2017 Grand Seiko "Guilloche" Limited Edition Mechanical SBGW049
Ref: SBGW049
Specification
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko Box & Paperwork. It is paired with its original 19mm Grand Seiko strap with a signed buckle; an additional Grand Seiko 19mm strap is provided. The watch is from July 2017 and is sold in lightly worn condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pDJcyDmQ_8a0LKqhXHvK--0q5y4_PuzA?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 23:00 - https://youtu.be/8YANC3aOsbE
The Watch
Here we have a rare 2017 Grand Seiko "Guilloche" Mechanical SBGW049, a Limited Edition of 200 pieces, launched in 2016; it brings together the sophistication of a dress watch with the craftsmanship of true experts at Grand Seiko. The 37mm stainless steel case has perfect polishing, something we sometimes take for granted on a Grand Seiko; it’s not until we have one on the wrist that we can truly appreciate the sheer brilliance of the Zaratsu polishers. A lug-to-lug length of 44mm and a thickness of 11.5mm give the watch excellent wrist presence; the drilled lugs gently curve over your wrist for a comfortable fit, and on the right side, a signed crown. A stepped polished bezel holds a slightly domed box-shaped sapphire crystal with an AR coating on the inside, and the stunning white Guilloche dial has an outer minute track with applied steel batons and precisely chamfered edges. Zaratsu polished. As you rotate your wrist, the dial magically plays with the light, steel dauphine hands that have been Zaratsu polished are complemented by a blue tapered sweeping seconds hand, precisely applied Seiko at 12, an applied gold-toned “GS” and printed “Grand Seiko” underneath at 6 o’clock complete this mesmerising dress watch. On the reverse, a screwed-down exhibition case with sapphire crystal showcases the movement, inside a manually wound Grand Seiko Cal. 9S64, 24 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve, the movement has been adjusted to six positions and temperatures at the factory, finished with attractive Cotes de Geneve decoration, the movement has been developed with Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology where precise components are produced using advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm Grand Seiko strap with a signed buckle, and it comes with its Grand Seiko presentation box and paperwork, plus an additional Grand Seiko strap.
Personal Note
I have been buying and selling Grand Seiko for many years now and I'll always be amazed by these hidden gems that appear that I had never seen before, or even knew existed. This reference SBGW049 features a stunning guillotine dial, rarely seen from Grand Seiko and is limited to just 200 watches total, I highly doubt I'll find another. I would not hesitate to add this gem to your collection today whilst you can!
The Brand
The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The ref:3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer-rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested, so they could not be used as chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do: they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using a chronometer on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorization Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today, Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions. In 1985, Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation In 2017, Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand.