The ALMOST Perfect Grand Seiko SBGA203

The Grand Seiko SBGA203
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#GrandSeiko #SBGA203 #NotASnowflake

[@JustBlueFish]

Presented by Exquisite Timepieces: www.exquisitetimepieces.com

[@itsdavidroland]

What do you think of the SBGA467?

[@pauloverby1]

The date complication feels like a necessary component for a everyday watch. Knowing the date at a glance, is frequently useful, especially if one works in an office.

[@drewski5150]

I got the quartz version of this: the SBGX261. I'm surprised how much I liked it, as I had my doubts at first. At 37mm, under 10mm thick, extremely comfortable, 50 year service interval, and unreal accuracy (it's not gained or lost a second since a bought it a couple of months back), it's really turned out to be a keeper in my collection. I set the time on all of my other other watches by it.

[@typebflieger]

I’m glad you didn’t say “get rid of the power reserve and put the date at 6,” which would make the dial so bland, IMO. I love the idea of one askew element or symmetry existing on two axes instead of one. It really breaks up what is otherwise a dead simple dial, and gives you something to consider. I think you nailed it on the size. For an everyday watch, it’s nice to have something under the radar. For me, 38mm is the new 40mm or 34mm, depending on what era you’re referencing. Hopefully GS finds a way to get spring drive into smaller cases.

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

This would suite my wrist great! Thanks for the review.

[@ilzephyrli]

If they could make this in 36-38mm it would be the perfect EDC watch.

[@mosytube]

39

[@magnuman008]

SBGA285 is what you are looking for. No case back but its also 3,800 USD

[@WeibenWang]

Alas, they discontinued it, though I’m sure you can still find it to buy. The new almost identical equivalent through its a millimeter bigger at 40mm, which doesn’t make me happy) costs $4800.

[@magnuman008]

@@WeibenWang oh really. I own the SBGA283.

[@magnuman008]

@@WeibenWang I purchased the SBGA283 about 5 months ago new from an AD. It beautiful. But I just picked up the new two tone 36 mm Explorer and I love it. So it’s getting most of my wrist time.

[@shawnholloway2410]

Really good video! I have been on the fence for this model.

[@Lord_englishgent]

I have the SBGX321 its quartz, but it can look super dressy on Leather and sporty like this on a bracelet, and yes, the lack of micro-adjustment is a nightmare. But its 37.5mm and has a domed crystal that make the markers shiny and look fantastic. also much cheaper than spring drive at around £2k secondhand.

[@Thiago-qt3tw]

Great video! I suggest you to try the SBGX261. Same finishing, same color, the size you’re looking for and the amazing F9 movement.

[@Sho-pow]

I recently got a Serica 4512 and for me it's the perfect everyday watch. Its case dimensions of 37.7mm and 46.5 lug to lug would probably meet your wearing criteria much better. It has fantastic fit and finishing for the price and comes in under $1000.

[@badgerjeff6081]

What a beautiful watch. You can definitely pull off that size, but I can see why you'd like a tad smaller for a dress watch. Great review. I could watch that second hand sweep all day.

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I have the SBGA 283 and it's a beauty.

[@hbenichi]

There are many other similar options with 39mm or 40mm case sizes if you are looking for a 3 hands + date black dial heritage Grand Seiko. You need to look at the Japanese GS site where you can find all the jdm only models. If you want spring drive, the smallest is 39mm for some recently discontinued models. I have 6.3 inch wrists and I went through the same size conundrum when choosing my first GS. I ended up eliminating the sbga205 and the snowflake because of size and went instead for the 40mm wide sbgh205, which has also shorter lug-to-lug distance by a bit more than 1mm, but still has 20mm lug width. That made all the difference for me. Another big factor is that spring drives are always at least about half a millimeter taller compared to the high beat or 4hz mechanical calibers.

[@giangvu7902]

Beautiful piece

[@jnetwal]

In your quest for the perfect watch, I strongly encourage you to look at the IWC 36mm Pilot (IW324010). Very comfortable for smaller wrists, classic design, a great everyday watch.

[@chefriz5486]

A dream and wish watch. Perhaps one day I will have one.

[@7ancognito]

Hi just seen the video…. The 203 has a long lug to lug which increases the presence. You should try the SBGA467G it’s says 40mm on paper but wears much smaller due to short 46.5mm lug length. It was too small on me due to a 19.5cm wrist… it will work for you and imo has a better deep black dial

[@JustBlueFish]

Cool thanks for the suggestion.

[@derekshearer9049]

Looks like ever other seiko... Great vid...

[@Billeh556]

You should really check out the watches from the now international 4 seasons. The caseS on those are incredible, are 40mm but wear smaller due to smaller dial. Or, check out the amazing 37.5mm SBGR253!!!

[@ebiedog]

Check out the sbga467. 40mm x 46mm x 20mm. Cleaner power meter and much better size! The bracelet is also not as flashy

[@tonytrinidad5294]

I think you probably need to try the new Tudor Ranger. Checks a lot of boxes Great price point, no date, robust, non bezel, 100mm WR, amazing bracelet , 70 power reserve etc…..

