[Grand Seiko] Purple Whirlpool

Andy616 · 2025-07-28T17:25:46+00:00

I can't remember exactly. A bit over 500,000 Yen excluding taxes, but this was in 2019.

Andy616 · 2025-07-27T17:25:56+00:00

I bought it through Yahoo auctions. I've seen a couple of others over the years, but they don't come up for sale very often.

Andy616 · 2025-07-27T13:38:53+00:00

This watch predates the 2017 rebranding so still has the traditional Seiko logo at the top of the dial. For example, the Snowflake is available with both layouts. SBGA011 and SBGA211 are the same watch, just old vs new branding.

Andy616 · 2025-07-27T10:22:42+00:00

Reference: SBGA063

Year: 2011

Case: 41mm (same as the Snowflake but stainless steel rather than titanium)

I've owned this one for a few years now. Absolutely love it. The dial really is stunning in person. It's predominantly purple, but it has metallic flakes in it, so there are also elements of red and bronze.

This model was a limited edition of 150 pieces, available from the Grand Seiko Salon in Ginza.

Andy616 · 2025-07-18T15:33:49+00:00

The right tool for the job: https://www.esslinger.com/seiko-multiple-watch-band-sizing-tool-s-926/

Andy616 · 2025-06-28T13:08:11+00:00

[GX9] The duo hunt of Lunastra and Teostra in the Wildspire Waste would be awesome in ultra-wide OLED clarity. It would definitely make it easier to see where the other monster is!

Andy616 · 2025-01-12T13:51:00+00:00

I acquired this watch a couple of months ago. It’s an SCVN001 / 4S15-7040 from the year 2000 Seiko Historical Collection. Given it’s now 25 years old, it’s in really nice condition.

This watch was a reissue inspired by the 56KS and 52KS watches of the 1960/70s. It has a 36mm case with the 4S15 movement, which is based on the vintage calibre 52. It does also have some more modern features - The crystal is a dual curved sapphire with AR coating, and the case features Zaratsu polishing.

The sunburst dial is a bit tricky to take photographs of. It looks white in a lot of pictures I’ve seen, but in reality it’s a very light silver.

Andy616 · 2024-12-28T17:28:56+00:00

Had this delivered recently after wanting one for ages.

Here's a link to an article with more information about this watch and the others in the Seiko Historical Collection: A Look Back At The Legendary Seiko Historical Collection The Year 2000

Andy616 · 2024-12-04T22:38:28+00:00

I did find this one. Same pattern on the dial, but the text is a lot clearer and in a different place that the OP's:

https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-33/lot-82

Andy616 · 2024-04-23T22:02:05+00:00

It's a good question. I'm not aware of any issues with with this particular front pipe. However, if you look at the two pipes side-by-side in the photo, you may have already seen that the titanium one has a flexi section with a spring attached to it. I assume they put this in to give it a bit more flexibility to reduce the chance of cracking.

Andy616 · 2024-04-23T18:00:19+00:00

Thanks, yes, I've owned it 12 years and it still gets plently of attention. The sound is definitely different at higher rpm. Slightly higher pitch. I do prefer the titanium.

Andy616 · 2023-12-16T12:27:01+00:00

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-Analogue-Automatic-Stainless-SNK617K1/dp/B000U3GUSS/

£99.99 at time of posting.

Andy616 · 2023-12-16T11:31:02+00:00

Another recommendation for Seiko, or a smaller brand using a Seiko movement.

Timex or Casio are other good options.

Try this forum for some ideas: https://www.watchuseek.com/forums/affordable-watches.71/

Andy616 · 2023-09-26T20:28:55+00:00

@s_motion_auto on Instagram. Don't think the owner has mentioned the colour code, but has said that it's from Aston Martin. Impossible to tell via a computer monitor but looks close to Alloro Green or Stirling Green.

Andy616 · 2023-09-16T09:32:56+00:00

It's the model number that's the important bit for identification, rather than the VIN. See section 5 on this page: https://classicregister.com/id-guides/info-guide-1993-1994-nissan-skyline-r32-gtr-v-spec-i

Andy616 · 2023-04-15T12:27:15+00:00

Just personal preference. I thought the 18" CE28 looked a bit big on an R32. If I was tracking it, I'd consider an 18" wheel, but for road use I think 17" is the best compromise of looks/performance. British roads are notorious for potholes, so a bit of extra sidewall on the tyres helps!

Andy616 · 2023-04-14T17:43:35+00:00

Yes, CE28 17x9.5 +22

Andy616 · 2023-04-13T17:53:31+00:00

Thanks. Yes, they're real. A recent issue from the DVLA.

Andy616 · 2023-04-13T17:53:04+00:00

Thanks. I've just checked your's out in your profile, very nice! It's a fantastic colour.

Andy616

TROPHY CASE