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Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 11:39:37 AM

Title: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 11:39:37 AM
hi fellow GS fans,

I have to choose between a SBGA011 Snowflake Spring Drive and SBGH001 HiBeat 36,000 vph to be acquired soon..

I've seen, held, tried both watches together with various other GS over the last few months but these 2 are my favourites.

I currently have the GS SBGC003 Chronograph/GMT Spring Drive, GS SBGW033 130th Anniversary (re-edition of the 1960 GS handwind) and an Ananta GMT Spring Drive.

I cannot decide between either the Snowflake nor the Hi Beat:

Snowflake:
+ the most beautiful sculptured dial in the entire GS range- no 2 snowflake dials are exactly similar as it is worked on by hand (analogy like zebra stripes)
+ Spring Drive superb accuracy as evidenced by my 2 existing SDs- definitely much more accurate than the HiBeat ( +1-2 sec/week vs +1-3 sec/day)
+ HiBrite Titanium case & bracelet- GS version of titanium looks almost like stainless steel with just a tinge of grey (previous titanium watches used to look like gun metal grey), very light with fantastic brushed finish. Actually the light tinge of grey is really nice..
+perfect diameter size

Hi Beat 36,000 vph
+ obviously special because of the Hi Beat movt.. the latest 36,000 if compared to El Primero- I've always wanted to have a Hi Beat.
(I nearly went for an El Primero some time ago and I've held a few and tested the chrono functions. Its funny that when you activate the chrono, the second actually jumps forward from zero before continuing smoothly... don't believe me? go try and see. As its a column wheel, vertical clutch movt, its supposed to overcome the jump)

Please dont ask me to buy both as the case, bracelet, dial looks similar at a glance
Thats why I chose my existing 3 GS/Ananta due to their very different/distinct design DNAs.

Another greater reason why I can't get both is that I'm targetting another German hi-end to add on to whichever of these GS I decide on, for 2012's acquisition so I'm stretched to breaking point.... :'(

I'd appreciate GS owners or fans' opinions..even more so, if you have seen and held both models in your hands...

Sheer mental torture..

 
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: danny on March 07, 2012, 01:11:40 PM
Hmmm, having a hard time choosing between Grand Seiko timepieces? How I wish I had the luxury of suffering the same mental torture that you're experiencing...  ;D

IMHO, if I were in your very enviable position, I would choose the Hibeat 36000 because you already have 1 Grand Seiko and 1 Ananta with the excellent Spring Drive movements and the 130th Anniversary piece with the GS manual wind caliber, so it's high time you added a Grand Seiko Automatic movement to your collection. As an extra bonus you'll be getting one of their best automatic calibers, the Hi-Beat 36000!

However, at the end of the day, no matter how we try to rationalize our choice of timepieces, the decision should always go to the watch that sings to you the most. And I don't think you can actually make a wrong choice between these two excellent Grand Seikos.

 :Cheers:

Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Henry133 on March 07, 2012, 01:19:23 PM
Wow..bro..

If only my pockets were as deep as yours.... :'(...hehehe

My choice the snowflake...as its such a beauty. But then again I dont have a GS yet..so it will be my "grail" GS...but Danny's recommdation has more "logical" points compared with mine...

As for your "I'm targetting another German hi-end to add on to whichever of these GS I decide on for 2012's acquisition"

ALS or GO.....? :Praying: :Praying: :Praying:

p.s you want a god-son or not...? I volunteer....:)
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 07, 2012, 01:48:54 PM
HI, JOS, Although I am not exactly a GS fan, I'l go for the Hi-Beat if I were you. The 36,000bph GS has a long history. If I remember correctly, the vintage GS armed with 6146 and 6155 (GS-Special) movements all run at 36,000bph.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 02:04:56 PM
danny,
I'm sure you have many high end watches that I have not seen nor am aware of.. so I'm not in a position for you to envy... ;)
Perhaps if I had a PP, Lange, Dufour, Kari V... that's another story...

