Grand Seiko SBGW273, SBGW275, SBGW277 USA Limited Editions
New Release

Grand Seiko SBGW273, SBGW275, SBGW277 USA Limited Editions

By DoesNotTickTock · Aug 25, 2021 · 14 replies
DoesNotTickTock
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DoesNotTickTock introduces three new USA Limited Edition Grand Seiko models: SBGW273, SBGW275, and SBGW277, inspired by Japan's Genbi Valley. His post details the watches' design, drawing from the Kirazuri painting method for their unique dials, and provides specifications for their stainless steel cases and manual-winding 9S64 movements.

Within the middle part of the Iwai River is the Genbi Valley, one of Iwate Prefecture’s most stunning natural scenes. Situated in the southwestern city of Ichinoseki and approximately 1.3 miles long, this lush ravine, formed by the ash of Mt. Kurikoma and the flowing waters of the Iwai River, boasts multi-color foliage in the fall, snowscapes in the winter, cherry blossoms in the spring, and azaleas in the summer. The picturesque greenery of the Genbi Valley is the inspiration behind three new USA exclusives from Grand Seiko, SBGW273, SBGW275, and SBGW277.

The dials of all three watches are inspired by a Japanese painting method called Kirazuri, which translates to “sparkling painting.” This technique involves adding glittering flakes of mica to a print, resulting in a surface with a subtle but highly dynamic glitter. Used here, the transposed technique evokes the look of dense flora, giving the dials great depth and calling back to the Genbi Valley.

The stainless steel cases of all three references measure 37.3mm in diameter, 11.6mm in thickness, and 44.3mm in length. The lug width is 19mm. This classic case design is the same one from SBGW231 and SBGW235, and it is inspired by the First Grand Seiko from 1960. The box-shape sapphire conjures the look of vintage plexiglass crystals, but with all the hard-wearing durability that synthetic sapphire provides. With their smaller size, all three watches comfortably fit a range of wrist sizes.





SBGW273, SBGW275, SBGW277






Rendered in stainless steel, all three cases have see-through case backs that showcase caliber 9S64, a mechanical manual-winding movement with 72 hours of power reserve and an accuracy rating of -3 to +5 seconds per day. Beautifully finished with robust build quality,  9S64 showcases Grand Seiko’s expertise in creating highly efficient and accurate movements.













Available for purchase this November and exclusive to the US market, SBGW273, SBGW275, and SBGW277 will retail for $4,900 and are limited to 140 pieces each. SBGW275 will be exclusive to the newly launched Grand Seiko Boutique Online. SBGW273 and SBGW277 will be available for purchase at Grand Seiko Salon retailers.

All info and pictures from GS9 website.

About the Cartier Calatrava Ref. SBGW231

The Grand Seiko SBGW231 is a hand-wound dress watch that represents a specific aesthetic within the brand's Heritage Collection. It is known for its understated design, emphasizing legibility and traditional watchmaking principles. This reference is often recognized for its classic proportions and a dial finish that contributes to its refined appearance, setting it apart from more complex or sport-oriented Grand Seiko models. It is a model that appeals to collectors seeking a pure expression of mechanical watchmaking.

This reference features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 37mm, housing the manual-wind Caliber 9S64. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The watch is fitted with a box-shaped sapphire crystal, which enhances the vintage appeal while offering modern scratch resistance. The caseback is a display type, allowing a view of the finely finished movement.

The SBGW231 holds a particular appeal for collectors who appreciate Grand Seiko's commitment to precision and finishing in a minimalist package. Its design is versatile, suitable for formal wear, and its manual-wind movement offers a direct connection to the watch's operation. This reference is a consistent offering within Grand Seiko's lineup, valued for its enduring design and mechanical integrity.

Specifications

Caliber
9S64
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
37mm
Dial
Ivory
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Box-shaped sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
SH
sham1
Aug 25, 2021

I once had a SBGW231 so I can appreciate how good these three new watches are going to be. Thank you for sharing and a great post by the way!

DO
DoesNotTickTock
Aug 25, 2021

The 37mm case is really nice, especially with a GS bracelet on it.

SH
sham1
Aug 25, 2021

But I do like my leather straps

MH
mhz vph
Aug 25, 2021

As we've come to expect from GS. These are lovely, but I must say I'm even more excited for the new 5 day spring drive watches. Can't wait for non-limited versions of those, hopefully soon.

DO
DoesNotTickTock
Aug 25, 2021

New movement and power reserve on the back is a winner!

DR
drhr
Aug 25, 2021

Lucky to be able to snag a 275 before they were all gone. Hesitated for a minute trying to decide between it and the 277, good thing I didn't wait too long, ha! They are all luscious to my eyes, GS did good with these !

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