Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGH281vsVario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

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

SBGH281
Grand SeikoSBGH281
MSRP $6,300
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph
VarioEmpire Tachymètre Chronograph
MSRP $328

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGH28140mm
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph38mm
Power Reserve
SBGH28155h
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph40h
Water Resistance
SBGH281100m
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph50m
MSRP
SBGH281$6,300
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph$328

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Dress
Chronograph
Diameter
40mm
38mm
Thickness
13.3mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.2mm
38mm
Lug Width
19mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
9S85
Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
55h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$6,300
$328

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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.

Grand Seiko SBGH281

The Grand Seiko SBGH281 is lauded for its 44GS-style case, which exemplifies the brand's "Grammar of Design" with its sharp facets and broad case band, and its Hi-Beat 36000vph Caliber 9S85 movement, noted for an ultra-smooth second hand. Reviewers highlight the exceptional finishing, including Zaratsu polishing and hand-polished markers, as offering significant value at its €6,200 price point. The watch features an accuracy rating of +5/–3 seconds per day, a 55-hour power reserve, and 100-meter water resistance, all executed to Grand Seiko's high standards, and is limited to 1,500 pieces. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH281 highly for its iconic case design and superb finishing at its price.

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

The Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph is praised for its elegant, art deco-inspired multi-layered dial and comfortable leather strap. Owners note its 38mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, and 11.5mm thickness, along with a sapphire crystal and 5 ATM water resistance. Criticisms include the use of different fonts for sub-dial and perimeter markers, and the absence of a traditional running second hand. Overall, owners appreciate the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph for its distinctive dial design and comfortable wearability.

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