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Old 16 August 2021, 12:49 AM   #1
Bearxj86
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SBGJ249 Shosho- might be the best GS release of the year?

Grand seiko makes many amazing watches- particular with the dials - to the point that “special” for GS dial is a different level.

Even though one can say the 249 has a similar or identical dial to the White Birch (with a 90 degree rotation) - I definitely think the case and sword hands complete the dial.

It’s not a limited edition but it evoked the same feelings I had with the snowflake all those years ago.

The versatile case and 19mm lug width also makes it look amazing with straps (vs the 21mm on last year's 4 seasons and 22mm on the White Birch).







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Old 16 August 2021, 01:40 AM   #2
1William
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Nice watch. I have been looking at this one at my AD. Might get it, might not.
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Old 16 August 2021, 01:50 AM   #3
Oyster Sauce
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Drooling right now. Wear in good health
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Old 16 August 2021, 02:54 AM   #4
Dsmith1974
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That sure is nice. But it’s the SBGY201 that’s doing it for me atm.


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Old 17 August 2021, 04:34 AM   #5
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I just don’t like the case shape of that one. I wanted to like it so bad. Like many GS, too thick for the diam, for me
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Old 20 August 2021, 09:09 PM   #6
ajw99
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It's a beautiful piece in person. I had a tough time with the legibility even with all the zaratsu polishing... Didn't contrast enough for me to readily see what time it was. Maybe I'm getting old. Anyway, the watch looks really good. Enjoy to all those getting one...
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Old 21 August 2021, 03:25 AM   #7
quakeroatmeal
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When they announced this watch I was very excited because I thought it would have some decent water resistance, but then I noticed it was just 3 bar. Wish it had at least 5 or even 10 like their other non GMT steel models.
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Old 21 August 2021, 03:43 AM   #8
samson66
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I tried one on at my AD and man that dial is spectacular. There's a "shock and awe" quality to it when you see for the first time.

Question/comment: One thing that bothered me was that they used a dark color for the 24 hr hand. To my eyes, and depending on the light, it seemed too close in color to the hour and minute hands and I wondered if it could make it difficult to read. Do you ever find yourself mistaking the hour hand for the 24 hr hand or vice versa?
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Old 22 August 2021, 11:36 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by samson66 View Post
I tried one on at my AD and man that dial is spectacular. There's a "shock and awe" quality to it when you see for the first time.

Question/comment: One thing that bothered me was that they used a dark color for the 24 hr hand. To my eyes, and depending on the light, it seemed too close in color to the hour and minute hands and I wondered if it could make it difficult to read. Do you ever find yourself mistaking the hour hand for the 24 hr hand or vice versa?

I haven’t had that issue at all. It’s quite different by my estimation


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Old 22 August 2021, 05:59 PM   #10
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Beautiful mate

Love how those straps give it a great alternative look
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Old 23 August 2021, 02:10 AM   #11
samson66
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bearxj86 View Post
I haven’t had that issue at all. It’s quite different by my estimation


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Good to hear! I tried that on and the green dial version. Really nice watches. The green dial uses a gold 24 hr hand.



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Old 23 August 2021, 02:18 AM   #12
Whineboy
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I had issues with the ~ 14mm thickness being magnified by the compact case, these GMTs feel chunky in a way the SBGJ201 doesn’t.


Having a great time…..
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Old 23 September 2021, 05:42 AM   #13
trippinjimmy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bearxj86 View Post
Grand seiko makes many amazing watches- particular with the dials - to the point that “special” for GS dial is a different level.

Even though one can say the 249 has a similar or identical dial to the White Birch (with a 90 degree rotation) - I definitely think the case and sword hands complete the dial.

It’s not a limited edition but it evoked the same feelings I had with the snowflake all those years ago.

The versatile case and 19mm lug width also makes it look amazing with straps (vs the 21mm on last year's 4 seasons and 22mm on the White Birch).







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I'm considering this one - where'd you get all the 19mm straps if you don't mind my asking. I haven't looked around, but I know finding 21mm straps was somewhat of a PITA for my GSOTM.

Thanks!
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Old 23 September 2021, 07:20 AM   #14
swish77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trippinjimmy View Post
I'm considering this one - where'd you get all the 19mm straps if you don't mind my asking. I haven't looked around, but I know finding 21mm straps was somewhat of a PITA for my GSOTM.

Thanks!
Sometimes you can get them from the boutiques, but you can also check the non-Rolex accessories sales section on this forum.
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Old 23 September 2021, 07:42 AM   #15
bibbi
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The watch is great. It’s not the best release of 2021 (can’t even compare to e.g. SBGA441), but is a great release.

Still PLEASE don”t do it harm and do not pair it with any strap.

Its dial is way too busy to be accompanied with a strap. The bracelet works perfect. It”s the same case as with the Whirlpool. Just doesn’t work…

IMHO.
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Old 23 September 2021, 07:47 AM   #16
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Jumping the shark.
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Old 23 September 2021, 07:48 AM   #17
Mike507
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The dial looks great, but once again I just wish it was a couple of mm thinner. Its the last thing that always holds me back.

Personally I like it on some of those straps and the bracelet.
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Old 11 October 2021, 02:57 PM   #18
subdownunder
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It's a nice watch, my only dislike that would stop me purchasing it is the dial looks so cluttered and difficult to read.

I would argue the snowflake is a superior design, even though it is a complex finish the overall dial layout more elegant and extremely legible.
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Old 16 October 2021, 10:57 AM   #19
greeneyedguy
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Yes in person this watch is spectacular. If i had just not bought an Omiwatari i would buy this in a heart beat. I do find the Omi to be in another category being a hand wound dress piece.
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Old 16 October 2021, 08:19 PM   #20
jaySL350
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bearxj86 View Post
I haven’t had that issue at all. It’s quite different by my estimation


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Beautiful,,
GS and there stunning dials,,,,
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Old 17 October 2021, 12:37 AM   #21
ajw99
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Absolutely love the shosho... comfortable for my 6.75" wrist. Wish lists tweaks, primarily big-picture GS issues rather than model-specific: decrease case thickness 2mm; a hint more hands legibility; add microadjusts; no more teeny-tiny bracelet link screws.
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Old 13 April 2022, 06:31 PM   #22
Daytona88
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What a beauty. I’m tempted to make this my first GS purchase
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Old 14 April 2022, 08:04 AM   #23
bibbi
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Anything non-limited is boring.
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Old 15 June 2022, 12:19 PM   #24
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Late post. I just wanna say: what a beauty!!!
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Old 15 June 2022, 01:41 PM   #25
duquephart
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Waaaaaaaaay too busy with all the hash marks and silly numerals.
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Old 20 June 2022, 12:47 AM   #26
rom33
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Hi trippin,
Where did the lower right brown strap come from?

Great looking watch and the straps are fantastic!

Mike
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