Side by side

Grand Seiko SBGW281vsVario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

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

SBGW281
Grand SeikoSBGW281
MSRP $4,900
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph
VarioEmpire Tachymètre Chronograph
MSRP $328

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBGW28137.3mm
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph38mm
Power Reserve
SBGW28172h
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph40h
Water Resistance
SBGW28130m
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph50m
MSRP
SBGW281$4,900
Empire Tachymètre Chronograph$328

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Dress
Chronograph
Diameter
37.3mm
38mm
Thickness
11.7mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
44.3mm
38mm
Lug Width
19mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
30m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
9S64
Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz
Type
Manual
Quartz
Power Reserve
72h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$4,900
$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 SBGW281

Grand Seiko SBGW281 owners and reviewers alike praise its classic 37mm size and timeless, no-bezel design, with enthusiasts calling these manual-wind models "perfect Grand Seikos" for their thin profile, accessible price, and dial symmetry. The champagne dial is noted for its evocative, melting snow aesthetic, complemented by a gold seconds hand and a box crystal. The winding action is described as exceptionally smooth with satisfying clicky feedback, and the lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 45mm. This timepiece is splash resistant and retails for US$4,800. On balance, enthusiasts and reviewers highly regard the Grand Seiko SBGW281 for its elegant proportions and refined dial presentation.

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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