Just picked up a SBGA029 Spring Drive. Love it!

[nutrientcobra]

I have a few Rolexes including a Submariner, but I love this Seiko. It looks great, is available, doesn't break the bank, and runs so accurate.

I like how they did the deployment clasp a bit better as well! Its heavier than my sub, but it feels more comfy to wear to me. And it's not as big and bulky as the Deep Sea I got rid of. The font and face lay out is second to none. These are amazing watches.

[cop414]

Looks fantastic

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by cop414

Looks fantastic

Thank you! I am glad Seiko is doing a good job. I only wonder why they went with friction pins and the side pin holes on the case lugs that are visible.

I wonder if they were going more for that retro look, or if it is a stronger system. I doesn't keep me from not liking it. Just curious is all

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by nutrientcobra

Thank you! I am glad Seiko is doing a good job. I only wonder why they went with friction pins and the side pin holes on the case lugs that are visible.

I wonder if they were going more for that retro look, or if it is a stronger system. I doesn't keep me from not liking it. Just curious is all

Hmmm...

I thought they only did pin/collar on titanium.

I don’t know if it is more reliable or not. I have the 031/titanium, and haven’t had any issues with the pins. I have heard of screws coming loose. Some advise loc-tite, but I wouldn’t use a thread locker on anything so small.


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[wanasub]

Beautiful watch, congratulations!

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by wanasub

Beautiful watch, congratulations!

Thank you very much. Just love it!

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by Jostack

Hmmm...

I thought they only did pin/collar on titanium.

I don’t know if it is more reliable or not. I have the 031/titanium, and haven’t had any issues with the pins. I have heard of screws coming loose. Some advise loc-tite, but I wouldn’t use a thread locker on anything so small.


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Thanks for the response. When she was sizing it she was knocking out friction pins.

I did notice that at the lug holes where the band attaches, they are spring loaded plunger type pins from the inside. Even though the holes are all the way through the lugs.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by nutrientcobra

I only wonder why they went with friction pins and the side pin holes on the case lugs that are visible.

Are you talking about the drilled lug holes on the side of the watch case?

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Are you talking about the drilled lug holes on the side of the watch case?

Yes mostly those holes. It looks like plunger type pins release the band from the inside if you have the tool to hold the spring collars back.

I wonder why they wouldn't have just done blind holes to keep it looking cleaner. Maybe cost, or strength, or style. Its a lovely watch either way.

Just trying to figure out Seiko's idea on that. Thanks

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by nutrientcobra

Yes mostly those holes. It looks like plunger type pins release the band from the inside if you have the tool to hold the spring collars back.

With the drilled lugs the spring bars are easier to remove from the watch. You can install shoulderless spring bars and they fit the watch like a glove. Here is an example showing how the holes benefit the watch for removal.

[Txkill]

Very cool watch. I love my GS Diver.

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by Txkill

Very cool watch. I love my GS Diver.

Thanks

[bondtoys]

The comment about the friction pins suprises me.

I don‘t own the diver but the GMT SBGE201 with the same/similar bracelet and there are screws and not pins ( which I also assumed to be Ti only).

Can some other Diver owners chime in on this, please?

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

The comment about the friction pins suprises me.

I don‘t own the diver but the GMT SBGE201 with the same/similar bracelet and there are screws and not pins ( which I also assumed to be Ti only).

Can some other Diver owners chime in on this, please?

Thank you!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by 1William

Congratulations.

Thank You!

[Notepad12]

How are Seiko with there servicing? Does anyone know? Awesome watch by the way :)

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

How are Seiko with there servicing? Does anyone know? Awesome watch by the way :)

I haven’t had to service yet, should be a few years. What I understand is Grand Seiko watches can be serviced at a facility in NJ, save for some of the more ‘complicated’ movements, like Chronos. Not sure about polishing as the Zaratsu technique seems so specialized. Polishing work may have to go to Japan.


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[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

How are Seiko with there servicing? Does anyone know? Awesome watch by the way :)

Not to hard. You put in your model number and they tell you if it gets serviced in the US or Japan. https://www.seikoserviceusa.com/pages/serviceprice/

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

How are Seiko with there servicing? Does anyone know? Awesome watch by the way :)

I am not sure on service but thank you! I love the fact that its runs so tight (:

[zd550]

Seiko makes a couple of good watches, congrats on your new piece.

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by zd550

Seiko makes a couple of good watches, congrats on your new piece.

Thank You

[toxicavenger]

Seiko spring bars do not have flanges on them (lips) so they can be tough to remove unless you have drilled lugs like you do. Here is a pic showing what I mean.


Another advantage of drilled lugs is you can use shoulderless spring bars. When installed them work like a solid bar. And if they fail they can not fall out. Here is a pic of some


Here is a spring bar I had made that comes with flanges (lips) but in Seiko specs


Enjoy your watch and let me know if you have any questions.

[nutrientcobra]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Seiko spring bars do not have flanges on them (lips) so they can be tough to remove unless you have drilled lugs like you do. Here is a pic showing what I mean.


Another advantage of drilled lugs is you can use shoulderless spring bars. When installed them work like a solid bar. And if they fail they can not fall out. Here is a pic of some


Here is a spring bar I had made that comes with flanges (lips) but in Seiko specs


Enjoy your watch and let me know if you have any questions.

Wow, thats just awesome information. Thank you so much! I appreciate it