Strap Pairings: Grand Seiko Ref. SBGW231 / SBGW301

The Grand Seiko SBGW231 (now the SBGW301) was my first every 'luxury' watch and was a key part in the founding of Artisan Straps. As a university (college) student, I loved watches. However, I often found myself bored of my current timepiece and chasing the excitement of new watches. I lacked the funds to purchase more watches and the way I would reignite my excitement of watches was to purchase new straps. I found myself changing my watch strap every few weeks, jumping from dressy alligator straps to less formal calfskin straps. I truly had a watch strap for EVERY ocassion. In fact, I had multiple watch straps for every occasion.

The Grand Seiko SBGW231 was effectively discontinued in 2024 for the newer model SBGW301. The new SBGW301 fixes the issue of bubbles developing around the crystal of the watch. The Grand Seiko SBGW231 is a classic dress watch that is often named the Japanese 'Calatrava'. Grand Seiko is known of their colourful, fancy textured dials but the simplicity of this watch makes it one of my favourites from their range.

Grand Seiko SBGW231/SBGW301 Specifications:

• Lug width: 19mm
  
• Buckle width: 16mm
• Strap Size: 19mm/16mm
• Diameter: 37mm
• Lug to lug: 44.3mm
• Thickness: 11.6mm

Here are some of our favourite picks for the Grand Seiko SBGW231.

Black Alligator:

Taupe Epsom:

Moss Green Alligator:

Tan Nubuck:

Dark Brown Shrunken Calf