I've viewed, tried on both GS many times over but still both of them sing to me equally..not just one... that's the problem..  ???
At the end of the day I know that if I buy one, I'll still pine for the other.... how?? :-\

How I wish I had the luxury of suffering the same mental torture that you're experiencing...  ;D
IMHO, if I were in your very enviable position, I would choose the Hibeat 36000...
However, at the end of the day, no matter how we try to rationalize our choice of timepieces, the decision should always go to the watch that sings to you the most. And I don't think you can actually make a wrong choice between these two excellent Grand Seikos.

 :Cheers:


Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: takashi78 on March 07, 2012, 02:10:17 PM
How? Looks like this question only you can answer.
As for my choice?
The hi-beat. As nice as it is to see the hand sweep so smoothly and the snowflake dial. I still crave for a fully mechanical movement.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 02:12:01 PM
bro.. my pockets are not deep..I've sold off 5 watches recently and took awhile to amass my war chest over the last 1+ year...(no acquisition) :Blue:

Snowflake.. HiBeat...Snowflake..HiBeat... :Praying:

the joke is.. I wrote to Seiko suggesting that they make a HiBeat with the Snowflake dial.. and they actually replied thanking me for my suggestion. even if it happens it'll be at least a year away... :Praying:
As for the German... search my post...for 2012 wishlist.. :laugh:

Go look for far richer godfathers... there's fobs up north with the largest watch collection I've seen so far on this forum.... :mooning:

Wow..bro..

If only my pockets were as deep as yours.... :'(...hehehe

My choice the snowflake...as its such a beauty. But then again I dont have a GS yet..so it will be my "grail" GS...but Danny's recommdation has more "logical" points compared with mine...

As for your "I'm targetting another German hi-end to add on to whichever of these GS I decide on for 2012's acquisition"

ALS or GO.....? :Praying: :Praying: :Praying:

p.s you want a god-son or not...? I volunteer....:)
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 02:17:14 PM
bro, thanks for your input...yup I've been reading up on GS historical 36,000 movts... :Jumping:

like I said, if I buy one, I'll pine for the other..
so maybe another way is to sell off more existing watches to pay for the 2nd GS Snowflake....if I get the Hi Beat first...

come come... still 3 Omegas For Sale...check my WTS posts.....
 :Dancing_banana:

HI, JOS, Although I am not exactly a GS fan, I'l go for the Hi-Beat if I were you. The 36,000bph GS has a long history. If I remember correctly, the vintage GS armed with 6146 and 6155 (GS-Special) movements all run at 36,000bph.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 02:20:21 PM
hey fellow GS fan..
I've been pondering over these 2 choices for months...
you think easy meh?? :Mad:

I tot u keep talking abt Snowflake now you say Hi Beat.. what..u don't want me to own same watch as you izit?  :mooning:

Kidding friend... :Cheers:

How? Looks like this question only you can answer.
As for my choice?
The hi-beat. As nice as it is to see the hand sweep so smoothly and the snowflake dial. I still crave for a fully mechanical movement.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: ivanswk on March 07, 2012, 02:29:11 PM
my vote to snowflake  ;D
then maybe a sbgh003 or sbgh017  ;D
now both dun look same rite hehe..  :Cheers:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 07, 2012, 02:59:31 PM
oh.. its you the Snowflake guy.. not takashi78......ooopppss :-[

SBGH003?? i only know of SBGH 001 & 005    ???
SBGH017 I tried it on in Chid Lom
the gold hands,batons, wordings... unique yes... striking..yes  :laugh:
sing to me.. no.. :-\

my vote to snowflake  ;D
then maybe a sbgh003 or sbgh017  ;D
now both dun look same rite hehe..  :Cheers:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Henry133 on March 07, 2012, 03:17:26 PM
bro.. my pockets are not deep..I've sold off 5 watches recently and took awhile to amass my war chest over the last 2 years...(no acquisition) :Blue:

