Grand Seiko - micro adjust

[bcacncnc]

Hi guys...

I can't quite get the perfect bracelet fit on my SBGA051. I've played around with the half links, and tried different combinations of links on both the 12 and 6 o'clock side...but just doesn't feel right.

Does anyone know if you can order the micro adjustable clasp from the SBGR029 individually? I'm assuming it will fit.

Here's a pic of the SBGR029 clasp.

Thats my only gripe with GS - that should come with micro adjust!

[sierra11b]

I would call joe at Arizona fine time to see if it fits and if he can order the diver clasp and answer any further questions. I think he stocks both so should be able to answer any questions quickly. My only other recommendation (given your location) would be contacting Seiya as his English is better than the other Japanese sellers and he also stocks both.

Please post wrist shots and impression when you get it sorted... We don't see enough wrist shots of these smaller 37mm GS offerings. I'm still considering this model the sbgr055, or sbgr059

[bcacncnc]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your feedback. I've just sent through an email to Seiya Japan, Thongsia (the HKG Seiko distributor) and also to Joe at AZ fine time, enquiring about the purchase of the clasp. So fingers crossed. It would be the icing on the cake for me as I've fallen in love with Grand Seikos but the only two models with micro adjust are the two divers - which is slightly larger than I want at 44 mm. And I'm definately on the market for a second GS!

As for the 37mm GS - well let me comment on the SBGR051. Its a cliche for many GS owners to talk about Grand Seikos - and how you have to see them in the metal to appreciate their beauty. Well, after spending heaps on time on the internet searching for pics and now owning one - I can say that its true. The reason, is static pictures don't show the beauty of the craftmanship of GS well because its to do with the polish and angles of reflection that you can only appreciate when you see it in the metal. Its also the dial. The sunburst patterns on the 051 and the mirror polish on the inner ring of the dial etc. So you really have to make the effort to see them live and spend some time with them. For me, I am definately hooked on GS and am in the process of looking for a second one to the collection and selling off the Panerais...

[sierra11b]

Impressive.

The only thing that leaves me apprehensive about the SBGR051 is that I own a 36DJ with Rodium Roman Dial. I dislike the red hand on the SBGR073 and feel the SBGR071 would have been PERFECT without the red seconds track dial.

What currently lacks in my collection is a premium Japanese watch (preferably a true GS aside from my SBDX001) with stark white dial.

For this reason I am leaning heavily toward the SBGR055 as I've heard very good impressions (albeit limited) from those that actually tried on numerous in the flesh -- some with ambitions to get the flagship SBGH001 or even the SBGA011 -- only to walk away with the SBGR055. Apparently the dial has a very fine grain that runs north to south and changes from ivory to pure white depending on the light.

The other watch I like is the GMT SBGM025 to potentially accompany my Black Dial 216570 but I feel that it's rather thick at 14mm with its clear case back. Funny how GS always keeps you wanting the perfect package... I think they do this better than Rolex actually. For example, if you want a thinner white dial watch than the SBGR055 you can opt for the SBGA025 which has a solid case back (thinner), but is spring drive and costs a lot more. And if you want an all Titanium watch you have to choose between considerable case sizes, silver or snowflake dial, spring drive or 9S65, with or without a screw-down crown.

[bcacncnc]

Thanks Eric... so many choices - aiya!

OK - just got a call from the official Seiko distributor here is Hong Kong. They don't sell the clasp on its own, but the entire SBGR029 bracelet and for HKD$1800 - about USD$230. Takes three months to come in. Thats a pretty darn good price and I'm almost ready to pull the trigger blind...

Now the question is - will it fit the lugs and will it be too thick where the clasp lies? But thats a sweet deal for the full bracelet from GS!

[bcacncnc]

Got an overnight reply from Joseph at Arizona Fine Time. What great service and responsiveness!

Anyway according to Joseph, the clasp won't fit as its too wide. Nonetheless his advice is just perfect. I didn't know that two half links is slightly longer than one full link. So that's what I did and problem solved!

Quote from Joseph
Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, the clasp from SBGA029 will not fit the SBGR051. The
clasp will be slightly larger than the bracelet.

Have you tried substituting 2 half links for a whole link. In most
cases, you can get a near perfect fit by playing with the combination.
For example, if you have 3 full links removed, and it is slightly
loose, you can add one full link and remove the 2 half links to get a
closer fit.
End Quote

Thanks Joseph!

[sierra11b]

Very good to know!

How many half links come with the watch and do you need to order any extra to do what Joe is talking about?

It's funny how Grand Seiko look so similar to eachother in some cases and yet they are completely different; sometimes by a fraction of a milimeter.

[bcacncnc]

Hi Eric,

Two half links came with the original set. I've made the changes already and I can definitely tell it feels just about perfect now. I would never have know this little trick.

How's your GS hunt going? Of the three you mentioned, the SBGA001 is also on my short list. I read on some forum that the champagne dial is a 12 step process and is the most difficult of all the GS dials to make. I didn't know this at the start, but the SBGA051 I have is "all silvery" - so there isn't a lot of contrast. Unknowingly, that is what really makes this watch stand out. With the mirror polish and "flickering" you get like diamond sparkles, it blends and matches very well with the overall watch aesthetics. So thats why I am also considering the SBGA001 as I really like that look. But on the other hand, I'm looking for a more sporty look so also considering a black dial. Perhaps the SBGA029/031? I'm leaning towards Spring Drive for the second GS anyway.

For now, the shortlist for me are the SBGA029/031, snow flake, and SBGA001...

��

[sierra11b]

I'm leaning toward the SBGM025 to compliment my 216570.

Despite it's size (14mm thick thanks to the exhibition case back!) I really like the look and feel it'll serve as a very fun watch to own. The case of the watch is quite controversial to some with the pointed crown guards but all I see is a tribute to the Pan-am GMT, 1657 GMT with PCGs, and Explorer all wrapped into one nice piece.

I'll report back if and when I make my decision and possibly post a review as they're currently ONE in English... the other candidate is the SBGR055 currently which is thinner but lacks the GMT. Still about a month or two out on the petty cash fund though...

As for SD, I think i'll leave that one for when I eventually make it back to Japan with the wife to visit her family.