It is no secret that I will be forever infatuated with Grand Seiko’s GMTGMT A GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) complication is a feature found in some watches that allows the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously. It typically includes a 24-hour hand and a bezel or a second hour hand that can be adjusted independently of the main hour hand to track the time in a different time zone. [Learn More] watches. Presently, there is no other brand out there that offers this much choice and value in the GMT range. I did a brief recap of my favourite ones in this video review right here. And now, Grand Seiko spoils us with even more choice in the GMT line-up by adding four new models to the Elegance collection. None of these releases are limited either, but they are certainly special.
As we have yet to see these in the metal, here are some key points. Firstly, these watches take their inspiration from the seasonal changes. As per Grand Seiko “each of these GMT watches celebrates one of the year’s 24 seasonal phases or sekki.
The selected sekki are Shunbun (Spring) , Shōsho (Summer), Kanro (Autumn) and Tōji (Winter). The Shunbun and Shōsho versions feature the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT caliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] 9S86 while the Spring DriveSpring Drive A Spring Drive movement, pioneered by Grand Seiko, is a type of mechanical watch movement that combines the traditional mechanics of a mechanical watch with the precision of a quartz watch. It uses a mainspring as the source of energy, just like a mechanical watch, but instead of using a traditional escapement, it uses a quartz crystal to regulate the release of energy. The Spring Drive movement is considered to be highly accurate, and is known for its smooth, gliding seconds hand. [Learn More] GMT caliber 9R66 powers the Kanro and Tōji creations”.
For the Hi-Beat watches, we find the green dial representing Spring and a gorgeous wave pattern dial representing Summer. In the Spring Drive range we find a black dial with intricate detail to it and a white dial representing Winter. Based on the release pictures, it is hard to not want all of them…
The case shapes and dial layouts are classic Grand Seiko. Both the mechanical and Spring Drive movements will be visible through the sapphire case backs which is always fun.
The Shunbun and Shōsho creations will be available in May and the Kanro and TŌji creations in September at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and retail stores worldwide.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Caliber 9S86: SBGJ249, 251
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second) Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to –3 seconds per day Power reserveRéserve de marche Also known as Power Reserve. A watch's power reserve refers to the amount of time a mechanical watch can run without being wound. The power reserve of a mechanical watch can vary depending on the size of the mainspring, the efficiency of the gear train, and the rate at which the mainspring releases energy. If a watch has a Power Reserve 'complication' it simply means that the status of the power reserve can be seen on the watch itself (either on the dial or movement side of the watch).
[Learn More]: 55 hours
GMT hand
Number of jewelsJewels
Watch jewels are small, synthetic sapphire or ruby bearings that are used in mechanical watches to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. They are typically made from corundum. They are used as bearings for a.o. the pivots to reduce friction.
[Learn More]: 37
Caliber 9R66: SBGE269, 271
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy:±1 second per day (±15 seconds per month) Power reserve: 72 hours
GMT hand
Number of jewels: 30
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar (SBGJ249, 251) 10bar (SBGE269, 271) Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.5mm, Thickness: 14.1mm (SBGJ249, 251) Diameter: 40.2mm, Thickness: 14.0mm (SBGE269, 271)
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:
€7,600 (SBGJ249, 251), €6,800 (SBGE269, 271)
Hi-Beat SBGJ249, SBGJ251 and Spring Drive SBGE269, SBGE271