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Best entry-level Spring Drive

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dacvibe

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've been watching too many videos featuring that smooth sweep of the spring drive.
What is are some good entry-level or used spring drives in an every day or GMT ?

I keep seeing references to SARX and other Snowflake alternatives, but that's just the dial. Granted dials are huge for me. That's why I have the SARB065.

I'm shopping for an everyday watch that has a GMT or dual-time zone funciton - or maybe a watch for each. Though completely mesmerized by the smooth sweep.

thanks
 
#4 ·
vsh said:
Cheapest Springdrive GMT will be the landmaster [SBDB005] and MM600 [SBDB011]. The landmaster can be found for around $1400. It's ugly as sin though.

An affordable non-GMT springdrive is the SBDB009 and SBDB013 that are the two tuna models.

SBDB005:
Image
Click to expand...
If you can find a decent shape SBDB005 or the newer version SBDB015 for $1,400 - I'd like to see that link for sure. I owned the 015 but purchased it new for $2,650 from Seiya a couple years back and have never seen one go less than 2 grand? The watch isn't for everyone but it is (was? I think they might be discontinued now) the cheapest way to get into a springdrive. The nearest price wise would be the springdrive Tuna SBDB013 if you can find one used in mint shape, you'll still be north of 2 grand. If you don't have 7.25 inch wrists or larger I'd stay away from the SDLM as it sits funky tall on the wrist but light as a feather
Image


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#5 ·
Look at the Seiko Transocean SBDB017 and SBDB018. These are GMT models with springdrive. Supposedly when these came out folks whined about how thick they were. Well on the wrist they are not too big or thick(If you can wear a Seiko Turtle Diver then you can wear this)

I actually got it from Topper brand new with full warranty for $1800 shipped back a few months ago. I sadly had to sell it as I got another watch I liked better.

Here are some pics of it

15467828
15467829
 
#7 ·
enkidu said:
I always like the look fo the SBDB005; as always, ugly and elegant are in the eyes of the beholder.
Click to expand...
The AR and lume on the Landmaster are awesome.
 
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#10 ·
Spring drive isn't the only movement with a smooth sweep of course, there are Bulova Precisionist watches with a smooth glide as well as the Seiko 5S42. Both quartz and keep the same or in some cases much better accuracy than the Spring drive
 
#11 · (Edited)
Shark-sandwich said:
Spring drive isn't the only movement with a smooth sweep of course, there are Bulova Precisionist watches with a smooth glide as well as the Seiko 5S42. Both quartz and keep the same or in some cases much better accuracy than the Spring drive
Click to expand...
Sure, but even the worst looking Seiko SD is better looking than any Bulova :geek: The 5S42 is awesome, but tricky to come across these days.
 
#12 ·
The most affordable Seiko branded spring drive is the Landmaster SD, but the SD Tuna isn't much more. There are others, like the MM600 and the Transocean, just search for Seiko reference number starting with SBDBxxx

Bear in mind, most of the SBDB watches are quite big, so they might not be great as an everyday watch. I personally think the entry level GS SD is worth a look as well (SBGA285/283), and they can be found for under $3000 on the second hand market.
 
#14 ·
dacvibe said:
Are there non-Seiko branded spring drives?
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I don't think so. All spring drive movements are in Seiko, Grand Seiko, or Credor branded watches as spring drive technology is exclusively Seiko. And unless either Swatch or Rolex has a very ambitious, very stealth project, I doubt if any direct competitor will appear for quite a while.
 
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#18 ·
This probably doesn't answer your question, but I don't really understand the concept of entry-level spring drive GMT, so I'm just going to answer it how I want.

GS have two JDM spring drive GMT models that aren't brought to the states, sbge209 & sbge213. These have a slightly smaller width than their US market counterparts plus sharp looking lug guards. You can get them from SeiyaJapan, and the rep at the GS boutique in NYC told me he could special order them for me if I prepay:

White dial sbge209:
www.seiyajapan.com

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE209 /Current price

Description Listed price: 669,600 JPY Case : Stainless Steel Dual curved Sapphire crystal with non-reflective coating Water Resistance: 10ATM Diameter 39.4 mm (w/o the crown) 　Thickness: 13.6 mm Weight: 158 g Max wrist size 20.6 cm (8.11 inch) Screw down crown Movement SEIKO Spring drive 9R66...
www.seiyajapan.com www.seiyajapan.com

Black dial sbge213:
www.seiyajapan.com

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE213 /Current price

Description Listed price: 669,600 JPY Case : Stainless Steel Dual curved Sapphire crystal with non-reflective coating Water Resistance: 10ATM Diameter 39.4 mm (w/o the crown) 　Thickness: 13.6 mm Weight: 158 g Max wrist size 20.6 cm (8.11 inch) Screw down crown Movement SEIKO Spring drive 9R66...
www.seiyajapan.com www.seiyajapan.com
 
#19 ·
www.watchuseek.com

FS: Pre-Owned Grand Seiko Heritage Spring Drive GMT SBGE211

FS: Pre-Owned Grand Seiko Heritage Spring Drive GMT SBGE211 $3,999.00 This pre-owned watch is in 85% condition due to slight marks on the bezel and throughout the case. The bracelet is in 93% condition due to slight marks on the links and clasp. Originally purchased in April 2020, this watch...
www.watchuseek.com www.watchuseek.com
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
sleepyastronaut said:
White dial sbge209:
www.seiyajapan.com

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE209 /Current price

Description Listed price: 669,600 JPY Case : Stainless Steel Dual curved Sapphire crystal with non-reflective coating Water Resistance: 10ATM Diameter 39.4 mm (w/o the crown) 　Thickness: 13.6 mm Weight: 158 g Max wrist size 20.6 cm (8.11 inch) Screw down crown Movement SEIKO Spring drive 9R66...
www.seiyajapan.com www.seiyajapan.com
Click to expand...
This is one that I've been looking at the most - so elegant and functional
 
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dacvibe
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