[@wheelsandwatches]

These are soooo close but lack of lume and still pants lack of micro adjustment scuppers them. They are more on the dressy side too.

[@MrJamesDuffy]

Congrats on the weight loss. I went down the same quarter inch in circumference in the past year, too, and I was also looking for an everyday watch like the SBGA203. I went ahead and purchased a SBGJ213 last week which has a similar enough footprint. The 40mm in titanium helps with wearability and make up for the thickness-still not a walk-off grand slam but it is a no-outs stand-up triple for me.

[@allanreardon]

Not sure if this is a worldwide release but here in Australia we are about to get the SBGA467 (it maybe an updated SBGA285) which looks so similar and is 40mm rather than 41mm. I know it's only 1mm smaller, but it may be what you meed. It's currently listing as a pre-order for late 2021 / early 2022. This may well be the GS I buy.

[@itsoonbedone]

I saw this recently trying to decide between this 203 or the 467. There's gotta be a difference between the 2 for the price

[@chelious1973]

This size is perfect for my 7 inch wrist. They have similar models that are smaller. Try the SBGA 467 heritage. It comes in at 40mm instead of 41.

[@itsoonbedone]

Is that the only difference with the sbga467? I can't see any difference online and it's cheaper than sbga203

[@chelious1973]

@@itsoonbedone The dials are slightly different and the 467 has a solid case back. But they look similar.

[@MarcelitoRecords]

Im on the exact same journey than you Simple, clean, understated, durable

[@jaceschindler5727]

The SBGA285 is the same as the 208 except smaller I think about 38.6mm and lug to lug 46mm. The only other difference is the printed power reserve indicator.

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

I love this this watch but yes too bulbous just like the snowflake. I think the upcoming new GS SLGA007, 40 mm dial, power indicator on the back is a huge step in the right direction, also more legible than the white birch which is a stunner but lacks some dial legibility. I just got my Rolex Explorer I Mk2 from 2020 two days ago, similar matt dial colour to this watch but I do prefer the dial of the Explorer. I did take note that the dial on the Explorer I gives an illusion of a bit of an 'oval shape' as you mentioned in your other video! hah, funny that but man, love the Explorer. I think everyone needs atleast 1 GS and 1 Rolex in their rotation.

[@7292ale]

The sbga375 may be what you are looking for. It Is 40 mm instead of 41 mm and a lower lug to lug than than the sbga211/sbga203

[@eyesintheskies]

Maybe have a look at the sinn 556 there’s even a mother of pearl one. Simple , beach friendly, 38.5mm Your vid has made me question if this will look daft on my skinny wrists!

[@mtlpit]

Maybe the Omega Globemaster? That white dial is cool

[@m.e.p.r]

DateJust or an OP. Done.

[@stevenwitmer5555]

I like the size.

[@atc_ed600]

The closest model that meets your criteria is the SBGA285, 39mm Spring Drive with fully brushed bracelet. Check it out online.

[@ramencurry6672]

Gorgeous watch. Would look great on Roger Moore’s James Bond

[@timmcdonald5335]

What about the new GS 007 with blue dial and 5 day SD power reserve? Smaller and thinner.

[@victorabramov6118]

Have you looked at SBGA467 it’s very similar to SBGA203 just a little smaller

[@stevenwymor1398]

Look at the new SBGA467. 40mm x 46.6mm x 12.3mm.

[@sleepinglysithia]

My personal sweet spot for an everyday piece is 36mm - 38mm. Unfortunately 40mm seems to be the most common. 41mm is just too big for a watch of this kind for me.

[@DavidDatura]

Why not check out some of GS Elegance line of watches in steel? They average 38.5mm in size I believe. I’m sure you could retrofit a high quality 3rd party steel bracelet or rubber strap to go with it 🤷‍♂️ the WR might not be up to par though 🤔

[@mmathioudakis]

Hi 👋🏼 How about GS SBGA467, Spring Drive 9R65, 40mm with 46.6mm lug to lug? It’s new, saw it on their website. Its price is 4800€ on the French website.

[@frosty4peter]

My wristsize is 8" so I don't care, but I agree : indeed 38 mm or 39 mm would be even more perfect!

[@medroastt9888]

agree w/ ur assessment... it shud hv come in 38mm diameter instead... and GS clasp is crap.

[@cruxae]

Check out the new SBGA467. It's the new SBGA285. 40mm, no polishing on the bracelet.

[@itsoonbedone]

What's the difference other than that? They look the same

[@vonyp6018]

Try the tudor black bay heritage 79540

[@magnuman008]

SBGA285 is what you are looking for. No case back but its also 3,800 USD

[@reymaduro9258]

The very recently discontinued SBGA285 (I have one) is 38.8mm diameter, 46mm lug to lug, 11.2mm thick and 19mm lug width. Also the bracelet is three piece link style with no polished pieces. Sounds like exactly what you are looking for. You mentioned it about a year ago on a previous stream. I thought for sure you were going to try one out.

[@JustBlueFish]

Ya I never got a chance to see one. It was never in stock, unfortunately.

