I love Seiko and GS. I don’t have a GS. This is a stunner. Just saw one yesterday. I liked it but did not love it. I want to love GS. I’ve bought several Seikos including a Marinemaster 300 which I bought years ago and still own and enjoy. No GS has been compelling to me yet.
Ive had the two MM300 the 1st gen some 14 years ago and the SLA023 but sold them both as I always found them a little to top heavy myself other than that they are impressive
As you know, I'm not a fan of 'numberless' dials - however, for this, I'd make an exception. I love it's constrained elegance - no superfluous dial text, no date... perfect. I'd also be tempted to wear it 'inside out' and just make approximate stabs in the dark as to the correct time.
I just ordered this watch. Can't wait to receive it. It will be my first GS. I have always wanted a nice, clean dress watch. And this is the only GS that fits that description- at least in the price range. I also ordered the King Seiko SJE089. It looks like another watch that has classic looks.
Have it. Wear it. LOVE it. Nice Review.... but, its 30m WR so some splash from washing your hands is fine (just don't drown it)... and not having lume is part of what I love about this watch; after all not everything is a sports watch. Under a loop you can see how beautifully polished the indices are. If I were to become destitute, and had to sell every other watch in my collection to eat, this is the one I'd keep anyway and hand down to my nephew after I starved to death.
Its a gorgeous Sir I really enjoyed reviewing it and its one I would love to own , I must say I did see a couple of marks on the hour hand but when using loop you wouldn't see them with the naked eye 👍🏻
It is babaric to want lume on this watch. There's no date also, it is a dress watch and a very nice one. This watch you learn to love, if you are a lumefan you do cannot understand this at once, but possibly later it becomes your most beloved watch.
I'd really like a deployment clasp on that but the rest is great, 38-40mm is and always has be my sweet spot. I also have a 7 and a quarter inch wrist and I wear a 36mm Oris Big Crown pointer date as my daily.
Thanks for the in depth review! I think every point you made is fair. I quite like how it has a bit of a fifties vibe with few embellishments but what it has has been done very well. For a simple dress watch I actually prefer a manual wind as it would only be worn in the office or to a formal function. And no date makes it less of a hassle to set. Also I think lume would spoil the dial unless it was being used as a daily watch. If I had a gripe it would be that it’s a little thick compared to its diameter making it seem a little chubby. Very enjoyable thank you!
I own this watch and love it. Just love the dial colour it's a bit like ivory. Also time keeping has been second to none. Very understated. Also think it has the calatrava thing going on
@@ClickSpringReview yes I did. Few months ago when I was searching for my next watch I stumbled upon the Oris and almost fell in love with it. Then, completely by coincidence, I saw the GS in a shop and couldn't believe how beautiful it was. That said, since both have their pros and cons, I'm 50/50 on which to buy. Oris has 5 days, GS 3; the clasp seems better on the Oris but the leather on the GS is simply stunning…another detail that "concerns" me it's the dimensions 37 vs 38mm, as my wrist is 18cm. As you can see, I can't sleep at night!
Nothing compares to the watches from this series as an unfussy yet elegant dress watch at that price. It’s a superb value but setting that aside, it’s simply a stunning watch. I own an SBGW269 it’s similar to the 231 in that they are sone of the more understated colorways compared to the greens, blues and reds offered. It’s a distillation of what a Grand Seiko should be. Keep in mind and it may be a cliche to say it, neither pics or videos do this justice. They glow when the light hits them. The indices shimmer, there’s a beautiful curvature to the dial. I favor no date dials to begin with, but given the perfect symmetry if the dial and the magnificence of the indices, that effect- there’s no reason to change it. A dress watch doesn’t need a date window. As for lume, truth be told, lume is unreliable and short lived in actuality. I had read many reports of how the indices catch and reflect the least bit of light and allow the dial to be read in surprisingly subdued conditions. That turns out to be true.
True this is why I always like to take outdoor video and photos of the watches as they never look the same indoors, This is the first Grand Seiko which I would consider buying myself
Some of those indices looked a little marked and imperfect particularly at the 12 position. Not what I'd expect from a GS. What are your thoughts Barry?
