Which is cheaper, the Grand Seiko SBGM245 or the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME?

At MSRP the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME is the cheaper of the two at $3,550, against $6,100 for the Grand Seiko SBGM245 — a $2,550 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Grand Seiko SBGM245 or the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME?

The Grand Seiko SBGM245 wears larger at 40.5mm versus 39mm for the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME — a 1.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Grand Seiko SBGM245 or the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME?

The Grand Seiko SBGM245 is rated to 200m versus 100m for the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME.

What movement does the Grand Seiko SBGM245 run compared to the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Grand Seiko SBGM245 uses the 9S66 and the Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME uses the L844.4.

Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGM245vsLongines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

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

Grand Seiko SBGM245

sbgm245g

MSRP $6,100

Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

L3.802.4.63.6

MSRP $3,550

At a glance

20 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

SBGM24540.5mm

SPIRIT ZULU TIME39mm

Power Reserve

SBGM24572h

SPIRIT ZULU TIME72h

Water Resistance

SBGM245200m

SPIRIT ZULU TIME100m

MSRP

SBGM245$6,100

SPIRIT ZULU TIME$3,550

Full specifications

Case

8 specs

Diameter

40.5mm

39mm

Thickness

14.4mm

13.5mm

Lug-to-Lug

48.6mm

46.8mm

Lug Width

20mm

21mm

Material

Stainless Steel

Ceramic

Finish

Brushed and polished

—

Water Resistance

200m

100m

Caseback

Solid

Screw-down case back

Crystal & Dial

5 specs

Crystal Shape

Flat

—

AR Coating

Yes

Both sides

Dial Color

Black

Anthracite

Indices

Applied

Applied Arabic numerals

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

6 specs

Caliber

9S66

L844.4

Beat Rate

28,800 vph

25,200 vph

Jewels

Hacking

Yes

Hand-winding

Yes

Complications

None

Hours, minutes, seconds and date, 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$6,100

$3,550

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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 SBGM245

Owners widely appreciate the Grand Seiko SBGM245 for its blend of sport and luxury, with one enthusiast highlighting its superior workmanship over quartz movements. However, opinions on its size vary, as one owner found the SBGM245 too large, preferring the comfort of a different variant. Overall, owners value the Grand Seiko SBGM245 for its refined craftsmanship, though its wearability is a point of personal preference.

WatchUSeek

Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

Owners widely praise the Longines Spirit Zulu Time for its excellent fit and finish, visual appeal, and value, with many preferring its thinner titanium case and color-matched date wheel. Reviewers highlight its legibility and comfortable 39mm wearability, while some owners note the bracelet could be weightier and lacks tool-less micro-adjustment. Accuracy figures range from +5 seconds per day to unspecified, and one owner reported condensation risk in hot tubs. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Spirit Zulu Time highly for its blend of tool-watch utility and segment-leading finishing at its price point.

From video reviewers

The 18k gold capped bezel insert is a notable feature, adding a touch of luxury to the watch. However, the watch's lume is not as bright as some reviewers would like, which is a drawback for those who prioritize good illumination. Reviewers disagree on the watch's functionality, with some considering it a compelling option and others feeling it doesn't quite live up to its design.

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