Introducing The Grand Seiko SBGJ273 GMT

While Switzerland (like much of Europe) took most of the month of August off before Geneva Watch Day's run of releases, Grand Seiko has continued to quietly roll out release after release from Japan. This time, they're back with the new SBGJ273, a Hi-Beat GMT with a red striated dial and gold GMT hand in the brand's classic round case shape with box crystal.

The stainless steel case measures 39.5mm by 14.1mm and houses the 9S86 Hi-Beat automatic movement with "flyer" GMT, so you can jump-set the main hour hand to update the time in a new time zone. You get Ziratsu polishing on the faceted lugs and a soft, round midcase. The dial is inspired by the way the maple leaves reflect off lacquered wooden floors in a traditional Japanese building, with wooden striations and a deep red color.

The SBGJ273 is available now online at Grand Seiko's website and in select boutiques for $7,100

This is the third Grand Seiko (and fourth Seiko) release I've written about in the last two weeks, and I'd just like to take a moment to ponder a thought that ran through my head. Does Grand Seiko employ someone solely to walk around and observe Japan before filing reports of textures and colors that might be dial-worthy? Apparently, yuka momiji – "floor maples" in English – is not a novel observation, which is fascinating. Regardless, I can't say I've once noticed the color of leaves reflecting off the floor, let alone thought about texture, light, and color in the way that Grand Seiko's team does. And that's saying something because, as a photographer, I make my living thinking about texture, light, and color. Now that I think about it, it sounds like a dream job.

This is another solid option for Grand Seiko lovers, with the great Hi-Beat 9S86 GMT movement and solid measurements. I'm not sure what gap it fills in their collection, but Grand Seiko is never short of options for people looking for their next watch. Maybe it's for those buyers looking for a red dial GMT, and the red and gold tones play off each other nicely.

It's been seven years since the release of the SBGJ021, and the SBGE245 seems long since sold out, so this is a novel option with a similar formula that remains stylistically different than the SBGE245. More options are never a bad thing and Grand Seiko doesn't seem to be running out of inspiration. 

Brand: Grand Seiko
Reference Number: SBGJ273

Diameter: 39.5mm
Thickness: 14.1mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Red striated
Indexes: Polished steel and printed 24-hour indices
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap/Bracelet: 19mm lug width steel bracelet

Caliber: Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vph
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: $7,100
Availability: September 2023 at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailer
Limited Edition: No

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