2017 Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT "Peacock" Limited Edition SBGJ227
Ref: SBGJ227 (9S86-00G0)
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 and Grand Seiko paperwork. It comes paired with its original Grand Seiko 19mm polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet with a signed push button folding clasp. The watch is from December 2017 and is in fair, worn condition; as you can see, a full case and bracelet refurb can be provided at an additional cost. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aWNm13EW8no7FMuAMshLAAVZUPQW0eHL?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 1:39 - https://youtu.be/RL6FKmv4bh8
The Watch
Here we have a 2016 Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT SBGJ021 with a 40mm stainless steel case, Limited Edition of 700, which ours is number 239. The gentle curve of the case ends with exquisite brushed and polished tapered drilled lugs, a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm and a case thickness of 14mm, giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. The case is a reinterpretation of their iconic 44GS case of 1967 with distinctive angles and finishing. On the right side is a screw-down signed crown sitting slightly recessed, and a smooth bevel-edged polished bezel holds a dual-curved sapphire crystal AR coated. The star of the show is this rich, deep green dial inspired by the peacock's beautiful feathers; in the past, it was believed that peacocks symbolised immortality and renewal. The pattern is perfectly stamped, creating a mesmerising circular motion. An outer 24-hour chapter ring surrounds the minute track with Zaratsu polished facet-edged indexes. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window and elegant dauphine hands are Zaratsu polished with razor edges, and a gold-toned arrow hand indicates the 24-hour position. At 12 o’clock, we have the applied “GS” and “Grand Seiko” underneath; at 6 o’clock “, Automatic” “High-Beat 36000” and a gold-toned GMT complete this spiritual-inspired timepiece. On the reverse, we have a screw-down exhibition case back inside an automatic Grand Seiko Cal. 9S86, 37 jewels, 36,000 beats per hour. Pulling the crown out to its first position enables the hour hand to be adjusted without stopping the minutes or the second hand so that the accuracy is not compromised. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology fabricates its precision parts, which are expertly decorated in Côtes de Genève. It comes paired with its original Grand Seiko 19mm polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet with a signed push button folding clasp and comes with its Seiko presentation box and papers.
Personal Note
The Grand Seiko 'Peacock' Limited Edition, reference SBGJ227, is one of the most coveted models with only 700 produced in 2017. Featuring the Hi-Beat Grand Seiko Cal. 9S86, the bold 40mm SBGJ case and most importantly, the incredible 'Peacock' dial which is near impossible to capture in all its glory. In one light it's a rich green/turquoise tone and in another a deep blue, transitioning between the two effortlessly. This is one to see in the metal so do not hesitate to book an appointment and see it for yourself, but be warned, you will likely walk out with it on your wrist and a huge smile on your face!
The Brand
The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960; the reference 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 chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers did; 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 the "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.