BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
It’s 2024 and Grand Seiko commemorates two decades of its groundbreaking 9R Spring Drive movement with a tribute timepiece, the Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT SBGE305. This limited edition watch is inspired by the majestic beauty of Mt. Hotaka and encapsulates the essence of the Japanese landscape in its design elements.
The SBGE305 measures 40.5mm x 14.7mm with its stainless steel case that features a blend of brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces. The wide black ceramic bezel, adorned with a 24-hour scale, evokes the ruggedness of the Hotaka mountain range, while the screw-down crown and solid caseback ensure 200m water resistance.
The dark red dial draws inspiration from the vibrant sunrises that bathe the Hotaka slopes in summer, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty. The applied hour markers and hands, meticulously polished and edged with delicate grooves, shine with a subtle luminescence in the dark. The 24-hour chapter ring further enhances functionality, seamlessly integrated with the bezel’s markings.
Grand Seiko’s 9R66 Spring Drive Caliber, renowned for its exceptional accuracy and smooth-sweeping seconds hand, takes center stage within the SBGE305. This self-winding movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve and a unique GMT function that allows for one-hour jumps of the local time hand without affecting the minute hand, preserving accuracy. Additionally, the date setting is cleverly linked to the local hour hand, offering unparalleled convenience.
Presented on a matching stainless steel bracelet with a deployant clasp and limited to 1,300 pieces, the SBGE305 will be available at select retailers and Grand Seiko boutiques starting June 2024, priced at EUR 6,600.
