Strap Guide: Grand Seiko SBGW231

Strap Guide written by @24horiginal. Thank you Dany!

Introduction

The SBGW231 is without a doubt my favorite Grand Seiko watch. It’s a beautifully executed watch, with impeccable mirror polishing on the case and the dial. The way light bounces off the applied indices and three hands is fascinating and stays true to Grand Seiko’s decades old design language. While the SBGW231 does not feature an exotic dial like the Grand Seiko Snowflake and other modern models, its simple and creamy dial makes it a strap monster, and a watch which can be easily dressed down or up. I usually pair the watch with Delugs’ Matte Black Alligator Signature Strap, but I wanted to explore different leather types, styles and colors. In this guide, I look at 5 different straps from Delugs for the Grand Seiko SBGW231.

Dark Brown Nubuck Row-Stitch Strap

Brown and off-white always go well together, and this is no exception. The brown nubuck leather has a really soft and pleasant texture. It is super comfortable and a great way to dress down this watch for casual wear. This is the first time I ever see and try a row-stitch strap (which does not have stitches on the sides) and I have to say it removed any initial doubts I had about this style of strap. The selective stitching (there is a side-stitch on the buckle end as well) focuses on the critical stress points of a strap and ensures durability.

Green Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap

Nubuck and Pueblo are two of my favorites leather styles from Delugs. What happens when you mix both? You get Crazy Horse leather, combining the smooth surface of Pueblo and the soft texture of Nubuck. Can’t help but fall in love with that green color. The perfect strap to dress down the SBGW231. This side-stitch strap is very similar in construction to the row-stitch strap above and I get the impression it is quite durable.

Chicago Blue Russian Hatch Grain Slim Strap

Note: This product has been discontinued.

I have to admit this strap blew me away and actually gave me goosebumps. I have flirted with buying it many times before, but somehow didn’t. The reality is that pictures don’t do it justice, maybe that is because the texture and color combination is not very pronounced. It does look spectacular in the flesh, however, and works perfectly on the SBGW231. It is the kind of strap you can keep on the watch for all occasions.

Colibri Chevre Slim Strap

Chevre straps are not very common. Produced in the south of France, this goatskin leather has a smooth surface and slight gloss. It feels natural, raw and unique. That’s not all, chevre straps are highly water and scratch resistant. The Colibri light blue color is very refreshing and ideal for casual attire.

Matte Grey Storm Alligator Signature Strap

An alligator strap is one of the best ways to dress up a watch. Having said that, the matte grey color is very versatile, since it has no gloss, and can be easily worn with casual attire. This strap is pure class and an easy pick for the SBGW231.