Side by side

Islander Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278vsGrand Seiko SBGV245

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
IslanderIslander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
MSRP $395
SBGV245
Grand SeikoSBGV245
MSRP $3,000

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-27838mm
SBGV24540mm
Power Reserve
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
SBGV24540h
Water Resistance
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278200m
SBGV245200m
MSRP
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278$395
SBGV245$3,000

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
12.5mm
11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
47.1mm
Finish
Brushed and polished

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Underside
Yes
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Applied

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Miyota 2070
9F82
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
0h
40h
Jewels
0
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$395
$3,000

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278

The Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278 is lauded for its appealing color and 38mm size, with owners calling it a keeper. Reviewers and owners alike praise its impressive specifications for the price and good finishing. However, some owners express a desire for a date complication, and one owner found the 38mm size too small, despite preferring smaller watches. The bezel is noted to be mineral crystal, not sapphire. Overall, owners rate the Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278 highly for its value and wearability, with the primary praise centering on its color and compact dimensions.

Grand Seiko SBGV245

Grand Seiko SBGV245 owners widely praise its exceptional case finishing with mixed polishing and brushing, faceted indices, sharp hands, and matte dial, noting its robust tool-watch specifications including 200m water resistance, anti-magnetism, and Lumibrite. The 9F82 quartz movement is lauded for its precision, accurate to +/- 10 seconds per year, offering a refined, set-it-and-forget-it experience with carefree maintenance. Some owners report the Zaratsu polished surfaces and sharp bezel are prone to dings and scratches, and one notes the second hand does not perfectly align with the markers. This JDM-exclusive Grand Seiko SBGV245 is rarely available and commands a high price even on the resale market. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGV245 highly for its exceptional finishing and technical innovation at a competitive price point.

From video reviewers

The 9F Quartz movement is a high-precision quartz movement with a 50-year lifespan. The watch's exceptional finishing is another level, with reviewers praising its high-quality craftsmanship. The watch's lug width of 20mm might be a drawback for those with smaller wrists or limited strap options, and the lume brightness is somewhat lacking.

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