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rockmastermike · 21 July 2016, 11:27 AM

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 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

Marcela · 21 July 2016, 11:58 AM

Absolutely gorgeous watch! Thank you for taking the time to share :-)

BigAl72 · 21 July 2016, 12:33 PM

Real eye opener. Work of art.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

solo-act · 21 July 2016, 12:47 PM

Are you taking pictures with a camera or a microscope :-)

Ivory dial with that strap is a classy combo.

denmanproject · 21 July 2016, 01:01 PM

Awesome!

Psmith · 21 July 2016, 08:27 PM

A stunning piece - thanks for posting this

1William · 21 July 2016, 09:08 PM

Very nice watch and write up.

droptopman · 21 July 2016, 09:41 PM

Beautiful watch and excellent post. Congrats!
Sooner or later I will get one of these. It will be my only non Rolex watch.

rockmastermike · 21 July 2016, 10:06 PM

Thank you very much!
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.

Speed · 30 July 2017, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockmastermike

Thank you very much!
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.

One of my favorite threads of the year!

Beautiful watch all around...

I'm loving my 1960s hi beat, but I would welcome a modern GS as well. I think I prefer the models on strap tbh.

Cru Jones · 22 July 2016, 12:14 AM

magnificent photos!!

really fantastic watch with so much to appreciate. great choice.

joli160 · 22 July 2016, 12:58 AM

Second to none

Bernie.H. · 23 July 2016, 01:43 AM

Fantastic photographs. I own one of these beautiful watches but I don't have any photos like that. :-)

TheBluePrince · 23 July 2016, 05:40 AM

Stunning, I too am convinced that the hands on my GS would slice you open.

red1108nyc · 1 August 2016, 10:43 AM

Great post and fantastic shots bud - Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Fred

incontrol · 1 August 2016, 12:09 PM

Fantastic review of a gorgeous watch! I have a Spring Drive GMT and become mesmerized by the details every time I wear it!

I have been thinking about adding a Hi-Beat for a while now, just waiting for the right one.

Thank you for this post, and congrats!

cvn72 · 21 August 2016, 08:59 PM

Very nice picture

[QUOTE=rockmastermike;6868179]

Onx · 25 August 2016, 01:59 AM

That's a stunner..

ming the merciless · 25 August 2016, 07:14 PM

Very nice watch.

sea-dweller · 13 May 2017, 11:30 AM

Nice photos and review!

hdrazor251 · 13 May 2017, 02:15 PM

Awesome review and amazing photos. Thanks for posting.

wach16 · 15 May 2017, 02:17 AM

Awesome pictures and post...thanks for sharing!

incontrol · 15 May 2017, 04:18 AM

Grand Seiko design and attention to detail is second to none. Your macro photography of the details is really good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Gharddog03 · 5 June 2017, 08:32 AM

That is my favorite GS!!!! Simply stunning!!!

One Ping Only · 5 June 2017, 08:41 AM

Beautiful pictures.

I concur, GS has to be seen in person to be appreciated but your photos go a long way!

Dr. Robert · 13 August 2017, 12:40 AM

And it has lugholes!

southcarolina1801 · 8 September 2017, 01:45 PM

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

wgattis · 11 January 2018, 03:01 PM

Idc I love Seiko... always wanted spring drive

Travelller · 22 February 2018, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockmastermike

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

Just saw this for the first time - What a beautiful GS, excellent write-up & awesome imagery!

I sincerely hope it's still in your rotation - a keeper for sure!

razmy3 · 25 February 2018, 09:55 AM

...thanks for the nice write and most of all the photographs...will get one of the GS 1 day....

21 July 2016, 11:27 AM	#1
rockmastermike 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: GA Watch: 16610LV Posts: 4,431	Grand Seiko SBGR061 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 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

21 July 2016, 08:27 PM	#6
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	A stunning piece - thanks for posting this __________________

21 July 2016, 09:41 PM	#8
droptopman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Mark Location: Washington State Watch: SUBS and GMT's! Posts: 9,664	Beautiful watch and excellent post. Congrats! Sooner or later I will get one of these. It will be my only non Rolex watch. __________________ Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? Ty: By height.

