SBGJ249 Shosho- might be the best GS release of the year?

[Bearxj86]

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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[1William]

Nice watch. I have been looking at this one at my AD. Might get it, might not.

[Oyster Sauce]

Drooling right now. Wear in good health

[Dsmith1974]

That sure is nice. But it’s the SBGY201 that’s doing it for me atm.


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[ap1]

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

[ajw99]

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...

[quakeroatmeal]

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.

[samson66]

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?

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by samson66

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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[111forza]

Love how those straps give it a great alternative look

[samson66]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

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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[Whineboy]

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…..

[trippinjimmy]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

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!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by trippinjimmy

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.

[bibbi]

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.

[duquephart]

Jumping the shark.

[Mike507]

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.

[subdownunder]

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.

[greeneyedguy]

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.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

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,,,,

[ajw99]

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.

[Daytona88]

What a beauty. I’m tempted to make this my first GS purchase

[bibbi]

Anything non-limited is boring.

[zen watch]

Late post. I just wanna say: what a beauty!!!

[duquephart]

Waaaaaaaaay too busy with all the hash marks and silly numerals.

[rom33]

Hi trippin,
Where did the lower right brown strap come from?

Great looking watch and the straps are fantastic!

Mike