Grand Seiko Approximately
Many watch fans are only interested in big mechanical watches. If you’re one, this article is not for you. It’s about a mid-size, inexpensive Seiko quartz watch. No need to click on the link and read this story.
There are several stories on GMT+9 about big mechanical sports-type watches. I recommend petew’s article about the large Orient 300m divers watch, model WZ0271FD, called “Musings on Yellow.”
However, those of you who do like mid-sized and inexpensive Seiko quartz watches, would you please follow me this way . . .
OK, now we’re alone. Good. Let me share a discovery I made yesterday. The watch is Seiko Perpetual Quartz model SBQK079. It retails for 28,000 JPY, but sells in Japan for around $170 US.
Here’s why the watch excites me. Along with its classic Seiko looks, it simply has everything you could ask for in this type of watch, some that a very similar-looking Grand Seiko (model SBGX005), and a Seiko Brightz (model SAGM009, that uses the idential high-grade 8F quartz movement), lacks.
Seiko Perpetual Quartz model SBQK079 has a sapphire crystal, and Lumi Brite on hands and indices (lacking on the Grand Seiko), with a cream-colored dial. It’s 5 bar (160ft) water resistant. It has crown guards, and features a solid oyster bracelet. But all that is just half the story. Let’s move on to the movement.
It’s no secret Seiko makes some of the best quartz movements in the world. The one in this watch is caliber 8F32, also used in Seiko’s Brightz line. That’s what raised my interest in this watch from mildly interested to very much so.
The caliber 8F32 movement is accurate to +/-20 second per year! There’s a real thrill in checking a watch like this against an atomic clock and seeing the second had jump to 12 o’clock at precisely the right time, to the second, day, after day, after day. Those who’ve not experienced this, and most who have are probably Grand Seiko 9F quartz owners, are in for a treat if they do buy a watch like this with a high-end quartz movement.
It’s anti-magnetic to 4800A/m (60 Gauss). The perpetual calendar is set until Feb. 28, 2100, and unlike Brightz models that feature this movement and have a 5 year battery, the one in Seiko Perpetual Quartz model SBQK079 has a 10 year battery.
In addition to model SBQK079, a military-style version with a black dial is also available. It’s model SBQK081, pictured below. Both are only available in Japan.
Model SBQK081 has the same technical specs as the Grand Seiko look-alike model, and will appeal to fans who prefer military-style over dress watches.
My guess is these watches were released in 2005 or 2006, and are no longer in production. Internet searches only come up with a couple Japanese vendors that sell them, so although probably possible to source, they may not be easy find. I’d sure like one. Anyone else?
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April 23rd, 2007 at 11:03 pm
I have always liked the 8F32 Perpetual calendars but shied away from buying them for the simple fact that they were just a little too dressy for me. I parted ways with my beautiful Grand Seiko SBR023 Automatic because I simply didn’t wear it. The watch was beautiful and perfectly finished and I would admire it often by taking it out of the watch box but never ended up wearing it much due to the fact that it was a little too dressy. I no longer wear dressy watches with one exception right now: the 6M26 Auto-Calendar. This understated piece actually keeps me entertained with its dancing hands!
April 25th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Hi Evan,
I know what you mean about feeling hesitant to wear a Grand Seiko. There truly are differences between a Grand Seiko and a Seiko Spirit. Grand Seikos are works of art, true masterpieces. The workmanship that goes into a Grand Seiko, the hand polishing, the case work, is just superb. Seiko Spirits, on the other hand, are full of features and are high quality, honest designs. Both have a strong appeal. Being able to make quality watches at both ends of the spectrum is one of the things that sets Seiko apart.
Regards,
Bryan
May 19th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Hi Bryan,
Your article prompted me to get an SBQK081 from Seiya Kobayashi, and there is an “unveiling” and review on the “usual” Seiko watch forums.
It’s an interesting watch, very light, not too large, yet with some character. I did not know about the “Perpetual Calender Dance”, or as I call it the “Rip Van Winkle” feature, which is pretty gadgety, but I like it!
