WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner

Incoming: SBGX291 (new branding anti-magnetic 9F quartz)

1 reading
22K views 34 replies 20 participants last post by  Travelller  
#1 · (Edited)
I've been itching for a dressy 9F to compliment my North Flag for a while now, and after some good advice from resident GS-savant Domo, I've bit the bullet on a new SBGX291, courtesy of Seiya-san:

Image


I love how the "magnetic resistant 40,000 A/m" text helps balance the new branding at 12 o'clock, keeps the dial symmetrical and reminds me of the red 2-liner Rolexes. There's also lumed hands and indexes on this model, subtle enough to not detract too much from the dressy look. I bought a bracelet adjuster and spring bar remover from Seiya as well (yes, I've gone this long in the hobby without such essentials) so that I can resize the bracelet myself when I receive it. I'm thinking a leather strap purchase will be in the near future as well, keen on any recommendations from owners of the SBGX091 who have also replaced the bracelet.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Neither did I! I was checking Seiyajapan to see if a used deal on a SBGX265 was a good price, and discovered the anti magnetic listed in their catalogue. Then I found out Domo has the old branding model (SBGX091) and his gallery of the watch sold me. There's something to be said for an elegant dress watch with high water resistance, magnetic resistance, a vacuum sealed cabin around the movement, and 10 spy accuracy. It says to me "I may look like a dress watch, but I'm ready for anything you can throw at me". :)
 
#10 ·
I can count on one hand the watches I've regretted flipping... the SBGX091 is one of them. The dial color is really mesmerizing and the whole package just works together. For such a thin watch it's amazing how three dimensional they made it between the dial, bezel track, etc.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I'll take some more photos over the weekend in better lighting, but here are some initial shots of my shiny new SBGX291:

Image


Image


Image


Image


Image


Image


First observations: this watch is lighter and thinner than I expected. The bevelled lugs give the watch a kind of industrial look in the photos that is much less pronounced in person. The text for "MAGNETIC RESISTANT 40000 A/m" is also a much smaller font in the metal than it appears in photos. I had to point it out to colleagues today when I unboxed the watch at work. Also, the rehaut minute track is WAAAAY cooler in the metal than photos led me to believe. It's very 3-dimensional and has an almost opalescent quality, the only other watch I've seen with a rehaut like this is the Rolex DSSD.

Next to "JAPAN 9F61" at 6 o'clock on the dial is some very fine text that's hard to read, but under magnification seems to be: -OAHO T 4

Image


Does anyone know what that means/is for?
 
#19 ·
Looks great! Congratulations!

Next to "JAPAN 9F61" at 6 o'clock on the dial is some very fine text that's hard to read, but under magnification seems to be: -OAHO T 4

Image


Does anyone know what that means/is for?
That's a very good question. For grand seikos, the first 4 characters are the dial code, and contain information about the dial/hands specific to that model. It is used in conjunction with the movement code, and the same dial code can be re-used later on on a watch with a different calibre. As far as I can tell, the next letter is where it was made. Shizukuishi models (automatic/manual) have "R" while Shiojiri models (quartz/SD/chronograph) have "T". The last number is a puzzle, and is either a "2, 3 or 4". A *thumbs up emoji* for whoever can figure that one out....
 
#21 ·
^Best to call your AD! I tried to source one new last year around April/May when everyone was snatching up the old dials and they were already all gone. I'm sure they pop up used here and there, but your best bet would be Japan/second hand at this point
 
#27 ·
It's adequate, not as strong as my North Flag, but certainly sufficient to tell the time until about 1-2am at night. I like that the lume here is subtle and doesn't detract from the dial's elegance, while still adding some night legibility.
 
#29 ·
Next I want to try and figure out which strap this watch would look best on. I'm thinking of possibly a deep/rich brown, or a beige/grey, or perhaps even a textured black. Found these three from Bas & Lokes which caught my eye as candidates:

"EXCELSIOR" RUSSET VINTAGE TAN LEATHER WATCH STRAP:

Image


"WENGER" GREY BEIGE LEATHER WATCH STRAP:

Image


"WYLDER" WARM TAN NUBUCK PADDED WATCH STRAP:

Image


What do you all think? I'm considering looking for something with some subtle red highlights in it as well, to link with the anti-magnetic dial text. Thoughts?
 
#32 ·
Such a beautiful watch guys! Congratulations

The SBGX291 is atop my list of watches. Being a GS fan, but being without decent funds, this has become my target watch to try to save to (in a few years).

Don’t be shy in posting pictures or videos, there really isn’t enough SBGX091/093/291/293 on the web!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Covenant