Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGH289vsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

SBGH289
Grand SeikoSBGH289
MSRP $7,700
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

9 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGH28943.8mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
SBGH28955h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
SBGH289200m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
SBGH289$7,700
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
43.8mm
39mm
Thickness
14.7mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
51mm
46mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
9S85
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
55h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$7,700
$699

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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 SBGH289

The Grand Seiko SBGH289 is praised for its legible blue dial, strong Lumibrite, and the accurate Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85 movement. Reviewers note its bright initial lume glow, though its longevity is questioned compared to other models. The watch features Grand Seiko's Super-Hard Coating for scratch resistance and retails for €7,200. Overall, reviewers highlight the SBGH289's appealing aesthetics and robust movement as key strengths.

From video reviewers

Excellent finishing and smooth bezel action are notable features of the Grand Seiko SBGH289. A weakness of the watch is the relatively low lume brightness. Reviewers disagree on the watch's ideal lug width, with some considering 22mm a limitation for users who prefer a more standard 20mm or 21mm strap width, while others do not mention this as a concern.

Vaer D5 Tropic Auto

Owners widely praise the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto for its excellent value, vintage aesthetic, and comfortable 39mm size that wears larger. Specific highlights include the bezel's satisfying click action and subtle shine, beautifully finished lugs that pair well with a jubilee bracelet, and a dynamic black and cream dial with a unique date feature. The incorporation of brushed steel, quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and good timekeeping are also frequently mentioned positives. The Vaer D5 Tropic Auto is considered good value with excellent water resistance, making it a great daily wear, and its fit and finish are often compared favorably to brands like Hamilton and Tissot. On balance, owners rate the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto highly for its blend of vintage styling, practical features, and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial design is a standout feature. The Miyota automatic movement is also noted.

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