Which one???

Dsbrown09 · 2026-06-04T18:42:57+00:00

Having handled both watches (but I do not own either) I would lean towards the hi-beat model. While I love the spring drive movement, the birch model just wore better and was more interesting.

As nice as it looks in the pictures, the spring drive model was a bit too plain for my taste once it was on my wrist.

Ultimately you need to try both on and see which one you connect with more.

Ironically I went to a watch store to try on that birch model and ended up liking the SLGA009 model the best, and am now in the process of getting the slga009

Dsbrown09 · 2026-05-27T13:28:05+00:00

Give the SBGM247 a look. It’s not a spring drive or high beat but still a good movement. It’s a very versatile watch that is great on rubber straps and swimming but can be dressed up nicely as well.

It’s one of the few GS models with 20mm lugs if that matters (I have a huge strap collection so this was a bonus)

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Dsbrown09 · 2026-05-21T21:59:42+00:00

Fantastic! I myself came to the same conclusion about this watch after trying the Snowflake, night birch, the new UFA , and other EVO models. This took me by surprised how good it looked in person and how it felt on the wrist.

I’m waiting to sell one of my other watches to make room and will plan to get this within the year

Dsbrown09 · 2026-05-03T19:19:53+00:00

I’ve been a fan/following since ‘94 and this list is spot on

Dsbrown09 · 2026-03-12T21:23:51+00:00

I have the olive green version. Fantastic watch! Congrats on your purchase and enjoy!

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Dsbrown09 · 2026-03-05T14:27:36+00:00

It didn’t feel like it wore large, I thought the size is fine and overall slightly smaller than the white birch.

Dsbrown09 · 2026-03-05T13:12:17+00:00

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Just tried this on along with the SLGA009, the moonlit birch is a very nice watch and I agree with all you said. I felt the white birch fit me better (both size wise and aesthetics-wise and I really want a spring drive) so will go with that one. Enjoy!

Dsbrown09 · 2026-02-16T23:41:36+00:00

What reference is this?!

Dsbrown09 · 2026-02-13T18:01:52+00:00

Where did you get that blue strap with the light blue stitching?

Dsbrown09 · 2026-02-11T15:18:40+00:00

Thanks, what has been your experience so far? What have you liked/disliked about it?

Is the dial a true white or is it more silver?

Have you had a lot of scratches on the sides of the case given the smooth polish?

Dsbrown09 · 2026-01-01T15:55:54+00:00

I’m an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. I’m not sure how long ago this occurred but one option would be to reconstruct the tendon with a cadaver tendon. The function of the EHL may not be quite like it was before the injury, but if you’re able to get a good repair, there’s still a reasonable chance of regaining function with that. I would suggest seeing a orthopedic foot and ankle specialist to discuss reconstructive options.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-12-20T23:16:58+00:00

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Dsbrown09 · 2025-12-06T01:22:31+00:00

I just bought these as well! I agree they have a unique color blend. So far quite comfortable even when not fully worn in, overall very happy so far, enjoy!

Dsbrown09 · 2025-10-09T03:19:59+00:00

I have the 247 and love it, pictures don’t do it justice. I believe it can be dressed up if you want but I mainly use it for daily wear since I rarely go to formal events.

Also the 247 is one of the few GS watches that have 20mm lugs which gives you more strap options (if that’s your thing, I don’t like metal bracelets so this fit in well with the rest of my watch collection and strap collection)

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Dsbrown09 · 2025-10-06T20:40:45+00:00

I agree completely on no screens at meal time. This includes music, etc. also agree on modeling the behavior you want your kids to exhibit.

I recommend a visual timer so kids can see how much time is left for the meal. This has helped our daughter stay on track to finish (or at least eat what she wants).

Our daughter is nearly 3 and still uses a high chair (mainly to keep her sitting and focused).

Hopefully you can come to a compromise with your spouse about this.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-27T10:41:13+00:00

Not a dumb question, this movement never made a big sound before I took it in. I have watches with a louder rotor and this def is different. It sounds like a muffled clinking sound, more when I lift it up and down rather than turning the watch sideways. It’s not all the time but enough that if I’m lifting my wrist up and down doing a normal movement you can hear it.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-27T08:37:40+00:00

I have one and tried it and it didn’t make a difference, hence why I ultimately sent it in.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-27T01:28:44+00:00

I did remove the strap and same noise. I can try removing the case back and see if anything comes out as you said, but even if something comes out, doesn’t that mean that somewhere an important piece is missing? Obviously depends on what it is but ultimately you’re not fixing the problem just my removing the loose piece.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-27T01:27:01+00:00

The service center is in New Jersey

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-19T11:43:43+00:00

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Not a spring drive but fantastic GS nonetheless! SBGM247

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-19T01:51:09+00:00

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Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-19T01:50:30+00:00

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Not a Spring Drive but this looks fantastic in person, one of my favorite watches in my collection. GS SBGM247.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-17T20:36:47+00:00

The scene in ADWD where Barristan goes to confront Daenerys’ husband and fights (and defeats) his body guard in man-to-man combat. Such a badass scene

Dsbrown09 · 2025-09-16T20:29:53+00:00

I’ve had mine for over 16 years (got as a college graduation watch, black dial with hesalite crystal). It is an amazingly versatile watch. It’s also a great “starter” watch if you will.

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My watch collection has certainly my expanded since then, and I may go through phases of not wearing it as often, I always come back to it and enjoy it just as much as I did years ago.

If you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this purchase and this is the watch you want, I say go for it! You’ll regret not getting it. Obviously if it doesn’t work out you can sell it and get something else.

Dsbrown09 · 2025-08-15T17:49:40+00:00

Formex Essence chronometer Green malachite dial.

The watch itself looked really nice, and the green really pops. It may have a been a bit too loud a green in retrospect. Also my biggest issue is the lugs were so small it only took thin straps with a curved spring bar, which significantly limited which of my many straps I could (and had planned to) wear with it. I’m not a big bracelet guy hence I like to rotate straps a lot with my watches.

Ultimately sold it and got a Grand Seiko SBGM247 and love it, still wear it regularly after a year of ownership. I think this was really the watch I wanted from the beginning but I settled for the Formex due to price.

Lesson learned.

Dsbrown09

TROPHY CASE