2020 Grand Seiko Sports Quartz SBGV243
Ref: SBGV243

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box and Grand Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original Grand Seiko strap with a signed Grand Seiko clasp. The watch is from August 2020 and is sold in worn condition, but overall great condition as you can see. The watch comes with its Manufacturer 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.

Our GS SBGV243 has a 40mm tonneau stainless steel case. The case’s gentle curve is in direct contrast to the more aggressive angled lugs, with finely brushed tops and zaratsu polished sides transitioning with crisp, well-defined edges. You can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every Grand Seiko. A lug to lug length of 46.5mm and a thickness of 12mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, a signed screw-down crown. A flat polished and brushed bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal. The matte black dial has a subtle vertical brush texture which can be seen when you rotate your wrist. An outer minute track with yellow numerals. Large applied baton indexes have a generous application of lume at 3 o’clock a date window. Dauphine's hands have sharp edges and brushed surfaces with lume infill. A yellow tapered seconds hand brings this minimalist dial together at 12 o’clock, an applied GS Grand Seiko. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with polished sides and brush finishing around the Grand Seiko Lion embossed in the centre, reminding us of the past Grand Seiko’s medallions. Inside a Grand Seiko 9F82 caliber, a top-tiered Quartz movement. Seiko grows their own quartz crystals, using a higher torque allows them to use these heavier GS hands, keeping their brand aesthetic intact. They have incorporated a backlash auto-adjust mechanism that controls every single tick of the second hand accurately and perfectly in time. The watch comes fitted on a 20mm padded Cordura strap with yellow stitching and a signed brushed stainless steel push-button deployment.

Personal Note