Snowflake.. HiBeat...Snowflake..HiBeat... :Praying:

the joke is.. I actually wrote to Seiko suggesting that they make a HiBeat with the Snowflake dial.. and they actually replied thanking me for my suggestion. even if it happens it'll be at least a year away... :Praying:
As for the German... search my post...for 2012 wishlist.. :laugh:

Go look for far richer godfathers... there's fobs up north with the largest watch collection I've seen so far on this forum.... :mooning:


Dear JOSH,

Ah...did a quick search...

gogogo..for the GO Senator Navigation? Why not just get the Lange 1.....and sacrifice the GS (sacrilege I know...) Then you wont have the dilemma of chosing the high beat or snowflake..ahahahaha :mooning:

Anyways...go buy Toto or Magnum today lo...got draw ..maybe the Gods of watches are with you and let u kena then you can buy all 3.. :Dancing_banana:

As for godfathers...care to hint siapa? I need to prepare a nice CV for their consideration.... (words like "you never own a PP...you merely look after it for your god-son).. God I sound desperado.....

 



Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: gloomis on March 08, 2012, 04:36:20 AM
so envy u can have the headache to choose between 2 GS, i nvr even touch o feel a GS before. once day have to go visit u to molest all your GS  :Laughing_on_floor:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: meoramri on March 08, 2012, 06:29:18 AM
My choice would be the Hi-Beat
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: ivanswk on March 08, 2012, 06:33:02 AM
^ the guy aiming for snowflake is sshark not me  8)
only gs on my mind is the sbge001  :angel:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Gigi on March 08, 2012, 07:27:35 AM
Go for the hi beat. Don get to find this in other manufacture watch other than zenith  :thumbsup: Not to mention being low profile too
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 08, 2012, 07:32:42 AM
Out of topic............. :HammerHead:
no advice given... :mooning:

 :Laughing_on_floor:

so envy u can have the headache to choose between 2 GS, i nvr even touch o feel a GS before. once day have to go visit u to molest all your GS  :Laughing_on_floor:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 08, 2012, 07:33:48 AM
hmmm most are suggesting HiBeat...like you...
thanks for your input..

My choice would be the Hi-Beat
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 08, 2012, 07:40:40 AM
Another Hi-Beat vote..
Noted...
Thanks..

If only the Hi-Beat came with the Snowflake dial, it would be a no-brainer

Obviously since I already have 2 SDs, I'd prefer a Hi-Beat movt but if you see the Snowflake dial....ooo la la

Should I wait and see if GS will in fact release the Hi-Beat with a Snowflake dial and in the meantime just go for the GO first..

Go for the hi beat. Don get to find this in other manufacture watch other than zenith  :thumbsup: Not to mention being low profile too
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 08, 2012, 02:10:43 PM
Another Hi-Beat vote..
Noted...
Thanks..


After this you will have to crack your head once again whether you want the GS Hi-beat with white dial or the once with black (or is it dark green??) dial.  :Confused: 
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 08, 2012, 02:33:13 PM
that's easy peasy..
I've tried both black & white Hi-Beats.
As you know black always creates the illusion of being smaller..
As the Hi Beat is only 40mm, I cannot take the black as it looks even smaller.
My wrist is 7.5mm, so small watches look weird on my wrist
If its the Hi-Beat, it will be the white dial.
If Snowflake its 41mm and only 1 look.... so no issue la..

Another Hi-Beat vote..
Noted...
Thanks..


After this you will have to crack your head once again whether you want the GS Hi-beat with white dial or the once with black (or is it dark green??) dial.  :Confused:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 08, 2012, 09:27:13 PM

My wrist is 7.5mm, so small watches look weird on my wrist
If its the Hi-Beat, it will be the white dial.
If Snowflake its 41mm and only 1 look.... so no issue la..


Well, once we age and our eyesight deteriorates, I am sure you will prefer a dark dial to contrast the silver hands.... ;)
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 09, 2012, 09:09:28 AM
that's why you have to own a  higher end GS..
although the SBGC003 Chrono GMT does not have any lumibrite or watchamacallit, as long as there's just a little light, you can easily read the hands  and the indices due to the multi-axis edging and polishing. Just tilt the watch a bit and u can see light reflections off the hands n indices.
Even the central second hand and 2 of the 3 really small hands in the sub-counters are brushed not just plain chrome..... how's that for detailed finishing...

