Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGJ249vsVario Futurist

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

SBGJ249
Grand SeikoSBGJ249
MSRP $7,700
Futurist
VarioFuturist
MSRP $648

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGJ24939.5mm
Futurist39mm
Power Reserve
SBGJ24955h
Futurist40h
Water Resistance
SBGJ24930m
Futurist100m
MSRP
SBGJ249$7,700
Futurist$648

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
GMT
Dress
Diameter
39.5mm
39mm
Thickness
14.1mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.9mm
48mm
Lug Width
19mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
30m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Sapphire (faceted)
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Black
Purple

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9S86
Miyota 9039
Power Reserve
55h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$7,700
$648

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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 SBGJ249

Grand Seiko SBGJ249 owners and reviewers widely praise its spectacular beauty, particularly the stunning wave dial that shifts color and exhibits an incredible texture. The watch is noted for its perfect proportions and "out of this world" finishing on the case, hands, and hour indices. It is powered by the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S86, a true GMT movement operating at 36,000vph. Accuracy is reported at -3 to +5 seconds per day, with one owner noting +3 seconds per day. The watch is offered at $6,800, which is considered outstanding value. A drawback flagged is its 3 bar water resistance. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGJ249 highly for its exceptional dial finishing and overall beauty at its price point.

Vario Futurist

The Vario Futurist is widely praised for its fun, retro-futuristic design and unique faceted sapphire crystal, offering significant visual intrigue at an affordable price. Owners note its ability to catch the light beautifully. One reviewer flags that the recessed crown can be difficult to operate, and the 39mm case offers more wrist presence than expected.

From video reviewers

The faceted sapphire crystal and distinctive case finishing are praised. The crown placement and sharp case edges are noted as drawbacks. Reviewers disagreed on the watch's overall value proposition.

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