|
|
Post by timelessluxwatches on Aug 30, 2018 3:23:42 GMT -6
First-Ever Grand Seiko Quartz GMTs!
Grand Seiko just released their very first quartz GMT watches! These are part of GS' 25 year anniversary celebration of their legendary 9F movement, and as you would expect, are based on the super-accurate 9F quartz that you all know and love.
The first of these is a very special limited edition of 800 pieces, the SBGN001, with yellow accents. The SBGN001 features a repeating quartz crystal-styled motif on the dial with a discreet 9F and 25 hidden therein as a subtle reminder of the 25th anniversary.
Although all three of these watches feature the new 9F86 movement, if you haven't already noticed the star on the dial, this LE is rated for an amazing 5 seconds per year.
The first of the regular production models is this SBGN003 in black with bright orange accents. Like the other two watches, you'll notice that the bottom half of the chapter ring is in a different color than the top to set apart day and night hours.
As is usually the case with well-made GMT watches, the new 9F86 movement features an independent hour hand, commonly considered a crucial component of a "true" GMT complication.
Finally, we look at my favorite of the three, the regular production SBGN005, which features a blue dial and red accents.
Despite the sporty look of all three models, GS has stayed fairly conservative in terms of size, with 39mm cases, 12.1mm thick.
Stick around as we determine the US pricing and timeline for availability! |
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788 
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 8:13:14 GMT -6
I saw this a bit ago and I said to myself “I think I found my perfect travel watch”.
Then, I noticed that all models have that huge line around the bottom part of the dial, and that was that.
If they lose that, I think I’d get one. A good quartz has been on my mind lately. I don’t have a winder and I’ve been thinking more and more about a “grab and go” watch.
|
|
|
|
Post by timelessluxwatches on Aug 30, 2018 9:35:07 GMT -6
Do you mean the bottom half of the chapter ring?
|
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 10:20:36 GMT -6
Do you mean the bottom half of the chapter ring? Yes. That crescent ruins it for me. |
|
|
|
Post by timelessluxwatches on Aug 30, 2018 10:46:32 GMT -6
It's an interesting way to go. I suspect without it, however, they'd be accused of copying the Explorer II.
|
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 11:19:05 GMT -6
It's an interesting way to go. I suspect without it, however, they'd be accused of copying the Explorer II. I think that accusation is valid with or without the crescent lol. It’s different just enough to where it’s not a homage, which means I could wear it. I guess they needed to differentiate it from the automatic version, which is very similar. |
|
|
|
Post by timelessluxwatches on Aug 30, 2018 11:54:26 GMT -6
That's true. I'm betting they're quite a bit more divergent in real life when we can appreciate the fine dial work of GS, not that the polar Explorer II is any slouch in that area.
Also, here's the official pricing and release date for these:
SBGN001: $3,500
Expected November 2018
SBGN003: $3,200
Expected February 2019
SBGN005: $3,200
Expected February 2019
|
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 12:12:04 GMT -6
I think it will be less noticeable in real life, especially since the affected area is facing away from you when checking the time.
I have no doubt it will be a beautifully finished watch.
|
|
|
|
Post by muckymark on Aug 30, 2018 17:58:17 GMT -6
I like these. I just wish there was a white or silver dial version.
|
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 18:21:48 GMT -6
I like these. I just wish there was a white or silver dial version. If you squint, it’s sort of silver. Lol  |
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 18:28:24 GMT -6
I like these. I just wish there was a white or silver dial version. How about the SBGM025? Or I guess that would be 225 with GS branding. It’s non high beast mechanical and it’s 5k MSRP, with a proper jumping hour hand. Not like those with an ETA base that have the useless (to me) jumping 24 hour hand.   |
|
|
|
Post by muckymark on Aug 30, 2018 20:22:06 GMT -6
I like these. I just wish there was a white or silver dial version. How about the SBGM025? Or I guess that would be 225 with GS branding. It’s non high beast mechanical and it’s 5k MSRP, with a proper jumping hour hand. Not like those with an ETA base that have the useless (to me) jumping 24 hour hand. Thanks, I have not seen that one yet..Maybe you and Roger can answer this question. Are mechanical GMT's a pain in the a$$ to reset once they wind down? That's why I liked the idea of a quartz GMT. |
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 30, 2018 20:52:43 GMT -6
How about the SBGM025? Or I guess that would be 225 with GS branding. It’s non high beast mechanical and it’s 5k MSRP, with a proper jumping hour hand. Not like those with an ETA base that have the useless (to me) jumping 24 hour hand. Thanks, I have not seen that one yet..Maybe you and Roger can answer this question. Are mechanical GMT's a pain in the a$$ to reset once they wind down? That's why I liked the idea of a quartz GMT. Not really, but they are a bit tougher to set than the three handers. No quick set date and it’s very easy to get the hour hand and the 24 hour hand out of sync, which will make the date change at noon. Usually that’s only a one time issue. Once you sync them up use the normal time setting procedure to advance (as in don’t jump the hour hand, move them all together m) and you’re going to be okay. The Sky is the only GMT I’ve seen that has independently adjustable / quick set date, forward and backwards. |
|
Baco Noir
WWF Advisor 
WWF Admin
Posts: 31,335
Name: Roger
|
Post by Baco Noir on Aug 31, 2018 7:35:05 GMT -6
How about the SBGM025? Or I guess that would be 225 with GS branding. It’s non high beast mechanical and it’s 5k MSRP, with a proper jumping hour hand. Not like those with an ETA base that have the useless (to me) jumping 24 hour hand. Thanks, I have not seen that one yet..Maybe you and Roger can answer this question. Are mechanical GMT's a pain in the a$$ to reset once they wind down? That's why I liked the idea of a quartz GMT. Not in my opinion. Once you set the time, to adjust the date, you use the GMT hand to set the date. It jumps in 1 hr increments and can be moved forward or backwards to advance or reduce the date to get to the desired date. It’s pretty fast once you get use to it - less than 30 sec to get to the date you want to be at. |
|
CHIP
WWF Founder
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posts: 37,788
Name: Chip
Location: Dallas
|
Post by CHIP on Aug 31, 2018 9:12:36 GMT -6
Thanks, I have not seen that one yet..Maybe you and Roger can answer this question. Are mechanical GMT's a pain in the a$$ to reset once they wind down? That's why I liked the idea of a quartz GMT. Not in my opinion. Once you set the time, to adjust the date, you use the GMT hand to set the date. It jumps in 1 hr increments and can be moved forward or backwards to advance or reduce the date to get to the desired date. It’s pretty fast once you get use to it - less than 30 sec to get to the date you want to be at. You mean jump the hour hand? Rolex and all other proper GMT watches don’t jump the GMT hand. |
|