You can't see any of these details in a photo not even their GS official ones...that's why I'm blown away.

hmmm so far the Essilor varifocals are still working ok....so it "doesnt matter if its black or white" MJ?
anyway I want a mix of black, silver, blue, orange, white, cream dials in the watches I buy...



Well, once we age and our eyesight deteriorates, I am sure you will prefer a dark dial to contrast the silver hands.... ;)
[/quote]
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 09, 2012, 02:29:26 PM
I dunno if this is allowed as it's not a sale but an announcement of 2012 Grand Seiko's latest models

http://www.seikowatches.com/press/2012/pdf/bsl2012_rls1203-01.pdf

More models to confuse a potential GS buyer..

Luckily the new Hi-Beat comes only in precious metals with the WG at Euro24,700 !!!   :Startled: :o
so its out of my range

There's only one new model affordable, the SBGM029 GMT @ Euro 6,600 but its not really very different from the SBGM027 except for the gold GMT hand and titanium/tungsten rotor which actually blocks the view of most of the movt...

Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: takashi78 on March 09, 2012, 05:43:38 PM
I still wonder why no new manual wind 3 hand no date with display back.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: KTY on March 10, 2012, 08:07:30 AM
Note that the stainless steel equivalent of the snowflake (such as SBGA001 and SBGA003) from the Grand Seiko Basic collection costs 100,000 yen less.

Putting aside the emotional aspect of watch buying/ownership and viewing strictly from the point of Seiko marketing, one quickly comes to 2 conclusions..

1) the hi-beat movement costs 100,000 yen > the spring drive,

2) 100,000 yen buys you a titanium case and bracelet.

The titanium snowflake is of course very light, my copy with 3 links removed weighs only 93 grams. This is a plus for some and to others, the lightless gives the watch a cheap feel.

The innovative property of Seiko's 'bright titanium'  alloy is that it can be polished to a gloss to resemble stainless steel. It is also harder and less resistant to scratches.

The polished surface on my copy of snowflake is not perfectly smooth like that of stainless steel. From a certain angle, the surface exhibits an orange-peel texture, like a bad re-spray paint job.

Now, onto the snowflake dial, I believe the pattern is stamped from a master and is not unique to a particular watch. I check the pattern of my dial with others posted on the net, so far, they look similar. According to Seiko, the snowflake dial takes 6 steps to make but that of SBGA001 actually involves a 12-steps process.

In summary, If you decide on the snowflake, it will be for the dial and lightless/hypoallergenic property of titanium. If you don't care for titanium, then it is only for the dial. Of coures, when it comes to watch buying, the heart takes precedence over the head.

Let me share with you what a friend said to me.. " What?, you pay premium for titanium which is then worked to resemble stainless steel?"

KT
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 10, 2012, 09:50:34 AM
hi KTY

Thanks for taking the effort of sharing your detailed ownership of the Snowflake….
I'll certainly take note of all your comments.
Regarding the uniqueness of each Snowflake dial, I read it on the net whether on one of the official Seiko web or a review by a prominent Grand Seiko fan like Holbrook, Arizona Time, WUS, etc.. I forgot coz I read dozens of reports on the GS.

As for titanium vs steel, I have both titanium and steel watches. I actually like the slight grey of the titanium Snowflake when I compare it side by side with the HiBeat steel. I'll check on the orange peel and if its true, its a no no for me..

Anyway at the end of the day I may still end up getting both just that the Hi Beat may come first…and hopefully the following year, the Snowflake which will by then pop up in another configuration somewhere else.

So are you a GS collector. If so do share on your experience of your other GS.

Note that the stainless steel equivalent of the snowflake (such as SBGA001 and SBGA003) from the Grand Seiko Basic collection costs 100,000 yen less.

Putting aside the emotional aspect of watch buying/ownership and viewing strictly from the point of Seiko marketing, one quickly comes to 2 conclusions..

