Hi, I have watched one of your review videos on TH-cam about Grand Seiko SBGW 231 vs. SBGW 301. First of all, thank you for your informative review and sorry for commenting in English. I am considering to purchase SBGW 301 and this video has been one of the most helpful reviews on TH-cam. I have couple of questions to ask you about SBGW 301. First, there are not many in depth reviews about SBGW 301 and do you consider the bubble issues with the glue has been completely fixed? Second, one of the reviews I’ve read online have mentioned that some could find milky rings in SBGW 301, have you noticed any milky rings in SBGW 301? Finally, although, you’ve concluded your review with slightly towards SBGW 231 due to the price, without the price difference, do you still prefer SBGW 231 to SBGW 301? Thank you for your review and your comment will be truly appreciated and helpful for me and others. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. SBGW301 has completely fixed the adhesive bubble problem. I have also noticed that a milky white ring is visible when viewed from the front. These two are common features that have been adopted in similar case models since SBGW281, so I did not discuss them in detail. That's because I didn't want to include any sensory information about the "what's the difference?" part. If there's no price difference...it's just a matter of feeling, but 231 looks cleaner, so I'd say 231. I think it's at a level where you won't notice it if you use both.
Thank you for your video, cause I'm interested in sbgw231 models for several weeks, and I heard that SBGW301 is released! But have not found any information for a while in Korea, my country. Now I know that there are two improvements : solved glass bubble issue & bracelet compatibility! Is there any other case shape or dial size differences? It seems that 301 model dial is little smaller than 231 (but I'm not sure..)..For now, I'd like to buy 231 model.. (I don't think that 301 model price increase is not worth in practical use) Anyway, really thankful for your video and explanation! 감사합니다.
Hello. you're welcome. The way the glass edge looks has changed due to changes in the way the glass is fixed. That might make the dial look a little smaller. However, if you haven't noticed any difference since the release of SBGW281...maybe there's nothing to worry about.
Greeting from Australia! First of all, thank you for this video. As far as I know, you are the only one I’ve found on TH-cam that gave such a clear comparison between the two models. I am incidentally on my way to go compare these two models in person today at my local authorized dealer here in Australia. The listed price difference between the SBGW231 & SBGW301 is AU $900 or approximately ¥90,000. From what I’ve researched, it would seem that the SBGW231 is discontinued hence I’m leaning towards that since it’s cheaper too. My reasoning for now is that I can always sell the SBGW231 and buy the SBGW301 at a later date if the “bubbles” issue truly bothers me 🤷🏻♂️ I do have one question for you though as there is apparently a slight difference in the dial color between the two models as well. I was told that the SBGW231 has a lighter ivory/off-white color compared to the SBGW301. Did you noticed any difference between the two? Anyway, thanks again for a fantastic video and all the best with your hobby 😊
Thank you for your comment from Australia. I'm happy to be able to interact with GS fans from many countries through this video. I heard that there was no change in the dial color of SBGW231 and SBGW301, so I didn't feel like there was a difference. (I haven't researched this myself, so I'm not sure...) It's possible that the way the dial looks has changed due to a change in the way the glass is fixed. Thank you for watching the video! From Japan, we hope that you will be able to make a satisfying choice!
You’re correct about the dial; I couldn’t discern any color difference between the two models during my side-by-side comparison. However, I’d like to highlight two distinct differences that has led me to choose the SBGW231 over the newer SBGW301. In my personal opinion, while the gasket used in the SBGW301 solves the ‘bubbling’ issue, it creates a visible circular outline between the crystal and case, disrupting the smooth transition and altering the watch’s overall aesthetics compared to the SBGW231. Additionally, the gasket also makes the SBGW301 slightly thicker, noticeable by about 0.5mm. You can definitely feel the difference if you hold them both together. Anyway, both are excellent watches, but these differences are worth considering for potential buyers.
