closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 50 of 71

Thread: Grand Seiko's most beautiful dials?

  1. #1
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689

    Grand Seiko's most beautiful dials?

    My WIS journey has led me to admire Grand Seiko more than any other watches that I've owned or seen. I love the heritage and technical achievements of the brand but it's the dials that truly impress.

    I've spent a happy hour or two in the GS boutique chatting with the staff and trying on some stunning watches. I love how down to earth the Seiko boutique is and how there is something for everyone there. During an evening event I got to handle a Credor Eichi that I'll never be able to afford and a Cocktail Time that I've often considered. Both had stunning dials but at very different price points.

    Here are some rather pedestrian shots of my two current GS, the snowflake and the sbgk005. I find the dials of both to be absorbing and fascinating. The snowflake dial represents snow that has freshly fallen on the mountains visible from the GS design studio and the SBGK005 evokes the nearby Mount Iwate. I never get bored of them.

    To quote the Watch Snob..." I can think of no company other than Grand Seiko which makes producing watches of great beauty and real aesthetic and spiritual depth, a priority for all its watches rather than for a few."

    There should be waiting lists for snowflakes not submariners ; )

    Show us your best GS dials please.



    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Rocket Man; 18th March 2021 at 13:23.

  2. #2
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    A better shot of my sbgk005



    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Craftsman jonasy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    London
    Posts
    755
    So this doesn’t have any fancy patterns and probably didn’t involve someone hand selected at the age 5 to do 25 years of training with a master, but the cream colour is just sublime and the details perfectly executed.


  4. #4
    Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    west midlands
    Posts
    2,228
    My nomination is the SBGJ201 with the fabulous silvery white Mt Iwate dial. Sadly I don’t have any photos of the one I once owned, but IMO, it’s more impressive than the Snowflake dial.

  5. #5
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by jonasy View Post
    So this doesn’t have any fancy patterns and probably didn’t involve someone hand selected at the age 5 to do 25 years of training with a master, but the cream colour is just sublime and the details perfectly executed.
    I've always admired that dial for the cream colour and pop of blue from the GMT hand. Well played!

  6. #6
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    734
    Grand Seiko are the dial masters, my SBGJ227 ‘Peacock’ is unreal, stunning



    And the Skyflake is not too shabby either!




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  7. #7
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by klunk View Post
    My nomination is the SBGJ201 with the fabulous silvery white Mt Iwate dial. Sadly I don’t have any photos of the one I once owned, but IMO, it’s more impressive than the Snowflake dial.
    Yes that's another stunning dial and it has the superb 44GS case. Why did you sell it?!

  8. #8
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by peterdo View Post
    Grand Seiko are the dial masters, my SBGJ227 ‘Peacock’ is unreal, stunning
    I was hoping that we might see a Peacock - amazing!

    I saw the Skylake in the GS boutique, it's another favourite.
    Last edited by Rocket Man; 18th March 2021 at 12:04.

  9. #9
    Master daveyw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,009
    I’m a recent convert to their dials too.
    Here’s my two:- first the 273.



    The richness and texture to the dial really is incredible and it’s quickly become my ‘go to’ watch for nearly everything!

    Secondly, a not as popular reference but really worth a second look for the tone of colour and printing on the dial. A class act, the 293-



    It’s a bit of a dilemma now as I dont need anything else with these two!

  10. #10
    Craftsman jimmbob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Shropshire, UK
    Posts
    678
    The Snowflake is the jewel in my collection. A gift to myself for my 40th birthday.


  11. #11
    Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    west midlands
    Posts
    2,228
    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    Yes that's another stunning dial and it has the superb 44GS case. Why did you sell it?!
    I do miss it, but I just felt the case was just a little too tall, an issue that I have with most GS models. GS do seem to be slowly addressing this with their newer thinner movements though.

  12. #12
    Master Gavbaz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Lancashire, UK
    Posts
    3,431
    My old SBGH269 was a beauty.


  13. #13
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by daveyw View Post
    I’m a recent convert to their dials too.
    Here’s my two:- first the 273.

    The richness and texture to the dial really is incredible and it’s quickly become my ‘go to’ watch for nearly everything!
    Ah yes, the SBGH273 Shubun 'Autumnal Equinox':

    "The dial of this model is a dark blue to celebrate the autumnal equinox and represent the autumn clouds as they float through the sky."

    Must admit that I'm a sucker for their 'Nature of Time' marketing!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by jimmbob View Post
    The Snowflake is the jewel in my collection. A gift to myself for my 40th birthday.
    Great pic, great watch! The Snowflake is a classic and I wear mine most days.
    Last edited by Rocket Man; 18th March 2021 at 12:50.

  14. #14
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by Gavbaz View Post
    My old SBGH269 was a beauty.
    Another 'Autumn' watch and one that I would love to try.

