Grand Seiko SBGW231 vs SBGW235?

[vesnyder]

What is the difference between the Grand Seiko SBGW231 that comes on a leather band and the SBGW235 that some on a stainless beads-of-rice band? From all that I can find the two watches are identical except for the band but not 100% sure. Perhaps the 235 comes with a blue seconds hand and the 231 is a standard steel hand? It seems the SBGW235 is not available in the states - can you confirm?

FYI - I just purchased the SBGW235 from an AD in Hong Kong (still awaiting delivery) and trying to learn as much as I can about the watch.

Thanks

[syzygy]

You are correct - the 235 comes with the blued seconds hand whereas the 231 does not! Congratulations, it is a great watch.

[Golden Ellipse]

The color of the dial is also different. 235 has a light cream vintage dial and 231 silver frosted. Side by side they are very different watches.

[ppfl]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

The color of the dial is also different. 235 has a light cream vintage dial and 231 silver frosted. Side by side they are very different watches.

The 031 and 231 have light cream dials as well.

[syzygy]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

The color of the dial is also different. 235 has a light cream vintage dial and 231 silver frosted. Side by side they are very different watches.

I think that the SBGW231 and SBGW235 are near identical.

[Golden Ellipse]

Originally Posted by syzygy

I think that the SBGW231 and SBGW235 are near identical.

OK, as owner of both, I don’t agree but best of luck in your evaluation.

[syzygy]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

OK, as owner of both, I don’t agree but best of luck in your evaluation.

Do you have pictures by any chance side by side? I'm not asking this as "proof" but I am genuinely curious of the differences if so. I've seen them in separate occasions and they looked very similar to me, so if I am mistaken I would like to correct that.

[waspy1]

I had the SBGW001 and SBGW005 - the predecessors to these. The difference on the dial is very apparition real life with the flat cream 005 and white/silver 001. And the blue seconds hand of the 005. I kept the 005 but both are very nice.


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[syzygy]

I stand corrected then!

[Golden Ellipse]

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

SBGW231 looks better, 235 with that blue hands just sticks out like a sore thumb. IMO

[Golden Ellipse]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

SBGW231 looks better, 235 with that blue hands just sticks out like a sore thumb. IMO

Kind of depends on the light and the context.

[djona]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

SBGW231 looks better, 235 with that blue hands just sticks out like a sore thumb. IMO

Agreed.

[mrblairscott]

Originally Posted by Golden Ellipse

OK, as owner of both, I don’t agree but best of luck in your evaluation.

Just curious as to your preference. I'm looking at the 235 with the blue hands and cream dial, but I am a bit torn as the other look is so classic as well.

[swish77]

Just pored over these two models at my AD. Much prefer the 235. The blue steel seconds hand pops beautifully against the dial, which is creamier in tone/color than the 231. And the beads of rice bracelet is so vintage cool and comfortable. Also, one other subtle difference I didn’t notice at first (pointed out by the AD) is that the hour markers on the 235 are slightly taller.

Both beautiful, classic watches, but the 235 just seemed more special. It’s a Japanese-market watch but also available at select boutiques worldwide.

[coleburns]

Originally Posted by vesnyder

What is the difference between the Grand Seiko SBGW231 that comes on a leather band and the SBGW235 that some on a stainless beads-of-rice band? From all that I can find the two watches are identical except for the band but not 100% sure. Perhaps the 235 comes with a blue seconds hand and the 231 is a standard steel hand? It seems the SBGW235 is not available in the states - can you confirm?

FYI - I just purchased the SBGW235 from an AD in Hong Kong (still awaiting delivery) and trying to learn as much as I can about the watch.

Thanks

Can you recommend any Ads or sites i can purchase it from? I am based in the UK

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[illiguy]

Is the SBGW231 now discontinued?

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Is the SBGW231 now discontinued?

Where did you see this or get the information from?

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Where did you see this or get the information from?

I saw something on Reddit to this effect. An AD I spoke to also mentioned not seeing these in a while. I was looking to confirm.

[dualcarb]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Is the SBGW231 now discontinued?

I can confirm that it is not discontinued. I went to the Seiko boutique here in HK and managed to put my name down for an SBGW 231. This was over a month ago and today I popped by after a meeting as it was nearby. The SA was very accommodating and was able to assist in trying to get me one ASAP. These days delivery of new watches has slowed down because of Covid and logistics has been severely affected.

Anyways, not too long after I got home, the SA sent me a message and said that the watch was mine if I so wish and I would be able to pick it up in a couple of days.

So yes...this is not a discontinued watch and is still available, albeit a little harder to come by.