You're right, both are excellent watches, but the visible outline between the glass and case and the 0.1mm difference in case thickness are also important. That is also a difference common to models after SBGW281. Thanks to your comments, the information will be easier to understand and more people will use it as a reference! thank you!
also from Australia. Just wanted to ask since i recently discovered the 301 and 231. What are the main differences? Or is the 301 just a fix for the bubble issue?
@_smsv_ 301 is a model that simply solves the bubble problem. This resulted in slight differences in thickness and appearance. This means that it has the same specifications as other 37.3mm models, such as the SBGW281.
The improved 301 is also a good choice! By the way, I'll also include the opinions of Australian GS fans! ↓ ↓ ↓ @Vic.C You're correct about the dial; I couldn't discern any color difference between the two models during my side-by-side comparison. However, l'd like to highlight two distinct differences that has led me to choose the SBGW231 over the newer SBGW301. In my personal opinion, while the gasket used in the SBGW301 solves the 'bubbling' issue, it creates a visible circular outline between the crystal and case, disrupting the smooth transition and altering the watch's overall aesthetics compared to the SBGW231. Additionally, the gasket also makes the SBGW301 slightly thicker, noticeable by about 0.5mm. You can definitely feel the difference if you hold them both together. Anyway, both are excellent watches, but these differences are worth considering for potential buyers.
I'm very happy to receive this request, but it's difficult to provide English subtitles since this is part of my hobby. So, I would like to write a brief summary in this comment section. Although they look the same, 301 and 231 have different case model numbers. This is because the way the glass is installed has changed. The 231 had the drawback of air bubbles getting into the glass installation position, but the 301 has solved that problem. In short, the 301 is an updated version of the 231. However, this is not a unique update, but an update that has already been applied to existing SBGW281 etc. I say in the video that if you don't see the value in going up in price, if you didn't notice the difference when something like 281 came out in the first place, then you should buy 231.
First I'm very happy to get a response from you and I wish you luck for your hobby. Greetings from Turkey to you and all Japanese friends. Thanks a lot to you for a kind illuminating information.
@@udedokeithank you so much mate, this is greatly appreciated. How much did they bump up the price exactly? (For these fixes that should have been that way from the get go haha) And why haven’t they put the new movement inside!!! Cheers
In Japan, the price has increased by 16% due to the change from SBGW231 to SBGW301. (As of April 13, 2024) A movement called 9SA4 was announced, but the model that uses it has a 38.6mm case and a very high price. The current 9S movement is the best balance between size and price.
Since the 301 overcomes the shortcomings of the 231, it is clear that the 301 is a better watch. However, considering the price difference If it were me, I would choose 231.
@@udedokei what do you think are the main shortcomings of the 231? I have the 231 and love it. the only thing that bothers me is the visible glue bubbles around the crystal where it meets the case.
It's not a specific shortcoming of this model, but since Grand Seiko claims to be practical, I think they should have made sure it was water resistant to 10 ATM. That and the bubbles from the glass glue. I think these two points are the main drawbacks of 231. However, even with these shortcomings, the 231 is still the best watch for me.
SBGW231ってすごい人気がるんですよね。
先月末に入庫したのが2週間で売れてしまって服装に合わせた試着出来なかったです。
夏のボーナスまで在庫が残ってる事を祈るしかないです。
SBGW231ってシンプルで目立たないけど、上質で手に取って初めて良さに気付くんですね。
更にGSの中では安価なのもgoodです。
夏のボーナスまで残っていなかったらSBGW301を検討ですね！
Hi, I have watched one of your review videos on TH-cam about Grand Seiko SBGW 231 vs. SBGW 301.
First of all, thank you for your informative review and sorry for commenting in English. I am considering to purchase SBGW 301 and this video has been one of the most helpful reviews on TH-cam. I have couple of questions to ask you about SBGW 301.
First, there are not many in depth reviews about SBGW 301 and do you consider the bubble issues with the glue has been completely fixed?
