Trip to the GS boutique today... pics...

[jag32]

Went to my local GS boutique today and tried on 20+ GS watches. It was the first time I had seen or handled a GS in person and I am questioning why I even have Pateks and APs now. Anyways, I narrowed it down to two choices and I just can’t come to a decision fellas. It’s either the gorgeous SBGJ203 with the red GMT hand and he Mt. Iwate black dial (in the pictures you can’t see the beautifully textured black Mt. Iwate finishing on the dial but it is amazing in person) or the SBGA375 with an unbelievable blue dial that puts my AP Royal Oak blue dial to shame and the amazing mirror finishing in concert with the brilliant blue dial makes the watch look like pure blue ice. I am in love with both and I just can’t decide. The GMT function of the SBGJ203 is cool but by no means important to me in making a decision and cost difference is negligible. What do you guys think????? What would you buy and why????










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[Bearxj86]

2 pieces of advice:

1) Limited editions
2) Japanese domestic models

My personal fav: Snowflake

[Ichiran]

I like blue so the 375!

But this is your watch, so listen to your own heart.

[jag32]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

2 pieces of advice:

1) Limited editions
2) Japanese domestic models

My personal fav: Snowflake

They had a snowflake but I was honestly disappointed by the titanium. I like to feel the weight. Are either of the two I selected limited editions or JDM?

[kijoe]

Both are beautiful.

Have you thought about movements? They are showcasing different engineering histories at Seiko and would play a big role in my decision. Hi-beat is a great ”traditional” movement while Spring drive is something unique. There are some great videos and articles about the differences found by googling.



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[redfoxer]

The GMT has an interesting dial which definitely adds to the "cool" factor when you look at your wrist and enjoy the watch.

Definitely think about if you want a spring drive vs high beat, both are good but one may tip you over the other if you are unaware of the movements.

I've got a high beat GS and I'm also looking to grab a spring drive at some point as I like both movements.

Personally, I would say if you don't find much value in the GMT hand, and rotate your watches to a degree, than the blue spring drive is the way to go. Less to think about when setting the watch which can get quite long winded with GMTs.

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[Hipster Doofus]

Like the OP, buying a GS has made me question all the rest. That 44GS case is the quintessential GS case - you can't go wrong.

GMT ain't necessary for me and I found the spring drive to be more appealing (thinner and lighter plus the all-position reliability and technical novelty) so that helped me narrow it down. I went with the SBGA387 (LE of 558) which is a light blue textured "kirazuri" dial but the dark blue dial on the 375 makes it a helluva watch.

GMT is a feature and it looks cool with the splash of red but who uses it? I do my share of miles but can't really be bothered with all the fiddling.

[locutus49]

GMT looks smashing.

[1William]

The GMT. I like the addition of red.

[Chute]

I picked up an SBGA375 last year and adore it. The spring drive is a real marvel.
I own a black Rolex gmt 116710 and the new BLNR 126710 and prefer the 24 hour hand to blend in to the background. The red hand of that GS would annoy me as I would always see one too many hands when checking the time.
The blue on the SBGA375 is out of this world, so that would be my pick.
I also own the dual branded SBGA011 and SBGA003, so the 375 was my first watch with the new logo. I like how it leaves more room for that blue to shine.

[jag32]

Originally Posted by Chute

The blue on the SBGA375 is out of this world, so that would be my pick.

I agree. The dial is spectacular. While I love the Mt. Iwate black dial on the SBGJ203, it’s really not possible to see the detail unless up close in direct sunlight otherwise it looks just matte black. The SBGA375 looks spectacular from any distance, by has a dressier appearance. Then again, I don’t want a GS for the purpose of being dressy as I’ve already got Patek dress watches for those situations so I’m leaning more towards the sportier SBGJ203 with red GMT hand for a bit of color and I’d wear it in situations where I’m afraid of banging up my AP RO.

[Tom5518]

That's a tough choice, they both are spectacular watches in very different ways. To be candid, I am nutty enough that I would likely compromise and walk out of the AD with both.

But, only one: As much as I am a goner when I see anything with a blue dial, I would get the GMT for two reasons. The first is that I love a GMT complication on any watch, be it Seiko, Rolex, etc. The second is I would have to go for that spectacular Hi-Beat movement. The one and only Grand Seiko I have ever seen was a LE with that movement and it is something special. The ticking noise alone is worth it.

[benlee]

Between these two, the Springdrive will be my pick.

[Cru Jones]

As long as you think the blue will get wrist time with an RO in the stable, that’s the one to get: the blue is stunning + Spring Drive.

[Talbel]

My wife has the SBGJ203 and I steal it every chance I get. She has it on a black alligator strap and it is a fantastic watch.

[T3F]

This isn't helpful for your decision but did they have any of the new "Seasons" models yet?

[JR16]

You will prob end up getting both, and they would make a good pair - spring drive and hi-beat.

Did you try them both on? GMT is 1.5mm thicker than the SD.

As far as which to get first... would lean toward spring drive as it is unlike anything else out there. For full disclosure I have one of each (but non-gmt)- 211 and 267. Got the snowflake first.

Let us know what you choose!


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[daveathall]

I like the GMT.

[gnuyork]

Of those two, the blue dial for me... Just because I like the look better. GMT is nice, but not over that blue! Plus spring drive, though I like Hi Beat too. But spring drive is just mesmerizing.

[sensui]

Tough pick....I think I might slight toward the spring drive here.....only because that red GMT hand doesn't exactly speak to me on the high beat.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by T3F

This isn't helpful for your decision but did they have any of the new "Seasons" models yet?

They're available now, boutique emailed me.

[cmhorner17]

The blue dial - it looks cool in the pictures, I can only imagine how sweet it looks in person and under the right light. GS makes amazing pieces.

[RolexBHR]

Between the two, I would take the Spring Drive as well.

However, I was in the same boat as you and I was planning to buy a GS early next year. Saw the GS "Silver Blizzard" GMT at Timelessluxury, limited to 250pcs and couldn't pass that opportunity up, absolutely gorgeous.