Grand Seiko, the cult Far Eastern representative of traditional luxury watchmaking, is the guest of our pages with its stylish model SBGK009, which redefines the classic dress watch concept.
Sporty watches continue to be the number one choice of watch enthusiasts with their versatile usage possibilities and durable characteristics. However, this does not create a barrier for the classic dress watch segment to survive and develop. The major names of traditional luxury watchmaking surely include models for this style in their current catalogs.
The classic dress watch concept continues its life using the same templates for a long time. Especially when we exclude the complications, this segment, which does not leave much room for trying new things, we would not be wrong to say that it is based on 'refining' rather than developing.
The model we have here today, Grand Seiko SBGK009, fully incorporates the basic elements of this concept. Moreover, with Grand Seiko's superior Japanese engineering and exceptional handwork...
The model, offered to watch enthusiasts within the scope of Baselworld 2019, comes with a stainless steel case measuring 39mm diameter and 11.6mm in height. I previously mentioned that the model meets the requirements of the classic dress watch concept perfectly. The best example of this is the case, which has a nicely balanced diameter of 39mm, as well as an elegant design with its matt/glossy surfaces and smooth lines. The powerful lug design makes the watch compatible with today's requirements, while the easy-to-grasp winding crown with the GS emblem offers a user-friendly profile. Curved sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflection coating and glossy bezel successfully highlight the classic theme of the model. The case is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal display case back and is splash resistant only.
Another component of the model suitable for the classic dress watch style is undoubtedly the dial... Finished in anthracite color, the dial is home to wide retro-looking hands and elongated markers that reinforce the vintage theme. The small second’s indicator located at 9 o'clock and the vertical power reserve indicator just across it provides a balanced layout. The dial, which does not contain any extra text or marking other than the brand logo, highlights the simple and elegant character of the model.
Grand Seiko SBGK009 continues its commitment to the concept in the movement section as well. Hand-wound Caliber 9S63, which offers a power reserve time of 72 hours (3 days) when fully wound, has an operating accuracy of +5/-3 per day. Thanks to the transparent case back, enjoying the beautifully decorated movement is possible.
A very stylishly designed stainless steel bracelet accompanies the model. It is not easy to design an elegant metal bracelet suitable for the classic dress watch concept, as the bracelets often go along with the sporty models, so it can be difficult to meet the elegance criteria. For this reason, the brands either benefit from Mesh/Milanese bracelets or prefer to offer their models with a stylish leather strap without taking risks.
The bracelet, which completes the Grand Seiko SBGK009, comes in a nine-link format. The contrasting sequences of the pieces as matte/glossy and the number of the links offer an elegant yet bold look. Designed to be compatible with the case in terms of thickness, the bracelet has preserved its elegance without sacrificing its user-friendly feature thanks to its button-locked folding clasp.
Grand Seiko SBGK009 is not a model intended for the masses with its almost inflexible design odes and relatively limited clientele. However, it is obviously among the most refined examples of the concept, which has a great share in the making of traditional luxury watchmaking. If you like the model but are indecisive about the bracelet, take a look at the Grand Seiko SBGK007 model with a leather strap in the same collection.
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