Grand Seiko SBGH343 Review

Quick. Name a country that produces quality watches. Most of you probably said, “Switzerland”, and that is a correct answer. However, Japan produces some of the world’s finest timepieces, and at the top of that list is Grand Seiko.

Quality, elegance, accuracy, and style are words that apply to the watches in the catalog of this prestigious brand. A recent release to Grand Seiko’s heritage collection is the SBGH343 Sakura-Wakaba. 

A nod to the legendary 62GS, the brand’s first automatic watch, the SBGH343 comes with a 38mm case, reversing the trend toward larger watches.  Nature is a vital part of Japanese culture, and this timepiece pays tribute to the cherry blossoms or sakura trees that the people of Japan revere. 

I really like this watch. I cannot express that enough. Let’s take an in-depth look at this stunning recent release by the brilliant watchmakers at Grand Seiko.

History

In 1967, Grand Seiko released its first automatic watch, the 62GS. It was an instant hit, with its textured dial, bezel-less case, and Grand Seiko’s signature brushing and Zaratsu polishing, creating a mirrored finish.

The brand’s heritage collection pays tribute to this iconic timepiece. 2019 saw the release of an updated 62GS with a 40mm titanium case. Jump ahead to 2023, and Grand Seiko releases a new model that keeps the titanium but goes back to a smaller 38mm case. 

The SBGH343 is a stunning watch that combines modern and classic aesthetics. Add in Grand Seiko’s reliability and durability, and you’ve got one hell of a dress watch.

Case

As mentioned, the titanium case reverses the recent trend of larger watches and comes in at a more classic 38mm. With a 44.7mm lug-to-lug width, it’s a fairly small watch. I generally wear watches in the 41-42mm range on my average 7.25-inch wrist, so I was a little skeptical about how the SBGH343 would suit me.

I’m happy to report that it looks just fine. If you have an average or smaller wrist, odds are this watch will look great on you. Bigger people with wrists approaching 8 inches will likely find it on the small side.

The 12.9mm case thickness is a little on the chunky side for a dress watch. You can slide it under the sleeve, but not as easily as with a thinner watch. I button my cuffs with the outer button to maximize the width, and I manage.

The titanium case is finished with brushed and polished surfaces. This is something Grand Seiko does extremely well, and combined with the sharp lines, the case complements the dial and bracelet beautifully. The use of the titanium does add a bit of ruggedness, allowing you to wear the watch with more casual attire. 

The crown features the Grand Seiko logo and is actually a screw-down. This was a nice surprise. Coupled with the 100-meter water resistance, you could swim wearing this watch. However, it is a dress watch, and it’s not likely you’ll be invited to a formal function by a school of fish, so keep it on dry land.

The box-shaped sapphire crystal adds to the overall thickness, but I think that’s a good tradeoff, as it gives the watch a nice vintage look that adds an extra touch of class. The case back is a screw-on sapphire crystal. Both front and back are treated on the inside with an anti-reflective coating that makes sure you get a good look at the dial and movement. 

Dial

In Grand Seiko tradition, the dial of the SBGH343 is truly a work of art that pays homage to nature. I tend to like more conservative dial colors. The majority of watches in my collection are black, white, or blue. I also like a green dial, and most brands offer models in this color. But nobody does a green like the one on the SBGH343.

In Japan, festivals that celebrate the blooming of the sakura tree each spring take place throughout the nation from south to north as the cherry blossoms appear. The incredible dial on this stunning timepiece is a light green color that mimics the sakura leaves in the early stages of growth.

There is so much more to the dial than just the unusual shade of green. The texture adds depth and resembles the subtle brush strokes of watercolors on linen. Grand Seiko is known for their beautifully-textured dials, and this is one of their finest. You really need to see it in person to appreciate it, so I recommend popping into your local authorized dealer if you can.

Complimenting the dial are the silver baton indices and hands. They feature both polished and brushed surfaces, which gives them depth. The Grand Seiko logo is applied at 12 o’clock with the name printed underneath. 

Grand Seiko’s attention to detail is on display in the 3 o’clock date window. At first glance, it may look like a typical presentation of this common complication, but look closer. The window is framed in the same polished silver as the hands and has a black numeral. 

Beneath the number, the background has the same linen texture as the dial. Subtle? Certainly, but these seemingly small touches are among the things that make Grand Seiko one of the best watchmakers in the business.

