Grand Seiko SBGE249 Limited Edition

Not to spoil anything, but the Grand Seiko SBGE249 Limited Edition is one of the best GS releases to date. Grand Seiko is always spot on when it comes to the finishing details, and their Spring Drive technology is worth drooling over (love me some of that smooth sweeping motion), but this color combo along with the textured dial makes it hard to not continually stare into the blizzard it represents.

The SBGE249 is a Limited Edition release from Grand Seiko in collaboration with Timeless Luxury Watches in Plano, TX. I had been sitting on the notion of buying a GS for some time, but was waiting for a release that instantly yelled my name. Upon seeing the first marketing content in Worn & Wound and the Timeless Luxury Watches site, there was no question, this was the one for me.

And a huge shout-out to Timeless Luxury Watches. It was my first time dealing with them and they were nothing short of great. Both email and phone communication were top-notch and I have no reservations in recommending them as a luxury watch dealer.

https://youtu.be/VEygv6-uajI

The details:

• Model: Grand Seiko SBGE249 LE
• Diameter: 41mm
• Height: 14mm
• Lug-to-lug: 48.5mm
• Weight: ~151g (on bracelet)
• Case: Stainless steel
• Movement: 9R66A Spring Drive GMT
• Power Reserve: ~72 hours
• Lume: N/A
• Accuracy: +-1 seconds/day (+-15 seconds/month)
• Crystal: Sapphire, Domed
• Water Resistance: 100m/300ft
• Bracelet/Strap Width: 20mm
• Retail Price: a lot

The review:

Pros:

• Finishing quality (of course).
• THE DIAL! Wow. The texture is subtle yet so mesmerizing.
• The silver & blue color combo is well balanced.
• GMT, power reserve, and big date complications are sized and situated perfectly.
• The smooth sweep of the Spring Drive is unlike anything else.
• Diameter and lug-to-lug are optimal dimensions, making it appropriate for many occasions.
• Bracelet is extremely comfortable and very happy it has half links.

Cons:

• Expected with being a Spring Drive GMT, it is a little tall at 14mm, but who are we kidding, that is fine too.

Grand Seiko puts an amazing effort into all components from the hands to the bracelet, but where they often steal the show is with the dial. This one is inspired by the blizzards of Shirojiri, Japan where Grand Seiko’s Shinshu Studio is located. Personally, I love blizzards, and snow generally. Now that sentiment is captured in a watch.

The Unboxing

A great experience. The box is excellent, the artisan paper is a wonderful touch, and wow that manual is thick! (Thanks to all the variations on the Spring Drive plus the various languages.)

The Watch

Both the face and reverse are an exhibition. The case and polishing are evidence of the time and care spent on each piece. It catches light in numerous ways.

The Bracelet

The bracelet is extremely comfortable and offers nice transitions from brushed to polished, alongside the case. Of particular significance is the simplicity and slim profile of the clasp coupled with the availability of both full and half links for accurate sizing.

Up Close

The calling card of Grand Seiko is the quality of finishing. A macro view shows the extent of that quality.

Final Thought

This watch can speak for itself, so I will only share one word…awesome.