Grand Seiko SBGY Owner Review : Chic, eternal and hypnotic

Last summer, while traveling in Japan, I wanted to bring back a small souvenir, and while strolling through the upscale neighborhoods of Tokyo and Kyoto, I started dreaming of a small Grand Seiko that could satisfy my desire for a watch and a memento… The chic districts of these big cities are simply incredible… Louis Vuitton and Chanel boutiques in several areas… Rolex, A. Lang & S., and Patek Philippe shops on every corner, and then there was that Patek Philippe 6119R that had been on my mind for a while. Looking for my first dress watch, a Calatrava seemed like the obvious choice… but everyone knows how difficult it is to acquire one because it's "for exhibition only." In short, I thought I might be tempted by a classic, simple, and pure watch. I was somewhat interested in Grand Seiko for its exemplary movements and unparalleled finishing. The most stunning was undoubtedly the SBGW301, but it was quite quickly the hypnotic dial of the SBGY007, known as the Omiwatari, that captured my heart. Besides the blue dial and the case shape with its Zaratsu polish, which I find magnificent, the manual Spring Drive movement is a work of art and technology. The power reserve indicator on the case back sealed the deal for me. After seeing and trying it on in Tokyo, and then seeing and trying it on again in Kyoto, I finally succumbed at our third encounter, which took place in the magnificent Osaka boutique. I've worn it every day since my return, and it's a daily pleasure to wind it and admire its pristine dial, devoid of a date or power reserve indicator. The 38.5 mm diameter suits me perfectly, and I can easily do without my large watches (I've always bought watches that were too big for me). Its slim profile makes it a very comfortable watch to wear. However, it's not very water-resistant and has a crocodile strap, so I'll probably swap it for one of my sports watches in the summer… but I'll be sorry to do so. In short, this watch is simply sublime, and only a Patek Philippe could tempt me away from it… unless the SBGW301 is enough to make me happy (it's at the top of my list).