Finishing the dial is the minute track along the outer edge. Basic black ticks are functional and don’t interfere with the aesthetic of the dial. You may find yourself checking the time more frequently than normal just to get a look at the incredible dial. I know I did.

Movement

The SBGH343 has more than just good looks going for it. The timepiece is powered by Grand Seiko’s in-house Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85 movement. A frequency of 36,000 vph, 37 jewels, and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m give this watch a mean daily rate of +5 to -3 seconds per day. The automatic movement has a generous power reserve of 55 hours.

In addition to providing a high degree of accuracy, the movement is as beautiful as the rest of the watch. Thanks to the exhibition case back, you can view the brushed and polished stripe pattern and see the Grand Seiko name engraved in gold on the rotor. 

The caliber, number of jewels, position, and temperature adjustment information are also engraved in gold on the movement. Your fellow watch nerds will love getting a look at the back of your SBGH343, and even your horologically-challenged friends may be impressed.

For the most part, you can let the movement do its job while you enjoy the timepiece. If it’s not your everyday wearer, you may have to set and wind it before putting it on. But you get to look at that dial while you do it.

Straps

The SBGH343 comes with a three-link high-intensity titanium bracelet. The surfaces are mostly polished with brushing on the edges of the center links. The bracelet matches up nicely with the case and makes for an elegant yet somewhat sporty look.

The titanium makes for a lightweight feel, and the bracelet wraps nicely around the wrist, and I found it to be very comfortable to wear. Typical of a Grand Seiko titanium bracelet, it is held together with push pins, which makes it a bit tricky to size. 

There is no micro-adjustment, however, there are half links, so you should be able to get close to a nice fit on your wrist. The three-fold clasp has a push-button release and feels as good on the wrist as the rest of the bracelet.

The 20mm lug width and drilled lugs make it easy to change to a different bracelet or strap if you so desire. Personally, I would stick with the stock bracelet. It is designed to pair with the case and dial to give you a watch that is a work of art.

On-Wrist Experience

So, what’s it like to wear the Grand Seiko SBGH343? To quote Larry David, it feels “pretty, pretty, pretty good”. If you’ve never worn a titanium watch, the first thing you will notice is how significantly lighter it is than a stainless steel or other metal watch. The bracelet wraps comfortably around the wrist, and the clasp is secure and does not feel restrictive.

The 38mm case and 44.7mm lug-to-lug add to the comfort level. We all know the feeling of having the crown poke into the back of the hand with a larger case. You won’t face this problem with the SBGH343. The dial is easy to read at a glance, and the high degree of accuracy will help keep you on time for your most important appointments.

The smaller case size makes it an excellent choice to wear with a suit or sport coat. It has a nice dressy look. This case is on the thick side. Although it will slide under most shirt cuffs, some find it a bit too chunky for formal attire. If you have an 8-inch or thicker wrist, you will likely find it just too small.

The green dial can go with the most conservative jacket colors. Certainly, it works well with black or any shade of gray. I also like it with navy blue. If you are a bit more of an adventurous dresser and like lighter blues, burgundies, or pink, you will likely find it clashes.

For me, the appearance of a watch on the wrist is only half the story. A timepiece can give you a sense of confidence and take you outside of your normal routine.

When I wear a vintage-style pilot watch, I feel like I’m about to escort bombers over France in 1944 in my P-51 Mustang. A diver gives me the sense of exploring 18th-century shipwrecks in the Caribbean. You get the idea.

I love to wear the Grand Seiko SBGH343 when I take my wife out for a drink or dinner. Paired with a jacket and tie and a martini glass in my hand, I feel like the smoothest guy in the room. It is, honestly, that classy.

Price & Availability

So, now that you know quite a bit about this stunning timepiece, perhaps you’d like to pick one up. Naturally, you can find it at any Grand Seiko authorized dealer or order it from their website. 

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for several brands, including Grand Seiko, and you can order online or stop by our Naples, FL boutique to get a look at the SBGH343 up close and personal and try it on. The watch retails for $7,300 new. If you are looking for a pre-owned model, you can expect to pay between $5,500 and $6,500. Compared to the dress watches of many other luxury brands, the SBGH343 is a bargain, either new or used. 

Conclusion

When it comes to well-crafted, reliable, and beautiful timepieces, Grand Seiko ranks up there with any brand on the market. The SBGH343 represents a tribute to the first GS automatic watch. If you are looking for a comfortable, stylish, and accurate dress watch in a bit smaller-than-typical size, you owe it to yourself to take a look at this stunning Grand Seiko.