Grand Seiko Diver - SBGA 229 vs 231

[IR201]

Hi all. I've got the 231 and love the style/shape, even the size. One thing that I don't love is the grey-ish look of the titanium. Am considering swapping with the 229, but know I'll be taking on a good deal more weight. Anyone have any experiences with both pieces?

[DVR]

Go for it. you wont regret it.

The weight is a non issue, the SBGA391 is my absolute favorite watch in the collection. Switching between TI (SBGA403) and the SS diver (SBGA391/071) is really a non issue.
Switching from SS to Ti I do notice for a short while. It feels 'too light' in the first hour or so. After that all is good

[IR201]

Wow those are both awesome!! Congrats. I’m hesitant cus the MM300 wears heavy for me but I understand the 229 is very slightly lighter and doesn’t wear as heavy on wrist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DVR]

Of course everybody's different. I used to wear full gold watches. The SBGA229 is a lightweight in comparison.
I do believe a fit person should be able to handle the weight without a problem.

[Gargamel]

I have had both.
Initially bought 029 second hand but it was uncomfortable.
While i have no problem with my mm300 which is slightly heavier.

So i bought the 231 new and sold the steel one.

Comfort was perfect but after a year i didn't really loved it.
I'm not a titanium guy.

I think it would really help if diameter would have been a couple of mm smaller and the bracelet to have more taper.

If i have to give an advice : get the 029/229 second hand or new with a big discount. It's a fantastic watch and pairs well with nato or rubber.

[DVR]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

I have had both.

I think it would really help if diameter would have been a couple of mm smaller...

And where would you like GS to downsize?
Dial or bezel ?

The dial is 32mm, same as most modern GS's (Snowflake, SBGA375, etc.)

If we assume Grand Seiko believes 32mm as the ideal diameter and they want their diver to be as easy to read as their other watches the only way to make the watch smaller is a thinner bezel.

The recently launched new SBGE253 is 40.5mm, 32mm dial.
So if you compare that model with the 229/231 the smaller diameter is realized by making the bezel thinner.
How?
It is a non rotating bezel, so no need for an extra grip ring. They just lost the teeth and that chopped of 1.85mm of the radius. Not possible of course for a diver watch.

I know many are complaining about the size but to me it's perfect.

Would surprise me if GS would 'give in' and make the dial smaller or mess with the proportions and make the bezel thinner.

By comparison, Rolex divers have a tiny 28mm dial. Same dial size as a 36mm DJ.
New DJ and OP have a much bigger dial closer to the GS size.

[munichblue]

Originally Posted by DVR

And where would you like GS to downsize?
Dial or bezel ?

The dial is 32mm, same as most modern GS's (Snowflake, SBGA375, etc.)

If we assume Grand Seiko believes 32mm as the ideal diameter and they want their diver to be as easy to read as their other watches the only way to make the watch smaller is a thinner bezel.

The recently launched new SBGE253 is 40.5mm, 32mm dial.
So if you compare that model with the 229/231 the smaller diameter is realized by making the bezel thinner.
How?
It is a non rotating bezel, so no need for an extra grip ring. They just lost the teeth and that chopped of 1.85mm of the radius. Not possible of course for a diver watch.

I know many are complaining about the size but to me it's perfect.

Would surprise me if GS would 'give in' and make the dial smaller or mess with the proportions and make the bezel thinner.

By comparison, Rolex divers have a tiny 28mm dial. Same dial size as a 36mm DJ.
New DJ and OP have a much bigger dial closer to the GS size.

[Gargamel]

Case, keeping proportions.

[dnuggett]

The 229 isn’t heavy, it wears nicely.

[Mifune]

stainless steel... I am not a fan of titanium

[DVR]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

Case, keeping proportions.

At 40mm, and keeping proportions, dial would shrink from 32 to just under 29mm.
Consequence, no more SD divers as the caliber would not fit the case.

The only way to keep the 32mm dial (and caliber behind it) and make the watch smaller would be to make the bezel significantly thinner.

But don't forget the bezel needs the rotating mechanism and the grip ring also.

Maybe they could shave of 2mm but that would be it IMO. And would that thinner, and possibly more fragile, bezel be living up to GS's functionality requirements?