GMT watches from Grand Seiko - the elegant alternative
Bist du auf der Suche nach einer besonders eleganten GMT-Uhr? Dann solltest du unbedingt einen Blick auf die GMT Uhren von Grand Seiko werfen. Diese japanische Marke ist bekannt für ihre hochwertigen und präzisen Zeitmesser. Besonders die GMT-Modelle aus der Elegance-Kollektion stechen durch ihr zeitloses Design hervor. Nicht nur optisch, sondern auch funktional sind diese Uhren echte Meisterwerke, denn durch die GMT Funktion kannst du die Zeit in zwei verschiedenen Zeitzonen gleichzeitig ablesen. Insofern eignen sie sich besonders für Leute, die viel reisen. Die GMT-Uhren von Grand Seiko sind dabei natürlich nicht zuletzt auch ein äußerst stilvolles Accessoire.
But see for yourself the elegance of these watches.
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What is a GMT watch anyway?
A GMT watch is a special type of wristwatch that allows you to read the time in two time zones simultaneously. The abbreviation "GMT" stands for Greenwich Mean Time, the mean solar time in Greenwich near London. The GMT function was originally developed to help airplane pilots better calculate their position and flight time during long-haul flights. A classic GMT watch usually has a bezel marked with a 24-hour scale and an additional hand pointing to the bezel. The bezel takes up a lot of space visually and is a prominent, sometimes unsightly feature of GMT watches. Grand Seiko's GMT watches from the Elegance collection, on the other hand, are different - more elegant.
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A little insight into the history and design language of Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko was founded in 1960 and is in some ways the luxury brand of Seiko. The watches from Grand Seiko are characterized by their minimalist design, which sets them apart from the watches of many other manufacturers. The GMT watches from Grand Seiko also adhere to the minimalist basic concept and impress with their simple and elegant design.
Grand Seiko ist daneben nicht zuletzt für seine hervorragende Qualität bekannt, sowohl im Finish der Komponenten (wie z. B. dem The Case oder den Zifferblättern) als auch in der Fertigung der Uhrwerke.
In summary, at Grand Seiko you'll find high-quality watches with minimalist design that are even comparatively affordable.
Although Grand Seiko also offers classic GMT watches with a scale on the bezel, in this article today, we would like to focus on the more elegant alternatives from the Elegance Collection.
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Special features of GMT watches from the Elegance collection
The first difference to ordinary GMT watches concerns the GMT scale itself. This is not on the bezel as usual, but on the dial, which makes for a tidy look. The bezel and the hour bars are made of polished stainless steel. The result is a harmonious overall appearance that doesn't look chaotic despite the additional functions.
With the GMT watches from the Elegance collection, Grand Seiko has accomplished the feat of combining functionality with a timeless and elegant design.
So, if you're looking for a particularly stylish GMT watch, be sure to consider one of the following.
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All GMT watches in the Elegance collection
Grand Seiko's Elegance collection can first be roughly divided into two different GMT model types, each of which is available in several versions with different dials.
In the first subgroup, the GMT scale is located within the hour markers on the dial, while in the second subgroup, the GMT scale is located between the hour markers directly on the bezel.
That's just in advance. Let's now look at the watches in detail.
Grand Seiko SBGJ251
The SBGJ251 is a GMT watch with a scale on the inside of the hour markers, which creates a harmonious first impression. The green dial is perfectly complemented by the rose gold-colored accents. The dial has a special texture that resembles the crown of a tree.
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The watch has a date display at 3 o'clock and is equipped with an automatic movement that has a power reserve of 55 hours. The movement is a special high-beat movement (type 9S86), which runs at a higher frequency than normal mechanical movements and is therefore very accurate.
Grand Seiko hat in dieser Uhr nur hochwertige Komponenten verbaut, wie z. B. entspiegeltes Sapphire glass oder das Gehäuse und das Armband aus Edelstahl, die einen wunderschönen Kontrast zum tiefgrünen Ziffernblatt bilden. Die Uhr kostet 7.600 Euro und hat einen Durchmesser von 39,5 mm, eine Länge von 46,9 mm und eine Höhe von 14,1 mm.
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Grand Seiko SBGJ249
The SBGJ249 is another high-quality GMT watch that stands out particularly for its dial. The dial is also the main difference between it and the SBGJ251. Other components and the case are identical. Therefore, we would like to briefly discuss the dial in more detail.
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In Japan, each of the four seasons is divided into another 6 sections. This clock is supposed to represent the 5th section of summer, that is, late summer. The dial is modeled on the surface of a lake with a warm wind blowing over it.
Personally, we think that the SBGJ251 has one of the most beautiful dials of all Grand Seiko watches.
Grand Seiko SBGM221
The last model in the first subgroup is the SBGM221. It has a brown leather strap and a cream-white dial, which is significantly simpler than that of the two previous watches. As a result, the watch appears clearer and more classic.
In addition, a different automatic movement with a power reserve of 72 hours is installed here. Consequently, it is not a high-beat movement, but a "normal" automatic movement, which, however, is in no way inferior to the high-beat variant. The watch has a diameter of 39.5 mm, a length of 46.9 mm and a height of 13.7 mm and costs 4,800 euros. This makes it a good entry-level watch in the luxury segment.
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Grand Seiko SBGE269
Now to the second subgroup, where the GMT scale is placed between the hour markers. The SBGE269 is inspired by a winter landscape in the light of the setting sun. With its simple dial and rose gold accents for the GMT function, this watch is a real eye-catcher.
The stainless steel case and band, combined with the anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass, provide a high-quality feel. The models in the second GMT subgroup are powered by Spring Drive movements, which are particularly precise. The movement has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. In addition to the GMT function, the SBGE269 also features a calendar and a date window at 3 o'clock.
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Grand Seiko SBGE271
The SBGE271is the sister of the SBGE269 and differs (like above SBGJ251 and SBGJ249) only by the dial. It too has a Springdrive movement (type 9R66), a date display, a GMT function and a power reserve of 72 hours. However, the dial of this watch stands out as it is inspired by autumn and its cool, clear atmosphere.
Grand Seiko Beschreibt das Konzept der Uhr treffend mit folgenden Worten:
"The days are getting shorter and the morning air fresher. The second hand moves silently like the moon in the night sky. Autumn has reached its peak."
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Conclusion
In this article, we have highlighted how the GMT watches from Grand Seiko's Elegance collection stand out from many other GMT watches. The placement of the GMT scale on the dial rather than the bezel, for example, is a unique feature that we've only seen on a few other GMT watches.
In combination with the unusual dials, the many individual details and the high quality workmanship, you can be sure when buying that you get what it says: Grand Seiko.
What do you think of these GMT watches? Do you like their design or do you prefer a scale on the bezel? Write us your opinion in the comments!
Source cover photo: Grand Seiko
About the author
Maio Rosatzin
My passion began with a Breitling Premier B01. Since then, I've been sharing my fascination for watchmaking here on my blog. Let's dive into this fascinating world together!
