re comparing the two Seiko and GS; the GS wins. A closer comparison is the SBTM 341. https://www.sakurawatches.com/seiko-selection-solar-radio-sbtm341 I would have a tougher time in deciding which watch I would choose. Happy Hunting!

I heard conflicting things about the AR. Some say the Murph 42 didn’t have it but the 38 did. Others say, both are essentially mirrors when outdoors 😅. I guess the later was more inline with your experience. Thankfully, the Expedition has a similarly clean and beautiful no date dial.

So I got the 38 mm and it was a mirror inside! I didn’t even take it outside. The Expedition they applied more than enough AR coating. Another interesting option are their new aviation watches in 36 mm. 😁

Hey Harold, I saw that but it’s a bit bigger (I believe the GS is 37 while the SBTM217 is 38) the SBTM341 is now 40 which essentially makes it wear similar to the SUR300 series here in Canada. Definitely good budget options but noticeably larger than the GS which leans much more compact. That said, the dial is also very clean 👌

It is a strap monster! It also pairs very nice on a brown leather strap. 😁

Please feel free to spread it far and wide. When it comes to luxury watches it gets expensive fast. Discretion is the better part of your bank balance in this hobby. There’s plenty of videos extolling the virtues of focused purchasing. But where and how do we put that good advice into action? I say ask oneself how a prospective purchase fits into one’s current collection? What void would this watch fill? If this watch is very much like what you already own, what’s the point of the purchase?

It’s easy to end up spending a lot of money and end up with an unfocused collection that doesn’t fulfill the needs one might want to address, or not be varied enough to allow one to match to outfits and occasions.

I am a fan of focusing in one’s primary collection. On the other hand I allow myself slack and latitude in my budget collecting to play.

I think @TheMightyOz put it best but I would advocate for some soul searching. Take a little time and determine your own appetite. If you want the superlative version, don't compromise - get the GS. It's a true heirloom piece. If you just like the looks, you've identified a great substitute. Ask yourself: is this hobby a passing fancy or reflective of a deeper love (yes, I realise that's melodramatic). If you think you're in this hobby for the long haul, get the GS. it's a forever choice.

I prefer the Seiko selection looks-wise more, actually. Looks just a touch more sporty with those crown guards and the lume on the hands

You can get the seiko now and then sell it once you can afford the GS. If you buy it new you’ll probably take a20-30% haircut, or you nought be able to find it pre owned already at that discounted level, such that you won’t lose any $ when you sell it

Go big or go home! You will enjoy it 10x more It’s worth the price jump and if you buy it used you prosbly will retain your value anyway

Hey Dixon, thanks for sharing your perspective. I agree with you about the GS being a true heirloom piece. I am leaning towards it for the reason that I think it’s a watch that can be my everyday/dressy wear. I expect I’ll be in love with watches for the long haul but my purchases will become less and less frequent as my tastes solidify and I begin picking up watches that aren’t just cool/interesting but add flexibility or something different to what I currently have.

Hey Relyt, it is more sporty I would agree. The 3-lines of text on the dial is a bit excessive which makes the otherwise clean design look a touch cluttered. But the Seiko Selection is definitely quite the looker.

Hey Christian, that’s actually a really good idea. I guess it’s a bit of a false dichotomy and I could go with the Seiko and if I don’t like it resell it and treat the loss as essentially a trial fee. Cool perspective, thanks man!

Hey Brandon, haha the GS does look very elevated and is for sure a giant step up in quality over everything I’ve experienced thus far. Never really considered second hand as I’m not sure I know enough about watches not to get a lemon but I’ll look into it.

Btw, love your photos man, you’re in amazing shape. You remind me I need to get back in the gym 💪🏻.

Or if you can get it pre owned, you often can then resell it at the same price you paid for it...losing nothing...but it takes some effort of course. Not pushing this, just an idea!

In that case I would say buy with confidence. The SBGX261 is as versatile and timeless as a Rolex OP but with better and more reliable timekeeping and a higher level of finishing. Whatever you choose, enjoy!!

I'd go with the seiko but it sounds like you like the gs more so maybe save for that

Hey Tyrone, yes I definitely like the GS more for the cleaner dial but I’m on the fence whether it’s enough to justify the 5x higher purchase price. The Seiko seems to come close and adds a few bells and whistles that are interesting.

Everyone on this thread raised great points though about not being cheap and going for a substitute if I really want the target watch. As my friend likes to say, “Buy once, cry once” XD.

Let’s buy the GS baby! 😌😌😌