They are faceted and shimmer by directing light on many directions. Like twinkling stars or diamonds. No photo or video is going to do one of these justice.
Ryan in the Coventry store is awesome. Had my eye on this model 3 years ago, so very tempting. But for me the lack of a date and the need for it to fall at or below the 36mm mark made it a no. But the Grand Seiko's zaratsu polished indices and exhibition case back put a lot of watch brands at higher price points to shame.
@@theverbalremedythe dial is perfect as is. That said, GS offers or has offered a very similar watch, similar colorway with a date. I see them come up for sale often. Grand Seiko also currently offers the SBGW293 which is a chocolate dial in a 44GS case at around 35mm. It’s available in the States, GS does offer some watches regionally, I’m not sure about the 293, but there might be others in that size case.
You try and get a SARB for that much I just sold my 035 for £500 😁. But in all fairness Simon this really is a nice watch I really like the movement and hands its on a hole different level
Hi Barry, this did make me smile: the finish is perfect "to the naked eye..." . So what's it like when using a loupe? I take your point though, GS watches are exquisite. If you want lume and water resistance the company's Sport range will cater for you. My only gripe is a marketing one: if I mention Submariner, Black Bay, Laureato, Seamaster, Lange 1 or Constellation you can picture it immediately. But GS only use these silly gobbledegook monikers... if these amazing watches had names it would help to give them character. You've given us a nice review of a wonderful watch Barry: thank you. Have a restful weekend, cheers, Bob 🍻
I was careful what I said I see you noticed , I have a microscope on the bench and it would of been rude not to look at it though it , The hour hand you could see two marks on it , One of these you if you got the watch in a certain light I'm sure a younger guy would be able to see with the naked eye but I couldn't , But I'm being super picky as everyone raves on able them being perfect I guess Bob
@@ClickSpringReview Was this watch new, Barry? If it's preowned maybe it's been serviced less than perfectly in the past. If it's new it needs to go back to Seiko... I'm sure they would be really embarrassed and want to correct it. 🙂
@@ClickSpringReview Ah... I would send it back to Seiko... Mind you, I'm sure that other manufacturers have similar glitches from time to time ... Have a good week Barry... cheers, Bob 🍻
I love Seiko and GS. I don’t have a GS. This is a stunner. Just saw one yesterday. I liked it but did not love it. I want to love GS. I’ve bought several Seikos including a Marinemaster 300 which I bought years ago and still own and enjoy. No GS has been compelling to me yet.
Ive had the two MM300 the 1st gen some 14 years ago and the SLA023 but sold them both as I always found them a little to top heavy myself other than that they are impressive
same feeling to south korean
As you know, I'm not a fan of 'numberless' dials - however, for this, I'd make an exception.
I love it's constrained elegance - no superfluous dial text, no date... perfect.
I'd also be tempted to wear it 'inside out' and just make approximate stabs in the dark as to the correct time.
It is beauty John I enjoy reviewing this one , its one of them lease is more things
I just ordered this watch. Can't wait to receive it. It will be my first GS. I have always wanted a nice, clean dress watch. And this is the only GS that fits that description- at least in the price range. I also ordered the King Seiko SJE089. It looks like another watch that has classic looks.
This is a really nice model for GS its got some real class to it , it just feel so right on the wrist your going to love it I'm sure 👍🏻
Have it. Wear it. LOVE it. Nice Review.... but, its 30m WR so some splash from washing your hands is fine (just don't drown it)... and not having lume is part of what I love about this watch; after all not everything is a sports watch. Under a loop you can see how beautifully polished the indices are. If I were to become destitute, and had to sell every other watch in my collection to eat, this is the one I'd keep anyway and hand down to my nephew after I starved to death.
Its a gorgeous Sir I really enjoyed reviewing it and its one I would love to own , I must say I did see a couple of marks on the hour hand but when using loop you wouldn't see them with the naked eye 👍🏻
It is babaric to want lume on this watch. There's no date also, it is a dress watch and a very nice one. This watch you learn to love, if you are a lumefan you do cannot understand this at once, but possibly later it becomes your most beloved watch.
