Introducing: Grand Seiko Launches Two New Takes On Nature-Inspired GMTs

April 09, 2024

Grand Seiko is bolstering its lineup of GMTs with two new watches in Hi-Beat and Spring Drive variants. As we've come to expect from the brand, the watches take inspiration from nature with the Hi-Beat version featuring a silver dial with a snow-like effect while the Spring Drive GMT has a silver dial with lion's mane pattern. SBGE307 SBGJ277 While both watches are GMTs, they perfectly illustrate the diverging paths that Grand Seiko takes its GMT offering. The Hi-Beat watch (ref. SBGJ277) is made in stainless steel, with a case measuring 44.2mm by 14.8mm thick, housing a 9S86 movement running at 36,000 vph. Conversely, the high-intensity titanium 44.5mm by 14.9mm case of the Spring Drive GMT (ref. SBGE307) houses the highly accurate 9R66 Spring Drive movement that runs 1 second per day / 15 seconds per month on average.? The SBGJ277 is the budget option of the two (at least when it comes purely to price) at $6,800. The Spring Drive movement and titanium case mean an expected upgrade in price: $10,700. But regardless of price, neither sacrifice on the dial and case finishing we've come to expect from Grand Seiko and as a bonus, neither are limited editions. What We Think SBGJ277 SBGE307 These are solid additions to Grand Seiko's lineup, if not necessarily surprising. The SBGE307's dial joins the "lion's mane" patterns of the SBGA481 time-and-date Spring Drive and the SBGC253 Spring Drive chronograph. These "lion's lug" shaped cases never felt the most comfortable on the wrist for me, but part of that is likely how big and bold of a design they are visually. The SBGJ277, meanwhile, joins a stable of other snow-inspired watches that have become iconic for Grand Seiko. While the measurements are barely noticeably smaller, the slightly narrow lug width and more classically-shaped case does a lot to trick the mind into thinking this feels a lot smaller than the SBGE307. That white dial, combined with the white and green bezel like you would find in the SBGE295, makes it a bright, punchy option for people looking for something different than you get from a lot of other brands. The Basics Brand: Grand SeikoReference Number: SBGJ277 (Hi-beat) and SBGE307 (Spring Drive)Diameter: 44.2mm (SBGJ277); 44.5mm (SBGE307)Thickness: 14.8mm (SBGJ277); 14.9mm (SBGE307)Lug Width: 21mm (SBGJ277); 23mm (SBGE307)Case Material: (SBGJ277); High-Intensity Titanium (SBGE307)Dial Color: Silver with snow pattern (SBGJ277); Silver with lion's mane pattern (SBGE307)Indexes: Applied and facetedLume: LumibriteWater Resistance: (SBGJ277); 200m (SBGE307)Strap/Bracelet: (SBGJ277); High-Intensity Titanium w. three-fold clasp (SBGE307) SBGJ277 The Movement Caliber: 9S86 (SBGJ277); 9R66 Spring Drive (SBGE307)Functions: Time, Date, GMT (SBGJ277); Time, Date, Power Reserve Indicator, GMT (SBGE307)Power Reserve: 55 hours (SBGJ277); 72 hours (SBGE307)Winding: AutomaticFrequency: 36,000 vph (SBGJ277)Jewels: 37 (SBGJ277); 50 (SBGE307)Chronometer Certified: No but the following accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static) (SBGJ277); 1 second per day / 15 seconds per month (average) (SBGE307) Pricing & Availability Price: $6,800 (SBGJ277); $10,700 (SBGE307)Availability: NowLimited Edition: NoFor more, click here. Shop this story The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Grand Seiko watches. For more on the two new GMTs, visit Grand Seiko online.