Hey guys, so I got my hands on this Grand Seiko SBGY011, also known as the “Asaborake”. It’s a pretty neat watch, and I wanted to share my experience with it.

First off, I started looking into this watch because I wanted something classy but not too bulky. I searched around, read some reviews, and finally decided to go for it. This thing isn’t huge, which is great for me. It’s about 40mm across and around 10.5mm thick, which is slim for a Grand Seiko. Plus, the lug-to-lug distance is pretty reasonable, so it sits well on my wrist.
When I first saw it, I was pretty impressed. The design is based on their 44GS style, which I’m a big fan of. It’s got a manual-wind Spring Drive movement, which is kind of rare for Grand Seiko, especially in this 44GS case. I mean, it’s only the second model they’ve done like this, so that’s pretty cool.
- Getting it: I ordered it online, and when it arrived, I was stoked. Unboxing it was an experience in itself. The packaging was top-notch, and the watch itself was just beautiful.
- Wearing it: I’ve been wearing it for a few weeks now, and it’s super comfortable. It’s light, doesn’t get in the way, and it looks good with pretty much anything I wear.
- Checking it out: I’ve been playing around with it, winding it up, and watching that smooth second hand glide around. It’s mesmerizing, honestly. The Spring Drive movement is something else.
- Showin off: I’ve gotten a few compliments on it already. People notice it, but it’s not flashy. It’s more of a subtle, “if you know, you know” kind of thing.
Now, let’s talk about the price. It’s not cheap, I’ll tell you that. It set me back around $8,300. It’s definitely an investment, but I think it’s worth it. It’s not just a watch; it’s like a piece of art that you can wear. I did some window shopping, comparing it to other watches, and I felt this one was the right choice for me.
All in all, I’m really happy with this purchase. It’s a beautiful, well-made watch that’s a joy to wear. If you’re looking for something special and don’t mind spending a bit more, I’d definitely recommend checking out the Grand Seiko SBGY011.
I took it to a watch meetup, and a few enthusiasts were really into it. We talked about the movement, the design, and how it compares to other Grand Seikos. It was a good time, and it made me appreciate the watch even more.

Final thoughts
After spending some time with the SBGY011, I can say it’s become one of my favorites. It’s not just a watch I wear; it’s a watch I enjoy experiencing. From the smooth winding to the way the light plays off the dial, it’s just a great piece.