Grand Seiko SBGR261G

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Greetings -

Being a Grand Seiko fan is a challenge, especially trying to figure out their naming convention. How does SBGR261G help explain a watch? Compared to the Rolex simplicity - DateJust, Day Date, etc. - figuring out a Grand Seiko is a full time job.

Add to that the decision to switch the name of the watch itself and the dial to Grand Seiko from Seiko followed by Grand Seiko makes it even more difficult to follow the line from a historical perspective. Finally, the lack of effective distribution and marketing for the Grand Seiko line until recently adds to the confusion as well. With all of that out of the way, the watch itself is well worth the effort.

The SBGR261G is a "classic" style watch - cream colored dial with wonderfully reflective stick markers for the hours, double indexed at 6, 9 and 12 o'clock, with a date at the 3 marker surrounded by an impeccably framed box that adds to the simplicity and beauty of the dial. The second hand is a full sweeper, blue tinted and adding a fine contrast to the cream dial. The elegant crocodile band is padded with a three fold clasp and push button release. There are many far better descriptions of this watch on the Internet with more detail, and the Grand Seiko site has further information (look at the 2017 models for details).

So why this review? It came about as I was looking for a "dressier" Rolex to change up the look of my DateJust. As I looked into the Rolex choices there wasn't anything like the Grand Seiko.

I find the Grand Seiko requires work to appreciate. At first glance, and even a second, it can appear "bland", nothing special grabs your attention. And then you look more closely and notice the refinement. The dial is simple, precise and polished to a level that needs to be seen to be appreciated. It catches any light and sends it across the dial in unique interesting patterns. The reflections interact with the dial, the hands, the case and the show continues to draw you into it. And then you notice the subtle blue second hand which appears blue, black and many other hues depending on light and location on the dial. There is little lettering on the dial to distract your eye - just enough to get the message across, and nothing else.

The reverse side display is simple and direct. The finishing is fine, but not up the standard of the true "high end" Swiss brands. And that's fine. The Grand Seiko has a fine look and finish, but doesn't strive to detract from the overall "Zen" of the watch by emphasizing one area over another. That's the beauty of the Grand Seiko - balance. Nothing shouts at you, it becomes a harmonious whole. Yet, like the proverbial onion, you can keep looking deeper and deeper and be rewarded by what you find. Call it a relaxing meditation into time. The pure mechanical nature of the watch adds to that feeling. Winding the 70 hour reserve mainspring is a tactile delight. It's not unlike using a classic Leica film camera.

So, if you're looking for a different take on a classic looking timepiece, one filled with subtly and surprises, that takes you into a quiet place where the objective is to enjoy the experience of time as well as the beauty of time, this may be a watch for you.