I did say this was the first Grand Seiko I do actually like as all the others I've been unimpressed with so far but this one is really nice
I would not want lume on this watch. The sharp and clean lines of the dial are the main appeals of the dial.
You are right its not that type of watch but I still like a bit of lume :) Nuo
Beautiful watch , love the light play on the indices 👌🏻
Its a lovely model Andy and at long last a Grand Seiko I really like
I'd really like a deployment clasp on that but the rest is great, 38-40mm is and always has be my sweet spot.
I also have a 7 and a quarter inch wrist and I wear a 36mm Oris Big Crown pointer date as my daily.
Hi Sir I'm sure Seiko would happily sell you a deployment clasp :)
I like 38/41 myself but have many which are bigger
Thanks for the in depth review!
I think every point you made is fair. I quite like how it has a bit of a fifties vibe with few embellishments but what it has has been done very well. For a simple dress watch I actually prefer a manual wind as it would only be worn in the office or to a formal function. And no date makes it less of a hassle to set. Also I think lume would spoil the dial unless it was being used as a daily watch.
If I had a gripe it would be that it’s a little thick compared to its diameter making it seem a little chubby.
Very enjoyable thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it and to be fair I enjoyed reviewing it 👍🏻
I’d strongly consider it.
Its a simple but stunning watch
Another great review Barry. Nicely executed Watch
Thank you again Mr Sub 👍🏻 this one was easy as its a cracking watch
I own this watch and love it. Just love the dial colour it's a bit like ivory. Also time keeping has been second to none. Very understated. Also think it has the calatrava thing going on
You have a very nice watch there Sir
I was watching the video and coincidentally also wearing a club campus. Maybe that's a sign we have matching taste and I'll like the SBGW231 too?
Good taste Jose 👍🏻
This is very nice! Perfect size but wish it had a date.
Hi ya I know what you mean about a date but this watch being only 37mm I don't mind the lack of a date as it keeps the dial all symmetrical
I'm considering the light blue one, but I'm also thinking about the new Oris 473
I reviewed the light blue Oris 473 just a few weeks ago and I’d take the GS everyday of the week over the Oris Sir
@@ClickSpringReview thank you, I'm indeed concerned with the screw down crown
Have you seen my review of it ? It just didn’t do it for me and was a hard video to make were as the GS was simple stunning
@@ClickSpringReview yes I did. Few months ago when I was searching for my next watch I stumbled upon the Oris and almost fell in love with it. Then, completely by coincidence, I saw the GS in a shop and couldn't believe how beautiful it was. That said, since both have their pros and cons, I'm 50/50 on which to buy. Oris has 5 days, GS 3; the clasp seems better on the Oris but the leather on the GS is simply stunning…another detail that "concerns" me it's the dimensions 37 vs 38mm, as my wrist is 18cm. As you can see, I can't sleep at night!
@@HandlewithcareVibes my wrist size is about 18.4cm I’d have no problem with the GS size I really liked it
Nothing compares to the watches from this series as an unfussy yet elegant dress watch at that price. It’s a superb value but setting that aside, it’s simply a stunning watch.
I own an SBGW269 it’s similar to the 231 in that they are sone of the more understated colorways compared to the greens, blues and reds offered. It’s a distillation of what a Grand Seiko should be.
Keep in mind and it may be a cliche to say it, neither pics or videos do this justice. They glow when the light hits them. The indices shimmer, there’s a beautiful curvature to the dial. I favor no date dials to begin with, but given the perfect symmetry if the dial and the magnificence of the indices, that effect- there’s no reason to change it.
A dress watch doesn’t need a date window. As for lume, truth be told, lume is unreliable and short lived in actuality. I had read many reports of how the indices catch and reflect the least bit of light and allow the dial to be read in surprisingly subdued conditions. That turns out to be true.
