Since 2017 Grand Seiko has captured the attention, and wrists, of watch enthusiasts all over the world. The brand's signatures include immaculately detailed dials, class-leading movements, and the now-famous Zaratsu polishing technique. For the 2024 Watches and Wonders show in Geneva, the luxury brand from Japan had many announcements, including one of my favorites, the new SBGJ277.
The star of the show is the beautiful dial. Along with the green on the bezel (yes, this is a GMT), the watchmaker worked to capture the essence of a snow-capped mountain that stays so yearly, even during the summer when trees are dressed in full green. I would say they nailed the execution.
The white, molded dial pattern draws you in with fine textures that seem almost brush-stroked by a master painter. Grand Seiko is all about the small details. The hour markers are multidimensional, and finely polished to reflect even low light.
I love the applied GS logo! The contrast it has with the signature Grand Seiko print in black is very well balanced. Once your eyes go above 6 o’clock you discover what is powering this beautiful timepiece. None other than the brand’s 9S86 movement. Hi-Beat workhorse beating at 36,000 VPH (more than any Rolex), giving you a smooth 10 ticks a second while maintaining 55 hours of power reserve. Accuracy has also been a stable of the brand none by watch aficionados. In the case of the 9S86 caliber, we are looking at +5 to -3 seconds a day.
Back to the dial. Just look at this thing! A dial should be the standout feature of any watch, then complimented by the hands, markers, and the case itself. With the SBGJ277, Grand Seiko has created another very desirable GMT.
CASE
Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 44.2mm
Lug-to-lug: 50.6mm
Lug Width: 50.6mm
Crown: Screw Down
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT
Caliber: 9S86
Type: Hi-Beat 36000
Power: Automatic
Duration: 55 Hours