2020 Grand Seiko Quartz 9F 25th Anniversary SBGV238
Ref: SBGV238 (9F82-0AJ0)

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box and Grand Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original 19mm Seiko stainless steel bracelet with a signed folding clasp. The watch is from June 2020 and is in fantastic condition as you can see. 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.

Here we have a 2020 Grand Seiko Quartz 9F SBGV238 celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their first 9F movement which was introduced in 1988, limited to 600 pieces ours is number 442. The impressively sculptured 40mm stainless steel case is a modern interpretation of their 44GS of 1967, exquisitely polished and brushed surfaces curve over your wrist toward the drilled lugs, and a lug-to-lug of 46mm and a case thickness of 10mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side is a signed crown sitting slightly recessed, a smooth bevel-edged 18ct yellow gold bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal. The silver dial has a stunning repeating embossed “GS & 9F” textured pattern, an 18ct yellow gold gasket surrounds applied 18ct yellow gold chamfered edged batons that play with the light as you rotate your wrist, at 3 o’clock a framed date window, elegant 18ct yellow gold dauphine hands are Zaratsu polished with razor edges complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. At 12 o’clock an 18ct yellow gold “GS” and printed “Grand Seiko” underneath, at 6 o’clock the 5-point star symbolises an incredible +5 to -5 seconds precision rate per year. On the reverse, we have a screw-down exhibition case back, inside a Grand Seiko 9F82 Quartz showcasing the CÔTES DE GENÈVE finishing. The watch comes fitted on its original Seiko 19mm polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet with a signed folding clasp and comes with its Seiko presentation box and papers.

Personal Note

I love a bracelet and almost always opt for one if the option is there, thankfully you get one here, but for me, this watch looks most at home and absolutely perfect on a brown leather strap! The gold bezel paired with the textured dial capture the light beautifully, this has to be one of the most dynamic GS I've seen whilst remaining incredibly dressy and slim on the wrist. After a dress watch, that's different to the usual lineup? This should be your choice!