True this is why I always like to take outdoor video and photos of the watches as they never look the same indoors, This is the first Grand Seiko which I would consider buying myself
We have the same wrist size....looks good on you....is the dial domed or flat? crystal is, I believe?
Hi Kevin the dial is flat Sir . Its a model I would definitely considered owning
Nah the dial is very definitely domed
Some of those indices looked a little marked and imperfect particularly at the 12 position. Not what I'd expect from a GS. What are your thoughts Barry?
Hi Sir I've just been looking and honestly I thought they looked perfect , I really liked the watch its one of the only GS I think I'd buy
They are faceted and shimmer by directing light on many directions. Like twinkling stars or diamonds. No photo or video is going to do one of these justice.
Ryan in the Coventry store is awesome. Had my eye on this model 3 years ago, so very tempting. But for me the lack of a date and the need for it to fall at or below the 36mm mark made it a no. But the Grand Seiko's zaratsu polished indices and exhibition case back put a lot of watch brands at higher price points to shame.
This is one I really like , I do like a date but I feel it may of messed up the dial on this one if it was added 👍🏻
@@ClickSpringReview Yes, i tend to agree. It has one of the cleanest aesthetics i've seen on a dial.
@@theverbalremedythe dial is perfect as is. That said, GS offers or has offered a very similar watch, similar colorway with a date. I see them come up for sale often.
Grand Seiko also currently offers the SBGW293 which is a chocolate dial in a 44GS case at around 35mm. It’s available in the States, GS does offer some watches regionally, I’m not sure about the 293, but there might be others in that size case.
I would!
Don't blame ya Marty
Yes ... if I could afford it. - Quality with Class.
This the only GS I really like so far I how love to own it myself Martin
It is far better looking without it, plus those hands and indecies catch the slightest bit of light.
Glad you agree , sometimes less is more when it comes to dials
Apparently the finishing isn’t as good as the high Grand Seiko pieces,is it?
This is there top tier zaratsu polishing Mat
too small.... should hv been 38mm
Honestly being its all dial its feels and looks bigger than the numbers suggest
I agree, as an owner of this watch and a 7 1/2 inch wrist. 38mm like the sarb033 proportions would have been perfect.
Nice….. Almost as nice as my $300 sarb33 😊
You try and get a SARB for that much I just sold my 035 for £500 😁. But in all fairness Simon this really is a nice watch I really like the movement and hands its on a hole different level
Who doesn't love a sarb but zeratsu finishing needs to be seen and feel in person.
Oh come on! A pretty movement?! You can’t even see it behind the base plate!
But just look at, the over the top use of jewels an extra shock setting thats pretty sweet Scott 😁
I can see some movement somewhere
Hi Barry, this did make me smile: the finish is perfect "to the naked eye..." . So what's it like when using a loupe? I take your point though, GS watches are exquisite. If you want lume and water resistance the company's Sport range will cater for you.
My only gripe is a marketing one: if I mention Submariner, Black Bay, Laureato, Seamaster, Lange 1 or Constellation you can picture it immediately. But GS only use these silly gobbledegook monikers... if these amazing watches had names it would help to give them character.
You've given us a nice review of a wonderful watch Barry: thank you. Have a restful weekend, cheers, Bob 🍻
I was careful what I said I see you noticed , I have a microscope on the bench and it would of been rude not to look at it though it , The hour hand you could see two marks on it , One of these you if you got the watch in a certain light I'm sure a younger guy would be able to see with the naked eye but I couldn't ,
But I'm being super picky as everyone raves on able them being perfect I guess Bob
@@ClickSpringReview Was this watch new, Barry? If it's preowned maybe it's been serviced less than perfectly in the past. If it's new it needs to go back to Seiko... I'm sure they would be really embarrassed and want to correct it. 🙂
Its a new watch Bob but honestly I really liked it the watch looked great
@@ClickSpringReview Ah... I would send it back to Seiko... Mind you, I'm sure that other manufacturers have similar glitches from time to time ... Have a good week Barry... cheers, Bob 🍻
@@robertlock6041 ps I’ve a new Facebook page I’ve just started relating to the channel you may like Bob facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089483695356