It’s all about accuracy.
Originally published by Logan Baker on HODINKEE August 17th 2021
If you’re looking for a watch that combines accuracy and functionality, there might not be a better option than a GMT watch powered by one of Grand Seiko’s 9F quartz movements. And though the idea of strapping a quartz watch to your wrist might seem foreign at first, rest assured that these are not your average quartz movements. Each caliber in the 9F family is accurate up to an astounding plus or minus 10 seconds per year.
Earlier this year, Grand Seiko revealed three new watches in the 9F-powered GMT SBGN~ series, each outfitted with an updated case profile including a ceramic bezel, a new radial dial finish, and your choice of three colorways. One of the watches is a limited-edition release celebrating the Seiko family’s 140th anniversary this year, fixed with a solid-gold caseback medallion, and the other two are production releases. All three are now available in the HODINKEE Shop.
One of the latest evolutions of the 9F platform, caliber 9F86, was released in 2018 and had to be totally redesigned to include the new GMT complication, specifically the placement and build of the mainplate and gear train. The four hands are all manually attached, and the GMT hand, like the hour and minutes, is fixed on an independent axis.
Due to the new movement design, the SBGN~ series watches are slightly larger than the original 9F-powered watches, but at 40mm in diameter and a little over 13mm in height, the watches remain slightly thinner than Grand Seiko’s popular automatic GMTs. As part of Grand Seiko’s Sport collection, the SBGN models have a number of features atypical of most of the Japanese brand’s releases. Most obviously, Grand Seiko has filled the hands and hour markers with a liberal application of LumiBrite, allowing heightened legibility at all hours. There is also a screw-down caseback and crown that helps out with the 200 meters of water resistance.
There are three new colorways to choose from today. The SBGN019 features a red and black color scheme; the SBGN021 is blue and black; and the limited-edition SBGN023 has a dark brown, almost black, dial brought to life by gold accents. All three watches have a fixed 24-hour black ceramic bezel and an internal day/night ring.
The new models start at $4,550 for the SBGN019 and SBGN021, and the SBGN023, a limited edition of 2,021 watches, is priced at $5,450. You can learn more and purchase yours now in the HODINKEE Shop.
Protect What You Love With Hodinkee Insurance We're here to help avoid a potential heartache.…
Watching Movies: Adam Driver Takes Over The Gucci Family Empire Wearing A JLC Reverso in…
Second Opinions: The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Is Not A Submariner Alternative It's its own…
Your Watch Just Tripled In Value – Now What? Auction season is around the corner.…
A Week On The Wrist: The 40mm TAG Heuer Aquaracer Could Be Your Only Watch…
Five Critical Things To Do Before Buying A Watch Online Originally published by Hodinkee, March…