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Post by carl on Nov 11, 2015 15:56:00 GMT -6
Who would pay over 2 grand for a quartz watch? Well, I did for my SBGX059, and it is one of my very favourite watches. It is on my wrist every work day, all week long, and sometimes even on weekends:
This particular model, along with the black dial, blue dial, and champagne dial versions, is Grand Seiko's lowest price model. And it has been around for a few years. I doubt that few watches can match up to it's build quality and accuracy. At 37mm, it's not for everyone, but since I have missed my 36mm Explorer I, this is the closest I am likely to ever come to it - in the black dial version, that is - and actually find myself liking it more. Even though it is not a mechanical movement, the quality and accuracy of the quartz movement provide a very convincing reason to switch to quartz.
Here is a pic of the black dial model:
I recently ran into the gentleman who sold me my Rolex Explorer I. I was wearing my GS with white dial, and he remarked how closely it resembles the Explorer I had.
Here is an excellent article, by Jack Forster, recently found on Hodinkee. It is so well written, and really describes so well all the small details about the workings of the quartz movement:
www.hodinkee.com/articles/sexy-robot-the-grand-seiko-quartz-sbgx061-with-caliber-9f
When I recently acquired my SBGH005 Hi-Beat, with the black dial, I came very close to getting the quartz model instead. To be very honest, I wish that I had. While the Hi-Beat is undeniably a fantastic watch, it doesn't get wrist time.
The SBGX061 has been on my mind for some time now, so just thought I would share my thoughts about it.
Cheers, Carl |
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CHIP
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Name: Chip
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Post by CHIP on Nov 11, 2015 16:28:15 GMT -6
I really like that watch, and having seen it in person I can attest to the overall fit and finish of it.
My only beef with it would be the ticking second hand. I just can't do it.
If it had no second hand, or if they made it glide like the GS...
It is a beautiful watch though and the quality is outstanding.
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Post by carl on Nov 11, 2015 16:55:23 GMT -6
I really like that watch, and having seen it in person I can attest to the overall fit and finish of it. My only beef with it would be the ticking second hand. I just can't do it. If it had no second hand, or if they made it glide like the GS... It is a beautiful watch though and the quality is outstanding. I can really relate to your thoughts. For a change, I'm wearing the Hi-Beat this afternoon, and it is very difficult to take my eyes off both the dial and the gliding motion of the second hand.
The ticking would really get to me as well, if it wasn't for the accuracy of the second hand landing right on the marker. At least with the absence of the second hand on my Cartier Tank Solo - when I had it - there was no second hand.
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Post by carl on Nov 11, 2015 17:10:10 GMT -6
@ chip
were you able to see the quarts with the black dial? SBGX061. Just wondering if you did, what are your thoughts. They did have one at the AD here. But since I got my white dial quartz the price has gone up from $2400CAD to $3000! a 25% increase. If I decide to go with a black dial model, I will definitely contact Dan. The MSRP is only $2100USD. Even with the horrible exchange rate to CAD, it is still less.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Nov 11, 2015 17:34:59 GMT -6
carl - I can understand your love for the GS. The styling is outstanding, and there is something to be said for picking up a watch and knowing the time is correct already. I love my Aerospace for that reason, as well as comfort of the Ti, but like Chip, I prefer the smooth sweep of the second hand or none at all. Of the GS's, the hi-beats really grab my attention the most and I'd love to see one. I can't believe there is not a Seiko Boutique in Vegas! 
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Post by carl on Nov 11, 2015 18:22:34 GMT -6
carl - I can understand your love for the GS. The styling is outstanding, and there is something to be said for picking up a watch and knowing the time is correct already. I love my Aerospace for that reason, as well as comfort of the Ti, but like Chip, I prefer the smooth sweep of the second hand or none at all. Of the GS's, the hi-beats really grab my attention the most and I'd love to see one. I can't believe there is not a Seiko Boutique in Vegas! You would think that Las Vegas would be on top of the list of cities that support a Boutique! It has become such an international destination, with planeloads of people arriving every day from all over the world. Yeah, I wish you could see all of the GSs as well! Every so often, I hear a rumor that the guy who owns the shop where the GSs are locally, is considering not carrying GS any more, just because the demand here is so low. The people with the big bucks here in Vancouver are mostly very label-conscious, and a watch that says "Seiko" in big, bold letters on the dial just does not cut it. Regardless of the quality being right up there with the best, and often better. |
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CHIP
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Name: Chip
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Post by CHIP on Nov 11, 2015 20:34:58 GMT -6
I've seen the black one and it's beautiful.
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Post by rw16610 on Nov 11, 2015 21:04:47 GMT -6
It's such a nice watch! I think it doesn't hurt to have a good Quartz in your collection. Just one less watch to worry about winding / setting really.
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Post by iceman on Nov 12, 2015 2:04:46 GMT -6
I've not seen any of the GS in the flesh. They all look stunning in photos, I can see why you love yours so much Carl. The second hand ticking or sweeping doesn't really bother me. Having owned a Quartz seamaster, unless I sat looking at the watch for longer than reading the time I never noticed. But this is coming from a man who can't seem to take a big red G-Shock off his wrist lol
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Post by daveathall on Nov 13, 2015 13:51:20 GMT -6
I have the black faced model, I think it is beautiful.  |
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Post by carl on Nov 13, 2015 19:49:35 GMT -6
I have the black faced model, I think it is beautiful. Yes, it is. I am going to see if they have one here at the AD. While my GS Hi-Beat is a gorgeous watch, it doesn't get the wrist time. Besides, I like the size of the SBGX061 better, it reminds me so much of my Explorer. |
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Post by daveathall on Nov 15, 2015 2:38:22 GMT -6
Yes, I agree Carl, the 37mm is just about perfect on my wrist also my friend.
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