Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGC253vsVario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

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

SBGC253
Grand SeikoSBGC253
MSRP $13,200
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph
VarioEmpire Tachymètre Chronograph
MSRP $328

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGC25344.5mm
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph38mm
Power Reserve
SBGC25372h
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph40h
Water Resistance
SBGC253200m
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph50m
MSRP
SBGC253$13,200
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph$328

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Diameter
44.5mm
38mm
Thickness
16.8mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
50mm
38mm
Lug Width
23mm
20mm
Material
Titanium
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
9R86
Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz
Type
Spring Drive
Quartz
Power Reserve
72h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$13,200
$328

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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 SBGC253

The Grand Seiko SBGC253 is praised for its substantial yet surprisingly light feel due to high-intensity titanium, a captivating dial with polished accents, and an exceptionally smooth chronograph action. Its dual-color lume is noted as visually striking, though its distinction fades in low light, and the exceptional anti-reflective coating makes the sapphire crystal nearly disappear. Some find the pushers unappealing and the dial's asymmetry with an off-center logo unconvincing, though others praise its gorgeous case shape and consider it a beautiful showcase of Grand Seiko's capabilities. One owner swapped to a leather strap for enhanced comfort and aesthetics. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGC253 highly for its unique case material and smooth chronograph execution, despite some polarizing design elements.

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

The Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph is praised for its elegant, art deco-inspired multi-layered dial and comfortable leather strap. Owners note its 38mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, and 11.5mm thickness, along with a sapphire crystal and 5 ATM water resistance. Criticisms include the use of different fonts for sub-dial and perimeter markers, and the absence of a traditional running second hand. Overall, owners appreciate the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph for its distinctive dial design and comfortable wearability.

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