The PERFECT Watch - Hands On Grand Seiko SBGW231

[@konstantinosargyropoulos887]

Apart from the technical stuff it's a classic beauty 😍

[@NikolausHirsch]

Thanks! Happy you like it.

[@benjaminvis]

I have to give it to you. This seems to be one of those simple pieces that effectively don't require company. They look good in such an easy going, timeless, and chameleonic way that it's arguably antithetical to collecting. Black, off-white, silver tones, presence, size, refinement, done. If perhaps a different category, this is also how I used to see many a Max Bill watch. And so there are a few. Then the issue perhaps is more with me, so far preferring a collection, that it would unlikely to be the one I'd seek out. This reminded me immediately of other simple GS watches I really enjoy, such as the dark green variant of this, which brings a less classic or chameleonic dial and has texture. Such a watch would take a more natural role in my collection, and could possibly be an everyday wear, but more likely not to be. Like others have said, this watch is lifted up further with the saffiano. I like dress watches a lot, but occasionally bemoan their marriage to the crocodile straps as it can age them. It's a classic look, but certainly not always the best look.

[@HRM.H]

Im my eyes this will always be a true classic GS. Perfect dimensions

[@NikolausHirsch]

Simply stunning.

[@UltraDoug]

Gorgeous. For me the perfect watch is the SBGA293.

[@NikolausHirsch]

Great piece 👏

[@andrelousada]

Nikolaus... I have been a great fan of Hirsch straps for decades now! Your background reminds me of my Tokyo apartment. Keep up the good work and excellent content!

[@NikolausHirsch]

Thank you so much for your continued support and thanks for the kind words. Really appreciate it 🙌.

[@joshuakaplan5726]

I have the SBGW287 which is the burgundy red and it is an absolute stunner.

[@NikolausHirsch]

stunning piece love the dial

[@EdmundPorter-ju8kd]

I’m thinking of an Omega Railmaster with grey dial and fauxtina loom. Would love your thoughts on colors of straps to try.

[@philipproessler9849]

Does this have a power reserve indicator on the back? How do I monitor the winding and prevent a possible over-winding not to damage the spring?

[@1973833]

It doesn't have.I own tbe watch and when i feel the tension when winding,i just stop winding.Sometimes i even get to the end,but i don't force it,i do it gently to avoid any damage of overwinding if that's even possible.

[@1973833]

Beautiful watch indeed.I just changed the strap,to wear it more casually.

[@NikolausHirsch]

Awesome! On what strap are you wearing it?

[@BobbyTable]

I don't see the problem with 19mm. I find that 18mm is in fact way less common. A lot of watches have 19mm lugs. Not just Grand Seiko. Omega uses it, Tudor uses it and even the 36mm Explorer has 19mm lugs.

[@NikolausHirsch]

In the last couple of years 19mm has certainly become more popular.

[@erkang27]

This price, SBGW231 is worth ! So make everything perfect

[@mattiabedin3839]

In my opinion with your Saffiano style strap is far far better. Is that a custom 19mm version? In the website are listed only 20 and 22 mm

[@NikolausHirsch]

Thanks a lot! Yes it was a custom for me 😅 - but more 19mm coming soon. If you want one early send us an email, we will do our best to get you sorted.

[@TheHarryb]

Great review. Am wearing it with a red python leather strap. It handles it effortless.

[@JACKSunsuited]

Do you have a link to that red python strap? Thanks

[@Hartwell10]

I NEED SOME WATCH ENTHUSIASTS OPINIONS I’m leaning one way on the following purchase. But want to make sure I’m not making a mistake here.. would you rather purchase. 36mm Rolex Explorer 46mm IWC big pilot Or 36mm Rolex Explorer 41mm Tudor black bay gmt - Pepsi 40mm Grand Seiko heritage spring drive

[@NikolausHirsch]

Here you go: I’d go for explorer / Tudor / GS why? - because that’s a solid 3 watch collection Bear in mind, I have no idea about your wrist size, the rest of your collection and your personal taste. I like IWC, however the Big Pilot is way to big for me and basically the explorer covers the 3 Hand / time only base.

[@Hartwell10]

@@NikolausHirsch thank you for your input! That’s the way I am leaning largely to your reasoning of a good 3 watch collection. The big pilot is just a very intriguing design for me. But i hear from lots of people that it’s really big on the wrist

[@NikolausHirsch]

If you are unsure - definitely go and try on the watches at your local AD's

[@davidb9531]

I’m the uk as used £2600 the best value watch in the world at that price end of

[@cocoyc495]

Not finding 19mm straps is overblown. I don't know where these people live. If you're complaining because all your existing watches are 20mm or 18mm and you can't swap straps, then that's your own personal problem. lol

[@emreisiklar]

Great watch! The new model is almost same

[@ernestoruiz296]

I don’t understand the difference between this one and the SBGW301

[@opt1374]

SBGW231 has glued sapphire glass. SBGW301 is upgraded with gasket instead of glued sapphire glass, also some other minor changes.

[@cedarcanoe]

Grand Seiko has several perfect watches.

[@NikolausHirsch]

Oh yeah they do

[@stephengarratt8027]

Seriously considered this before going for the sbgm221. It's a beautiful watch , like you say 19mm is a nightmare. Ive got the GO senator excellence white dial for a clean look.

[@NikolausHirsch]

Awesome watch too! Especially the cream dial but for me slightly to big. The GO is fantastic. Nice choice.

[@ditmerk]

Nah. Molequin, Delugs so on all have 19mm now