Thanks for making the community aware of these interesting watches. Job well done!
- Thomas
May 20th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Hi Thomas,
Thank you very much for stopping by; it’s certainly an honor to have you visit. I appreciate your comments, and hope you enjoy your new watch!
Regards,
Bryan
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Bryan,
Thanks for the tip on this Seiko.
As you mentioned, information on this watch appears to be scarce. I am wondering how big this watch is. Do you know it’s diameter ? (excluding crown) (preferably in milimeters)
Thanks again,
Moe
May 25th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Hi Moe,
The watch isn’t listed in Seiko Japan’s 2004, 2005, or 2006 catalogs, so it really is a hidden treasure! But that also means there isn’t much information out there on it. According to Seiya, it measures approximately 37 mm across without crown. (Grand Seiko model SBGX005 is listed as 36.5 mm.)
I know a few GMT+9 readers mentioned ordering one. You might ask this question on forums like the Seiko/Citizen Watch Forum, or Poor Man’s Watch Forum, and see if any owners can confirm the size.
Good luck!
Bryan
May 25th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Hi Moe,
I bought the SBQK081 and it’s 38mm without the crown. I did an unveiling on the forums Bryan linked to with lots of pictures and my opinions about it. Gosh, I guess I could link to the review: Seiko SBQK081 Unveiling
I hope that helps. (Thanks again, Bryan!)
- Thomas
May 25th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Ooops, I just noticed that Seiya said it was approximately 37mm, and I must admit I was using the plastic ruler by the phone to measure mine, so perhaps it is slightly smaller than 38mm. Sorry if I was inaccurate, Moe! I’ll double check when I get a chance.
- Thomas
May 26th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Okay,
I just re-measured my SBQK081, across the back without the crown, and I’m sticking with 38 mm!
It might be 37.8 mm but that’s close enough for me!
- Thomas
June 14th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Hi Bryan, I was made aware of the cool Japan only watches thru this site and another recently (joined both!)I like GMT-9 best!. I took the plunge and bought a watch thru an offshore e-retailer…1st time! The watch you wrote about Seiko SBQK081, the military/”Explorer 1″ look. Went thru Seiya Japan, hopefully it’ll get here ok, heard a lot of good things about him, It’s be pretty easy buying online from a foreign source!
June 15th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hi Dr. Robert,
I believe you’ll have a positive experience buying from Seiya-san. Enjoy your new watch, and wear it in the best of health.
Regards,
Bryan
June 19th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hi Bryan, I got my Seiko SBQK081 black dial from Sieya-san. Great watch, very good service got it quite fast considering I got it through a Japanese market source! I am quite taken w/ this watch, got it, ran to my watch guy & had him take only 1 link out, I like my metal bracelets a little loose. I see what everyone says about the physique w/ the Japanese market! I’ll wear it and get used to it, feels good, there’s a little adjustment I can do on clasp if I want it looser, for now ok.I think the quality of the SS bracelet is very good, feels very solid and plush for price, it looks good, I thought before I tried it on, if it’s too tight this would look good on a more casual pilot type strap, like a Hirsch. I have two Rolex Explorer II’s from 1973 & 1974 that I got new and thoses bracelets feel lighter and rattle more! I was “lusting” after a Explorer 1, but even pre-owned they were very steep$$$$$ wise! I got a kid going off to college in 2009! The Japan market Seikos, Citizens, and Orients are beautiful, a lot have been inspired by the classic Swiss looks. If I put this on a Black leather starp it has the look of the Mark XVI IWC pilot watch! Great value,aesthetically pleasing looks, not to mention bulletproof (I have 2 other Seikos) Now I am saving up for that SNX427 military watch and the SARB015 Alpinist w/ black dial.
regards, Dr. Robert
June 20th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Hi Dr. Robert,
I’m glad you like your new Seiko. Not surprised to hear you got good service from SeiyaJapan, as Seiya-san has always given me top service… Anyway, enjoy your new watch!
Regards,
Bryan