Second, one of the reviews I’ve read online have mentioned that some could find milky rings in SBGW 301, have you noticed any milky rings in SBGW 301?
Finally, although, you’ve concluded your review with slightly towards SBGW 231 due to the price, without the price difference, do you still prefer SBGW 231 to SBGW 301?
Thank you for your review and your comment will be truly appreciated and helpful for me and others. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment.
SBGW301 has completely fixed the adhesive bubble problem.
I have also noticed that a milky white ring is visible when viewed from the front.
These two are common features that have been adopted in similar case models since SBGW281, so I did not discuss them in detail.
That's because I didn't want to include any sensory information about the "what's the difference?" part.
If there's no price difference...it's just a matter of feeling, but 231 looks cleaner, so I'd say 231. I think it's at a level where you won't notice it if you use both.
@@udedokei Thank you very much! I truly appreciate your thorough review and reply.
相変わらずセイコーは訳の分からないやり方で大幅値上げですね…
またまた本日アウトレットで、我慢出来ない病が再発してしまい、プロスペックスSBDC171を買ってしまいました。マットホワイトの文字盤がカッコいいです
SBDC171良いですねー！
マットホワイトのダイアルって他には少し前に廃盤になったショーグンぐらいですよね。僕もいつかはマットホワイトのダイアルのダイバーズが欲しいと思ってます。
I mean it’s great but the outer bezel misalignment would drive me nuts
接着剤固定からの変更は大きいですね。海外でものすごく評価の高いSBGW231ですが、唯一欠点として挙げられていたのが、ガラスの縁に気泡が見えることでした。GSらしからぬ品質と大抵コメントされていました。この手巻きモデルはGS版カラトラバと評されて定番モデル化していますので、セイコーとしても早急に対応したかったのでしょう。
品質が上がったのはとても良いことですよね！
品質を上げた方に価格が安い方と、幸運にも今から検討する人は選ぶことができるので後悔のないように選んで欲しいと思っています。
Thank you for your video, cause I'm interested in sbgw231 models for several weeks, and I heard that SBGW301 is released! But have not found any information for a while in Korea, my country. Now I know that there are two improvements : solved glass bubble issue & bracelet compatibility! Is there any other case shape or dial size differences? It seems that 301 model dial is little smaller than 231 (but I'm not sure..)..For now, I'd like to buy 231 model.. (I don't think that 301 model price increase is not worth in practical use) Anyway, really thankful for your video and explanation! 감사합니다.
Hello. you're welcome.
The way the glass edge looks has changed due to changes in the way the glass is fixed.
That might make the dial look a little smaller.
However, if you haven't noticed any difference since the release of SBGW281...maybe there's nothing to worry about.
Greeting from Australia! First of all, thank you for this video. As far as I know, you are the only one I’ve found on TH-cam that gave such a clear comparison between the two models.
I am incidentally on my way to go compare these two models in person today at my local authorized dealer here in Australia. The listed price difference between the SBGW231 & SBGW301 is AU $900 or approximately ¥90,000. From what I’ve researched, it would seem that the SBGW231 is discontinued hence I’m leaning towards that since it’s cheaper too. My reasoning for now is that I can always sell the SBGW231 and buy the SBGW301 at a later date if the “bubbles” issue truly bothers me 🤷🏻♂️
I do have one question for you though as there is apparently a slight difference in the dial color between the two models as well. I was told that the SBGW231 has a lighter ivory/off-white color compared to the SBGW301. Did you noticed any difference between the two?
Anyway, thanks again for a fantastic video and all the best with your hobby 😊
Thank you for your comment from Australia.
I'm happy to be able to interact with GS fans from many countries through this video.
I heard that there was no change in the dial color of SBGW231 and SBGW301, so I didn't feel like there was a difference. (I haven't researched this myself, so I'm not sure...)
It's possible that the way the dial looks has changed due to a change in the way the glass is fixed.
Thank you for watching the video! From Japan, we hope that you will be able to make a satisfying choice!
