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Old 25 March 2019, 12:35 PM   #1
JParm
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Sbgw 253 vs. Sbgw 231 - your thoughts

Which do you prefer? Also, for those that have handled both, are the crystals identical in height, or does one have a flatter sapphire?

Pics below from the web for reference!
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Old 25 March 2019, 12:59 PM   #2
mgsooner
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I really like both of these references but I give a slight nod to the 231. The cream colored dial, lug holes and the fact that I feel the 231 is a bit easier to dress down while still working perfectly as a dress watch. I do feel the 253’s size is superior at 38+ while having a slimmer profile.
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Old 25 March 2019, 04:00 PM   #3
Gharddog03
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253
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Old 25 March 2019, 04:01 PM   #4
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Cream dial for me
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Old 25 March 2019, 04:42 PM   #5
sensui
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Handled both......I definitely liked and bought the 253. Arguably one of the best Grand Seikos in my mind thus far.
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Old 26 March 2019, 05:55 AM   #6
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Quote:
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Handled both......I definitely liked and bought the 253. Arguably one of the best Grand Seikos in my mind thus far.
One other thing that plays on my mind is price - is it worth the extra $2500 or so to jump towards the LE, when they are pretty similar watches (I can get the 231 for around $3500).
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Old 26 March 2019, 06:50 AM   #7
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If it is about price then you go with the one you can afford but the 253 is a very good acquisition compared to the 231.
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Old 26 March 2019, 07:20 AM   #8
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on photos and price no object 253
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Old 26 March 2019, 07:44 AM   #9
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If it is about price then you go with the one you can afford but the 253 is a very good acquisition compared to the 231.
I can afford both, it's just that I would most likely need to move my vintage Hamilton to get to the 253.

Here's a pic of the Hamilton for reference (pic taken from the internet)
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Old 26 March 2019, 10:10 AM   #10
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Tough call.. Maybe 231 by a slight margin
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Old 26 March 2019, 12:27 PM   #11
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I think the finishing on the 253 is nicer, but I'm partial to the overall look of the 231 for sure between the two.
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Old 27 March 2019, 12:30 PM   #12
wisemenofgotham
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I went through a similar choice and went with the 231. 72 hour PR, smooth manual wind, vintage charm with modern looks, boxed sapphire crystal, ecru dial, display caseback with GS hologram, stunning hands, etc. I thought it would fly under the radar as a daily but it's been a compliment monster. Best of luck with your choice, both are stunning watches.

My thread:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=658339
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Old 28 March 2019, 04:42 PM   #13
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253 is perfect for me, it has a better finishing
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Old 29 March 2019, 12:31 AM   #14
coelacanthus
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Had 235 and 005 (same case). Loved them. Didn't go for 253 because I felt the watch wore too large for my wrist for this style of watch. SBGW033 could be another contender as it looks very close to 253 but smaller.
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Old 29 March 2019, 02:42 AM   #15
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Tough call, 253
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Old 29 March 2019, 11:26 PM   #16
mdtddd2007
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Easy choice Sbgw 253!
Get the 130th anniversary SBGW033!
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Old 30 March 2019, 02:25 AM   #17
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sold one of the last SBGW 253s, always have a soft spot for that piece. I would take that over the 231, but I also have a larger wrist and the 37mm is too small for me.
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Old 30 March 2019, 04:38 AM   #18
Gharddog03
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https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ht=Grand+seiko
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Old 30 March 2019, 12:05 PM   #19
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I have and adore the 231. Amazing value for what you get
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Old 30 March 2019, 12:56 PM   #20
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Like your Hammy!

Quote:
Originally Posted by [email protected] View Post
I can afford both, it's just that I would most likely need to move my vintage Hamilton to get to the 253.

Here's a pic of the Hamilton for reference (pic taken from the internet)
Just ordered a modern Hammy chrono on the net.
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Old 31 March 2019, 04:27 AM   #21
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Quote:
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Yup - purchased this exact watch!
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Old 31 March 2019, 04:49 AM   #22
Gharddog03
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Yup - purchased this exact watch!
Congrats. Awesome piece.
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Old 31 March 2019, 05:01 AM   #23
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Yup - purchased this exact watch!
Not going to regret it. It's top game for GS imo.
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Old 31 March 2019, 05:11 AM   #24
JParm
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Quote:
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Congrats. Awesome piece.
Thank you! Will post pics as soon as it arrives.

What sold me was:

-The LE aspect. While 1,960 might not be "limited" to some, it is sold out and seems to be a watch that people hold onto, as not that many flood the market. I tend to like having watches that you can't just walk into the mall for (16710, 1931 Reverso, Tudor BBN ETA...I guess you can throw my Hulk in there as well, with the state of Rolex)

-The size. 38mm is a perfect size for me.

-The stand-alone logo at the top (without the GS). It's just so classic and different!

-The blue seconds hand...just, wow.

While I like the case style of the 231, everyone says the finishing on the 253 trumps it, so I'm looking forward to seeing it in person.

Cannot wait to receive the watch in a few days!
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