22 July 2016, 12:58 AM	#12
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,758	Second to none __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

1 August 2016, 12:09 PM	#16
incontrol "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Somewhere in PA Watch: All of them... Posts: 10,355	Fantastic review of a gorgeous watch! I have a Spring Drive GMT and become mesmerized by the details every time I wear it! I have been thinking about adding a Hi-Beat for a while now, just waiting for the right one. Thank you for this post, and congrats! __________________ Patek Philippe Rolex

21 July 2016, 11:58 AM	#2
Marcela "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,473	Absolutely gorgeous watch! Thank you for taking the time to share :-)

21 July 2016, 12:33 PM	#3
BigAl72 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Massachusetts Watch: D-Blue, GS SBGE001 Posts: 695	Real eye opener. Work of art. Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

21 July 2016, 12:47 PM	#4
solo-act "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Colorado Posts: 64	Are you taking pictures with a camera or a microscope :-) Ivory dial with that strap is a classy combo.

21 July 2016, 01:01 PM	#5
denmanproject "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Wayne Location: Canada Posts: 4,407	Awesome!

21 July 2016, 09:08 PM	#7
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,776	Very nice watch and write up.

21 July 2016, 10:06 PM	#9
rockmastermike 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: GA Watch: 16610LV Posts: 4,431	Thank you very much! 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.

22 July 2016, 12:14 AM	#11
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,299	magnificent photos!! really fantastic watch with so much to appreciate. great choice.

23 July 2016, 01:43 AM	#13
Bernie.H. Banned Join Date: May 2012 Location: England Posts: 514	Fantastic photographs. I own one of these beautiful watches but I don't have any photos like that. :-)

23 July 2016, 05:40 AM	#14
TheBluePrince "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,081	Stunning, I too am convinced that the hands on my GS would slice you open.

1 August 2016, 10:43 AM	#15
red1108nyc 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Fred Location: NYC/NJ Metro Area Watch: Rolex Posts: 8,512	Great post and fantastic shots bud - Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Fred

21 August 2016, 08:59 PM	#17
cvn72 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: USA Posts: 14	Very nice picture [QUOTE=rockmastermike;6868179]

25 August 2016, 01:59 AM	#18
Onx "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Southeast Asia Posts: 160	That's a stunner..

25 August 2016, 07:14 PM	#19
ming the merciless "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: England Posts: 459	Very nice watch.

13 May 2017, 11:30 AM	#20
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Nice photos and review! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

13 May 2017, 02:15 PM	#21
hdrazor251 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: Arizona Watch: is recovered!! Posts: 4,255	Awesome review and amazing photos. Thanks for posting. __________________ 16753 GMT Master, 16613 Bluesy, 16710 GMT Master II, 16570 Polar Explorer II-Stolen & Recovered!! Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

15 May 2017, 02:17 AM	#22
wach16 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: NH Watch: 228239, PAM00684 Posts: 2,121	Awesome pictures and post...thanks for sharing! __________________ Rolex 228239 PAM00684

15 May 2017, 04:18 AM	#23
incontrol "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Somewhere in PA Watch: All of them... Posts: 10,355	Grand Seiko SBGR061 Grand Seiko design and attention to detail is second to none. Your macro photography of the details is really good. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Patek Philippe Rolex

5 June 2017, 08:32 AM	#24
Gharddog03 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Genaro Location: Fresno Ca. Watch: R O L E X Posts: 4,466	That is my favorite GS!!!! Simply stunning!!!

5 June 2017, 08:41 AM	#25
One Ping Only "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Ken Location: WI Watch: several Posts: 1,639	Beautiful pictures. I concur, GS has to be seen in person to be appreciated but your photos go a long way! __________________ I have far too many expensive hobbies to even consider another one.

13 August 2017, 12:40 AM	#26
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,248	And it has lugholes! __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

8 September 2017, 01:45 PM	#27
southcarolina1801 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Peach State Posts: 735	Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

11 January 2018, 03:01 PM	#28
wgattis 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Real Name: Dud Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex DJ41 126300 Posts: 21	Re Idc I love Seiko... always wanted spring drive

25 February 2018, 09:55 AM	#30
razmy3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: singapore Posts: 27	...thanks for the nice write and most of all the photographs...will get one of the GS 1 day....

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