You’re correct about the dial; I couldn’t discern any color difference between the two models during my side-by-side comparison. However, I’d like to highlight two distinct differences that has led me to choose the SBGW231 over the newer SBGW301. In my personal opinion, while the gasket used in the SBGW301 solves the ‘bubbling’ issue, it creates a visible circular outline between the crystal and case, disrupting the smooth transition and altering the watch’s overall aesthetics compared to the SBGW231. Additionally, the gasket also makes the SBGW301 slightly thicker, noticeable by about 0.5mm. You can definitely feel the difference if you hold them both together. Anyway, both are excellent watches, but these differences are worth considering for potential buyers.
You're right, both are excellent watches, but the visible outline between the glass and case and the 0.1mm difference in case thickness are also important.
That is also a difference common to models after SBGW281.
Thanks to your comments, the information will be easier to understand and more people will use it as a reference!
thank you!
also from Australia. Just wanted to ask since i recently discovered the 301 and 231. What are the main differences? Or is the 301 just a fix for the bubble issue?
@_smsv_ 301 is a model that simply solves the bubble problem. This resulted in slight differences in thickness and appearance.
This means that it has the same specifications as other 37.3mm models, such as the SBGW281.
さすがぽぱいさん！細かい所まで調べ上げてますね！！
ライスブレスの値段を言った後の「これ買います？」が本音ですよね。
ライスブレスモデルである305を買ってレザーストラップに交換した方が安く済むわけですが、そもそもGSのラインナップが多過ぎてよくわからなくなってきています。😅
ありがとうございます。
ライスブレスが欲しいならSBGW305一択ですよねー。庶民には高すぎます…
ラインナップが多いからこそ面白いとか思っちゃいます。この状況を楽しみましょう！
Thanks for the video!
I wanted to buy the 321 for the past 3 years but I couldn't due to the bubbles, now I can, there is a 301!
The improved 301 is also a good choice!
By the way, I'll also include the opinions of Australian GS fans!
↓ ↓ ↓
@Vic.C
You're correct about the dial; I couldn't discern any color difference between the two models during my side-by-side comparison. However, l'd like to highlight two distinct differences that has led me to choose the SBGW231 over the newer SBGW301. In my personal opinion, while the gasket used in the SBGW301 solves the
'bubbling' issue, it creates a visible circular outline between the crystal and case, disrupting the smooth transition and altering the watch's overall aesthetics compared to the SBGW231. Additionally, the gasket also makes the SBGW301 slightly thicker, noticeable by about 0.5mm. You can definitely feel the difference if you hold them both together. Anyway, both are excellent watches, but these differences are worth considering for potential buyers.
ありがとうございます。一連のこのケースタイプはＧＳファーストのテイストがあって
好きですね。おすすめします。皮ベルトで良いですよ。ＧＳのＤバックルで十分かと。
そうですよね！GSファーストのテイストの腕時計なので僕も個人的には皮ベルトで十分だと思っています。
標準のピンバックルからDバックルへ変更するだけでも幸せになれます。
I wish you would add English subtitle of your video, because I’m really curious of what the difference between sbgw231 and sbgw301🤔
I'm very happy to receive this request, but it's difficult to provide English subtitles since this is part of my hobby.
So, I would like to write a brief summary in this comment section.
Although they look the same, 301 and 231 have different case model numbers. This is because the way the glass is installed has changed. The 231 had the drawback of air bubbles getting into the glass installation position, but the 301 has solved that problem.
In short, the 301 is an updated version of the 231.
However, this is not a unique update, but an update that has already been applied to existing SBGW281 etc.
I say in the video that if you don't see the value in going up in price, if you didn't notice the difference when something like 281 came out in the first place, then you should buy 231.
First I'm very happy to get a response from you and I wish you luck for your hobby. Greetings from Turkey to you and all Japanese friends. Thanks a lot to you for a kind illuminating information.
