Grand Seiko releases mid-sized re-interpretations of the legendary 44GS in a 36.5mm case size in two dial colours. Introducing the new Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SBGW293, both equipped with the manual winding Caliber 9S64.
New: Grand Seiko mid-sided re-interpretation of the 44GS
The Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SBGW293 retail for JPY 605,000 inclusive of taxes / USD 5,200.
In yet another anniversary celebration, Grand Seiko releases a tribute re-interpretation watch. This time, as a celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the 44GS. The reference first emerged in 1967 when designer Taro Tanako created the first 44GS. The watch was fitted with the Caliber 4420. This case shape has since become the icon for Grand Seiko and is adopted it as their design language. To quote Grand Seiko:
The Grand Seiko Style that the 1967 44GS embodied has nine separate elements that govern the design of every detail of the watch, from the angle of the case to the shape of the 12 o’clock index and the flatness of the dial. All are clearly in evidence here and contribute to the special “sparkle of quality” that defines Grand Seiko. Every facet of the case, the hands and the indexes is designed to reflect even the smallest ray of light and to create countless combinations of light and shadow that change at each new angle. The Zaratsu polished mirror surfaces and hairline finishes combine perfectly. This is the crisp, clear and unique aesthetic that says “This is Grand Seiko”.
This year, in celebrating the 55 years from its introduction, we see the release of these two new references in their regular catalog. The two novelties are the same watch with the exception of the dial and straps, and denoted in two references. The Ref. SBGW291 has a sunburst silver dial and a gray alligator strap while the Ref. SBGW293 has a sunburst brown dial and matching chestnut hued alligator strap.
Both are released in a rather modest 36.5mm (the 1967 original was 37.9mm).
And both carry a hand wound movement – the Caliber 9S64. In keeping with the 44GS, both watches have a closed case back with the relief engraving of the Lion of Seikosha.The movement is the manufactured at the Shizukuishi Studio, and features a proprietary mainspring offering a power reserve of 72 hours in a single barrel design. The 9S64 is tested in six positions over 17 days—which exceeds the chronometer standard—to comply with the Grand Seiko Standard of -3 to +5 seconds mean daily rate in static conditions.
At JPY 605k, the novelties are both more expensive than the rather similar SBGW231 which carry the same movement but in a different case, without the 44GS references and a bit larger at 37.3mm.
Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SGBW291 Specifications
- Model: Grand Seiko SBGW291 Kuuki (silver dial) / SBGW293 Tsuji (brown dial)
- Case: stainless steel; diameter 36.5mm; height 11.6mm; water resistance 10ATM (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front; screw caseback.
- Functions: hours; minutes; central seconds
- Movement: Calibre 9S64; hand-wound movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 24 jewels; power reserve 72 hours.
- Strap: Crocodile leather strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
