Done! Grand Seiko SBGV019 LE HEQ has come in!

[carl]

This watch has been on my mind all week. And I have scoured the internet for pics of other GS quartz models, just to make absolutely certain that this is the one. I would not say that I like it better - or am any fonder of it - than my SBGX059, but certainly love it as much. There are a few extra touches to this model, apart from the fact that it is a limited edition model, that really make it what I would call superlative:

The blued second hand is a beautiful touch.
Instead of a painted marker beside the date window, there is an actual marker which matches all the others.
The crown guards are rather an unusual, but nice touch, and the crown is slightly larger as well. Gives a very slight sporty feel to the watch, although I would not hesitate to wear it as a dress watch.
The profile of the bezel and beautiful case/lug shape is pure pleasure.
Of course, it had the controversial sapphire display caseback, for which I do defend Grand Seiko. They obviously take such a pride in this superlative movement. This one is an even higher grade movement than the regular HEQ. Rated at +/- 5secs/year. I don't see how it can be more accurate than my regular GS quartz, which has neither gained nor lost a second since April.
I have missed out on 3 limited edition GS quartz models over the past couple of years. Not only because I could not afford them at the time, but the AD did not carry them and I was unable to see them in real life. I think it was a good omen, though, as I cannot see how they could improve on this model.
This "chameleon" champagne dial is even more beautiful than any of my previous models IMO, including the white, the black hi-beat and the silver automatic.

Well, enough of my raving. Here are a few quick pics I just took, the start of many to come.

















Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Carl

[CHIP]

Well done Carl, congratulations my friend.

You're right, their champagne dial is absolutely beautiful.

[muckymark]

Congratulations. I can't wait to see this IRL. Enjoy and wear in good health.

[rw16610]

Way to go, Carl! You can never go wrong with a Grand Seiko! Good looking watch that I'm sure you'll enjoy a lot. Do so in good health!

[shawndl5]

It looks great! Congratulations!

[Baco Noir]

Great shot of the curve on those lugs! Wow, I hadn't noticed that before - bet it makes it super comfortable. Congrats again carl.

[carl]

Thanks you guys for all of the comments. To say that I am mesmerized by the beauty of this watch would be an understatement. The real after purchase surprise for me - I have been out all evening - is the sublime comfort of this watch. It is 1mm larger in case size (38mm)than my other quartz GS, but it seems to hug my wrist even better.

The real dilemma for me was whether or not I want another watch with sapphire display caseback. Regardless of type of movement. In the end, mostly due to the overwhelming beauty of this watch, it occurred to me that the controversy over the quartz movement being displayed makes for a positive point of discussion. It gives the watch a definite "edge", which really appeals to me. And yet, as with most Grand Seikos, to the casual onlooker, it is just another fairly attractive, ordinary watch.

In this watch, I read a lot into the Japanese culture. To lose face in light of any imperfection, is almost a fatal sin. Having little clue myself of mechanical or quartz movements, I read and re-read about all facets of these amazing HEQ movements and, with this one in particular, have never been more proud of any watch I have owned. The Grand Seiko, in particular the HEQ movements, have really stirred a passion within me. Among other details, the fact that they actually produce their own quartz, just blows my mind. My first GS is testament enough by the fact that it has neither gained nor lost a single second since it was reset for Daylight Savings back in April. I can't begin to imagine how this movement, which is supposedly even more accurate, could possibly be any better. Even the fact that the GS Automatic and Hi-Beat movements are so accurate does not, for some reason, impress me as much.

After years of flipping watches, I came to the conclusion that watches 40mm or less are ideal for me. I am even aware of the extra 1mm that this model has over my other GS HEQ. To me, it gives a slightly sporty edge along with the crown guards. And I really prefer the look of this satin finished bracelet to the other, dressier one with the thin polished middle links, as on my automatic and hi-beat.

I could stay up all night extolling the virtues of this fine timepiece. I have never been this impressed by any other Grand Seiko or any other timepiece.

Thanks for "listening" to my ramblings.

Carl

[iceman]

Congrats Carl, it's a beauty

[Robb]

Congrats! The detailing on these GS are unreal

[marinoc81]

Beautiful watch, enjoy it Carl

[Nicko]

She's a beauty! Congratulations