When thinking of Grand Seiko you’re overcome with images of attention to detail, stunning dials, and a story to match. The Grand Seiko SBGK015 is no different, with a stellar blue dial inspired by the Ryūsendō Cave, a highly polished steel case, and the revered 9S63 manual winding movement. Limited to merely 300 pieces in the US, not only is the watch extremely rare, but it is also extremely desirable. The SBG015G is, technically, an update of the Grand Seiko Elegance SBGK005 and SBGK007, featuring a slimmer and more refined design. This comes courtesy of a beautifully curved case that is also thin thanks to a manual movement within.
Design Inspired by Nature
Starting at the most defining characteristic of the timepiece we have the vibrant dial color which is matched with a striking mosaic pattern. The light blue color is inspired by blue water found at the lakes of the Ryūsendō Cave located in Iwaizumi, Japan. This fits the overarching idea of Grand Seiko, as the Japanese giant is known for taking inspiration from the beautiful countryside. This eye-catching dial sits behind a dual-curved sapphire crystal, which has been designed to look like a plexiglass crystal, further amplifying this classic look. The hands of the timepiece are ‘hand-bent’, polished, and beveled, and the same finish can be seen on the hour indices.
Your attention is then drawn to the highly polished 39mm steel case, which in typical Grand Seiko, isn’t ‘just polished’. In fact, the SBGK015 is polished by a special Zaratsu method which has been created to highlight the beauty of the case curvature. Upon doing more research on this method you will learn that this method is used to create a flawless hairline pattern. According to Takahiro Ushiyama, “It’s because the hairlines will become irregular if there is even the slightest distortion on the surface.”. This method allows for the front and rear-facing surfaces of the case to feature mirror-like polishing whilst the sides of the case feature a brushed finish. Unfortunately, the water resistance is limited to merely 30m, however, you need not ask more of a no-nonsense dress piece.
The watch retains a thin profile of 11.6mm thanks to the manual winding movement within, and with a lug-to-lug of 44mm, the watch oozes with classic wearing dimensions. The manual winding crown reflects a robust yet luxurious feedback upon winding, something you will be doing often thanks to the 9S63 caliber within. The case is mounted on a dark blue crocodile leather strap matched with a three-fold clasp with push button release, offering both security and ease of use.
The 9S63: Remarkable Accuracy
The 9S63 is a remarkable movement with an accuracy rating of +5 to -3 seconds per day whilst beating at 8 beats per second. Longevity is taken care of by the 33 jewels, all visible through the sapphire caseback. The caliber displays both a small seconds and power reserve on the dial, allowing for accurate timekeeping combined with a hint of technical beauty as well. The movement also features 72 hours of power reserve and resistance to magnetism of 4,800 A/m.
The wearing experience of the SBGK015 is as the wearing dimensions state. With a slim profile and a snug lug-to-lug the watch certainly makes for a slim and elegant wearing experience, making this particular model a perfect dress watch. Perhaps the striking dial is a bit much for some occasions, however, if you’re not afraid of standing out in the crowd this is certainly a piece that should be on your radar. That said, the watch certainly slides under a dress cuff with ease, truly making for the perfect dress piece.
As mentioned, the SBGK015 was limited to merely 300 pieces in the United States, making for a piece you are not likely to see again.
