Grand Seiko SBGW275
The Grand Seiko SBGW275 packs a visual punch front and back. Inspired by the Iwai River in the Genbi Valley, the teal dial represents flowing waters. In the review video, I discuss dials, GS limited editions, pros and cons, custom straps, and of course I include plenty of pictures.
Here, you will find photos and a dab of context. The finer details are in the review video.
Specs:
- Reference: SGBW275
- Diameter: 37.25mm
- Height: 12.06mm
- Lug Width: 19mm
- Lug-to-lug: 44.25mm
- Weight: ~63.62g
- Case: Stainless steel
- Crowns: Regular push/pull
- Movement: 9S64 manual-wind, w/ hacking
- Accuracy: +5 to -3 sec/day
- Measured: +4 to -5 (avg. -2)
- Power Reserve: ~72 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire front and back
- Water Resistance: 3atm/30m/100ft
- Lume: n/a
- Retail Price: $4,900
- Warranty: 6 years
Pros:
- Dial quality
- Movement finishing
- Power reserve
- Transparent GS logo on exhibition back!
- Six year warranty
Debatable:
- Limited Edition
- Diameter is a great “dress” size, but on my lower boundary
Cons:
- GS going overboard with LEs, my opinion
- GS strap, though the buckle is nice
The Video
https://youtu.be/YetHul8_gYM
Timeline:
- 0:00 Intro
- 1:31 Specs
- 5:11 Dials & LEs
- 7:10 Pros & Cons
- 14:00 Custom Straps
- 19:08 Final Thoughts
Each of the three models in this “Green” series was limited to 140 watches, for an overall total of 420. The SGBW273 and SBGW277 look more green, while the teal SGBW275 is closer to blue. When the light hits the dial at particular angles, it does have the color and shimmer of a water surface.
The dial, movement, and finishing are outstanding, but there are a couple highlights worth mentioning beyond the norm. One is that GS usually puts an obtrusive logo on the case backs of their LEs, as seen on my SBGE249. But finally, they used a more transparent approach so the movement can be seen clearly from most angles (see the video for what the 275 looks like at various angles). The logo and lion are there, it is just very subtle. Second…and ok third, the power reserve is a solid 72 hours and the warranty six years.
Custom Straps
A weakness of Grand Seiko is the straps. They make amazing watches, but the bracelets and straps typically do not rise to the occasion. I would like to wear my SGBE249 on the bracelet sometimes, but in my climate a micro-adjust is essential, otherwise it is too tight or too loose at various points in the day, so I keep it on the custom Múgatoo leather strap, which is wonderful.
The SBGW275 came with a dark blue crocodile strap, which is glossy (not a fan), a tad too rigid for my liking, and doesn’t provide as much contrast as I would like. I recommend people look at a color wheel when thinking about custom straps and what colors might give that unique wow factor. This watch deserved custom straps, well worth the money in my estimation. Etsy is a great place to find makers.
Final Thoughts
For me, having a simple time-only manual-wind SBGW is a perfect pairing with the more complicated Spring Drive GMT automatic SBGE. Together the two satisfy my current Grand Seiko itch. If there is an SBGW model that competes with these LE models, it is the classic 231. A beautiful example of keeping things simple.
