In most ways it *feels* like a mechanical. You can feel the rotor spin (not extreme, but a bit), watch the power reserve build up, and enjoy a rapidly moving seconds hand. The science behind it some (like me) find attractive. Others find the involvement of quartz a no-go aspect. Others don't care. Grand Seiko does play in the high accuracy quartz and mechanical (often 5Hz hi-beat) space so they have a lot of good options. Biggest frustration to me is they are moving up-market on price as the brand gets more mainstream attention. I hear about a decade ago these were a steal of a deal given how unknown it was. Alas, before my time.
Got the sbga285 last weekend. Will be getting the sbga283 this weekend. Both are now discontinued. Both are smaller compared the usual 40ish variants, no cutout power reserve that doesn't break the continuity of the dial, and most affordable spring drive. The case looks like a sarb033/035 that i like.
Nice review. If I may, the first series of GS watches didn't have Seiko on the dial, just Grand Seiko. The history of this brand is quite fascinating, at least to me it is.
Thanks for the details! When I said "older models" I was thinking in particular of the SBGA283's predecessor, the SBGA083, which I think is identical to this watch except the dial layout has Seiko at the top and GS branding near the 6 o'clock. Though I'm not sure if there's an even older model of this design or not (I've not seen it). But from that recent history I did assume they'd always run with Seiko on the dials historically, and I didn't realize the first GS watches lacked the Seiko branding. However, after you've corrected me on this I've gone and loaded up a few of them to take a look!
@@WatcheswithDennis Always a pleasure to exchange about watches and especially Grand Seiko. To me, the pinnacle of early Grand Seiko is the V.F.A. series. Desperatly looking for a very rare 6185-014, I think they should make it again, an integrated bracelet sports watch is definitly what is missing in the GS lineup, and that particular model is stunning in my view.
Having never so much as held a spring drive, the entire concept seems neither fish nor fowl. However, that is still an extremely attractive watch.
In most ways it *feels* like a mechanical. You can feel the rotor spin (not extreme, but a bit), watch the power reserve build up, and enjoy a rapidly moving seconds hand. The science behind it some (like me) find attractive. Others find the involvement of quartz a no-go aspect. Others don't care.
Grand Seiko does play in the high accuracy quartz and mechanical (often 5Hz hi-beat) space so they have a lot of good options. Biggest frustration to me is they are moving up-market on price as the brand gets more mainstream attention. I hear about a decade ago these were a steal of a deal given how unknown it was. Alas, before my time.
Got the sbga285 last weekend. Will be getting the sbga283 this weekend. Both are now discontinued. Both are smaller compared the usual 40ish variants, no cutout power reserve that doesn't break the continuity of the dial, and most affordable spring drive. The case looks like a sarb033/035 that i like.
I have this watch and love it. It's such a great value and now discontinued.
Beautiful watch! Very nice review!!! Enjoyed to the tee
Thanks I am glad you enjoyed it!
Great review cheers 👍
Thanks glad you enjoyed it. Been meaning to do it for a while but kept putting it off.
Need this with lume and in titanium, under $4200, available NOT only in Japan (the JDM is lume hoarding).
Nice review.
If I may, the first series of GS watches didn't have Seiko on the dial, just Grand Seiko.
The history of this brand is quite fascinating, at least to me it is.
Thanks for the details! When I said "older models" I was thinking in particular of the SBGA283's predecessor, the SBGA083, which I think is identical to this watch except the dial layout has Seiko at the top and GS branding near the 6 o'clock. Though I'm not sure if there's an even older model of this design or not (I've not seen it). But from that recent history I did assume they'd always run with Seiko on the dials historically, and I didn't realize the first GS watches lacked the Seiko branding. However, after you've corrected me on this I've gone and loaded up a few of them to take a look!
@@WatcheswithDennis Always a pleasure to exchange about watches and especially Grand Seiko.
To me, the pinnacle of early Grand Seiko is the V.F.A. series.
Desperatly looking for a very rare 6185-014, I think they should make it again, an integrated bracelet sports watch is definitly what is missing in the GS lineup, and that particular model is stunning in my view.
actually the screws are standard for luxury watches like Rolex, Omega, AP... so it's a plus point ;)
Is the Date funtion a quick change?
Yes, you can quick set the date.