Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsGrand Seiko SBGA293

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

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
SBGA293
Grand SeikoSBGA293
MSRP $5,200

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
SBGA29340.2mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
SBGA29372h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
SBGA293100m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
SBGA293$5,200

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Dress
Diameter
42mm
40.2mm
Thickness
12.6mm
12.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
48.5mm
Lug Width
22mm
19mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
9R65
Type
Automatic
Spring Drive
Power Reserve
42h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$5,200

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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.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Grand Seiko SBGA293

Grand Seiko SBGA293 owners praise its light cream dial and exceptionally well-finished markers and hands. The Spring Drive movement is highlighted as a special feature, offering high accuracy and a blend of jewelry and technology, though the rotor can be audible. Some owners find the case size a concern for formal wear, while others consider it not particularly thick and appreciate the Spring Drive's unique horology, accuracy, and reliability. On balance, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGA293 highly for its unique Spring Drive movement and refined dial and hand finishing.

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