Grand Seiko SBGH289vsVario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound
The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.
At a glance
12 of 29 specs differFull specifications
Case
7 specsCrystal & Dial
1 specsMovement
3 specsPricing
1 specsFollow this matchup
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Owners + reviewers, side by side
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
The Grand Seiko SBGH289 is praised for its legible blue dial, strong Lumibrite, and the accurate Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85 movement. Reviewers note its bright initial lume glow, though its longevity is questioned compared to other models. The watch features Grand Seiko's Super-Hard Coating for scratch resistance and retails for €7,200. Overall, reviewers highlight the SBGH289's appealing aesthetics and robust movement as key strengths.
Excellent finishing and smooth bezel action are notable features of the Grand Seiko SBGH289. A weakness of the watch is the relatively low lume brightness. Reviewers disagree on the watch's ideal lug width, with some considering 22mm a limitation for users who prefer a more standard 20mm or 21mm strap width, while others do not mention this as a concern.
Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound for its detailed, multi-layered dial featuring applied numerals and guilloche patterns, its elegant Art Deco-inspired design, and the enjoyable winding feel of the Miyota 6T33 handwound movement, often visible through an exhibition case back. The 38mm case size is considered a positive by many, and the included leather strap is noted for its comfort and quality. Some owners find the differing fonts on the sub-dials and perimeter less appealing, and the absence of a constant seconds sub-dial is flagged as a drawback. On balance, owners rate the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound highly for its distinctive Art Deco styling and detailed dial at its price point.
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