    Who new that a red dial could be so appealing?
    Last edited by Rocket Man; 18th March 2021 at 12:51.

  15. #15
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Central Scotland
    Posts
    1,533
    Not a fan of that blue one. Looks like blue horse hair. The Snowflake is lovely though.

    Btw here is a pic that I found again after I lost it. It's from where the Snowflake dial is inspired



    I had stumbled upon it years and years ago while searching GS stuff, then lost it, then tried searching for it on Google but couldn't find it. Found it in my Google Drive.
    Last edited by James_; 18th March 2021 at 13:03.

  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Gavbaz View Post
    My old SBGH269 was a beauty.

    One word...Wow

    Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

  17. #17
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by James_ View Post
    Not a fan of that blue one. Looks like blue horse hair. The Snowflake is lovely though.
    How very dare you!? ;)

    This is what Hodinkee say about it:

    "It's a deep blue color with a textured pattern that Grand Seiko calls a "Mt. Iwate" pattern after the large volcano that sits near the company's Morioka watchmaking facility. I'd describe it as a combination of a rough grain treatment and a sunburst finish – but most importantly I'd describe it as awesome."

  18. #18
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by James_ View Post

    Btw here is a pic that I found again after I lost it. It's from where the Snowflake dial is inspired
    Thanks for taking the trouble to find it, that's a great pic!

  19. #19
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Central Scotland
    Posts
    1,533
    This one is great


  20. #20
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    268
    Quote Originally Posted by daveyw View Post
    I’m a recent convert to their dials too.
    Here’s my two:- first the 273.
    That 273 is stunning. I think this and the SBGA415 are the pick of the seasons collection. Very tempted by the 415. Did you import it from the US?

  21. #21
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Hereford'ish
    Posts
    1,738



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  22. #22
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Estonia
    Posts
    637
    Some blue dials here... I would add this one:



    No texture but very nice metallic blue colour.

  23. #23
    Master
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Stockport, UK
    Posts
    2,687
    My mind often returns to memories of this one, since sold (loved it, didn't need the GMT function and therefore it felt one-hand-too-many):



    And even the plain-Jane entry level models can have astounding finishing and quality:



    Ant

  24. #24
    Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Scotland!
    Posts
    1,062
    Not the GS I own, but I think the SBGH267 and SBGM235 are possibly the two most stunning. The SBGJ001/201 Mt. Iwate is right up there too, but particularly those two are - for me - gorgeous.

    If they had a 44GS case, SBGH267 dial and spring drive movement (power reserve on the rear please...) I think it might be perfect.

  25. #25
    Master
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Hertfordshire
    Posts
    2,825
    Blog Entries
    1
    Soom got in first with his SBGX337 but here's a second one. Not as detailed as some of the snow and season gems already on show, but lovely nonetheless :)

    Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

  26. #26
    Journeyman Watch_Collector's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Yorkshire
    Posts
    162
    Quote Originally Posted by James_ View Post
    This one is great

    Yeah I like this one. Subtle but a nice detail up close


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  27. #27
    Journeyman Watch_Collector's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Yorkshire
    Posts
    162
    Quote Originally Posted by zen123 View Post
    One word...Wow

    Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk
    Agreed, big fan of this one too


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  28. #28
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    South Wales
    Posts
    623
    So many interesting & unique GS dials. I think the SBGJ227 ‘Peacock’ is my new favourite but the chances of someone coming along and posting something better is always high with GS.
    They seem to be able to outdo themselves on a regular basis.

  29. #29
    Master
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    1,114
    Mine says Hello! The attention to detail on the markers and hands is very precise. Beautiful deep black dial.



    Last edited by Tiny; 18th March 2021 at 20:40.

  30. #30
    Some images lifted from another Forum - probably Watchuseek, can’t recall - taken by a poster who attended an a AD evening hosting Grand Seiko, where they had watchmaking demonstrations.

    The under noted show the steps taken to create the Snowflake & ‘Champagne’ dial (like on the 9F SBGX963).

    Interestingly, whilst looking simpler at first glance, the Champagne dial has a few more steps required than the Snowflake, including separate silver & gold plating, which helps explain why it looks cool metallic in one light yet rich gold in another.

    Grand Seiko really excel at dials, just fantastic.




  31. #31
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    South Wales
    Posts
    623
    Quote Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    Some images lifted from another Forum - probably Watchuseek, can’t recall - taken by a poster who attended an a AD evening hosting Grand Seiko, where they had watchmaking demonstrations.

    The under noted show the steps taken to create the Snowflake & ‘Champagne’ dial (like on the 9F SBGX963).

    Interestingly, whilst looking simpler at first glance, the Champagne dial has a few more steps required than the Snowflake, including separate silver & gold plating, which helps explain why it looks cool metallic in one light yet rich gold in another.

