Grand Seiko HEQ... which one?

[valek]

Hello, I'm new here.
Lemme introduce myself: I've been interested in watches for a while and have tried a lot of different brands/models, eventually flipping most of it to buy my first Grand Seiko, thanks in part to this forum :)
So my collection is now down to only two pieces, a Grand Seiko HEQ (SBGT037), and a vintage King Seiko hi-beat (4502-7000), and I love both very much.
I'm thinking I might buy another GS quartz down the road: I love the simplicity/versatility of the designs and the maintenance-free dependable movement. And they're just so beautiful !

I've read things about modern Grand Seikos not being quite on par with older models, is that true? Which models would those be? SBGT035? SBGX063? SBGX083?
And how exactly would it impact the quality, if it were true?

So anyway... that brings me to this thread. Which currently available GS quartz models would you recommend besides the one I already have?

How about those new 'active' models, any real life pictures? I think I rather like the SBGX085, but I havent been able to find any real pictures...

[artec]

Without wanting to denigrate the members of this forum, most of us who have a quartz GS or maybe two, may not have enough of them to be able to help you much. You might find some useful information on one of the Seiko forums or sub-forums. For example the Seiko sub-forum on TimeZone seems to have some up to date information. I've read that the finish on some of the newer so-called "active" models may not be quite up to the level of the older models and certainly they seem to have less elaborate bracelets if that's any indication.
I hope you find the information you want and, eventually, the watch you're looking for.

[zenskar]

The level of finish on my Seiko Grand Quartz 9943 8010 (1978 or thereabouts) exceeds that of new GS quartz watches, in my opinion, just as the finish on my 1960s GSs exceeds the new mechanical GS watches. I'm a Seiko fan but the Citizen Chronomaster finish beats anything from Grand Seiko, including the hideous Spring Drive offerings. Just my five pence worth...

[pbv]

Is that not the case (poor finish of newer models as compared to vintage) for all watches --- rolex & omega included ...?????

[valek]

I actually do not agree with that at all. Since the OP I have acquired a 9943-8030 and sbgx039... and while the grand quartz is absolutely stunning, honestly I find the modern 039 even more finely crafted... exquisite case work, surreal textured dial with the alternating logos, applied minute markers... I think you're both grossly oversimplifying the matter with some sort of nostalgia or whatever.

Oh and... GS snowflake also?

[Eeeb]

Is that not the case (poor finish of newer models as compared to vintage) for all watches --- rolex & omega included ...?????

I don't think so. There is a lot of cr*p vintage out there too!