SBGR061 - A Review
- rockmastermike
- Feedback Virtuoso
- Posts: 20584
- Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 5:13 pm
- Name: WDE
SBGR061 - A Review
Let me be upfront and say it is almost impossible to convey through photographs anywhere close to the experience of what is like to actually handle or wear this watch.
Yes, it has been said before, this absolutely has to been seen in person to appreciate just how magnificent this really is. Anything less is an injustice to the watch and honestly to any watch fan who judges this solely on pictures.
Grand Seiko since 1960 has operated under and manufactured toward 4 core values:
-Precision
-Legibility
-Comfort
-Durability
The SBGR061 expertly delivers on each in a way that forges form and function so exquisitely that it is not only a pleasure to own but more of a honor to own. It really makes that much of an connection with the owner.
This SBGR061 is the watch that rubs thinnest the walls between our reality and Heaven.
Dramatic?, Over the top? Perhaps....that being said, this is as closest to an heirloom watch that I have owned. Will it happen, probably not, but still that is not a statement to be taken lightly.
Walking around the 39.5mm case....easily wears larger due to large dial to bezel ratio....
The lugs are nothing short of majestic. flowing, arching, chamfered:
Flat sides of the lugs flow into the rounded midcase and then topped by flat bezel. The angles work together in playful harmony to create a light show from the zaratsu blade polishing (that I'm convinced to carried out by ancient masters hidden in the Japanese mountains)
The markers have many facets/angles that capture and reflect even the lowest light conditions. Again, this has to be experienced to understand
The date aperture is proudly framed and the interior walls are finished to match to finish on the date wheel. Nice attention to detail.
Speaking of attention to detail - the applied "Seiko" on top of the dial and the applied "GS" on the bottom are purposefully not set flush to the dial adding more depth. Oh, and check out the thick script used for "Grand Seiko"
The crystal is boxed sapphire and slightly domed.
The hands....more blade polishing and I'm sure the watchmaker has to wear protective gloves when handling them so as to not cut themselves.
The Blued second hand is perfect agains the cream dial. There is a model with a polished second hand but I much prefer the blued
The signed crown is deeply notched and is blessing to wind.
The in-house 9S65 caliber has 72 hour peer reserve, is smooth, accurate and finely appointed.
OEM Strap is fine burgundy alligator on a very comfortable and easy to operate deployant. If you don't like deplyants the tang can me removed and used sperately. The engraving on the clasp is michelangelo-esque.
Put it altogether and you arrive at the heart and soul, the essence of watchmaking.
And finally, take a minute to watch a few videos that are out there about Grand Seiko....not the slick ads or promo material, but the ones of the watchmakers themselves and watch their passion, skill, enthusiasm, humility and precision if their craftsmanship.
Source: Hodinkee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLXTcwxip_Y[/youtube]
Yes, it has been said before, this absolutely has to been seen in person to appreciate just how magnificent this really is. Anything less is an injustice to the watch and honestly to any watch fan who judges this solely on pictures.
Grand Seiko since 1960 has operated under and manufactured toward 4 core values:
-Precision
-Legibility
-Comfort
-Durability
The SBGR061 expertly delivers on each in a way that forges form and function so exquisitely that it is not only a pleasure to own but more of a honor to own. It really makes that much of an connection with the owner.
This SBGR061 is the watch that rubs thinnest the walls between our reality and Heaven.
Dramatic?, Over the top? Perhaps....that being said, this is as closest to an heirloom watch that I have owned. Will it happen, probably not, but still that is not a statement to be taken lightly.
Walking around the 39.5mm case....easily wears larger due to large dial to bezel ratio....
The lugs are nothing short of majestic. flowing, arching, chamfered:
Flat sides of the lugs flow into the rounded midcase and then topped by flat bezel. The angles work together in playful harmony to create a light show from the zaratsu blade polishing (that I'm convinced to carried out by ancient masters hidden in the Japanese mountains)
The markers have many facets/angles that capture and reflect even the lowest light conditions. Again, this has to be experienced to understand
The date aperture is proudly framed and the interior walls are finished to match to finish on the date wheel. Nice attention to detail.
Speaking of attention to detail - the applied "Seiko" on top of the dial and the applied "GS" on the bottom are purposefully not set flush to the dial adding more depth. Oh, and check out the thick script used for "Grand Seiko"
The crystal is boxed sapphire and slightly domed.
The hands....more blade polishing and I'm sure the watchmaker has to wear protective gloves when handling them so as to not cut themselves.
The Blued second hand is perfect agains the cream dial. There is a model with a polished second hand but I much prefer the blued
The signed crown is deeply notched and is blessing to wind.
The in-house 9S65 caliber has 72 hour peer reserve, is smooth, accurate and finely appointed.
OEM Strap is fine burgundy alligator on a very comfortable and easy to operate deployant. If you don't like deplyants the tang can me removed and used sperately. The engraving on the clasp is michelangelo-esque.
Put it altogether and you arrive at the heart and soul, the essence of watchmaking.
