The Evolution 9 Collection represents the future of Grand Seiko. Based on the Grand Seiko Style which has inspired each and every creation since 1967, the Evolution 9 Collection takes the legibility and comfort of Grand Seiko to a new level. One of the first Evolution 9 Collection watches was the Hi-Beat 36,000 80 hours which won the Men’s Watch prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph, the brand is presenting the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC249 in a limited edition of 700 pieces and with an enhanced accuracy rate of ±10 seconds per month. Additionally, there is a second Spring Drive Chronograph GMT that has been released but this is a regular production watch with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Both watches have a power reserve of 72 days and are powered by an automatic calibre that is exquisitely finished and visible via the display case back. Both watches are water resistant to 100 meters and really good looking.
The 45.3 mm cases and bracelets are made of high-intensity titanium, which is about 30% lighter than stainless steel and brighter in color. The hands, indexes and numerals on the bezel are coated with sufficient Lumibrite to further enhance the legibility of the time at night. The crown guard is carefully designed to avoid being caught by sleeves in both sports activities and everyday use. Both watches feature a 12-hour chronograph and a rotating bezel that paired with a 24-hour GMT hand —yellow for the limited edition model and blue for the regular production— allows for the display of a third time zone.
The limited edition Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC249 features a blue dial and a blue sapphire crystal bezel insert that is a true chameleon depending on lighting conditions, and the second chronograph features a black dial and black bezel.
The bracelet features a three-fold clasp with push button release. While the pedigree of the Grand Seiko Style is unmistakably evident in every watch, the refinements of the Evolution 9 Style are also clear to see. The lugs are wider and the bracelets are more robust and, like the cases, have a low center of gravity to ensure that the watches sit comfortably and securely on the wrist.
On the wrist, both new models of the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT wear true to their size and extremely nice. While both are exquisite we really like the limited edition better. As far as availability, the limited edition model will become available in June, 2022 and the non-limited in July, 2022 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and Grand Seiko retail partners worldwide.
Sticker Price $12,400 USD for SBGC249 limited edition and $11,400 USD for SBGC251. For more info on Grand Seiko click here.