1) the hi-beat movement costs 100,000 yen > the spring drive,

2) 100,000 yen buys you a titanium case and bracelet.

The titanium snowflake is of course very light, my copy with 3 links removed weighs only 93 grams. This is a plus for some and to others, the lightless gives the watch a cheap feel.

The innovative property of Seiko's 'bright titanium'  alloy is that it can be polished to a gloss to resemble stainless steel. It is also harder and less resistant to scratches.

The polished surface on my copy of snowflake is not perfectly smooth like that of stainless steel. From a certain angle, the surface exhibits an orange-peel texture, like a bad re-spray paint job.

Now, onto the snowflake dial, I believe the pattern is stamped from a master and is not unique to a particular watch. I check the pattern of my dial with others posted on the net, so far, they look similar. According to Seiko, the snowflake dial takes 6 steps to make but that of SBGA001 actually involves a 12-steps process.

In summary, If you decide on the snowflake, it will be for the dial and lightless/hypoallergenic property of titanium. If you don't care for titanium, then it is only for the dial. Of coures, when it comes to watch buying, the heart takes precedence over the head.

Let me share with you what a friend said to me.. " What?, you pay premium for titanium which is then worked to resemble stainless steel?"

KT
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: KTY on March 10, 2012, 11:12:26 AM
Hi,

My office is located at KLCC.

Buy me a Starbuck at lunch time. You can examine the snowflake to your heart's content and we can talk about other GS.

I have written to katsu-san to pre-book the SGBM029, recently revealed at Basel 2012. Except the 72 hr movement, it is a SBGM005 Isetan LE look-alike. Cool looking watch!

PM me.

KT
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 10, 2012, 02:24:42 PM
Hi,
Thanks for your offer.
My office is abt 15 mins walk from KLCC but its too hot for me.
Maybe we can meet after work.. say 6pm arnd KLCC. I'm arnd Jln Sultan Ismail area.

R u muslim otherwise I prefer a golden brew.
Have u bought stuff from seiya & chino on top of katsu ?
I've made some enquiries in the past but they never had what I wanted eg the Citizen Satellite Eco Drive…the GS 130 Ann SBGW033 (luckily I got it somewhere else)
I've seen most of the GS many many times, handling them, etc..
I'll have the chance to handle all of them up close up again before I pull the trigger.. whether the SBGH001, SBGA011 or the limited edition with gold hand,baton,etc..
I can never wear anything smaller than 40mm….coz my hand is wide..so I have to forego some of GS I actually like.

Care to tell me which other GS you have..
I have the SBGC003 and SBGW033
 


Hi,

My office is located at KLCC.

Buy me a Starbuck at lunch time. You can examine the snowflake to your heart's content and we can talk about other GS.

I have written to katsu-san to pre-book the SGBM029, recently revealed at Basel 2012. Except the 72 hr movement, it is a SBGM005 Isetan LE look-alike. Cool looking watch!

PM me.

KT
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: chrisyen on March 10, 2012, 08:19:35 PM
looks like we can hv lunch gtg now...
my office also in bkt bintang
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: takashi78 on March 10, 2012, 10:22:32 PM
I want one also...but weekend can ah? hehe...
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: davidtth on March 11, 2012, 07:59:48 AM
i'd love to vote for hi-beat as well, since you have few SD, should have a Hi-beat to complete the GS collection  :thumbsup:

try it on my hand, dun feel like taking it off but wallet not allow to do so....  :Blue:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 11, 2012, 08:21:22 PM
david,
I tot u liked the Grand Seiko Auto GMT SBGE009 and going to get it..
it costs the same (in Yen 550,000) as the Snowflake SBGA011 and the Hi-Beat SBGH001


i'd love to vote for hi-beat as well, since you have few SD, should have a Hi-beat to complete the GS collection  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 13, 2012, 10:06:12 AM
Hi, JOS, since you have handled the Hi-Beat, could you advise if the date wheel hangs in between the date number when the time is between say 11pm and 12 midnight?