    Grand Seiko really excel at dials, just fantastic.
    This expect this is a bit of a problem for manufacturers, where more expensive finisher aren't always more impressive looking and so a difficult sell @ higher prices.

  32. #32
    Master daveyw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,009
    Quote Originally Posted by Nudlar View Post
    That 273 is stunning. I think this and the SBGA415 are the pick of the seasons collection. Very tempted by the 415. Did you import it from the US?
    Nope. I bought my first GS pretty much on impulse but this one I found after a bit more research. This model had pretty much everything I was looking for; case, dial, hands, bracelet and not easy to get hold of. I was lucky to find a full set one for private sale in the UK at a good price. Wearing it now

  33. #33
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    San Jose, USA
    Posts
    61
    Quote Originally Posted by James_ View Post
    This one is great

    The whirlpool is my favorite. A shame it was a limited release.

    The cherry blossom sbga413 is spectacular as well

  34. #34
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    boston/zurich
    Posts
    145
    Quote Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    "snow frake dial"?

  35. #35
    Master ozzyb123's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,027
    Helps if you’ve got the trousers to match




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by bitt3n View Post
    "snow frake dial"?
    As I recall, Grand Seiko employees travelled over from Japan (to the US, I think) for the Authorised Dealer evening, and brought their own samples, watches, display boards etc. from Japan.

    I can only assume their translation was a bit off, hence the spelling mistakes.

    I guarantee their English is a million times better than my Japanese though, so I'm not judging.

  37. #37
    Master Rocket Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    2,689
    Quote Originally Posted by ozzyb123 View Post
    Helps if you’ve got the trousers to match


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Looks good with Jeans too!

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

  38. #38
    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    Looks good with Jeans too!

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
    wow that really is a nice blue dial

  39. #39
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Midlands
    Posts
    101
    New birch bark is awesome. Next to snowflake below

    Last edited by alzone; 24th March 2021 at 19:41.

  40. #40
    Craftsman Caminos's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    London
    Posts
    282
    Quote Originally Posted by Gavbaz View Post
    My old SBGH269 was a beauty.

    It’s perfect. Nothing more to add. Just perfect!. Thanks for sharing


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  41. #41
    Master spuds's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Essex
    Posts
    2,009
    It may not be beautiful but it’s certainly stunning!!


  42. #42
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Massive Two Shits, USA
    Posts
    370
    Quote Originally Posted by Rocket Man View Post
    Excellent. I've not seen this one before.

  43. #43
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    North
    Posts
    18,914
    Blog Entries
    2
    This is the one I keep perving over. I think it's fabulous.


  44. #44
    Craftsman Fender's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    northern ireland
    Posts
    626
    I wonder what the profit margin is for GS on these works of art?

    Big brand promotion push seems to be working at least in the watch community. Will prices increase over time?
    I'm sure this has all been covered elsewhere.

  45. #45
    Master j111dja's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Glasgow, Scotland
    Posts
    6,869
    Quote Originally Posted by alzone View Post
    New birch bark is awesome. Next to snowflake below

    To me it makes the snowflake dial look a little bland in comparison.

  46. #46
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    South Wales
    Posts
    623
    Quote Originally Posted by j111dja View Post
    To me it makes the snowflake dial look a little bland in comparison.
    It definitely does in the pictures. I suspect in person they'd have quite different impacts though, but I expect I'd still prefer the birch.

    What model is the brown dialled diver? I like that!

  47. #47
    Master spuds's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Essex
    Posts
    2,009
    Quote Originally Posted by Kamakazie! View Post
    What model is the brown dialled diver? I like that!
    https://www.seikoboutique.co.uk/gran...e-sbga403.html

  48. #48
    Master daveyw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,009
    Quote Originally Posted by verv View Post
    This is the one I keep perving over. I think it's fabulous.

    Yep
    Whatever ‘it’ is, it’s got it! Like it a lot

  49. #49
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Warwick UK
    Posts
    739
    Quote Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    As I recall, Grand Seiko employees travelled over from Japan (to the US, I think) for the Authorised Dealer evening, and brought their own samples, watches, display boards etc. from Japan.

    I can only assume their translation was a bit off, hence the spelling mistakes.

    I guarantee their English is a million times better than my Japanese though, so I'm not judging.
    I've seen similar where English language presentation notes by people who have English as a 2nd or 3rd language are deliberately (mis)spelled to aid pronounciation. I've always found it an fascinating attention to detail.

  50. #50
    Quote Originally Posted by daveyw View Post
    Yep
    Whatever ‘it’ is, it’s got it! Like it a lot
    https://youtu.be/8pKdJfDJp3Y

    Looks amazing

    Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information