The Iconic Grand Seiko 44GS Case
The development of the masterwork 44GS case became a watershed moment for Grand Seiko when it was released in 1967. The famous 44GS case was designed by Taro Tanaka and established a new aesthetic standard at Grand Seiko that is now widely known as the "Grand Seiko Style," or Grand Seiko's design grammar.
The 44GS's significance continues to be felt throughout the new Grand Seiko creations.
Tanaka's approach was to magnify the importance of case geometry and finish and the aesthetics for legibility. Not to mention the overall comfort for the wearer. Its numerous flat surfaces, distinct angles, and sharp flanks combine to form a completely one-of-a-kind design code. When you take a close look, you get to discover a whole world of exquisite hidden details.
The Hi-Beat GMT Grand Seiko 9S86 Movement
The 'High-beat' self-winding movement by Grand Seiko is a high-performance movement with impressive precision. It features the same accuracy (-5 to +3 seconds per day) and power reserve (55 hours) as the core Caliber 9S85, but it also has the GMT functionality, which ensures that the accuracy of the time displayed is not compromised when the time zone is changed.
Grand Seiko is well-known for its innovative and advanced"Hi-Beat" watches, and this upgrade provides an even smoother glide for the second hand as well as increased resistance to external rotational forces. Pulling the crown out one notch will allow the hour hand to adjust with stopping the second hand.
It boasts a power reserve of up to 55 hours aside from its remarkable timekeeping accuracy.
The cutting-edge technology is composed of hairspring and mainspring to raise precision while reducing component weight. This combination also improves its durability and secures the torque to maintain its oscillation rate of 36000 per hour. In comparison to ordinary watches that only beat at rates of 21,600 or 28,800 vibrations per hour, the 9S86 caliber is more advanced.
Practical, reliable, and highly accurate, this movement is truly a master’s work.
SBGJ261 Model
The renowned Japanese luxury watch brand released two other models dedicated to the US market after they released the Grand Seiko Elegance Ryusendo SBGK015 only for North American fans to enjoy. These new models will make our US friends extremely happy as they are a perfect addition to an avid collector.
They are created with artisan-level workmanship with an impactful combination of sporty cases and travel-oriented functions.
When the first SBGJ227 "Peacock" watch was unveiled in 2017, watch collectors immediately fell in love with its unusual green dial and pattern that was modeled after the feathers of a peacock. It has a Royal Blue textured dial.
Grand Seiko is pleased to debut yet another Peacock watch for this year’s Couture. The luxury brand released SBGJ261.
The Grand Seiko "Peacock" reintroduces a classic. This time, it is in a limited edition of only 500 pieces across the United States. Any watch lover would surely be enthralled by the beautiful and outstanding blue and purple dial.
This model is presented with a distinctive circular pattern on the dial that is inspired by the feathers of a peacock. Visually captivating and mesmerizing to any eye, SBGJ261 provides a perfect contrast to the blue background, the GMT hand, the ‘GMT’ text at 6, and the applied GS logo. The pieces, the parts, and every design elements complement each other creating a completely stunning timepiece.
Along with its exquisite design and exceptional style, its specifications and features are also grand! The case of the watch measures 14mm in case length and 46.2mm in length across the crown and screw down. It is powered by GS’s 9S86 caliber and features a time and date display, GMT, and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m.
SBGJ259 Model
SBGJ259 features a beautiful and mesmerizing grass green dial inspired by the bamboo trees that can be found around the Nezu museum and garden.
They were designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Resembling the bamboo trees, the dial features vertical striations that emphasize the creative nature-themed design of the watch.
The GMT hand and 'GMT' text are presented using a bright lime green shade that adds a nice pop of color to the dial.
Regarding the case of the watch, the familiar and known 44GS-style stainless-steel body by Grand Seiko with an exceptional finish is one of the players in this design.
It has a combination of finely brushed and Zaratsu polished surfaces.
The case measures 40mm in diameter and is slightly chunkier in thickness which measures around 14.2mm.
Even though it is thick, the case fits comfortably on any wrist size. Thanks to its lug-to-lug distance of 46mm. Both watches are topped with a premium quality high-grade stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.
The watch is water resistant to 10 bar, or approximately 100 meters. So, the next time you have to swim at the pool, you no longer need to remove your watch.
The SBGJ259 model is also powered by Grand Seiko’s in-house automatic caliber 9S86 which operates at an impressive high frequency of 36000 vibrations per hour. The movement comprises 37 jewels offering a remarkable 55-hour power reserve with an accuracy level of -3 to +5 seconds a day. The movement is crafted and decorated beautifully so that the owner can enjoy the view inside through its exhibition case back.
Overall, the SBGJ261 and SBGJ259 Grand Seiko limited edition watches are well-regarded timepieces for every enthusiast.
Please also check out the video that we have made for the Grand Seiko GMT Peacock SBGJ261 and the Grand Seiko Green Bamboo SBGJ259 on Watch Outz YouTube Channel.