For example, when the time is 11:30pm, 13 March, does the date window display something between 13 and 14?

I suspect this is an "issue" with most seikos, even grand seikos. Are you able to confirm?
 
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 13, 2012, 10:27:58 AM
hmmm...I haven't actually noticed this as I'm either in bed by that time or still out having a whisky in a not too bright place... ;) to be able to see clearly..
When I check out a watch to buy, I'm normally quite anal about the positioning accuracy of the hour and minute hands viz-a-viz the minute/hour markers as I turn the hands through a 24 hour cycle.
I also check the duration of the date change... The date should change completely preferably between a few minutes before or after 12 midnight but not exceeding 10 mins before or after, its one of those no no issues I would consider before deciding to buy or not buy.
Having the date hang in between is no issue for me unless it starts to move way too early like at 10.30-11pm..(after 11.30pm I guess I can accept it).

Obviously those GS I bought has passed my criteria..however I'll try to remember to check out your enquiry one of these few nights and report back...I can only do it for the GS SBGC003 not the Hi-Beat, as I forgot how the HiBeat went but I'm sure its the same for all GS calibres.
(to set alarm in my i-phone for 11.30pm tonight)


Hi, JOS, since you have handled the Hi-Beat, could you advise if the date wheel hangs in between the date number when the time is between say 11pm and 12 midnight?

For example, when the time is 11:30pm, 13 March, does the date window display something between 13 and 14?

I suspect this is an "issue" with most seikos, even grand seikos. Are you able to confirm?
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 13, 2012, 11:31:26 AM

Obviously those GS I bought has passed my criteria..however I'll try to remember to check out your enquiry one of these few nights and report back...I can only do it for the GS SBGC003 not the Hi-Beat, as I forgot how the HiBeat went but I'm sure its the same for all GS calibres.
(to set alarm in my i-phone for 11.30pm tonight)


I asked because I was checking an NOS SBGM003 (the older GMT GS model with cream dial) over the weekend and the date change seems to start at about 11:20pm and it hangs in the middle (between the 2 dates) at 11:45pm and goes completely over at about 12:06 midnight. There was no click (like what we normally experience with Rolex, Zenith...etc). I thought the GS would have a sharper date change feature???  ???
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 13, 2012, 12:01:19 PM
hmmm like you I'd prefer a rapid date change too....
well hopefully with these new calibres which are 72 hrs reserve, this feature has also been improved..
The SBGC003 changes date at 12.02 but I know there is a click... coz I've heard it.. ;)

I'll check it out and come back to you...


Obviously those GS I bought has passed my criteria..however I'll try to remember to check out your enquiry one of these few nights and report back...I can only do it for the GS SBGC003 not the Hi-Beat, as I forgot how the HiBeat went but I'm sure its the same for all GS calibres.
(to set alarm in my i-phone for 11.30pm tonight)


I asked because I was checking an NOS SBGM003 (the older GMT GS model with cream dial) over the weekend and the date change seems to start at about 11:20pm and it hangs in the middle (between the 2 dates) at 11:45pm and goes completely over at about 12:06 midnight. There was no click (like what we normally experience with Rolex, Zenith...etc). I thought the GS would have a sharper date change feature???  ???
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 13, 2012, 02:31:39 PM
I'll check it out and come back to you...

OK, thanks in advance. But your SBGC003 is a Spring Drive model, could well be different from the Hi-Beat powered by the 9S.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 13, 2012, 02:36:52 PM
good point.
Will be having another round of viewing several selected GS in 2-3 weeks time...
Can come back to you then.

I'll check it out and come back to you...

OK, thanks in advance. But your SBGC003 is a Spring Drive model, could well be different from the Hi-Beat powered by the 9S.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on March 13, 2012, 04:20:39 PM
good point.
Will be having another round of viewing several selected GS in 2-3 weeks time...
Can come back to you then.

