【Gen vs REP】Grand Seiko Elegance GMT SS GSF Cream Dial SBGM221

[etashazam]

Good afternoon everyone.

I'm a big fan of Grand Seiko and own a few of their watches.

Among them, the sbgm221 is the one I use most often in my daily life.

When I saw this Grand Seiko watch released, I was really excited. I purposely ordered one to roughly compare it with my watches, hoping to help everyone better understand the craftsmanship of this watch and whether it's worth buying.


First of all, we notice that the most prominent thing is the cream-colored palette and the other watch. There's a slight color difference, which you can intuitively feel from the picture, but it can be reason of ar coating. and the DW color on gen is not 100% white color.

the moviment is diferente

Due to the difference in movement, the original is thicker than the rep, in other words, the rep can be worn more comfortably.


This blue GMT needle looks more 3D on authentic.

The second hand of the genuine Seiko watch is really ugly, I think the axis of the genuine Seiko watch is very ugly, like the axis of the lowest grade watch, I feel like the fake one looks better.

some detail of the date print.

 

[etashazam]

Summary

Positive points:
The overall size of the watch is the same as the original.

The creamy dial texture is very nice, and the hour markers and hands are polished well, very close to the authentic product level.

The case is thinner than the authentic one, making it more comfortable to wear. The glass is also made of sapphire crystal.

I feel that the craftsmanship of the second hand in the replica is quite good.


Negative points:
The calendar font is different.

The movement is not the same as the original.

The transparency of the sapphire crystal is slightly poorer, not easy to notice.



Overall, it is a watch that is definitely worth buying.

 

[etashazam]

The adjustment is different, not a big deal, but worth knowing.

The adjustment of the GS movement is identical to the rolex 3186 movement.

 

[Caboose]

Thank you for taking these photos. Clearly not a terrible first attempt but the movement sadly is just terribly finished compared to the gen. If that datewheel got fixed, that would be the other big thing. Not sure how noticeable that 3d effect on the GMT hand. A good first attempt and well priced.

 

[Got20Mate]

Great review, thank you. It's certainly a step in the right direction and enough to push me in the right direction of picking one up. Always been a massive fan of this watch and I hope that it encourages other factories to start looking at Grand Seiko more closely.

The tone of the dial is certainly interesting, subtle creaminess to it. Can't think of a better word, sorry

 

[Rschuman18]

Thanks for posting info…can you please provide what factory the watch came from and who was your trusted dealer?
I ordered same watch on December 26 and still waiting for update/QC pictures…I’m hoping all goes well since this is my first rep purchase

 

[MonsterFish]

Great comparison. Interesting to see. Thanks.

 

[whatsmyname]

How is the quality on the deployant? I wouldn't mind a decent rep deployment for one of my gens.

 

[Nick C.]

Nice . Haven't noticed they're making GS reps .
Still long way to go tho ..

 

[Mkempes]

DW silver in gen vs. white is an instant tell. Imho this is the first thing that needs to be changed.

 

[etashazam]

Nice . Haven't noticed they're making GS reps .
Still long way to go tho ..

It is always better to choose the model with caseback closed.

 

[etashazam]

How is the quality on the deployant? I wouldn't mind a decent rep deployment for one of my gens.

Very good, but the leather is of poor quality. Also, I don't like the GS deployant buckle.

 

[Caboose]

Very good, but the leather is of poor quality. Also, I don't like the GS deployant buckle.

Replace the strap. I've not met a rep with a stock leather band that I haven't replaced. Example:

 

[Jossé]

Thanks for a nice comparison! Was thinking about buying this one, but now I'm crossing my fingers and waiting for a better version two instead.
Love your gen though!