cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
17173
Chapter 3A CROWN & CRYSTAL VIEWS
Sep 28, 2011,11:32 AM
These got uploaded but due to operator error, were not visible in the previous file. I hereby present the side views of all the Grand Seikos, in order matching the previous (and subsequent) stories.
01 SBGM001 explorer is big and bulky and thick and heavy. It feels bigger than its size leads you to expect. The bezel does not turn, the back screws into the middle part of the case, its crown screw-locks and it has protectors. When you click the latch of the bracelet you get a strong feeling of confidence that this watch is with you for the duration. It's not coming off or falling apart.
02 SBGA001 Snowflake is very smooth and very light. It's delivered on a bracelet but I had this Seiko strap with formed ends that fit the case perfectly and made the watch feel even lighter.
03 GCLL997 Credor Moon has a case totally unlike those of the Grand Seikos. The strap is retained with screws instead of spring bars, so the lugs are formed differently. Notice the inclined angles of the case, the lugs which rise above the middle of the case, the lack of curves, and the square-topped crown. The majority of the case is brushed, unlike all the other watches in this set.
05 SBGX039 Shielded is similar to the sport watch in its case design (and weight). It also has a locking crown. It feels very heavy - probably due to the inner shielding cap which provides the magnetic protection.
04 SBGT025 Star has a characteristic bezel for Grand Seikos, with that reverse cut back to the middle part of the case. It's very thin and light though. Notice how the lugs flow smoothly into the case, across and out the other side. That's unique in this group.
06 SBGF009 Sparkle is simple and has modest crown protection lugs (and a ding, I see ...)
07 SBGW001 and its siblings have a very highly-arched crystal that makes a statement when you view the watch from the side. It's similar to an acrylic crown in the olden days. Everything is smooth on this watch, including the winding with the large crown with husky serrations.
08 SBGW003 Grail is much like the ones on either side of it, but the crown is slightly smaller, more pointed at the top, and has much finer serrations. It's immediately noticeable when you wind the watch, but otherwise I wouldn't have spotted it in a line-up of the photos. Notice how the left side of the GS is very close to the edge of the crown (compared to the watches above and below). I think the lettering is the same size but the edges of the crown taper in more so the diameter of the smooth area is smaller.
09 SBGW005 is as the SBGW001 (see comments on the above 2 watches) with the addition of the bracelet.
10 SBGW033 Anniversary watch is different than the rest. It is much more highly polished, although that does not show in this shot. The crown had a different shape and only an S in the center instead of GS. The back snaps on or is screwed on in a way I cannot see. The lugs are much squarer in shape and are the only ones NOT drilled for the springbars or screws. It has the high-arched dual-curve crystal of some of its siblings.
11 SBGR025 White Titanium looks much bulkier in this shot than it feels. The line across the lugs is smooth and reminiscent of the other titanium watch in this set - the Snowflake. Perhaps it is driven by the material?