...and please post lots of pics.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on March 13, 2012, 04:22:24 PM
did u see the one I posted on "whats on your wrist today" the last trip I was in the GS candy store?

good point.
Will be having another round of viewing several selected GS in 2-3 weeks time...
Can come back to you then.

...and please post lots of pics.
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on May 21, 2012, 10:41:35 AM

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,332.msg53134.html#msg53134

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,332.msg58912.html#msg58912

Just shows how fickle-minded I can be even though I'd promised myself to be systematic, methodical and objective in future acquisitions after 2 yrs of painful, loss incurring culling of my collection from 30+ in 2010 to 8 watches in early 2012.

After my pre-2012 purchase of GS SBGC003, GS SBGW033 130th Ann & Ananta SD GMT, I had intended to acquire additional GS within 2012 on a very selective basis...

During 2 visits to a well-stocked GS dealer in Land of Smiles in early part of 2012, I thought I had nailed my choice to the SGBA011 Snowflake and SBGH001 Hi-Beat. I held back so that I would be sure of not making any impulsive purchase. I told myself that if those watches continued to be 'Always On My Mind" for months after viewing them, they would be the right choice and not just another knee jerk reaction.

During my Japan trip a week back however, I came across 2 watches; Ananta 'Naoki Sakai Limited' & the SBGA031 in the company of the SBGA011, SBGH001 and other GS. Maybe it was the right time in the right environment, these 2 just looked so right on the wrist compared to the others and in that moment of weakness, I got them both....

http://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/index.php/topic,332.msg60818.html#msg60818

So thanks everyone for all your input... I've decided to stop buying any other GS for 2012 unless GS can magically come up with a heart-stopping model between now and Baselworld 2013......
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on May 21, 2012, 12:06:56 PM
Hi, JOS,

For your next purchase, I recommend this for your patrician wrist.....

(http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg574/loochunboon/seiko06.jpg)

Not my photo..... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: JOS2012 on May 21, 2012, 12:57:29 PM
hi Loo
Thanks for your recommendation. Very nice piece but nowadays I'm looking for casual/after-office not formal dress watches. The other thing is this model's date wheel color is not matching to the dial colour. If the dial is black and the date wheel white, its not so bad as a lot of hi-end watcheslike AP, PP also do that but most GS models have matching date wheel/ dial colours. I'm anal abt details like that.

 :-[ Aiyo...don't embarass me la.. what patrician... if I am in the league of PP, Lange, VC or AHCI like FPJ,Dufour, Kari owners then that statement may apply...
You got me mixed up with the few here on MWF who own such watches...
 :P
Any recent acquisitions on your side ?

Hi, JOS,
For your next purchase, I recommend this for your patrician wrist.....
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: Enkidu on May 21, 2012, 01:19:48 PM
hi Loo
Thanks for your recommendation. Very nice piece but nowadays I'm looking for casual/after-office not formal dress watches.

 :-[ Aiyo...don't embarass me la.. what patrician... if I am in the league of PP, Lange, VC or AHCI like FPJ,Dufour, Kari owners then that statement may apply...
You got me mixed up with the few here on MWF who own such watches...
 :P
Any recent acquisitions on your side ?


Hi, JOS,
I'm still in Hong Kong. As you know, the whole place is like one big watch shop. Not seen (or rather, not paid any attention to) any GS, but saw plenty of Rolexes, both new and vintage. Price seems to be cheaper here for the SS models, but not much different from the latest price offered in KL for the TT or full gold models. Will check out some GS pieces if I happen to see any. 
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: HusH on May 21, 2012, 07:24:36 PM
Hi Enkidu,

The Seiko boutique in iSquare, TST is a good place to start. Good selection of GS and Ananta  :Cheers:
Title: Re: calling Grand Seiko aficionados.....seeking your opinion
Post by: terrenceterrence on May 21, 2012, 07:34:04 PM
Hi Enkidu,

The Seiko boutique in iSquare, TST is a good place to start. Good selection of GS and Ananta  :Cheers:

Wow thanks. I never knew it's inside there. I always stay next door and will make a trip the next time I am in town.  :thumbsup: