While the pedigree of the Grand Seiko Style is unmistakably evident in every watch, the refinements of the Evolution 9 Style are also clear to see. With its unique glide motion seconds hand, Spring Drive mirrors the continuous, silent and smooth passage of time. To watch the seconds hand move serenely and with no ‘tick’ across the dial is to be brought as close as is possible to the nature of time itself. The two new watches are the Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Titanium SBGE285 and the Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Titanium SBGE283.
This sense of being close to nature is enhanced in one of the two Spring Drive GMT watches by the light gray dial with an intricately textured pattern that is inspired by the morning mist in winter in the Shinshu region, often a harbinger of a sunny day. Shinshu is home to the studio where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made. The hands are bolder and more clearly differentiated for even greater legibility and the numerals on the bezel are of a new font developed especially for the Evolution 9 Collection to ensure the highest possible legibility. The hands and indexes are coated with sufficient Lumibrite to further enhance the legibility of the time at night. Both watches feature a power reserve indicator between 7 and 8 o’clock and a 24-hour GMT hand.
The 41 mm high-density case features lugs that are wider and bracelets that are more robust and, like the cases, have a low center of gravity to ensure that the watches sit comfortably and securely on the wrist. The cases and bracelets are made of high-intensity titanium, which is about 30% lighter than stainless steel and brighter in color. The crown guard on each side of the screw-down crown is carefully designed to avoid being caught by sleeves in both sport activities and everyday use and the curved profile of the case ensures a good fit on the wrist. The bracelet features three fold deployant clasp.
This two new Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT watches will be available in August, 2022 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and Grand Seiko retail partners worldwide. Both watches are powered by the in-house automatic calibre GMT 9R66 with an accuracy of ±1 second per day —±15 seconds per month— and a power reserve of 72 hours. The exquisitely finished calibre is visible via the display case back. The watches are water resistant to 100 meters.
On the wrist, the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Titanium wears true to its size and extremely well. While we love both watches, we have a soft spot for the light grey dial version. An exquisite pair of watches for the most discerning watch collectors.
Sticker Price $8,400 USD. For more info on Grand Seiko click here.
