In The Shop – In The Shop: A Pair Of Watches From The Grand Seiko Elegance Collection
By Logan Baker
The expansion of the Elegance collection was a priority for Grand Seiko in 2019. The Japanese brand has always offered dress watches within its line-up, but it wasn’t until the SBGK series, all powered by the new 9S63 caliber, debuted last year that it felt like the brand was conspicuously acknowledging the classic elements of the genre as a whole – think manually wound movements, slim cases with high polish, and straightforward legibility.
While the SBGK series was initially characterized by its use of precious metals and the release of limited editions like the fan-favorite SBGK005, Grand Seiko closed the year out by announcing two production models in stainless steel, both of which we are excited to add to the HODINKEE Shop today. Say hello to the SBGK007 and SBGK009, a pair of watches that are a fantastic option for formal attire or daily wear alike.
Performance And Presentation
The SBGK007 and SBGK009 are functionally identical. They are both built from stainless steel and feature a symmetrical dial layout with dauphine hands, a power reserve display, and small seconds. Both watches have the same case design as the rest of the SBGK series, with subtle curves and flowing lines accentuated by sharp edges. The brand has polished the front- and back-facing case elements with its famed Zaratsu technique, and the bevels of the four hands and applied hour markers all have an eye-catching mirror polish.
One note on those applied markers. Compared to the ones found in the brand’s Heritage or Sport lines, and even in older Elegance models, a few of the new watches in the SBGK series, including the SBGK007 and SBGK009, seem to feature a new, elongated design with a number of facets, including a dramatic sloping bevel that extends toward the center of the dial. It’s quite attractive to look at and will reward those that examine the dial with a loupe. Interestingly, the minute hand in both watches has a slight curve at its tip in order to match the dome of the sapphire crystal. As you might expect, neither the hour markers or hands have any hint of lume – this is a dress watch after all.
While thinness was of the utmost importance for Grand Seiko when developing the SBGK series, and the overall dimensions are …read more