Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGJ249vsLongines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

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

SBGJ249
Grand SeikoSBGJ249
MSRP $7,700
SPIRIT ZULU TIME
LonginesSPIRIT ZULU TIME
MSRP $3,550

At a glance

21 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGJ24939.5mm
SPIRIT ZULU TIME39mm
Power Reserve
SBGJ24955h
SPIRIT ZULU TIME72h
Water Resistance
SBGJ24930m
SPIRIT ZULU TIME100m
MSRP
SBGJ249$7,700
SPIRIT ZULU TIME$3,550

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Diameter
39.5mm
39mm
Thickness
14.1mm
13.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.9mm
46.8mm
Lug Width
19mm
21mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Ceramic
Finish
Brushed and polished
Water Resistance
30m
100m
Caseback
Solid
Screw-down case back

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
AR Coating
Yes
Both sides
Dial Color
Black
Anthracite
Indices
Applied
Applied Arabic numerals
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

7 specs
Caliber
9S86
L844.4
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
25,200 vph
Power Reserve
55h
72h
Jewels
25
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
None
Hours, minutes, seconds and date, 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$7,700
$3,550

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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.

Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

Owners widely praise the Longines Spirit Zulu Time for its excellent fit and finish, visual appeal, and value, with many preferring its thinner titanium case and color-matched date wheel. Reviewers highlight its legibility and comfortable 39mm wearability, while some owners note the bracelet could be weightier and lacks tool-less micro-adjustment. Accuracy figures range from +5 seconds per day to unspecified, and one owner reported condensation risk in hot tubs. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Spirit Zulu Time highly for its blend of tool-watch utility and segment-leading finishing at its price point.

From video reviewers

The 18k gold capped bezel insert is a notable feature, adding a touch of luxury to the watch. However, the watch's lume is not as bright as some reviewers would like, which is a drawback for those who prioritize good illumination. Reviewers disagree on the watch's functionality, with some considering it a compelling option and others feeling it doesn't quite live up to its design.

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