Grand Seiko SBGA463 vs SBGH291

[IR201]

I find it fascinating that Grand Seiko has both of these in its line up now.

https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga463g

https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgh291g

I want one of them but am not sure which to go for.

I must say I'm not really a movement guy, so that's a non factor for me.

It's more a question of aesthetics and fit I guess. Do I want that reserve indicator on the dial? Probably not, so I guess point in favor of the 291. However the 291 is 0.7mm thicker, so I guess point in favor of the 463.

What do you guys think between the two? What do you think of GS having both? And of neither of them being that smaller GS diver many have been wanting.

[taura]

It’s not uncommon for GS to have basically the same watch available with different movement options (see basic models in the other collections). Even though they’re titanium and surely comfortable, both watches will wear large unless you have > 20 cm wrists. If that bothers you, maybe wait to see what they’ll release next year. Personally I would like to see a 41mm version with the 5 day spring drive movement, in titanium. That might just happen one day, but GS being GS I’m sure they’d keep the power reserve on the dial, because divers are supposed to have closed casebacks. Oh well.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by taura

It’s not uncommon for GS to have basically the same watch available with different movement options (see basic models in the other collections). Even though they’re titanium and surely comfortable, both watches will wear large unless you have > 20 cm wrists. If that bothers you, maybe wait to see what they’ll release next year. Personally I would like to see a 41mm version with the 5 day spring drive movement, in titanium. That might just happen one day, but GS being GS I’m sure they’d keep the power reserve on the dial, because divers are supposed to have closed casebacks. Oh well.

Hi thanks for the reply! It was crickets in here lol. I've actually owned the 231 in the past and enjoyed it. I really liked the size. Only issue is I found the clasp a bit rattly, and never loved the power reserve. I wonder if they've fixed the clasp in these new pieces. Probably not.

[joli160]

If movement is irrelevant to you than I would go for the Hi Beat.

The dial is much more pleasing to look at imho

[Old Expat Beast]

Big GS fan here - new and vintage - but I'd get a Turtle, Willard, Tuna Pro or 62MAS-type reissue before a GS diver.

[Cru Jones]

SBGA463 for the Spring Drive. I love that movement plus I think it’s a cool contrast between the smooth zen-like swoop and the technical capabilities of a diver. It’s also a little bit thinner.

Also for the date window, which seems a tad wider, allowing for a better (IMHO) font (look at the differences in the “6” between the two models). I admit I haven’t handled these in real life, so maybe the font difference isn’t as dramatic as in the photos.

[Moondoggy]

463 for me, I’m a “new” tragic GS and Seiko fan, spring drive really really really is pretty cool.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by joli160

If movement is irrelevant to you than I would go for the Hi Beat.

The dial is much more pleasing to look at imho

Yeah, this is what I am leaning. Right now it is competing against a few others for my next piece.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

SBGA463 for the Spring Drive. I love that movement plus I think it’s a cool contrast between the smooth zen-like swoop and the technical capabilities of a diver. It’s also a little bit thinner.

Also for the date window, which seems a tad wider, allowing for a better (IMHO) font (look at the differences in the “6” between the two models). I admit I haven’t handled these in real life, so maybe the font difference isn’t as dramatic as in the photos.

Interesting point - do you think the 463 also has smaller indices, from what you can see?

[IR201]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Big GS fan here - new and vintage - but I'd get a Turtle, Willard, Tuna Pro or 62MAS-type reissue before a GS diver.

I see where you're coming from. I've got an SLA037 already but I always consider it for the chopping block. Not sure why. My dream Seiko would be the Nemo Turtle dial in different case, but I've yet to figure out which one!