Grand Seiko’s New Watch Proves a Simple Dial Can Still Steal the Show

2 min readGrand Seiko has a new limited edition, and while there’s plenty to admire about it, the real star of the show is that blue dial.The SBGW325 9S Mechanical Manual-Winding Limited Edition “Arabic Numerals” is finished with a matte blue face, punctuated by silver Arabic numerals, a dotted minute track, and sharp dauphine hands. The Grand Seiko logo and seconds hand are picked out in gold, adding a small flash of warmth against the cooler blue.The design is a modern reinterpretation of the SBGW003, originally released in 2001 to mark Seiko’s 120th anniversary. That model itself drew inspiration from Grand Seiko’s first watch from 1960, while the distinctive Arabic numeral typography was created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, then the brand’s Head of Design.Courtesy Grand SeikoThe proportions keep some of that vintage character. Its stainless-steel case measures 37.3mm in diameter and 11.7mm thick, with a polished bezel and lugs giving the otherwise utilitarian silhouette a more refined finish. It comes on a “Japan Blue” crocodile leather strap, dyed using traditional Japanese techniques, with an additional grey leather strap included.Courtesy Grand SeikoPowering it is Grand Seiko’s 9S64 manual-winding movement, offering a 72-hour power reserve, 28,800vph frequency, and accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day. Water resistance is 30 meters.Priced at $5,800, the SBGW325 is limited to 600 pieces worldwide. (Unfortunately, the U. S. preorder has already sold out, but it looks like some overseas markets expect delivery later. So maybe it’s a good time to get in touch with that long-lost British mate.) Released during Seiko’s 145th anniversary year, it’s a relatively restrained Grand Seiko, but that deep blue dial gives it plenty of presence.