We’re generally big fans of Grand Seiko (and plain old Seiko) round these parts, which makes today a good day. That’s because there’s not one, not two, but three new 40mm Grand Seiko GMTs that were just announced, powered by the brand’s highly accurate 9F86 quartz movement.
It’s unclear what nicknames the wider Seiko community will give to these pieces, but their official product numbers are the limited edition SBGN023 (black dial, yellow accents), SBGN019 (black dial, red accents), and SBGN021 (black dial, blue accents). I personally let out an “Oooo…” upon seeing the blue accented model, but here’s what Grand Seiko has to say:
Today sees the release of a new 9F86 quartz GMT creation that adds a new dimension to the Grand Seiko Sport collection. The case is simple in design but, with its muscular shape and sharp, Zaratsu polished surfaces, it presents a powerful sports aspect… All three new creations are all quintessential Grand Seiko in every way, combining the highest level of precision and durability with supreme legibility and the quiet yet instantly recognizable brilliance that is the Grand Seiko hallmark.
We don’t necessarily disagree with any of that; there’s no way you’d confuse this with anything other than Grand Seiko. What did spark a little discussion in our Slack, however, was price: the limited edition will retail for $5450 while the other two will retail for $4550 when they’re released in June. The $5000 mark will get you into some very nice, high-end mechanical watches from brands like Omega, and it wasn’t too long ago that you could nab other 9F86-based Grand Seikos for closer to $3500, if not lower. The march upmarket is noticeable, and we’re still mulling over how we feel about it.
But, of course, high-res JPGs are free (unless we’re talking about NFTs–zing!), and we’re happy to gaze upon them ahead of their release.
The specs from Grand Seiko
Caliber 9F86
Accuracy +/- 10 seconds per year (at room temperature between 5 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius)
Instant date change
High-torque stepping motor
Protective shield construction
GMT function / Independent hour hand adjustment function
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 40mm Thickness: 13.1mm
Water resistance: 20 bar
Magnetic resistance: 16,000 A / m
For more information visit Grand Seiko’s website.
