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Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 and sneak peak at the Limited SBGE021



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JoeAZFT

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Published on 12-15-2011 02:37 PM

Number of Views: 2814

As the days go by, I see more and more love for Grand Seiko, and

totally understand why. They're all gorgeous pieces, beautifully

crafted and have some of the finest motors in watches today. The

piece I would like to discuss today is one of our best selling models

here at AZ Fine Time.... The Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT - SBGE001.

GS-SBGE001-1 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-2 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-3 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-4 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

Grand Seiko is notorious for their meticulous manufacturing. One of

the finest attributes to a high-end "travel" watch is the operation of

the GMT function. Seiko is using their completely in-house

manufactured 9R66 Spring Drive movement in this traveler's master

piece . This gives the watch accuracy unattainable by any other

spring driven watch including what seems to be service free for many

years over most of the Swiss competition.

GS-SBGE001-5 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-6 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-7 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-8 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

For those not familiar with Spring Drive, it is basically a fully

mechanical watch where the traditional escapement is replaced by a

tri-synchro regulator. The tri-synchro regulator utilizes the energy

from the mainspring to make electricity, that powers an extremely high

accuracy quartz crystal, and transfers the frequency of the crystal to

an electromagnetic brake that regulates a glide wheel (what would be a

balance wheel, but rotates in only one direction) to 8 rotations per

second. Of course, that's the simple explanation. This in turn gives

the watch a rating to +/- 1 sec a day accuracy, but actual performance

within 1-3 sec a month deviation. On top of that, the 9R66 has an

independently controlled hour hand as opposed to GMT hands you will

see on most other pieces. This gives the wearer ability to change the

time without having to stop the second hand and ruin the time you had

so masterfully paired to the atomic clock. Pull the crown out, turn

to move the hour hand forward or back, screw the crown back in and

you're ready for the next city. Now you have the ultimate, accurate,

travelers movement.

GS-SBGE001-9 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-10 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

The other key feature on this piece is its sapphire bezel. Seiko

actually develops a domed Sapphire crystal just for the bezel! It

truly gives the piece a gorgeous look on top of the fact it is scratch

resistant. Under that crystal lies lumed indexes and numerals that

glow like there's no tomorrow. They actually use the same natural

lume that illuminates the Seiko Space Walk, just in slightly smaller

applications. The bezel is bi-directional and allows you to view up

to three time zones at once. The bezel operates smoother than any I

have ever felt and the toothed edge only adds benefit to it's

operation. Naturally, there is a domed - dual AR coated -

high-definition - sapphire crystal that covers the dial of the watch.

As I'm sure you can imagine, they are not easy to manufacture.

GS-SBGE001-11 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-12 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-13 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

GS-SBGE001-15 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

Karatsu "blade" polishing is something I have mentioned in many of my

posts. The SBGE001 uses this ancient form of artistry to polish the

stainless steel in this watch. Everything in Grand Seiko, from the

steel they use, the way it is forged, and the polishing technique

applied, derives from the art form in manufacturing the katana blade.

This gives the piece a gorgeous sparkle that competes with the finest

pieces in the industry. It is also applied to the steel on the

indexes and hands to make for supreme legibility.

GS-SBGE001-16 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

The deep matte black dial also contributes to the legibility of the

timepiece, making it very easy to see the glitter of the indexes

reflecting light. The red GMT hand is also incredibly legible against

the black matte. As you will notice, legibility is a major attribute

to all Grand Seiko's.

GS-SBGE001-17 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

Overall, the SBGE001 is an incredible timepiece and a true thing of

beauty. It's the ultimate watch for the ultimate traveler (or even if

your not). Grand Seiko has yet again set a new standard in quality.

And soon, you will have the opportunity to own it's very limited

counter part, SBGE021.

Click to see the SBGE021...

GS-SBGE021 by JoeAZFT, on Flickr

The SBGE021 is virtually the same as the 001, yet with a dark green

sunburst pressed dial and gold GMT hand. This piece is going to be

limited to only 100 pieces throughout the world and AZ Fine Time will

be getting 6. The 021 is scheduled to deliver in March of 2012. Due

to it's extremely limited availability, I would recommend giving us a

call to reserve yours ASAP. As with all Grand Seiko's, there is a

story to be told about this watch, and I will be gladly sharing it on

the forum.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed. Please let

me know if there's ever any help I can be.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Joe

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This article was originally published in forum thread:

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 and sneak peak at the Limited SBGE021
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JoeAZFT
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