@@udedokeithank you so much mate, this is greatly appreciated. How much did they bump up the price exactly? (For these fixes that should have been that way from the get go haha)
And why haven’t they put the new movement inside!!!
Cheers
In Japan, the price has increased by 16% due to the change from SBGW231 to SBGW301. (As of April 13, 2024)
A movement called 9SA4 was announced, but the model that uses it has a 38.6mm case and a very high price.
The current 9S movement is the best balance between size and price.
SEIKOのTシャツ何処で売っているんですか？教えて下さい
残念ながら売ってるものじゃないんですよ。
ブティックのポイントを貯めると貰える景品です。視聴者の方からいただきました。
¡Gracias por el vídeo!
Saludos desde México.
¡Gracias por tu comentario desde México!
SBGW231の秒針が青針で同じ価格だったら、購入したかったです。
青針好きなんですね！
少しダイアルカラーが違いますが、SBGW235が生き残っていたら最適でしたね。
SBGW305・SBGW301接着剤固定からガラスパッキン固定への変更だけみたいです。
新作のSBGW305試着しましたがライスブレス着け心地サイコーでした。
固定方法の変更＝ケース番号の統一により公式に適合するケースに…ってな感じですよね。
奇遇ですね！実は僕も先日SBGW305を試着に行きましたよー！ライスブレスのフィッティングは最高でした。同意見です。
初腕時計にsbpx145買ったよ。電波じゃないけど。安いやつだからマニアには安っぽいって思わてしまうのかな？でも僕から見たらこれで十分かっこいい。アマゾンの評価もとても高いのよ。
ひとつ気が付いたことがある。腕時計って買ったら治まるのではなくて、逆に欲しくなるということ。
購入おめでとうございます。
腕時計を買ったら次が欲しくなるっていうのは…完全にスイッチが入ってますねw
あるあるだと思います。腕時計は楽しいですよ！
要は専用ケースをやめて、統合したということか…
そんな感じです！
do you prefer the 301 over the 231 ?
Since the 301 overcomes the shortcomings of the 231, it is clear that the 301 is a better watch. However, considering the price difference
If it were me, I would choose 231.
@@udedokei what do you think are the main shortcomings of the 231? I have the 231 and love it. the only thing that bothers me is the visible glue bubbles around the crystal where it meets the case.
It's not a specific shortcoming of this model, but since Grand Seiko claims to be practical, I think they should have made sure it was water resistant to 10 ATM.
That and the bubbles from the glass glue.
I think these two points are the main drawbacks of 231.
However, even with these shortcomings, the 231 is still the best watch for me.
どうせ高価なら仕上げの良いの買っといたらとも思いますね まあ私は買えませんけどね ５スポーツのフィールドのＧＭＴ気になります
そうですね。そう考えることもできます。
このように選択肢があるのも今のうちにだけですから、検討中の方は存分に悩んで欲しいです。
5スポーツのフィールドGMTは僕も気になっています。初期の5スポーツGMTみたいに販売価格の縛りも無いのもありがたいです。
@@udedokeiSBDJ059も見てきましたが、カッコよいですね、106,700 円は高いですねNEIGHBORHOODにそれだけ出せるのかって話です ただ日本限定を出すのはポイント高いですね
NEIGHBORHOODコラボは僕も気になってました。初見で「高い」と思ったからこそ、その価値を自分の目で確認したかったんですけど…まだ観てません。
おっしゃる通り日本限定ってポイント高いですよね。どんどん日本限定を展開して欲しいものです。
２３１良いモデルですね
目立ちませんがGSの定番だったと思います
正直に言えばGSのこのやり方にあまり良い印象持たない方がいても不思議ではない。
これで値上げするんか！？って内容ですね。
ありがたい動画。
しかしセイコーはせこいなぁ。もっと矜持をもって欲しい
動画を褒めていただきありがとうございます！
(嬉しいです！みんなもっと褒めて！)