SBGR061 - A Review

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rockmastermike
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SBGR061 - A Review

Post by rockmastermike » Wed Jul 20, 2016 5:57 pm

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:

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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)

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The markers have many facets/angles that capture and reflect even the lowest light conditions. Again, this has to be experienced to understand

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The date aperture is proudly framed and the interior walls are finished to match to finish on the date wheel. Nice attention to detail.

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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"

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The crystal is boxed sapphire and slightly domed.

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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.

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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

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The signed crown is deeply notched and is blessing to wind.

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The in-house 9S65 caliber has 72 hour peer reserve, is smooth, accurate and finely appointed.

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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.

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Put it altogether and you arrive at the heart and soul, the essence of watchmaking.

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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.

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JP Chestnut
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by JP Chestnut » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:01 pm

Is a deployant that converts to a tang used by other brands? I've never heard of it, but it's brilliant.

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Sidheguitarist
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by Sidheguitarist » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:21 pm

Dang, Mike. That was beautiful. Killer watch, too.


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Panerai7
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by Panerai7 » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:35 pm

Attention to detail is phenomenal!

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r.palace
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by r.palace » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:42 pm

:shock: 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
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Torrid
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by Torrid » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:47 pm

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.
Last edited by Torrid on Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

justsellbrgs
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by justsellbrgs » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:49 pm

......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")

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kfalk
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by kfalk » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:56 pm

That is gorgeous. Congrats!
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mechnut
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by mechnut » Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:59 pm

A mechanical work of art. Love my GS diver. Every enthusiast should handle a GS at some point.

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Nellipj
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by Nellipj » Wed Jul 20, 2016 7:02 pm

Not what I was hoping to see with that thread title :lol:

Absolutely beautiful piece. Congrats :cheers:

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59yukon01
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by 59yukon01 » Wed Jul 20, 2016 7:19 pm

I'll echo Ralph's comment. I just can't get into dress watches, but that is beautiful craftsmanship.

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matt.wu
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by matt.wu » Wed Jul 20, 2016 8:16 pm

Love me some GS! Well done, RMM! :cheers:
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toxicavenger
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by toxicavenger » Wed Jul 20, 2016 8:29 pm

i just jizzed

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HapaHapa
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by HapaHapa » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:29 pm

Crown is awesome.
No skimpy outfits. I'm disappointed.
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HapaHapa
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by HapaHapa » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:31 pm

Not GS and not erotica but a good combo nonetheless
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hoppyjr
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by hoppyjr » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:34 pm

NOT what I was hoping to find in this thread...

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toxicavenger
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by toxicavenger » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:38 pm

mike just fyi i just jizzed on your wrist pic also, thanks for the excitement, now I need a cigarette.

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sierra11b
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by sierra11b » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:42 pm

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.

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HapaHapa
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How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by HapaHapa » Wed Jul 20, 2016 9:59 pm

Damn I should have bought Carlo's wanna-be GS. You guys are making me pine for something out of my reach.
The Hapa

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sierra11b
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by sierra11b » Thu Jul 21, 2016 12:01 am

There's a 40mm Quartz now. Forget the reference. And don't forget the divers

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mikeylacroix
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by mikeylacroix » Thu Jul 21, 2016 1:16 am

sierra11b wrote:There's a 40mm Quartz now. Forget the reference. And don't forget the divers
Sbgx115 n 117.
White and black dials.
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dukerules
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by dukerules » Thu Jul 21, 2016 2:38 am

Smoking hot.

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Dedalus
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by Dedalus » Thu Jul 21, 2016 3:49 am

Gorgeous, Mike. And your enthusiasm is palpable. Congrats.

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james80
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by james80 » Thu Jul 21, 2016 4:57 am

Very hot.

A 37mm white face Quartz is high up on my want list.

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rockmastermike
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Re: How 'bout some Asian Erotica

Post by rockmastermike » Thu Jul 21, 2016 5:21 am

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.

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