And finally, take a minute to watch a few videos that are out there about Grand Seiko....not the slick ads or promo material, but the ones of the watchmakers themselves and watch their passion, skill, enthusiasm, humility and precision if their craftsmanship.
Source: Hodinkee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLXTcwxip_Y[/youtube]
Last edited by rockmastermike on Sun Aug 27, 2017 5:28 pm, edited 3 times in total.
- JP Chestnut
- Posts: 17821
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
- Location: Ithaca, NY USA
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Is a deployant that converts to a tang used by other brands? I've never heard of it, but it's brilliant.
- Sidheguitarist
- Man of many calibers.
- Posts: 10405
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:16 pm
- Name: Michael
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Dang, Mike. That was beautiful. Killer watch, too.
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Attention to detail is phenomenal!
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
not a dress watch guy myself but that's gorgeous
I have to find a GS dealer somewhere down here. Most likely a bit of a drive but will be so worth it I'm sure
I have to find a GS dealer somewhere down here. Most likely a bit of a drive but will be so worth it I'm sure
Many will register, few will last
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Absolutely love that. Been wearing my "baby GS" daily now and while it's not a GS it has me wishing I could really hold one and compare. I love the floating nature of the dial logos. The Seiko logo on the SARX is floating as well and it's most noticeable in direct sunlight where the shadow effect from it is visible. Speaking of that, I've also seen a couple of GS's that seem to use the exact bracelet of the SARX with a different clasp. I honestly think they made the SARX as a drug to get you hooked and wanting a GS. I love the strap with deployant. What a great and classy design. Seiko is truly at their best with their attention to detail on their traditional dress designs. Instead of adding odd flairs, they just make sure every detail is bang on and it really takes studying a piece to really see the brilliance in every detail. It's really what I love most about Seiko.
I had to add about the deployant that this is their best design yet. Most Seiko deployant sacred designed where it requires the strap to be mounted backwards to operate properly. I had one for a SARB and thought it looked odd. This one is brilliant.
I had to add about the deployant that this is their best design yet. Most Seiko deployant sacred designed where it requires the strap to be mounted backwards to operate properly. I had one for a SARB and thought it looked odd. This one is brilliant.
Last edited by Torrid on Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Posts: 4772
- Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:47 pm
- Name: John
- Location: CLE
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
......and keep in mind that our forum friend JOE KIRK, formerly with AZFT, is now employed by SEIKO USA and will be running the Miami Boutique soon.....
"Go forth, my progeny, grab the world by the balls, squeeze hard and shake vigorously." J. Koch (aka "Swedefreak")
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
That is gorgeous. Congrats!
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
A mechanical work of art. Love my GS diver. Every enthusiast should handle a GS at some point.
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Not what I was hoping to see with that thread title
Absolutely beautiful piece. Congrats
Absolutely beautiful piece. Congrats
- 59yukon01
- 1.21 gigawatts?!
- Posts: 10511
- Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:49 am
- Name: David
- Location: Louisville, KY
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
I'll echo Ralph's comment. I just can't get into dress watches, but that is beautiful craftsmanship.
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Love me some GS! Well done, RMM!
- toxicavenger
- President Tranny
- Posts: 48112
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
- Name: HeadDIK
- Location: Colorado Springs
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
NOT what I was hoping to find in this thread...
- toxicavenger
- President Tranny
- Posts: 48112
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
- Name: HeadDIK
- Location: Colorado Springs
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
mike just fyi i just jizzed on your wrist pic also, thanks for the excitement, now I need a cigarette.
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
I almost got this watch years ago. Currently own the sbge001. GS is on a different level for sure.
I may source this deployant for a custom strap project. Maybe a coal oil or nubuck blackhawk heuerville rally with red stitch.
I may source this deployant for a custom strap project. Maybe a coal oil or nubuck blackhawk heuerville rally with red stitch.
How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Damn I should have bought Carlo's wanna-be GS. You guys are making me pine for something out of my reach.
The Hapa
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
There's a 40mm Quartz now. Forget the reference. And don't forget the divers
- mikeylacroix
- Posts: 3746
- Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2014 7:00 am
- Name: Mike
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Smoking hot.
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Gorgeous, Mike. And your enthusiasm is palpable. Congrats.
- james80
- Posts: 3443
- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:56 pm
- Name: James
- Location: A Brit lost in the Caribbean
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Very hot.
A 37mm white face Quartz is high up on my want list.
A 37mm white face Quartz is high up on my want list.
- rockmastermike
- Feedback Virtuoso
- Posts: 20584
- Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 5:13 pm
- Name: WDE
Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica
Thank you!
The dial color is the hardest to capture in pictures.
Many show it too creamy and other overcorrect and it appears washed out
In reality it is right in the middle and has to be seen in person, to me it is perfect.
The dial color is the hardest to capture in pictures.
Many show it too creamy and other overcorrect and it appears washed out
In reality it is right in the middle and has to be seen in person, to me it is perfect.
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