[@daidojiuji9276]

Just got the SBGA285. Love the 39mm size, non cutout power reserve indicator, simple bracelet, non display caseback. The dial is more dark grey than black. Lucky to get one from my AD as it is discontinued.

[@ajgross67]

Are you aware of Citizen’s “The Citizen” line, also known as the Chronomaster. They are largely Quartz watches, but very good ones that I would argue are better than GS’s 9F movements (perpetual calendar, independent hour hand, solar powered, 5spy). Look at the AQ4030-51E for a 40mm black dial, AQ4020-54Y for a white dial 37.5mm, or if you can find one an AQ4020-03E for a black dial 37.5mm, although you will have to source a bracelet separately since it was only sold on a leather. It still lacks microadjuments on the bracelet, but otherwise seems to fix a lot of your gripes with the other watches on your list

[@ajgross67]

Worth mentioning, those are all around $2-3k. If you want to spend closer to GS mechanical or explorer money, you could also look at their mechanical offering, the NC0200-90E (around $6k), although it is 40mm, or the AQ6021-51E (38mm) which boasts the most accurate watch in the world at 1 spy and is solar powered, but is around $7k

[@genaishivatov1737]

Please tell me - is the glass flat or slightly convex ???

[@paulhenry7]

A 6.5" diameter wrist? That's enormous!

[@ghjong001]

Does it have to be a luxury brand? The Sinn 856/857 series might be the best utility watches on the market.

[@cardinalj]

I have a Sinn 856 A B that would be my choice. It has a tegamented satinized case that give you some bling and can take a real beating. The matte blue dial gives some extra interest. Along with all the tech that comes with the 856. Great watch!

[@Valera_Scotland]

They lost me at 41mm... I still haven't found a better option than the Explorer 36mm.... looking for that one daily watch. Just like you Guy... and selling my Speedy now! Too big!

[@keny46]

Sbga285 is 39mm i believe.

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great review Guy. The 'only' things I'd change on this GS would be: - Move the power reserve to the back - Either remove the date or relocate it to the six position. I'm OK with the size though on my 7" wrist although a 38 would be my slight preference. I was wondering if you were going to try the Oyster Perpetual 36 or maybe 41 but I guess you may have the same issue with the bracelet, there are 3 micro adjustment points, no half links if I recall but it does have that easy link that I'm aware that you don't like, 5mm is too much.

[@big_boy_chris]

This dude said he got a 6.5 inch in diameter wrist? Probably the worlds thickest wrist right there unless he means circumference...

[@jonasnaeyaert3738]

The SBGA285 looks almost exactly the same and comes in 39mm.

[@saairgunner5925]

I love GS, but for a tenth of the price you can get a 39mm Tissot PRC200 Powermatic 80. The clasp is not great, but you can replace it with an on the fly adjustable clasp for $20.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Or the gentleman, which is a more direct competitor to this watch.

[@Lanciarules]

Powermatic is rubbish compared to this: it cannot even be repaired because they don't produce spare parts...

[@saairgunner5925]

@@Lanciarules Actually, all other movements suck compared to the GS Spring Drive, but that doesn't make the Tissot (or the Swatch group products) a rubbish watch. Tissot's worst watch is anyway much better than Lancia's best (and only) rubbish car.

[@USS_Liberty]

Have you considered the SBGA467?

[@RightWingRadioShow]

That's even worse proportion wise.

[@larsthuresson6703]

Older generation SBGA:s are 38 mm I think.

[@TinBin-Craig]

nice watch bit plain for my taste ... cheers

[@eyesintheskies]

This is my grail watch but I wouldn’t dare wear it to the beach!!!

[@apexlegnds1637]

MAKE IT 36MM

[@nimmichagger165]

This is crying out for a 38 case.

[@dapetik]

Needs Arabic numerals to compete against the Explorer.

[@entropy616]

put a leather belt on it

[@samysnes]

I really hate the two shiny stripes in the middle of the bracelet. That's a turn off for me.

[@Lanciarules]

A plus of Grand Seikos, at least here in Italy, Is that thieves don't look for them so much. Other minus of this model: no lume and no screwdown crown while aquaterra or explorer have it. I would consider to buy the quartz version, which is 37mm: Quartz is not a minus if it is an high quality one, and it is a lot cheaper, plus it is highly appreciated only by real watch enthusiasts. But all in all probably I will not buy anything since I already have a sarb033 which has lume, and since here in Italy we are one step from civil war due to our tyrannic government...saving money for better times is the right choice.

[@Knys]

This has screwdown

[@Jon81G]

Love Grand Seiko, but they're all just too dressy for a guy like me who wears workout clothes/jeans and t shirts everyday.

[@ji1787]

same here, we need the MM300 .. NOW ! :D:D ..

[@conduit242]

This is someone who pretty clearly will never be satisfied

[@Culturalgazelle]

Lost me at stainless steel

[@leonidasfoukas]

No luminescent hands of any kind is just not practical .

[@CharlesOwenVALUEOFEVERYTHING]

Wrong - Its quartz regulated. Its got a ugly power reserve on the dial.

[@ericl755]

Boring watch. 🙄