Grand Seiko SBGA285- Grand Seiko Heritage Collection- Impressions...

[Tbonewalk]

Grand Seiko SBGA 285
I bought this last week. I wasn’t searching for one, but it looked appealing in an ad. As is often the case here, I had some buyer’s remorse. Why- because I have been buying a lot lately and most of my recent purchases have been Grand Seikos. So, it becomes “do I really need this?”, “is it as nice as the others?”, “will I wear it much?”, etc…

The dial on this one has a flat finish. In terms of Grand Seikos, this is somewhat less spectacular than others in their catalog. But the face is in no way plain or ordinary. It is indeed quite beautiful.

It is also one of their cheapest automatics, I think the cheapest of their Spring Drive models, MSRP is $3800.

I will venture to guess the price reflects the flat finish dial and the non-exhibition case back with the lion emblem.

I don’t miss the exhibition case back at all and rarely observe or admire the movement and wonder if the non-exhibition back may translate into what I consider one of the watch’s absolute strong points: the 12.3mm thickness.

The 39mm diameter, combined with the 12.3mm thickness make this one a very pleasing size.

Although the dial has a flat finish and a simpler power reserve sub-dial, the watch has, of course, the amazing Grand Seiko hands with the super polish, and the intricately hand polished indices with vertical stripes on each…

And the Spring Drive propels the mesmerizingly smooth moving seconds hand.

The watch oozes class and quality with the typical out of this world Grand Seiko attention to detail finishing and zaratsu polished surfaces. As I understand, much of this is done by hand on the Grand Seiko watches.

While the flat finish doesn’t play with light the way a champagne or silver or lacquered dial would, the indices light up, sometimes like christmas lights on a tree, almost electric.

The bracelet on this one is 19mm, I think 20mm would offer more choices for leather, which I’m sure this will look great on. It is the 3 link style, not the 5 link that I find some don’t like as much. And again, the bracelet is super high quality with great attention to detail and finishing with super smooth edges.

But one of the very strongest features of the SBGA285, to me, is the size, the dimensions. 12.3mm, in my experience with automatics, is on the slim side.

I’d say the dial looks just right at a 39mm diameter, perhaps because of the power reserve sub-dial, date window, GS logo and beautiful indices. It isn’t “busy” nor empty. Perfect on my 7.5 inch wrist.

Suffice to say, my buyer’s remorse was short lived. Grand Seiko makes fantastic watches, and are very compelling at new or used prices. They have certainly made a strong impression here.

[Tmac478]

Looks great. Congrats!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Tmac478

Looks great. Congrats!

thanks Tony, diggin' my GSs!

[pickettt]

Beautiful, no nonsense piece.

[Txkill]

There’s no wrong way to do a Grand Seiko! Congrats!

[r_afficionado]

Congratulations looks great. My Snowflake says hello.20190509_170259.jpg

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[wanasub]

Great choice. Love the indices on this model. Enjoy it!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by wanasub

Great choice. Love the indices on this model. Enjoy it!

The indices, with these vertical stripes, are similar to what is on a quartz GS I own. But here on the 285, the edges kind of slant and somehow or other, depending on the reflection, almost light up. The Grand Seiko people are absolutely brilliant!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by r_afficionado

Congratulations looks great. My Snowflake says hello.Attachment 1042267

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I love my Snowflake, such an amazing watch. After seeing this video, I had to have one. Do you love yours? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aYApyW3mBw

[r_afficionado]

Originally Posted by Tbonewalk

I love my Snowflake, such an amazing watch. After seeing this video, I had to have one. Do you love yours? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aYApyW3mBw

Great video!

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[1William]

Congratulations.