Introducing the Grand Seiko Refs. SBGK007 and SBGK009

One of Grand Seiko’s newest and most interesting calibers is making its way into two new models in their Elegance collection. The Elegance collection is Grand Seiko’s most outright formal set of watches, with plenty of highly polished Zaratsu flourishes and beautiful, sometimes rather ornate, dial treatments. But until recently, Grand Seiko’s dress watches were often plagued by a “if only it weren’t so thick” qualification from many enthusiasts. Well, the Caliber 9S63 might be seen as Grand Seiko’s response to that criticism. It’s a hand wound caliber with a small seconds hand at 9:00 and a lengthy power reserve of up to three days (with a balancing power reserve indicator at 3:00). This movement is thin and seems tailor made for a type of traditionally styled dress watch that’s right in Grand Seiko’s wheelhouse. Previously available in precious metal pieces and the limited stainless steel SBGK005, the new Caliber 9S63 is trickling down to more mass market Grand Seiko offerings. Let’s take a closer look at the just announced SBGK007 and SBGK009.

Grand Seiko SBGK007 & SBGK009

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: White, black
• Dimensions: 39 x 11.6mm
• Crystal: Sapphire 
• Water Resistance: Splash resistant 
• Crown: Push/pull 
• Movement: Caliber 9S63 
• Strap/bracelet: Crocodile leather, stainless steel bracelet 
• Price: $6,900, $7,700
• Reference Number: SBGK007, SBGK009
• Expected Release: Available now

The SBGK007 is about as traditional a dress watch as you’re going to see from Grand Seiko. The 39mm case is somehow full of gentle curves but also makes use of plenty of clean angles to make for the most dramatic Zaratsu polishing possible. One of the best things about any Grand Seiko is the way that edges transition into one another so sharply to create that perfect mirror polish on multiple planes. At just 11.6mm thick, it’s interesting to see how that sort of finishing works on a case that’s also inherently sleek, and not just on something more prominent and meant to have a lot of wrist presence. 

The growth of Grand Seiko has been one of the most exciting developments in the enthusiast watch space over the last few years, and it’s great to see that so quickly after the introduction of the Caliber 9S63 that it’s making its way into watches that are on the more affordable side. At $6,900 and $7,700 for the SBGK007 and SBGK009, respectively, these are not inexpensive watches by any means, but in terms of value they offer quite a bit more in finishing quality alone than watches from many other brands at more expensive price points. Grand Seiko