Grand Seiko Spring Drive Diver 200
- its multitask side and its comfort
- an excellent legibility
- the fluidity of the movement
- a waterproofness a little “weak” for a diving watch
- the removal of the links that is not very easy
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model name | Spring Drive Diver 200 |
| Reference | SBGA031 |
| Case material | Titanium |
| Case diameter (without crown) | 44 mm |
| Case diameter (crown included) | 47 mm |
| Movement type | Automatic |
| Caliber | 9R65 |
| Base Caliber | 9R65 |
| Functions | Date Hour Minute Power reserve Second |
| Crystal | Single-face crystal with anti-reflective coating |
| Power reserve | 72h |
| Transparent back | No |
| Lug width | 22,04 mm |
| Length from lug to lug | 51,40 mm |
| Case thickness | 14,38 mm |
| Strap material | Titanium / steel |
| Clasp type | Deployment clasp |
| Clasp material | Titanium |
| Total weight | 136 grammes |
| Retail price USA at September 29th, 2010 | $5,900.00 |
| Comfort (/15) | 15 |
| Movement (/20) | 14.5 |
| Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) | 3.5 |
| Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) | 5 |
| Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) | 3 |
| Power reserve (/2) | 1.5 |
| Complications (/5) | 1.5 |
| Finishing (/20) | 16.5 |
| Dial finishing (/6) | 5 |
| Case finishing (/6) | 5 |
| Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) | 1.5 |
| Crystal quality (/4) | 3 |
| Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) | 2 |
| Functionality (/20) | 16.5 |
| Diurnal legibility (/5) | 5 |
| Night legibility (/4) | 3.5 |
| Water resistance (/3) | 1 |
| Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) | 3 |
| Clasp : quality and safety (/4) | 4 |
| Additional items (/10) | 3 |
| Limited edition (/3) | 0 |
| Watch delivered with several straps (/2) | 0 |
| Quality of the watch box (/1) | 1 |
| Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) | 1 |
| Goodies included (/1) | 0 |
| Understandability of the brochure (/1) | 1 |
| Value for money (/15) | 14 |
| When to wear it ? | For a diving trip, in the Seychelles islands! |
The history of Seiko counts many first technics and patents in the field of diver’s watches, and some old models are very popular among the watch collectors.
The current high end range, with the MarineMaster 300 and 600, remains nevertheless oriented “tool watches”.
It is thus a new slot that this SBGAO31 is exploring.
A well-manufactured finishing for the dial
At first glance, the conception seems well-groomed and less extreme than the Prospex range.
With smoother lines, this watch amazes first because of its light weight due to titanium.
We feel that the use of this material is totally handled by Seiko that varies the finishing, brushed or mirror-polished.
Its light weight, associated with the dial’s curves and the bevels of the casing, the watch is really comfortable and does not look 44 mm diameter.
The refined manufacture of the bezel makes another perk of this GS.
Its graduations, its external bevel, its deep and shiny black color are a feast for the eyes.
For a diver’s watch, this bezel is very legible and resistant.
And for a multitask watch, its aesthetics makes it smarter than a classic diver’s watch.
A very legible dial
The dial is classics.
On a black dial, the markers are circled, the hands are very large and sports-looking, giving much place to a bluish Lumbrite (a luminescent material) that is really reactive and effective.
There are two complications on this dial: a power reserve at 7 o’clock (with a very successful finishing) and the date at 3 o’clock.
Positioned very slightly under the bezel, the sapphire glass is practically flat, anti-reflective coated on one side (the internal one).
It gives a very good readability to the whole.
The screwed crown, with the GS logo, gives an impression of important strength.
As for the back is screwed and engraved with the Grand Seiko’s lion.
Nevertheless, the waterproofness of this diver’s watch is limited to 200 meter, which might be a bit weak compared to the other models of the brand or to the competitors.
An easily adjustable strap
The strap is made of titanium and steel.
Polished and brushed, reducing its largeness when coming close to the buckle, it contributes to the looks of the watch.
This strap is also very functional.
Indeed, the folding buckle has a double security.
As for the diving extension is a model of efficiency and simplicity.
Without taking the watch off, you can lengthen the strap for 3 centimeters with 13 holes, allowing a perfect adjustment on a wetsuit without risking letting fall the watch.
The movement: Cal. 9R65
The SBGAO31 is driven by a Spring Drive movement, the 9R65.
Its technology, specific to Seiko, allows guaranteeing a precision of 15 seconds every month with a 72-hour power reserve.
Its hybrid conception associates the mechanical movement for the energy and the electronics for the regulation, allowing a movement that is not jerky but perfectly fluid.
This strongly contributes to this movement’s interest and charm.
What to remember
In spite of the heavy competitors in the range of smart diver’s watches, Seiko manages to distance itself with this Grand Seiko Diver 200, thanks to its “savoir-faire”.
Its comfort and elegance will delight those who are not looking for a mere diving instrument.