HANDS-ON: Everyday simplicity done right – the Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGA375
I’m on the record as being a big fan of Grand Seiko, largely because their approach to watchmaking (the focus on accuracy, timeless design and wearer comfort) really resonates with me. However, I’m more than willing to admit that I buck the trend a little in my preference for the brand’s plainer, less jazzy dials. While I can admire and see the beauty in the iridescent green of the peacock, or the intricacy of the SBGR311 or SBGH267, my personal taste is a little more understated; I can’t see myself wearing those fancy fellas all day, everyday. Now, the SBGA375 — that’s a different story. This watch is made for everyday wear. A 40mm steel case, angular and bold (inspired by the 44GS), sets the tone. With its mix of surfaces it’s not too tooly or dressy (though I would stress about how quickly I’d scratch those broad, polished lugs and bezel). It’s a versatile vibe that continues to the three-link bracelet, with its slightly flashy polished centre-link edges. Though the lack of modern micro-adjustment on the bracelet might put some people off (but the drilled lugs are a winner in my book). The crown is screw down, and it…
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If you’re reading this and thinking ‘grey’ and ‘Bulgari’, I’m welling to bet your mind wanders to this slender beauty. And while that’s entirely understandable, earlier this year we had a look at another, equally alluring take on the Octo — the Octo Roma with an anthracite sunburst dial. The Octo Roma is a fairly recent evolution of the Octo, a dressier, somewhat toned down version, where the octagonal shape that gives the model its name has been softened around the edges — notably with the circular brushed steel bezel — which means the 41mm Octo Roma does a good impression of a classical round watch while maintaining some of the appeal of a more boldly shaped watch. Really, though, the draw of this Octo Roma isn’t the shape. Sure, it’s a part of it, but for me it’s all about the grey-on-grey-on-grey colour scheme and the soft, almost velvety textures at play. The dial is richly textured, and the gunmetal colour provides plenty of visibility for the mirror-like hour markers and hands. The case, with its mix of brushed and polished finishes, sits harmoniously between the two. The black alligator strap and the handsomely finished in-house Solotempo BVL 191…
Anyone who knows me knows that I like things a little different from the norm. I’m a sucker for interesting dials and case shapes, pops of colour, and fresh takes on old designs. That’s not to say that I don’t also appreciate the classics, but I do like some uniqueness. So when I was given the chance to take a look at the latest release from relative newcomers to the watch industry, Spinnaker, I knew they’d have something interesting to offer. A brand that I had seen popping up more and more on my insta-feed lately, Spinnaker’s latest release, the Bradner, takes their trademark design approach, combining interesting details with a vintage inspiration. We’ve got the exclusive first look here, and the Bradner will officially launch and be made available on July 20. Vital statistics The watch is named after Hugh Bradner, an American physicist who not only worked on the Manhattan Project with Robert Oppenheimer but also developed the first neoprene wetsuit. The vintage compression diver styling of the Bradner is made immediately apparent. On the 42mm case’s side is a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock that controls the time setting, while a crown at 2 o’clock adjusts the bi-directional…
