2018 Grand Seiko Elegance Limited Edition SBGW253G
Ref: SBGW253G (9S64-00M0)

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box & Grand Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original stainless steel Grand Seiko bracelet with a signed clasp, all links included. The watch is from January 2018 and is sold in worn condition, however as you can see from the photos the watch is in excellent condition despite its age. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

The Watch

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 therefore they could not be 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 "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. 

This very special limited edition of 1960 pieces 2018 Grand Seiko Elegance SBGW253G has a 38mm polished stainless steel case. Taking its inspiration from their first Grand Seiko introduced in 1960 with its understated sophisticated presence on the wrist. A lug to lug length of 45.5mm and a case thickness of 11mm ensures a comfortable fit. Its Zaratsu high polish has razor-sharp lines leading to elegantly tapering lugs. On the right side, is a signed crown. The polished bezel holds a domed sapphire crystal AR coated. A white dial catches the light perfectly. Applied steel batons are exquisitely cut and polished by Seiko experts. Dauphine's hands have razor-sharp edges that play with the light as you turn your wrist. A blue center second-hand hits its mark and sweeps in a smooth manner. Applied Grand Seiko at 12 and Diashock 24 Jewels at 6 o’clock. On the reverse, a screw-down case back, the Seiko lion sits centrally in a gold medallion just like the original. Inside a Manually Wound Grand Seiko Cal. 9S64, 24 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. This movement is hand-built at Seiko’s Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It has hand winding and hacking for your convenience. Fitted on its 19mm Crocodile strap with a signed buckle. The watch also comes with its Grand Seiko presentation box & Grand Seiko paperwork.

Personal Note

For me, this is Grand Seiko's answer to showing the world just how well they can produce a beautifully executed time-only watch, the same way the original vintage examples were that for them back in the day too. If you haven't had a chance yet, I strongly recommend you book an appointment with us and come try this on for yourself, loupe the dial and get a feel, you'll be blown away!