Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGV245vsVario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

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

SBGV245
Grand SeikoSBGV245
MSRP $3,000
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound
VarioEmpire Art Nouveau Handwound
MSRP $888

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGV24540mm
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound38mm
Power Reserve
SBGV24540h
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound40h
Water Resistance
SBGV245200m
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound50m
MSRP
SBGV245$3,000
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound$888

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
40mm
38mm
Thickness
11.8mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.1mm
38mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9F82
Miyota 6T33
Type
Quartz
Manual

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$3,000
$888

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Grand Seiko SBGV245 vs Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

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 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.

Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

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.

Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.