Grand Seiko's most beautiful dials?

[Rocket Man]

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.



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[Rocket Man]

A better shot of my sbgk005



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[jonasy]

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.

[Rocket Man]

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!

[Rocket Man]

Just discovered an article on the subject of this thread. Contains some stunning photos!

https://timeandtidewatches.com/best-...bgj203-review/

[ryanb741]

The issue with the White Birch in the metal is something that once seen cannot be unseen. It has killed the watch for me. If you don't want to know then turn away now lest it ruins the watch for you.




Ok for everyone else, why the heck did they put that short black line immediately to the right of the date box? In the metal it ruins the watch for me, it is very noticeable and makes it look unbalanced. Damn you Seiko.

[Kamakazie!]

The issue with the White Birch in the metal is something that once seen cannot be unseen. It has killed the watch for me. If you don't want to know then turn away now lest it ruins the watch for you.




Ok for everyone else, why the heck did they put that short black line immediately to the right of the date box? In the metal it ruins the watch for me, it is very noticeable and makes it look unbalanced. Damn you Seiko.

This was pointed out when it was first announced and I agree, I just don't get it. They've done it on some other models as well I seem to remember.
On others, they've put a small applied metal indices which worked a lot better. Compared to this, not having anything would be better, but I think the applied marker is useful for balancing the dial out as without it, the date window sits too far into the centre (which is why I suspect they put anything here at all).

I think I'd be less bothered by it at it's actual size rather than the enlarged images which make things much more obvious, but perhaps not based on what you've said.

[verv]

This one really works for me.

[klunk]

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.

[Rocket Man]

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?!

[klunk]

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.

[peterdo]

Grand Seiko are the dial masters, my SBGJ227 ‘Peacock’ is unreal, stunning



And the Skyflake is not too shabby either!




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[Rocket Man]

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.

[daveyw]

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!

[jimmbob]

The Snowflake is the jewel in my collection. A gift to myself for my 40th birthday.

[Rocket Man]

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 - - -

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.

[Nudlar]

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?

[daveyw]

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

[Gavbaz]

My old SBGH269 was a beauty.

[Rocket Man]

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?

[James_]

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.

[Rocket Man]

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."

[Rocket Man]

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!

[zen123]

My old SBGH269 was a beauty.

One word...Wow

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[James_]

This one is great

[Watch_Collector]

This one is great

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


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[yellowfury]

This one is great

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

The cherry blossom sbga413 is spectacular as well

[Watch_Collector]

One word...Wow

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Agreed, big fan of this one too


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[Tiny]

Mine says Hello! The attention to detail on the markers and hands is very precise. Beautiful deep black dial.

[Stringer]

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.

[Caminos]

My old SBGH269 was a beauty.

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


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[spuds]

It may not be beautiful but it’s certainly stunning!!

[thebuffoon]

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[Soom]

Some blue dials here... I would add this one:



No texture but very nice metallic blue colour.

[frp422]

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

[Senninha]

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.

[JonRA]

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 :)

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[Kamakazie!]

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.

[ozzyb123]

Helps if you’ve got the trousers to match




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[Rocket Man]

Helps if you’ve got the trousers to match


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Looks good with Jeans too!

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[NikGixer750]

Looks good with Jeans too!

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wow that really is a nice blue dial

[Selym]

Excellent. I've not seen this one before.

[verv]

This is the one I keep perving over. I think it's fabulous.

[Fender]

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.

[daveyw]

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

[alzone]

New birch bark is awesome. Next to snowflake below

[j111dja]

New birch bark is awesome. Next to snowflake below

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

[Kamakazie!]

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!

[spuds]

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

https://www.seikoboutique.co.uk/gran...e-sbga403.html

[Ribena36]

New birch bark is awesome. Next to snowflake below

I’ve been watching review videos on this, I think it’s my grail watch. The dial, the details, the finishing, just looks awesome.



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