Grand Seiko 2017 SBGA Spring Drive Models Overview
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Grand Seiko 2017 SBGA Spring Drive Models Overview

By cazalea · Jun 28, 2017 · 0 replies
cazalea
WPS member · Seiko forum
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Cazalea provides a crucial historical overview of Grand Seiko's 2017 rebranding, detailing the significant shift to remove the 'Seiko' name from the dial. This post serves as an invaluable reference for understanding the transition and identifying the initial wave of new Spring Drive models under the standalone Grand Seiko marque. It captures a pivotal moment in the brand's evolution, making it highly relevant for collectors and enthusiasts.

Seiko recently announced that in 2017 they will separate the Grand Seiko line by removing the word "Seiko" on the dial. We now have the ability to show you the new watches for 2017. All the watches in this series of posts are on the GS website and designated as new models. In many (not all) cases these are the same as earlier models but with a different dial. Perhaps if your favorite watch was sold out, or inaccessible, it will reappear now with its new livery. Happy searching!

(This does not mean the older models are gone from the catalog, but I suspect they will disappear as the inventories are sold off.)  

I will freeze our Grand Seiko Master Spreadsheet at the last of the 2016 models, and at some point may create a new sheet for 2017- going forward.

Cazalea



Watch with Spring Drive movement 9R65 with 3-day power reserve and date



SBGA201




SBGA203




SBGA211




SBGA225




SBGA227




SBGA229




SBGA231




SBGA241




SBGA259




SBGA273




SBGA275




SBGA279




SBGA281




SBGA283




SBGA285




SBGA289




SBGA290




SBGA292




SBGA293




SBGA299




SBGA301




About the Seiko Ref. SBGA211

The Grand Seiko SBGA211, often referred to as the "Snowflake," is a prominent model within Grand Seiko's Spring Drive collection, known for its distinctive dial texture. It represents the brand's commitment to combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with advanced horological technology. This reference succeeded the SBGA011, marking Grand Seiko's transition to an autonomous brand with its logo positioned at 12 o'clock.

The watch features a 41mm case and bracelet crafted from High-Intensity Titanium, offering a lightweight yet robust construction. It houses the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, a proprietary movement that combines the precision of a quartz oscillator with the power source of a mechanical watch, providing a smooth, gliding seconds hand and a 72-hour power reserve. The case is meticulously finished with Zaratsu polishing, achieving distortion-free mirror surfaces.

The SBGA211 is highly regarded by collectors for its unique dial, which is said to evoke the texture of fresh snow, a visual tribute to the winter landscapes surrounding the Shinshu Watch Studio. Its blend of innovative movement technology, refined finishing, and poetic design makes it a sought-after piece within the Grand Seiko lineup.

Specifications

Caliber
9R65
Case
High-Intensity Titanium
Diameter
41mm
Dial
White
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Sapphire

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